The BBC children’s show Horrible Histories is dedicating its first-ever episode to black history as creators vow to ‘re-evaluate what we think about the past’.
The comedy series, inspired by author Terry Deary’s books, was launched on CBBC in 2009 to introduce young people to gruesome elements of history through irreverent sketches and songs – however future episodes will focus more on diverse aspects of Britain’s history, starting with an episode dedicated entirely to black history in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests.
The first episode features abolitionists rapping that “our lives matter”, and an animation segment on the “shameful” Transatlantic Slave Trade.
One member of the public named Stephen Phillips commented on social media saying: “This crass idea will confuse young people about the history of the British Isles and add to the divisiveness at the very heart of the BBC’s woke agenda.”
AltNewsMedia an alternative media platform in the UK posted on Twitter criticising the BBC’s move, the organisation wrote: “Read the comments section about this factually incorrect program aimed at young children.
“The BBC do not seem to care that they’re wilfully lying to children.”
Defending the move, Richard Bradley, creative lead at Horrible Histories from creators Lion television, told The Telegraph: “With the events of last summer, Black Lives Matter, the murder of George Floyd, and the Colston statue, it felt like the whole world had a moment to reevaluate what we thought about the past.
“We thought it was a good moment to think about how Horrible Histories might tackle the whole area of black history.”
One song will touch on Britain’s prehistoric population having dark skin “before these Isles were British”, in reference to the probable skin colour of the 10,000-year-old Cheddar Man remains.
Mr Bradley has defended Horrible Histories as historically accurate, telling The Telegraph: “Horrible Histories is one of the most British of things.
“It’s in the tradition of Blackadder and Monty Python. And going back to 1066 And All That. We engage with our history and we laugh at our history.”
Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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