Props to Alex/ @the__wilderness for this video. My two cents that nobody asked for: the original video didn’t show enough women or people of colour. There are plenty of women led hospitality businesses and Birmingham is renowned for its multicultural population & cuisine. Thread: https://twitter.com/the__wilderness/status/1337716396940271616

The shortened clip had the women edited out. The intention of the original was absolutely good and we absolutely should not detract from the campaign to support the hospitality industry. The industry is on its knees and the government needs to act to save it.

However, there is an important lesson here which should not be ignored. Women I know are outraged by the edited clip and are speaking out about it. Men are largely saying this is an innocent mistake and the message should not be conflated with this error.

The response of “we didn’t mean it” isn’t helpful. Alex speaking out to say that an issue has been unearthed is so welcome because he will be listened to more than a woman would. That’s why allyship is so vital. It’s the first step towards representation.

Unconscious bias is just that. It’s unconscious. We have to work really very hard to unlearn things and see our biases. It involves putting your own ego and emotions to one side. It’s heavy work. But proper representation is what will stop this happening over and over again.

It’s largely women that noticed the lack of women in the edited video. That’s because we are permanently conscious of the lack of representation. We know we aren’t included. We know we have to work harder. We know our voices fall silent.

If you’re a man that is annoyed that women are speaking up now, please take some time to step back for a second. Check your privilege. We are fighting the same fight. Don’t silence our voices. Ours matter too. We have value to add. We deserve to be in the same room.