2007年VOA标准英语-British Reality TV Show Becomes All Too Real

Accusations¹ of racism² leveled at a British television program have sparked outrage³ on the streets and in the highest levels of government in both Britain and India. 

The staged reality of Britain's "Celebrity⁴ Big Brother" television show has morphed into an unpleasant political reality in India.

Keith Vaz, a member of the British Parliament questions, "Would the prime minister join me in condemning⁵ racism and xenophobia in any form?"

At issue are comments that participants on the TV reality show "Celebrity Big Brother" made to and about Shilpa Shetty, a popular Indian film actress. 

Shilpa Shetty

One viewer expressed his concern. "They should not have said such things against Indians.  The issue was discussed in their parliament, which is a good thing.  The discrimination taking place against Indians for a long time is still prevalent today."

In Britain's Parliament, lawmaker Keith Vaz forced Prime Minister Tony Blair to comment on the controversy. "I have not seen the particular program in question and therefore cannot comment on it, but of course, I would agree entirely⁹ with the principle he has outlined which is that we should oppose racism in all its forms," said Blair.

The Indian government has asked Britain to investigate the alleged¹⁰ racism against Shilpa Shetty. 

Each installment¹¹ of "Celebrity Big Brother" runs three weeks, and during that time the program's participants live together and agree to have their interactions televised.  They also decide who must leave until only one remains¹².  That contestant⁶ wins a prize.

The contestants are cut off from the outside world and are unaware¹³ of the current controversy surrounding the Bollywood actress.  The controversy has generated about 30,000 complaints to British TV regulators.  And the main sponsor of the show, mobile phone retailer¹⁴ Carphone Warehouse¹⁵, has suspended its support of the program.

The program's broadcaster, Channel 4, has denied the racism charges, saying there had been a "cultural and class clash" among the show's contestants.