Yes, it’s happened again. In December last year, in . Then, in April this year, it was announced that in .
And now, in , a drama series about the Norman conquest of 1066. And all these shows are on the BBC. Some viewers may be puzzled by this insistence on “colour-blind” casting in historical dramas – and not only because it makes the programmes look inauthentic.
For one thing, it seems unlikely that, in this day and age, the BBC would be happy to show white actors playing non-white historical figures. So why is it acceptable the other way round? A cynic might wonder whether such casting is part of a cunning ploy to reinforce the fashionable progressive message that, throughout its history, this country has always been ethnically diverse – which means that, if you object to mass immigration in the 21st century, you’re not just racist, but historically ignorant. Still, whatever the thinking behind this approach, we mustn’t judge a programme before we’ve seen it.
So for now, all we can do is imagine what this diverse and inclusive new Anglo-Saxon drama might be like...
“Your Majesty, we bring alarming news. A vast Norman fleet has been sighted off the south coast.” “That’s right, Your Majesty.
We must act at once, in order to stop the boats.” “Stop the boats? Don’t be such a hateful bigot. These are obviously desperate people in urgent need of our help.
We must show compassion, and offer them all state-funded accommodation at the nearest Best Weste.
