Homophobic?

[R1Geezer]

http://news.sky.com/s...oke_But_Aides_Deny_It
Oh no it isn't! perlease! Are MP's now supposed to recognised a Bandit on sight and hence modify their rhetoric? Suppose it could have been worse..."he's behind you!"

[andy-hughes]

I think it was meant as a joke in the spirit of the exchange - the sort of riposte that is standard among the quicker thinking members of the House.

i don't think for a minute it was intended to offend, but as i have often stated, just because you do not mean to upset someone does not mean they are not upset.

Perhaps a note of apology would be a nice gesture.

As for your phrase 'recognise a Bandit on sight ...' - that is most certainly nasty and uncalled for - after all, we don't recognise Bigots on sight do we .. unless they put their thoughts in print anyway ...

[AB Editor]

Hi Geezer,

Please modify your rhetoric on here to avoid being rude, or be banned, again.

Terms like "bandit" are offensive, as you know. No one appreciates it. Whatever your thoughts are on the matter please TRY and present them in a grown up and intelligent way.



Spare Ed.

[AB Editor]

Although it was entirely fair to call any of the old luvvies in the HoC a "Pantomime Dame" they're all as bad as each other when it comes to whittering on pointlessly.

Spare

[R1Geezer]

Ok Ed but the point stands. Are MP's supposed to know the sexuality of a fellow MP and modify their rhetoric? After all we are always being told they only want to be treated normally. "Pantomime Dame" is hardlu offensive is it?

[Mick-Talbot]

Still leading a charmed life on Answerbank. I see R1.

[sandyRoe]

The beauty of being PC is that you don't accidentally insult people. Osbourne should think before he speaks.

[B00]

No its not, in answer to your question.

Maybe Bryant was being a tas over sensitive perhaps? Besides, he started it!

;-)

[B00]

tas?

I meant tad.

[AB Editor]

Oh, the claims that it is homophobic is silly, I agree.

[AB Editor]

And it is a great British Institution to dress up as a woman! Just like "noo laybore" being offended by indigenous traditional practices!

[R1Geezer]

The phrase is a common usage analogy, entirely non sexual, in intent and delivery, the receiver mad it thus. So are all such phrases not allowed under PC sandy? How about monkey/organ grinder or Bride V bride's maid? Are all analogies to be banned?

[jno]

my first thought was that it wasn't homophobic at all - until I realised Bryant was gay. Then it did seem suspicious. So yes, I wonder if Osborne would have used the phrase to refer to a straight man?

[R1Geezer]

The whole point jno is that, is Osborne or anyone supposed to know instantly the sexuality of every MP and temper language accordingly?

[andy-hughes]

The point is fair - it's the way it was expressed that makes an issue.

You can apply that remark to R1 geezer, or to the Right Honourable Gentleman.

[jno]

I'll bet you he did, Geezer. Do you really think he didn't?

[oranger]

At least Osborne kept it light hearted and seasonal and didnt stoop to the Welshman and sheep routine.Take it as was intended, a joke.

[anotheoldgit]

/// The beauty of being PC is that you don't accidentally insult people..///

If it's accidental and one doesn't know if the person would be offended anyway, the only course left is to remain silent.

Or to put it bluntly 'keep your gob shut'

/// Osbourne should think before he speaks ///

Can anyone truthfully say that they do, all the time?

[modeller]

It appears nowadays everything you say will upset somebody . It comes across that Bryant is being touchy . It's just another example of this silly PC world we are living in. However it has given him his moment of fame . I doubt if we will ever hear his name again. Unless he really does dress up as a pantomime dame .which is unlikely as that requires talent and a sense of humour.