Guest Author 
Oscar. H Blayton
Bunmi Adekunle
CareTaker 
Aba Boy
Dave O'Cube
Don Thieme
Edward Echwalu
Emmanuel.K. Bensah
Ella Romanos
Charles E.
Mojolaoluwa Caxton-Naibi
Anthony Kila
Misi A.
Nzingha Smith
K A-T
Pamela Stitch
Paul Usungu
Sokari Ekine
Samantha Ofole-Price
Tomas Ernst
Augustine Pius Thliza
Thomas Gowans
Ugo Daniels
Veronica Henry
Vic 
Oluwole Akindutire
Xcroc 
William J. Zick
Big Brother Africa – A Tale Of Double Standards
Muti This
It is no secret that I am a Big Brother Africa fan. I have had an article posted here in which I mentioned the secret weapons used by Big Brother participants to garner attention. I also tied that secret weapon to the AIDS crisis as well as the sex expo that took place in South Africa. Of course, I got a lot of flack about that as many criticized the sex expo and Big Brother Africa as a tale of the continent going in the wrong direction. I am sure that many were further vilified after watching the happenings that took place on Saturday in South Africa. For those that missed it, let me give a quick recap.
The house mates got very drunk after each took 8 shots of hard liquor. They were so drunk that some were exhibiting strange behaviors like Maureen (Ugandan housemate) who threw a chair across the room and some were throwing up like Ofunneka (Nigerian housemate) and Tatiana (Angolan housemate). Now, many will have said Saturday was an example of what happens when people get really drunk but the story continues. Richard (Tanzanian housemate) in his intoxicated state follows the girls (Tatiana and Ofunneka) into the room while proclaiming that he was going to bump all the girls in the house and proceeds to perform sexual acts on a sleeping Tatiana and an extremely drunk Ofunneka. Ofunneka in her drunken state ‘participates’ or does she?
The happenings on Saturday were a shocking eyesore. As Africa reacted and asked what steps MNET will take to correct the fiasco. Of course, MNET’s take on it was that it was a consensual act that took place. But how consensual can it be when a housemate is passed out and the other is so drunk that the paramedics had to be called in? I am not writing this to attack MNET’s policy (even though, I feel that South African Entertainment lawyers should really be looking at that) but rather to ask – why there is such a huge double standard in Africa?
The outburst from Africa has been one in which Ofunneka – the other third in the fiasco that took place has been lambasted. She has been called all sorts of names including the more famous one – ‘Ofufinger’. This name is tied to the sexual act that Richard performed on her. Africa has decided that she needs to be punished for the act that took place on Saturday and I am left wondering - Is she being punished because she is a woman or is it because she is deemed as being ‘ugly’ (Africa’s judgment on her looks)? What is so surprising is that Richard who was the main man in the act is being viewed as Africa’s golden child – as many African men claim that Richard was exercising his manhood. What manhood? A manhood that has sexual relations with two drunken woman? A manhood that inserts 5 fingers into another woman? In my book what took place last Saturday was rape. It was definitely not consensual because the female participants were not in the right frame of mind to participate in the act. If this is accepted by Africa – then we should be accepting men having sex with women after giving them date rape laced drinks as being a consensual act.
Another problem that I had with what took place was that Tatiana is not even being called to task for what happened, some could argue that it was because she was passed out but I think that it goes beyond that – I believe the reason she has been able to fly under the radar is because of her looks. This show proves what I have often believed, the more beautiful you are, the easier it is to get society to forgive your transgressions.
As my friend says, that show is a trashy one and I really should not be spending so much energy watching it, getting worked up over it and analyzing it. But I believe that studying what people view as entertainment often gives one an insight as to what ideals people deem as important. Moreover, the concept of Big Brother Africa which was one of educating the public and unifying the African audience has definitely been turned upside down in this version of the show. I am left wondering – will there be another Big Brother Africa? Will I ever look at African men the same or as predators waiting for me at my weakest moment to take advantage?
