[Jamie89]

I don't think it's overt racism btw, but I definitely think race has played a part in the popularity/unpopularity of the vast majority of housemates from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

The sad fact is that some of the public are racist, that can't be disputed, and yes some housemates can overcome that (Brian Belo/Shilpa etc) but that doesn't change the fact that for the most part, black/asian/indian etc housemates will always start off at a disadvantage that others don't face and will have to do more to be accepted.