Traveller TV: we deserve more than tokenism

Traveller Academy might well have been a more apt title for the four-part lifestyle series, Norah's Traveller Academy which showed on RTÉ recently.

Journalist Tracy Joyce, fashion designer Ann-Rose Mongan, visual artist Leanne McDonagh and beautician Christine Joyce are Traveller beoirs – women – who showcase their talents and appetite to succeed in Norah's Traveller Academy.

Ms Casey’s guidance as an entrepreneur is invaluable. Concerns arise relating to the benevolent attitude of the influential, powerful settled woman, offering her “expertise” to the young Travellers.

Each of the women reflects the diversity within the community. All give accounts of denigrating and humiliating moments preventing them from pursuing their dreams. Racism has a way of holding you back – delaying your life. Tracy, Leanne and Christine assert themselves through confidence and strength.

Systemic racism

Integrity, grace and dignity were all part of the mix of narratives these young beoirs shared. Ann-Rose, with her flair, passion and keenness to learn how to read at 25, reminded us exactly how systemic racism impacts.

Oppression brings hunger. Hunger ignites ambition. Ambition demands determination. These beoirs are imbued with these attributes.

The four beoirs have done themselves and the community proud. Their achievements, drive, and energy are infectious. The camera lens brought these Travellers into full focus. State education never gave them the time and attention all children need to achieve. Isolation, discrimination, sexism and racism were the prime motivations in seeking a better life for themselves and their children.

The labour market situation of Travellers is increasingly precarious. Census 2011 data shows an 84.3 per cent rate of unemployment, up from 74.9 per cent five years earlier.

One in three Traveller women (32.7 per cent) were looking after the home and family, nearly twice the rate of the general population (17.5 per cent). Some 9.5 per cent of all Travellers aged 15 and over were unable to work due to permanent sickness or disability.

For a Traveller audience, seeing ourselves on television still feels relatively new. Given our history with the media there is always the concern that under-representation can lead to misrepresentation.

Until now, mainstream media only ever wanted us for news items. The context of our engagement should be broader.

Platitudes of tokenism

Once-off programming is not a sustainable format to encompass cultural diversity. Please, can we move on from platitudes of tokenism? As with other State bodies, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland falls short of appreciating the experience and knowledge minority ethnic groups offer.

Diversity brings with it a rich texture of knowledge at all levels, which produces a better quality of broadcasting. Issues of participation, power and social mobility permeate all layers of oppression.

Similar to black and minority ethnic groups, our role as Travellers in the media and other areas of Irish life seems to be as a source of curiosity – differences and similarities of the “other” are conversely surprising. Racism and discrimination are whispered in order not to alienate the settled viewing population. Articulate narratives of pride and composure hold the balance of blame under tight scrutiny.

Ann-Rose Mongan was the focus of the second episode. She described her experience of living in a private rented apartment and not having any settled friends. Segregated lives tell a story of “us and them”. Irishness, in all its facets – depending on your ethnicity – determines the gift of possibility.

The talented and strong beoirs defy low expectations. Where there is poverty there is a lack of opportunity.

The vacuum created by exclusion cannot be addressed in this type of programming. Creating possibilities for the individual is admirable but tackling structural inequality needs more than one fairy godmother.

Under the glare of the media one is always hopeful that the expectations raised for the beoirs can have a long and lasting affect. Regardless of how informative these platforms are, ultimately we’re dealing with the realm of entertainment.

Ann-Rose Mongan illuminated the experience of many Traveller beoirs over several generations. Putting in an order for Mongan’s design, I’m hoping she will have success.

The image of her sitting at her kitchen table, stitching and sewing will stay with me. Similarly, her words of having no settled friends, resonates and echoes, as she asks in 2015, how can this be?

Rosaleen McDonagh is a playwright from the Traveller community