Emmerdale gave a poignant and touching insight into the racism and discrimination faced by mixed race characters Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) and Ellis Chapman (Asan NJie) who grew up as minorities in predominantly white towns.
The scenes came after Billy was hassled by police after a concerned mum reported him for looking dodgy near a childrens play area as he waited for his step-sister April. The colour of his skin had been a factor as the woman failed to believe he could be telling the truth that he was waiting for a white child.
Tonights episode saw him attempt to play down the altercation as he explained its nothing new as its something hes had to deal with his whole life, and that reacting would only cause him more problems given that he had a criminal record.
But brother Ellis took matters into his own hands in deciding it shouldnt be kept secret, and let Jessie Grant (Sandra Marvin) and Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) know what had happened as Ellis felt it was not something that should be ignored.
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The incident saw Jessie open up to Marlon about how much her family had suffered because of their race – she shared her hurt at the fact that her two boys suffered the same prejudices she did as a child showing that times hadnt changed at all.
It wont be like this forever, Marlon said in hope, and a nod to changing times that have seen a positive shift towards diversity. But Billy wasnt convinced.
Snapping after being goaded by Ellis, he pinned his brother against the wall and revealed his truRead More – Source
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