Is Richard Barnbrook racist?

I don't think this is an adequate response (below) to a dreadful comment. How many mainstream politicians would get away with such a turn of phrase regarding someone who is mixed race?

BBC Complaints [T20090209029ES010Z5259068]
-----Original Message-----

>On yesterday's studio phone-in programme Richard Barnbrook, when discussing the issue of being 'mixed race' described someone as being "half Chinese, half human". This is outrageous and yet it has not been reported or condemned. Please check the tape, you'll see that I am correct. Perhaps it was a Freudian slip or perhaps it was deliberate. Either way, it is not acceptable and should not go unchallenged.

complaintresponse@bbc.co.uk [19 February 2009 19:39]

Thanks for your e-mail regarding 'The Big Questions' broadcast on 8 February.

I appreciate you were left very concerned by Richard Barnbrook's comments on the issue of being mixed race which I note you felt were grossly offensive and discriminatory.

As you're aware the programme seeks to provide forums for debate and give full opportunity for all viewpoints to be heard across a huge range of subject matter.

We make no editorial comment or judgement on the views expressed by contributors to our programmes, and our aim is simply to provide enough information for viewers to make up their own minds.

In this instance Richard Barnbrook was robustly challenged by Nicky Campbell and the panel throughout the programme's discussion.

I recognise you found Richard Barnbrook's remarks wholly unacceptable and please be assured that your comments have been included in our audience log. This is circulated widely within the BBC and made available to many BBC staff, including members of the BBC Executive Board, channel controllers and other senior managers.

Thanks again for taking the time to contact us with the strength of your views.

Regards

Alec Mackenzie
BBC Complaints