Aspirational Soap 'Neighbours'

19 June 2009

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The cast of 'Neighbours' is almost entirely Caucasian because the show is "aspirational".

Susan Bower, executive producer of the Australian made soap, says there is no "cultural diversity" on the show because they are trying to create a "perfect world".

She told entertainment website Digital Spy: "The market research I read before I started on the show - and there was about four lots done over four years - found that some of the audience did not want cultural diversity because there isn't any where they live.

aspirational.Susan Bower, executive producer of the Australian made soap, says there is no cultural diversity on the show because they are trying to create a perfect world.She told entertainment website Digital Spy:

"A lot about serial drama is aspirational - 'this is perfect, this is Disneyland' and there's a lot of that. I do still think it's an issue and we are continuing to work through that.

"However, I have taken particular notice of advertisements for car insurance and banks and there was not one character or background character in any of those ads that was not white, blonde or Caucasian."

Even though 'Neighbours' has faced criticism for its lack of racial diversity, Bower thinks the show should be praised for putting the issue in the spotlight.

She explained: "To be honest, sometimes it's great to talk about that stuff.

I'd prefer people to talk about it for the right reasons, but if it's for controversy then so be it."

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