What goes through Ed’s head when Don starts to make racist remarks?
The remarks evokes memories from decades of abuse all stored away in the back of Ed’s head where he has tried to hide them along with emotional pain.
Has Ed experienced racism before?
Ed has experienced racism many times but, as times change, his attitude has changed. In the Sixties, when racism was everywhere, you just accepted that was your lot for life. As society moved forward, Ed has re-evaluated his past and seen the scars inside him for what they are. The more he comes to terms with those scars the more his emotions rise to the surface.
What are Ed's first thoughts when Don begins to wind Michael up? Why does he advise him what he does?
Ed spent his formative years in a country rife with racism. To flare up one racist then, would have set off every other racist in ear shot or a telephone call away. The arrival of one racist at the Bistro, to Ed, signifies many others maybe nearby and that a quiet retreat is the best strategy.
How does Ed take the news that James has been dropped from the squad? What is their relationship like at this point?
Ed is happily and selfishly reliving his childhood through James. James' success is proof that Ed could have done equally well had Ed had James' opportunities as a child. Anything deviating from his path to stardom is destroying destiny for Ed. But he does not understand that James has his own destiny and that is destroying his relationship with his son.
What is the tipping point that makes Ed take a stand against Don and why?
Don delivers the straw that breaks the camel's back. Prior to that, Michael has taken a stand against his own father on the subject and James' position has also been plaguing Ed. Aggie is constantly battering him so he's had no peace from anywhere. Something was going to give.
What is the moment that Ed realises the discrimination he has been suffering is similiar to what he has been like towards his son?
I think after the face off in the Bistro. The reaction from the rest of the street is really heart warming and reminds Ed that things have changed for the better. It helps him let go of old demons which in turn helps him re-evaluate his contribution to James' troubles.
Why do you think it is important for Coronation Street to explore this powerful storyline?
Because people watch and take what they see to heart. The subject matter won't go away if we ignore it and many don't have anywhere to go to find a platform for reflection. It's also good for Coronation Street to stay grafted to the real world to maintain its own relevance.
What do you think is the message behind this storyline and what do you hope it achieves?
A few weeks ago I went into my children's school to discuss issues one of my children was having regarding racist remarks made by one of their peers - more than forty years after I suffered the same at school. Society doesn't change easily and recessions, wars, politics and terrorism can bring back the same ogres. You can seldom fix anything over night but you can keep trying to heal a recurring sickness and I think that's the process we're part of.
What is the best thing about working with the Bailey family?
It's an actor's dream to be associated with Coronation Street in any way let alone be a significant part of the street itself in the form of that crazy family. I'm very proud to be part of the Bailey's but I still haven't been able to quite express how incredible it all is. I'll have to come back to you on that one...
__
Glenda Young
Twitter: @Flaming_Nora
Facebook: GlendaYoungAuthor
Fancy writing a guest blog post for us? All details here!
All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License
This family is boring and doesn't fit into the street...they have no friends, they're boring, and Michael is annoying. They did an okay job of fixing Emily's house but...they still suck. They'll be like those ones who moved in next door to the Duckworths and only lasted a year. I forget their name..the daughter was Paul Duckworth's mother, brother to Tommy Duckworth. Accomplice to Leanne in the fire at the Italian place she and Carla were buying together..See boring..totally off topic..heehee
ReplyDelete