Kelvin Mackenzie Is Thinking About Lodging An Official Complain About Fatima Manji's Hajib

[sp1814]

From his column in The Sun (the link at the bottom is to the Independent, because the Sun is behind a paywall):

I will be looking at making a formal complaint to Ofcom under the section of the broadcasting code which deals with impartiality.

Since the question of religious motivation was central to the coverage of the Nice attack, I would ask whether it is appropriate for a newsreader to wear religious attire that could undermine the viewer's perception of impartiality

http://indy100.independent.co.uk/article/kelvin-mackenzie-is-thinking-about-an-offical-complaint-about-fatima-manjis-hijab--byxQgHfLUZ

Do you think he has a point?

[ChillDoubt]

Already been done to death elsewhere in a 500+ post thread.

[237SJ]

No. He`s talking complete rubbish. Would he want every female newsreader on Middle East TV channels to remove their hajib when they are reading the news? Silly ignorant man.

[Mamyalynne]

No.

[Zacs-Master]

I think he's on dodgy ground.

'undermine the viewer's perception of impartiality' is probably one of the most condescending phrases I've ever read.

[Hypognosis]

Today, BBC had a 6'4" reporter do a piece about the average heights of people in various countries.

In the past, they have assigned an obese reporter to do pieces about the NHS and the obesity/diabetes crisis.

Sending a hijab wearer to do a piece on an Islamist (or crazed madman) attack just seems to fit the pattern of crass news producer thought processes.

[ChillDoubt]

My apologies, just short of 500. It certainly felt like 500+.......

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1503137.html

[Everhelpful]

By the way,sp,The Sun has been free online for months.

[anneasquith]

No point. He's looking silly now .

[Ellipsis]

I hope he does. It will give Ofcom a chance to tell him what a prat he is.

[sp1814]

In fairness (to me) - the story has moved on. The other thread was about his initial complaint. This is now about his new (proposed) actions.

[naomi24]

Yes, I do think he has a point.

[jim360]

But a Hijab is a cultural piece of clothing, not a religious one.

[naomi24]

^Incorrect.

[jim360]

^ [citation needed]

Granted Muslim women are supposed to dress "modestly", but the hijab itself is not specified. So yes, it is cultural.

[mikey4444]

He never had a point in the first place. I noticed Fatima was on CH4 News again last night, and again wearing the same garb.

Daft man.

[sandyRoe]

Is the hijab 'religious attire'? Where in the Koran does it say that women must wear it? And are those who opt for the burka somehow less good Muslims?
It's a cultural thing, not religious.

[mikey4444]

Well said Sandy

[naomi24]

//.... let them wear their head-coverings over their bosoms, and not display their ornaments except to their husbands or their fathers, or the fathers of their husbands, or their sons,……. Quran (24:31) //

It is a religious requirement.

[naomi24]

... so actually, not well said Sandy. Learn Mikey!

[sandyRoe]

Modest attire may be prescribed in the Koran but not specifically the hijab.