Pressure

1970 and 1980 Black Britain Deep recession and a widespread unemployment happened in the 1970's leaving many African and Carribean people out of work. This added to the societal racism, discriminatin and poverty. This struggle that Black Britains went through sparked riots in the 80's; St Paul's in 1980, Brixton in 1981 and Tottenham in 1985. This lead to realisation of people in the parliament to recognise the racial discrimination towards Black and Asians from White people. I believe Pressure was made due to the oppression of Black people being discriminated against and finding it hard to get a job. However, it is evident that there is more racial discrimination by the older generation of White people and Black people than the younger generation. This film highlights how a young Black boy can enjoy himself with White people of his age in clubs and socially. It shows how the older generation still does not warm to the idea of having Black people working with them. Racism presented in Pressure: When Tony is in his interview the interviewer is shocked when Tony tells him he is born in England. Older generation is more aware of the inequalities as the mother realises why Tony has not got a job. Miss Orkidge does not want Tony in her house but does not say to his face why. Tony says " patay" not "patty" - Black people mock him and call him cockney. White labour worker says to Tony that Black people get it so easy. In Pressure, collective identity is shown through Black people sticking together and holding meetings to encourage Black people. Tony's brother trys to encourage Tony to join as he mocks the way Tony eats an "English breakfast" and as he is born in England he must be White. However, collective identity is also shown through ages as even though Tony is Black he is included as one with his friends in the clubs. Pressure differs from mainstream Black representations because of Tony. He is a nice humble Black guy that wants to be included in the white community. He does this by talking like them and eating the same food as them. Furthermore, he does not copy his Black friends by stealing and getting into trouble and carries on trying to look for jobs.