Mzansi | Oct 31, 2007 | Reply
Interesting post. However, am concerned at the irony that here you are talking about double standards and how atroscious the acts in the big brother house were (sex related), when just days ago, on October 9, you were talking about how sex sells…almost advocating for it. Which is which? Is that a double standard?
Pamela Stitch | Oct 31, 2007 | Reply
Of course, since the incident happened…that is all that everyone has been talking about…so has it sold the show? …definitely it has…..
My concern is that non consensual sex took place and someone is being hero worshipped by the act while the other is being punished…
I think that is horrible
Pamela Stitch | Oct 31, 2007 | Reply
But thanks for reading my posts …
Pixie | Oct 31, 2007 | Reply
Thanks Pammy I also am fighting against what happened on Saterday.
It is sad however all the abuse you receive for taking this standpoint!
However, that will not get us down!! We will speak up against it!!
Thank you for such a wonderful article!!
YOU GO GIRL!!!
Omotaylor | Oct 31, 2007 | Reply
Well, the ugly side of shows like Big Bruv rearing its head should not be a surprise. This is what happens to copycat shows that bear no semblance to real African cultural values. I’m ready for the onslaught for I will defend this stance.
Omotaylor | Oct 31, 2007 | Reply
As for African Unity, Big Brother Africa will not do it.
issa mashambazhou | Oct 31, 2007 | Reply
Brilliant article Pammy…but sad events indeed.
Rape consist in the unlawful and intentional sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent. If nneka was intoxicated and unable to make a sensible decision (which seems to be the case), then she was raped on live television and that is so sad. More so because of Africa’s passive or negative reaction to it.
Omotaylor is absolutely right that BBA cannever unify Africa. I’m still on course to launch a ‘BAN BBA’ campaign because i honestly don’t see the point in the show. I would rather have an X-FACTOR show (UK version of American Idol) which aims at identifying talent and developing it, than the grossly pornographic BB show which has already proved to be a failure in UK by recording it’s worst viewrship rates since the lauch of the programme some 8 years ago.
The sad reality is that African women go through Nneka’s odeal on a daily basis. That is why those who ‘hero worship’ Richard don’t seem to see any ‘big deal’ regarding the matter. If Nigerians are like people from a crtain southern African country, then the worst is yet to come - the stigma and ‘whore’ label that she will have to live with for the rest of her life.
pammy | Oct 31, 2007 | Reply
Issa: It is just simply sad…
Straight Talk | Nov 1, 2007 | Reply
Hi everyone
I beg to differ with everyone who is of the opinion that Ofunneka was raped.From what i hear all the housemates were drunk including Richard.So i just wonder why this whole thing is blamed on Richard.I think both Ofunneka and Richard should take responsibility for their actions and if Ofunneka is the ideal example of an African woman that some believe her to be then she would not have put herself in a situation like this, from what i heard she participated,pulling Richard and she even climbed on top of Richard performing the sexual act,that doesn’t sound like a person who was being taken advantage of.So bottom line both Richard and Ofunneka in their drunkenness were irresponsible and if there should be punishment,it should to both of them.
Inoma | Nov 1, 2007 | Reply
I also beg to differ. I do not think Ofu was raped…what happened happened as a result of drunkeness of both parties Richard too was acting under the influence so it should be seen from 2 sides..it’s a pity it happened on national television but those are the raw facts…Big brother should have stopped the party sooner rather than concentrate on ulterior motives.
eddie | Nov 1, 2007 | Reply
Hmmmm…all cases rested…i just do not think these guys can play a vital role in the fight against HIV/AIDS with the track record they have created but its a show worth any coin…
Pamela Stitch | Nov 1, 2007 | Reply
I know some people (Richard supporter because he is so entertaining or wharever) will come here and say that Richard was equally drunk and Ofunneka was a willing participant.
Richard was not that drunk because he was able to recall what had happened. He made several comments insinuating he was aware after the incident occured. Ofunneka was so drunk that paramedics had to come in to check her. In her drunk state - Richard could have been anyone (her past lover etc). She was not aware of what was going on when that act took place.
Richard knew and he continued.
Now, let’s leave Ofunneka on the side…what of what he did to a sleeping Tatiana?
