Should We Now Be Very Careful What We Choose To Discuss?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/10525121/Discussing-Robertsons-jam-golliwog-label-is-racist-judge-rules.html

/// Discussing the ‘Golliwog’ image on Robertson’s jam is “inherently racist” as the term is so offensive, a judge ruled ///

/// Lord Justice Floyd, sitting in the Court of Appeal, said that saying the term in front of a black person, whatever the context, was “offensive", as he upheld a ruling that chef who discussed the image was guilty of racial harassment. ///

Even if one is not in front of a black person????????????

/// Mr McAleese's account was that he and Miss Lindsay had their backs turned to each other as they innocently discussed food and packaging. After chatting about Walker's crisps, he said the conversation turned to Robertson's jam and the fact that its label had changed. ///

Though it seems for this person it was too late to get her hands on some easy money.

/// But the Court of Appeal’s decision may give little comfort to Miss Lindsay who was told she had lodged her complaint too late (5 months after the offence) and that it would not be 'just and equitable' to allow her to continue with her compensation claim against the LSE. ///.

[FredPuli43]

So. AOG, do you not understand the case you cited, even though the judges explained it and the reasoning ?. (I note that you don't quote the words of the link which give that. Did you miss that bit?)

[sp1814]

AOG

Funny how 'offensive' can be interpreted differerently.

It's like a couple of weeks ago when you posted that story about the mixed race artist who posed with white women dropped across his neck.

You seemed surprised that the women on AB did not find that offensive, not matter what you said (and respect due - you valiantly tried on their behalf).

I disagree with the judge with respect to a discussion about the golliwog character being automatically offensive and here's why...

Unlike other racial epithets, the golliwog is specific to a child's doll. There's no other way to describe this particular doll...it doesn't have another name.

Now, if you consider that along all the (many many) racist terms for black people, it doesn't fit.

On the plus side - this will become irrelevant in about 20 years.

[bazwillrun]

"I am white and happily accepted the Gollywog character when i was a child but now that I am older and appreciate its origins and connotations I personally find it distasteful - regardless of whether there are any black people around

Because it conflicts with my personal Values and Beliefs"

stop...youre making my heart bleed

[whiskeryron]

// The traditional Minstrel Shows portrayed blacks in a stereotypical and largely derogatory manner as figures of fun and were rooted in the American south where slavery was normal. //

I disagree with that assumption, I used to watch the show on a regular basis & thoroughly enjoyed it. In my opinion those that took part in the show & also to a great extent those of us that watched it took the attitude of that old saying '' Imitation is the greatest form of flattery''. Rather than treating black people as figures of fun they were being copied because I personally was of the opinion that they were great people, full of fun & jollity

[jim360]

It's sad that you can't see the irony in your posts. So those who disagree with you call you names and are abusive? Says the guy who bandies about "fascist", "traitor", and goodness knows what else!

While you might be so desperate to keep hold of a cherished right to be offensive, why not also spend a bit of time learning to have the good sense not to be?

[tonyav]

Regarding the op, load of over pc botox.

[whiskeryron]

I hit the Submit button too soon.

To continue, I have always & will always treat Black & any other person with the respect that I expect to be treated. The very thought that I watched The Black & White Minstrel Show for any reason other than entertainment fills me with horror.

WR.

[whiskeryron]

Whilst we on on the subject, I think the PC brigade are getting out of hand, I am surprised that we are allowed to still call Manchester by that name & not Personchester.

WR.

[THECORBYLOON]

ANOTHEOLDGIT, since you object to my using capitals because it is 'shouting' and you don''t like folk calling you 'old git' I think you are the last person to criticise someone who is offended by verbal racism.

[sp1814]

AOG

Did you also not say that you found the word 'Brit' offensive, as a description for Briton?

[bazwillrun]

"Says the guy who bandies about "fascist", "traitor", and goodness knows what else!"

just take a look in most posts which side of the fence the insults start coming from

I'll give as good as i get and some, dont wanne be insulted ? simple dont start insulting others

I couldnt care less what people call me , but people better whatch out if they want to dish it out

[Ann]

Well am I about to be arrested? I have a B & W Christmas LP (yes it is really old) which I can't wait to get out at Christmas and play - I know all the words to their songs and sing along merrily. I used to adore the B&W Minstrel Shows on TV and mourn their loss.

I still have my cuddly lovely old 65 year old golliwog called "Golly" with my other toys up in the loft.

We have West Indian friends who say all this racist stuff about golliwogs is a load of old PC twaddle, they are not offended at all and their 4 daughters even had a golliwog as children!

S0 there!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-P

[pixie373]

Aog, are you saying racism is fine- if there are no black people around?

[Ann]

//I am surprised that we are allowed to still call Manchester by that name & not Personchester.//

Love it Ron! x

[mazie]

"Lord Justice Floyd, sitting in the Court of Appeal, said that saying the term in front of a black person" ......

I've never actually seen a black person, come to think of it I've never actually seen a white person. (just an observation)

[jomifl]

How can you tell when a person is 'black' if their colour isn't enough of a clue. This may sound silly but a lot of people self identify as 'black' when to the casual glance it is not obvious.

[jomifl]

/On the plus side - this will become irrelevant in about 20 years./
don't worry, Harold Camping is dead.:-)

[THECORBYLOON]

'I'll give as good as i get and some, dont wanne be insulted ? simple dont start insulting others

I couldnt care less what people call me , but people better whatch out if they want to dish it out' for someone who says they are not bothered, you hardly give the impression you let it wash over you.

[trt]

I was in the black minstrels at the school Xmas show for the parents.

I can still remember the joke I shouted out to the audience:
Here goes, steady yourselves!!!!

Me: Whats the difference between a snake and a flea?

Audience: Don't know, Whats the difference between a snake and a flea?

Me: A snake crawls on its own belly!

The audience fall off their seats in laughter :-)