Thatcher's golliwog comment...

[spacechimp]

Why is everyone condemning her as racist, when nobody knows which player she was talking about and therefore whether the player does in fact bear resemblance to a golliwog?

[spacechimp]

I know that the word can be offensive, but it is still the correct technical term for a particular type of doll.

If the tennis player bore a resemblance to this doll, then I fail to see how it is innately racist to comment on it.

[Gormless]

I don't find the word Golliwog objectionable. It's just other people who find it objectionable on my behalf, and then demand that I agree with them - or else.

[DrFilth]

please don't tell me your a history teacher ?



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[jno]

Call it a ********* doll if you want to refer to the toy, to make it clear you are not referring to a person. The word on its own is widely found unacceptable.

[naomi24]

Gromit, I'm quite aware that she said it, but you're missing the point entirely Legislation against perceived slights will never work until people stop thinking their own thoughts. In other words, yes, we can gag people, but how do we stop them harbouring thoughts that others may find unacceptable? Having said that, I don't think Carole Thatcher intended this as an insult, but I do think someone is intent on causing trouble for her. I detest this PC nonsense. If it continues, we'll end up not knowing whether we're coming or going, because it seems it matters not what's said or in what context it's said - someone, somewhere, will take offence - and often they'll do it with spite and relish. This is the danger - and there's no doubt that often, this is what is now happening.

[Gormless]

Not by me it isn't.

[jno]

good grief, now AB is asterisking out the word we're talking about. It didn't do that five minutes ago! Anyway, I hope you saw what I was trying to say, spacechimp. Use the word 'doll' after the G word to make yourself clear.

[naomi24]

AB used to delete that word a few years ago, jno. It's probably just remembered!

[spacechimp]

The thing is, the doll isn't called a golliwog doll. It's called a golliwog.

I happen think it was very foolish of her to say what she said, given how inescapable the reprisals for failing to adhere to 'political correctness' are, but I just don't think she was being racist.

[Gromit]

If you meant I made a jab at Margaret Thatcher, I did not. I merely stated a fact that she has dementia. Only the ultrahypersensitive would take offense at merely mentioning an illness.

[spacechimp]

To be more accurate, I just don't think we have enough evidence to conclude that she was being racist.

[sp1814]

Gormless

You wrote:

What's happening is that black and ethnic minority people (BME) are revving up to be outraged. Expect court cases and massive damages

Have you read that somewhere?

I've scanned the article, albeit briefly and I can see no mention of that.

Incidentally, you do realise that damages couldn't be awarded against Ms Thatcher, by the 'BME' (an acronym which should read BEM if we are to follow your logic, by the way) because a suit could only be launched by the person she referred to...

...and if the name ever did become public knowledge, I hope the person would act like Shilpa Shetty and treat Ms Thatcher as wearisome rather than racist (which, to be honest, I don't even know if she is!)

[DrFilth]

the dolls and badges have been known as golly dolls and golly badges for a number of years . not golly***


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[CJ242]

Naomi, I agree with you completely.
The word P***i is simply a shortened version of the word Pakistani, but has somehow transformed into an insult!!
Where will it end??

[Supernick]

Saying golliwog is not offensive. I've just said it in that sentence. Referrring to black person as resembling a golliwog is. Surely that's easy enough to understand?

[Supernick]

CJ242 - Words change their meaning and influence over time. It's completely ridiculous to try and justify saying something, because it used to be accepted. It's not NOW.

[spacechimp]

Sure, Nick, it's offensive to describe anyone as looking like a bizarre little caricature of a real person, but if they do actually look like a bizarre little caricature, then it cannot be racist, by the very definition of the word racist.

[Gormless]

I don't find it unacceptable. Are you finding it unacceptable on my behalf?

[CJ242]

Supernick, I'm not saying it is acceptable. I'm just pointing out, as you did, that meanings can change.
If her comment was meant as an insult then she should be held accountable. If it was a slip of the tongue by someone who didn't realise they were being offensive, then she does not deserve to be lynched.

[Velvetee]

Yeah it's really great being called a ******** at school!