Pls…Biggie should have called in a psychologist to evaluate that boy after that happened.
Omotaylor | Nov 1, 2007 | Reply
@Issa, thanks for your comments for its good to know am not alone after all for I still dont see the point in this show, which although I have never watched, but from comments I read, sounds revolting. Well I wont be a wet rag, so for those who watch it enjoy, and hope you all learn something good. Yes Issa, I will love African Idol, X-Factor or/and even Africa’s got talent.
Pamela Stitch | Nov 2, 2007 | Reply
While the Housemates play Spinmaster in the Lounge, Richard tells Ofunneka that she kissed him. He brings it up as a joke but it does not go down well with Ofunneka and Tatiana.
You kissed me
Richard tells Ofunneka “You kissed me, you know”, to which she replies “Yes, during the evictions.” Ofunneka thinks Richard is referring to the pecks the Housemates give one another whenever a Housemate is evicted. Richard presses on, saying “You kissed me on Saturday while we were drunk.” Ofunneka does not find this funny.
Get serious
Ofunneka tells Richard that she does not enjoy the joke Richard is playing on her. “Come on, you’ve got to stop this” she tells him and asks when she kissed him. She mentions that she DOES NOT REMEMBER ANYTHING that happened after their drinking spree last Saturday. Richard tries to explain to her, even going as far as to tell her how the PARAMEDICS PULLED HIM AWAY from the ladies.
Ofunneka has had enough of Richard’s story and RETREATS TO THE TOILET TO CRY. Tatiana gets angry at Richard for saying he kissed Ofunneka.
It’s a game
Later, Richard goes up to Ofunneka where she sits on one of the chairs in the Garden and apologises for upsetting her earlier. He says it’s only a game and that he was not serious about what he said. Then, he goes to Tatiana and tells her not to be angry with him, “It’s only a game” he repeats.
FROM MNET PAGE…OF COURSE, RICHARD FORGOT TO MENTION WHAT HE DID TO OFU AND TATIANA? ARE WE GOING TO REALLY VOTE THIS GUY TO WIN….
VOTE IN ANY OF THE OTHER GIRLS - TATIANA OR OFU. RICHARD DOES NOT RESPECT WOMEN.
paula | Nov 4, 2007 | Reply
Have you stopped to consider that Ofu is saying she doesn’t remember because it is in her best interests to do so? And what happened to people speaking out for themselves? Just because you call it rape doesn’t make it rape - wait for the alleged victim to speak - if she wants to.
Straight Talk | Nov 5, 2007 | Reply
Well said Paula,atleast there someone who can be objective.
Pamela if you don’t stop obsessing over this issue you might turn the people against Ofu and spoil her chanses of winning.So if Richard disgusts you so much stop watching.
pamela | Nov 5, 2007 | Reply
I knew that some will come up with the idea that Ofu is pretending to have forgotten what had happened.
At least Richard was ‘honest’ enough to admit that he had to be PULLED AWAY from the girls when the PARAMEDICS arrived for THEM!!
That is all I have to say on that.
People are free to support who they want, but, regardless of how people want to hide issues, the fact remains that an overly drunk Ofunneka was abused and a PASSED OUT Tatiana was assaulted by AFRICA’s GOLDEN BOY - Richard.
Pls, no one should come up with the idea that Tatiana and Richard are an item so he was free to do that or we will be accepting that marital rape is okay since the two couples are married.
Omotaylor | Nov 5, 2007 | Reply
hmmmmm, sounds more and more like a horror story on the Loft.
KC | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
I am dumbstruck with the whole sordid mess!
Firstly, when Richard started his affair with Tatiana, the comments from the viewers scared me. Comments like “Richiana Forver” & “What a stunning couple”etc.
For G**ssake he is a married man. Its WRONG. How can we applaude adultry?Marriage is sacred. Marriage is binding. What has gone wrong in this world that a married man has the balls to have an affair on National TV knowing his wife is watching??????
I will tell you what makes men like Richard do what he is doing…people like those supporting him and hailing him their hero! Can you get praised for such an ugly, dirty life-shattering act? Obviously, only is Africa!!!!I mean, if you are having an affair with a married person, a normal person tries their best to hide it.Who agrees?
