The Block fans divided after judges make a dramatic change on the show: ‘Are we being punk’d?’
Fans of The Block are divided after the judges made a drastic change to the ratings during the reveal of the room on Sunday.
The controversy began when judge Shaynna Blaze suggested that Blockheads should no longer use the term “master bedroom.”
Some viewers welcomed the revamp, while others argued that the change was unnecessary.
The show’s judges decided to remove the words ‘master bedroom’ and ‘master ensuite’, as they felt the term had ‘undertones’ of ‘sexism’ and ‘colonialism’.
Instead, they found the terms “master bedroom and master bedroom with en suite” more appropriate.
Shaynna made the suggestion during Sunday’s reveal, discussing whether the term ‘master bedroom’ is now outdated.
“One thing I want to point out today is that we’re in the master bedroom and this is the master bedroom with en suite bathroom, whereas we’re used to saying ‘master’ ensuite.”
“But do you think this is the right term to use these days?” she asked.
Fans of The Block are divided after judges made a dramatic change to the ratings hit during the room reveal on Sunday. Pictured: Blockheads Jesse and Paige
Fellow judge Darren Palmer then responded: ‘There are undertones of colonialism and sexism and I personally call it a master bedroom. If something doesn’t make someone feel good and you can change it, change it.’
After the show aired, some fans took to social media to complain about the change.
“As a black person I don’t understand why their talk about ‘master and main’ was necessary. It’s a fucking bathroom,” one viewer shared online.
Another fan laughed at the renovation, writing: ‘The word “master”, which means head or principal, is sexist? Surely we’re getting punched.’
“I would be really shocked if anyone was actually offended by ‘master bedroom/bathroom,’” agreed another, before adding, “Surely they’re kidding you.”
“It seems like a huge job,” said another.
The show’s judges decided to ban the use of the words ‘master bedroom’ and ‘master ensuite’ from the show, as they felt the term had ‘undertones’ of ‘sexism’ and ‘colonialism’. Pictured: Block judges Marty Fox, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer
However, some Block fans defended the change, agreeing that terms like “master” were outdated.
‘“The term ‘master bedroom’ comes from the days of slavery, when men were in power,” someone said.
‘Names and terms change all the time, so I don’t see the problem. Primary or main is a natural and generic term,’ argued another.
One fan who supported the change said he “doubted” whether anyone was actually “offended” by the term “master bedroom.”
“There is nothing wrong with making changes for the better and adapting language to make it more inclusive,” they said.
Meanwhile, several fans shared the comment that reality shows in the US about real estate refer to the master bedroom as the “primary” bedroom.
“Master is absolutely not politically correct there because of their slavery past,” said one fan.
Another said: ‘House Hunters (US) stopped using ‘master’ a while ago. It’s interesting that they [on The Block] are talking about this now.’
Some viewers applauded the innovation, while others argued the change was unnecessary. Pictured: Shaynna during Sunday’s episode of The Block