Coronation Street viewers praise Ed Bailey's powerful speech in racism-centred episode
Coronation Street fans have praised the soap for tonight's (May 22) powerful, racism-centered episode.
Focusing almost exclusively on the Bailey family, tonight's scenes saw Ed come to terms with the constant racist abuse he'd been subjected to by boss Don.
Early on in the episode, Ed's son Michael is shocked to see his dad continuously take the abuse on the chin. Ed lectured his son on how he'd learnt to stay quiet due to psychical racial abuse he'd received earlier in life, but Michael argued that giving up only leaves the fight for someone else.
Later at the Bistro opening party, his son's words well and truly got through to him. After hearing Don use another racial slur, Ed confronted the owner in front of everyone, outright accusing him of being a racist.
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"I am so weary," said Ed. "I've had a lifetime of people calling me names, and I have heard every name and every stupid comment you can think of.
"I've had people do my accent, or maybe their own brilliant Caribbean accent. I've people like YOU ask me if I can read, ask me if I went to school, if I can swim. I've had people like you assume I'm a criminal. I have heard it all a thousand times."
"I am weary, but as a wise young man once said to me, 'If I give up, then I'm just leaving the fight for someone else'."
His powerful words had a major impact on everyone at the party, prompting a discussion about racism in the Rovers. Dev also shared his experiences of the abuse he's received over the years, with Kevin acknowledging that he's never really given the issue much thought.
Viewers soon took to Twitter to praise the episode, with one fan writing: "What an episode, led by amazing talent. Hopefully this starts some important conversations!"
Another wrote: "I stood up and applauded Edison for standing up to that racist!! The realness of his monologue tonight!!! Then Dev in the Rovers too and the vital conversations!! Cracking episode tonight!!! Well done Corrie!!!"
Check out more of the reactions below.
WHAT. A. SCENE. #corrie pic.twitter.com/xGnOMkC3Ni
— Stevie Lowe (@SenorApple2014) May 22, 2020
I stood up & applauded Edison for standing up to that racist!! The realness of his monologue tonight!!! 🔥 Then Dev in the Rovers too & the vital conversations!! 👏🏾 Cracking episode tonight!!! Well done @itvcorrie!!! #Corrie #CoronationStreet pic.twitter.com/p2B3V6d0Sf
— Nicole ‘Gloss’ Reece (@Gloss80Official) May 22, 2020
what an episode, led by amazing talent. hopefully this starts some important conversations! #Corrie pic.twitter.com/8PXGG8gbSG
— joe (@louisemitchells) May 22, 2020
#Corrie
I’m glad they are bringing up this issue of racism in #Corrie, this just shouldn’t be happening.
We are all people & just should have the greatest respect for each other.
I hope this pandemic, changes how life has been into better tomorrow’s for everyone
Xx❤️💋— ❤️ 𝒮𝒶𝓂𝒶𝓃𝓉𝒽𝒶 𝒥𝒶𝓃𝑒𝓎 𝒯𝒽𝑜𝓂𝒶𝓈❤️ (@sammysandwch) May 22, 2020
Very passionate speech from Edison. Well written dialogue from the script writers. #Corrie
— Jonathan Rodd (@rodd_jonathan) May 22, 2020
Kevin is a brilliant representation of genuine not malicious ignorance. Hope this episode reaches out to more Kevins #Corrie
— Duncan Lindsay (@DuncanLindsay) May 22, 2020
Amazing episode all round tonight. Well done, @itvcorrie for highlighting racism. #Corrie #TheBaileys #SayNoToRacism pic.twitter.com/Ia2vQdMGg4
— Lorna Laidlaw (@LornaLaidlawUK) May 22, 2020
Coronation Street airs these scenes on Monday, May 25 and Wednesday, May 27 at 7.30pm on ITV.
Anyone who has witnessed or experienced a hate crime is urged to call the police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the True Vision website. In an emergency, always dial 999.
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