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BBC apologises for 'offensive' Gardeners' Question Time debate about plant called 'black man's willy'
Last updated at 23:37pm on 06.02.08
Artist's impression: Rhodochiton Volubilis
But for others, it was deeply offensive racial stereotyping.
Yesterday the BBC apologised after a debate about a plant known as a "black man's willy" was broadcast on Gardeners' Question Time.
A caller to the Radio 4 show asked for advice on the Rhodochiton volubilis, which he said was "commonly known as the BMW, the black man's willy".
Panellists were heard giggling their way through a discussion about the plant. Gardening author Bob Flowerdew admitted he had "only ever seen one close up - and not that colour".
Horticulturalist Anne Swithinbank added: "I've never seen one in my life. They don't really like the cold, as you can imagine. They shrivel up and look very unhappy."
But some listeners failed to see the funny side, complaining of racist stereotyping and vulgarity by the broadcaster.
The BBC made great play of not offending racial sensitivities in its apology. But it seemed less bothered about broadcasting vulgarity early in the afternoon.
And it rejected complaints that the show was unsuitable for children, because they form only a "very small proportion" of its audience.
Experts in Gardener's Question Time, including Bob Flowerdew
The show's producer Trevor Taylor defended the discussion, which featured on the show recorded at Chilcompton Gardening Club in Somerset in October.
He insisted innuendo had "been a part of Radio 4 for decades". But Radio 4 management said yesterday the segment should not have been broadcast.
It said: "Potential for racial offence is not always an easy thing to gauge. In this case, there was nothing derogatory of black people in the language used.
"Nevertheless, it is clear that some listeners did infer a derogatory intention in the words used, and did feel offended. We regret this."
The view was backed by the BBC's Editorial Complaints Unit which said the show was potentially offensive.
However, Tory MP Philip Davies, who sits on the culture, media and sport select committee, said: "If we carry on like this, people will be scared of saying anything in case some zealot finds it offensive.
"I don't think the BBC should have apologised - they are far too easily influenced by the PC brigade."
Reader views (7)
Nothing to do with PC but typical of the depths to which this once great programme has sunk in trying to find an audience. It used to be one of our national treasures. It now relies on cheap humour, badly done.
- James, Leeds, England
Some people need to get a life and stop looking for the offensive where none exists.
- Gary Parker, Amersham
Oh for goodness sake - this has been called this for generations. This is political correctness gone mad. If you don't like it either don't listen to the programme or go and live elsewhere. The main thing is grow up!
- Minime, South East England
Get a life, BBC! You're paranoid about PC.
For my license tax I want the full range of British life, 'warts' and all. 'Should not have been broadcast ' is offensive to me.
- Pete, London
I am a white, middle-class, sandal-wearing do-gooder with too much time on my hands. I find Conservative MP Philip Davies comments stereotypical of white, middle-class, sandal...
No hang on a minute...
- Ben, London
Oh get a life! It is funny!
- Elaine, London
No more political correctness. I am British and pay TV licence taxes for British BC.
- Jacqueline, Hampstead, London