But R & T are so brazenly,blatantly, sickeningly flaunting their dirty deeds in their partners faces! I am personally outraged and if I had the means I would do whatever was necessary to make them see the error of their ways.
As for Tati the tart, all I can say is that if I was Richards wife, I would definitely be there when the show ends on Sunday and suffice it to say that when I am finished with her she won’t look at another married again in a hurry. I believe in karma and someday Tatiana will get married and some tart will start an affair with her husband. Yes, I definitely believe in retribution.
On the saga with Offu, I honestly believe she was sexually assaulted and sincerely hope she takes action against R when she gets out. If you watch her behaviour since THE INCIDENT, she is clearly not that type of woman like Tatiana. She comes across as a very moralled and decent person. Offu definitely does not seem to harbour any secret fantasies about R. People really we not talking Brad Pitt here Richardis nothing to write home about
And what is Tatiana going to say when she sees the footage of Offu and Richard????????????????
I am currently engaged to a wonderful man but after seeing Richard the married man in action Im petrified to get married cos the world allows adultry, actually applauds it!
As for Big Brothers part in the saga, when Richard started threatening to bump all the girls BB should have stepped in cos that was already abuse!
The world has gone mad
Pammy | Nov 11, 2007 | Reply
Well, I guess Africa has spoken with Richard coming first and Ofunneka coming second.
Ofu represented well. I wish she had been less stereotypical.
I really liked Tatiana.
Richard = bad choice!!!!
Omotaylor | Nov 15, 2007 | Reply
http://odili.net/news/source/2007/nov/15/405.html
Omotaylor | Nov 15, 2007 | Reply
Pammy you may find this recent post on BBA titled the Naked Truth about BBA interesting. Please visit this link:
http://odili.net/news/source/2007/nov/15/405.html
Pamela Stitch | Nov 15, 2007 | Reply
so his big beef with Ofu is that she took her shower in the nude??? Fascinating…..
Kaluba | Nov 16, 2007 | Reply
BBA 2 portrayed Africa as it is. Alot of sad youth that are stuck in desperation, having sex at will and drinking way too much. All wishing for a bit of cash (in this case 100 grand), a little recognition and per harps a job.
Its no wonder the least behaved turned out to the popular “untouchables”. This is a wakeup call to the extent of cultural erosion that has befallen the continent.
RICHFINGER | Nov 25, 2007 | Reply
Pamela i disagree with U.Ofufinger remove her cloths herself and even went further to remove her contact lenses rather consciously. Now that it has come to sex, you are now blaming richard.This is wrong. The Video footage clearly shows that Ofufinger otherwise called OFUAKA in Igbo land, enjoyed the fingering and was even moaning to the tunes and richards fingers played the pipers tune on her otherwise sexually dehydrated V junction. She did not impress me at all as i expected her to masturbate herself in the toilet rather than publicly applaude a sexually rich finger. The way she was wriggling her waist and raising her legs wide apart doe not speak well of her. Wether the African woman likes it or not,It clearly shows that women should not be trusted when it comes to sex. What OFUAKA did in that footage can be likened to a situation where armed bandits invades a mans house, take his wife in his presence,mount her V junction and the woman will be moaning on top of her voice like she’s never done before out of excitement and enjoyment.PAMELA tell me, if your brother’s wife will do such a moan in your presence, wont you conclude that she enjoyed herself and advice your brother to sack her.Which man will see his Wife or Babe moan more that she does when they are together and still want to keep her? What OFUFINGER has done is nothing but sacrilege.This has effectively closed the chapter of good marriage for her, except she buys the marriage herself or run into a hit and run monster.Anyway if i run into her, i will advertise my fingers, cos i believe my fingers can do more magic than Richards.
PAMELA I AM DISGUSTED WITH YOUR DEFENCE OF WOMANHOOD IN TOTALITY. ONE DAY YOU WILL DEFEND PROSTITUTION> DONT LET US THINK BADLY OF YOU.