It would be depressing if a transgender HM was seen as controversial. Even BBUSA managed that with relative little fuss, which is how it should be. Increased representation is a must, as is a relateable cast - that's where real jobs, single mums, country folk etc. somewhat helps rather than "influencer" people. I wouldn't put a blanket ban on so called influencers but it shouldn't be what their entire personality is all about (i.e. the Sisters!).
Back in the old BBAU days there were always "promo models" being cast, who these days would now be influencers.
That was good about BBUK this year at least.
I don’t disagree but having seen the vitriol around Hallie it wouldn’t shocked me
I think you missed the point I was making… I’d already said those who scream the loudest have never watched the show and likely never would. What I’m really attempting to have the show do is play with the idea that all press is good press and get people talking about it again without realizing what they’re doing. Australia is generally more socially conservative so including a trans HM is likely to attract more attention than it did in the UK. Especially if like Hallie (or like BB6’s David coming out) it’s not immediately revealed.
To me I just want people with opinions on what is happening in the world and why, that they are willing to discuss and debate.
But do you also want Big Brother to be an escape from that - so much TV nowadays is people with entrenched ill-informed opinions shouting at each other.
I guess I was thinking that political activists are less likely to listen to another point of view and just be entrenched, where someone a little less extreme than that may still be open to having the discussion and hearing someone else's point of view, even if they have strong views. Maybe I was just coming from my own way of thinking though.
the best example of this is the polarising/heated debate around gender affirming healthcare for trans kids in the USA.
IDK the most recent series of BBUK became a bit tedious when all the HM’s fought about was food.
BB being a social experiment at its roots means in a way it will reflect real life while also putting HM’s through an unrealistic game show antics.
I like the european model of dealing with this issue, taking into account concerns from both sides, without letting emotion get in the way of facts.
What was really interesting about that segment about politics from the 08 live feeds that someone posted on here earlier this year was how other than Brigette every other housemate was actually pretty engaged in the conversation. Even someone like Rory who you probably wouldn't have expected. Obviously Rima and Bianca were driving a lot of it but it was miles more interesting than anything we've seen since probably the 2013 season...and yet 08 is often considered the weakest of the 10 era.