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Will Emily's Comments Spark Race Row II?

In light of Emily being removed from the game, we consider whether the situation is likely to blow-up into a huge race row, a la Celebrity Big Brother 5 earlier this year.

Here at BBO, we don't think so, because for starters the controversy during that series was due to blatant bullying and racism by a number of individuals. Furthermore, it involved a number of heated showdowns and bitching sessions.

In this case, there has been no such animosity or friction, and most people who read the transcript of the conversation in question (see Latest News section) will agree that Emily did not mean to be derogatory.

Rather, she was just trying to be 'pally' with Charley in a way which was inappropriate, mainly because the pair are not familiar enough.

It is sometimes acceptable for black people to be referred-to in the way that Emily did Charley, but only if the parties involved are very familiar with each other. Also, it is almost always said by another black person, otherwise the word, which is traditionally a racial insult, can be taken the wrong way.

Frankly, common sense dictates that the 'n' word should generally be avoided, especially as we live in England and are not all American gangsta-rappers! There's just no need to say it and Emily should have known this, thought it does make you wonder if, as Charley suggested, the 19-year-old has been influenced by the fact that such language is commonplace in rap music?

Channel 4 could not possibly have known that one of the Big Brother 8 housemates – least of all one who claims to be so highly educated – would use such language. Indeed, they did their utmost to ensure that it wouldn't happen prior to the series starting.

So, although you can probably expect some kind of formal public apology from Emily regarding her comments, it looks like Charley and Nicky have already moved on.

And, seeing as Channel 4 have nothing to apologise for, hopefully we can all move on from this quickly and let the rest of the housemates get on with the game.

We're certainly looking forward to a bunch of lads turning-up some time soon, which could be as soon as tomorrow night seeing as the 1st Eviction has been cancelled and Channel 4 will have airtime to fill.

Stay tuned folks.

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