“We are Southampton” march against Love Productions’ view of Immigration Street
This post is from another Sotonian blogger ‘The Parcel Talks’ and her memories of an area that Love Productions (makers of Benfits Street) tried to make a controversial programme about called Immigration Street. Southampton as a port has always been multi-cultural. But many who live in this area have been here for two or three generations. True Sotonians in city of transient people. When will they be called British? Most refused to take part in the film.
Idly channel hopping one night I stumbled upon Channel 4’s pseudo-documentary, Immigration Street. I had remembered the surrounding furore in the media from when it was being filmed in my home town, Southampton. I had hoped that the controversy would prevent it from going ahead, and duly forgot about it.
Symbols of Southampton.
Due to the inflammatory title and controversy over the production company’s previous series, Benefits Street, this was never going to be a balanced and reasoned discussion on the subject of immigration. Nor was it likely to be a positive representation of the area of St. Mary’s, Southampton. It started off innocently enough, but as the programme progressed, it descended into chaos. Clearly out of their depth, the production team defensively struggled to keep control amid growing dissent, culminating in disturbing scenes of violent unrest in the community. The selective editing reminded me of Martin Parr’s sneering lens, disingenuously…
I read both posts…and had to google a bit to make sure I understand the cultural references but still don’t understand everything (blush)…and this seems important for you:) so I will ask… The protests were against Love Productions shooting a film about cultural/ethnic diversity in the town but presenting it in a wrong way? Are there many immigrants there? Are they welcome in the community?
I think it is ironic that they are called Love Productions since they seem to want to stir up the opposite. I guess there are no ratings in harmony and peace.
Symbols of Southampton. 
I liked it on both – after all, if you hadn’t reblogged it I wouldn’t have seen it
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Thanks Derrick
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I read both posts…and had to google a bit to make sure I understand the cultural references but still don’t understand everything (blush)…and this seems important for you:) so I will ask… The protests were against Love Productions shooting a film about cultural/ethnic diversity in the town but presenting it in a wrong way? Are there many immigrants there? Are they welcome in the community?
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I think it is ironic that they are called Love Productions since they seem to want to stir up the opposite. I guess there are no ratings in harmony and peace.
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Well said!
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