Don’t mention the “G” word!
Apparently Carol Thatcher, daughter of Maggie, has been sacked from the BBC’s “One Show” for likening tennis supremo Andy Murray’s hair to that of a golliwog’s.
This was not done on air, but in a private conversation after the show had gone off air. People are saying it’s political correctness gone mad. But is it?
Just because she was off air, doesn’t mean she was off duty. If she was still officially at work, then she must obey the rules and regs just like anyone else who works in one of the BBC’s many offices. Just because she’s classed as “talent” doesn’t exempt her from them.
The word “golliwog” is banned at the BBC, and she broke the rules. It’s a clear distinction, if you’re at work, you’re subject to the rules, whether you think you’re having a private conversation or not.
A commentator on the BBC’s Today programme this morning said that the BBC “are frightened of their own shadow at the moment “. For those that don’t know who Andy Murray is, he is white! (see above)
So is the comment harmless, is it an over reaction? Probably, besides, not all golliwogs have black faces!
The term “Political Correctness” has been hijacked by bigots to justify their ignorance.
Mike Says:- You’re probably right…
Are you 100% positive she said it about Murray?
Mike Says:- According to the BBC this morning, yes, but now the Telegraph say it was Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and another source is now saying Gael Monfis and CNN are just saying “The remark was made about a male tennis player taking part in the Australian Open tournament in Melbourne.” I suppose it depends on which source you want to believe. The BBC are now staying very, very tight lipped about the whole incident.
She was stupid, plain stupid. But what can we expect. I guess the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree:
http://caughtinthemiddleman.wordpress.com/2009/02/05/freedom-of-speech/