Is sacking him overkill?

[sp1814]

Should he be punished at all?

http://www.thisislond...ed-for-n-word-slur.do

Is this another case of 'PC gone mad'? If so, what (if any) action should be taken?

[Rollo]

How very niggardly!

[jno]

It doesn't say exactly how he used the word - except 'offensively' - but assuming he wasn't just using a cliche involving the word 'woodpile', yes, he should. What business has someone like that championing equality?

[R1Geezer]

perhaps he was just trying to decide who get's the biscuits using that old English selection technique:

eeny meeny myney mo......etc

I could see how you could fall into that one!

[anotheoldgit]

As I have suggested previously, the use of these "P" words, "N" words etc, seem to trigger more immediate action being taken, against the offenders, than that what takes place against those who are responsible for the killing of people, due to illegal wars or the use of inferior equipment, due to clipping corners to save a few bob.

Just as the politicians are more concerned about countries abroad, than what is happening in their own country. Fix what is wrong in this country before attending to other country's ills.

The message is "get the priorities right"

[jno]

er, this IS something happening in this country, aog.

[flip_flop]

It is known by everybody that this word is offensive, and therefore it shouldn't be used.

Why is that so difficult?

[ludwig]

Yes, it was right to sack him. We don't know the details of how the word was used, so I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that he's a racist, but he's clearly too stupid to hold an important position.

[jake-the-peg]

Do you really not understand this Lucy?

The point is that these words have been used abusively and that'at how they get to become so offensive.

I don't know what hair colour you have but lets assume it's chestnut

How many times would you have to be spat on or hit whilst someone chanet and shouted "chestnut" in your face before you found the word offensive?

Not that many I'd reckon.

Now suppose you were with a bunch of other people who'd had the same experience - can you not see how using the word between yourselves has a sense of irony and helps establish a bond between you reminding each of you of the discrimination that you'd come up against?

That's why

[sp1814]

Lucy

Jake has summed that up perfectly. White people came up with the word as a form of abuse, and (a minority of) black Americans took it in the 60s and tried to subvert it by using it themselves.

Something else you should be aware of - it is almost NEVER used in the UK. If you listen to kids on the street or albums by Wiley, Dizzee Rascal or Tinchy Stryder, they don't use the word because culturally it's never taken off amongst black people in the UK.

Hope that clarifies everything.

[ludwig]

Same principle applies to the word 'queer'.

It's one of those things where there's a bit of a grey area and much debate, but there are some rules of thumb you can apply if you want to keep your job. I'd say as a starter, don't go to a meeting and use the N or P words at all, in any context.
Also, avoid referring to disabled gay people as 'poofs with gimpy legs' or calling your overweight boss a fat c**t to his face.

It's a minefield of political correctness out there, but hopefully that helps.

[anotheoldgit]

Like I said, what is the bigger offence, using the "N" or "P" word, or killing thousands by illegal or un - necessary wars?

Judging by some of the feed back, the Jury is still out.

[Quinlad]

FYI, it's possible to be concened by more than one thing at a time.

Is the lack of military equipment more troubling than child rape? If so/if not, which one should we ignore?

[JimT]

Well said Quinlad. I now realise the true tone of your answer in the Marlon King thread. But yes - I've never understood the can't-walk-and-chew-gum thinking behind comments suggesting that being concerned about one thing automatically means you neglect all other things of concern.

[B00]

Anjyone else have a childish giggle at the guy in questions name?

No? Just me then?

Ahemmm!

[tonyav]

BOO, you have a dirty mind, shame on you. lol