Black, UK, Labour politician Diane Abbot is in hot water over one of her tweets. Note this article begins with a reference to the colour of Diane's skin. This was done purposely as such definitions and descriptions are part of the problem.
It is becoming increasing difficult to know what to say in order to be politically correct. Most times there is no need to mention a person's skin colour when writing about them. However most times it becomes central to the writing.
Today Diane tweeted, ''White people love playing 'divide & rule'", and landed herself in a mess of trouble.
It is becoming increasing difficult to know what to say in order to be politically correct. Most times there is no need to mention a person's skin colour when writing about them. However most times it becomes central to the writing.
Today Diane tweeted, ''White people love playing 'divide & rule'", and landed herself in a mess of trouble.
Diane has stressed that she was referring to a long gone period in history. She has also stated that her tweet was taken out of context and was part of a wider discussion. Whatever the circumstances she has now been forced to apologise. A storm in a tea-cup?
Yes, but isn't that so often the case?
UK Tories seized the opportunity to lambaste feisty Diane, who was the first female, black Member of Parliament in the UK . She is a thoughtful but plain speaking woman admired by many. She is not without political enemies though. The problem is that this furore will land on the Labour party's and Labour leader's head and cause a fuss. A fuss over nothing it would seem.
There will of course be some people who were truly offended. I was not one of them. Some who complain will be simply wanting to make a point that racism goes both ways. There are many differences though. If you need them explained then you will not be convinced that calling a person nigger is different to this tweet fiasco.
In the UK the word nigger is used as a derogatory term. It is meant to belittle, anger, upset and more. Those using the word rarely are able to see how stupid and ignorant it makes them appear.
Diane is guilty of acting in a thoughtless manner. In my home town two teachers ultimately lost their jobs after stupid Facebook postings. They verbally attacked local families never thinking that a family member might see their abusive words. Are these people stupid?
I know Diane is not. She more than likely forgot the public access of twitter. Leading lights need to realise the power of social networking and either stay clear or choose their words very carefully.
It may be worth mentioning here that Diane did not react in such away when she was on the receiving end of a perceived racist slur. When Andrew Neil host of this week Introduced her and Tory Michael Portillo many people complained and the program was pulled. It had aired once though.
Neil used what he thought was a clever funny introduction. It relied on the viewer knowing that the news for that week had included Gordon Brown and a choice of biscuit. He introduced Diane and Michael by saying, ''the chocolate HobNob and custard cream of late night telly''. Ouch.
Watching the show with no knowledge of the Gordon Brown incident I was fairly surprised. However, both Michael and Diane laughed. They both showed that they were not offended.
Whilst this writer abhors racism it can be a hard one. Blatant racism stands out like a sore thumb. Subtle racism may be harder to identify and stop. If you are on the receiving end you will identify it easily. However, somewhere along the way we have to accept humour. In our attempts to be politically correct are we becoming too sensitive and losing the true point of political correctness?
Yes, but isn't that so often the case?
UK Tories seized the opportunity to lambaste feisty Diane, who was the first female, black Member of Parliament in the UK . She is a thoughtful but plain speaking woman admired by many. She is not without political enemies though. The problem is that this furore will land on the Labour party's and Labour leader's head and cause a fuss. A fuss over nothing it would seem.
There will of course be some people who were truly offended. I was not one of them. Some who complain will be simply wanting to make a point that racism goes both ways. There are many differences though. If you need them explained then you will not be convinced that calling a person nigger is different to this tweet fiasco.
In the UK the word nigger is used as a derogatory term. It is meant to belittle, anger, upset and more. Those using the word rarely are able to see how stupid and ignorant it makes them appear.
Diane is guilty of acting in a thoughtless manner. In my home town two teachers ultimately lost their jobs after stupid Facebook postings. They verbally attacked local families never thinking that a family member might see their abusive words. Are these people stupid?
I know Diane is not. She more than likely forgot the public access of twitter. Leading lights need to realise the power of social networking and either stay clear or choose their words very carefully.
It may be worth mentioning here that Diane did not react in such away when she was on the receiving end of a perceived racist slur. When Andrew Neil host of this week Introduced her and Tory Michael Portillo many people complained and the program was pulled. It had aired once though.
Neil used what he thought was a clever funny introduction. It relied on the viewer knowing that the news for that week had included Gordon Brown and a choice of biscuit. He introduced Diane and Michael by saying, ''the chocolate HobNob and custard cream of late night telly''. Ouch.
Watching the show with no knowledge of the Gordon Brown incident I was fairly surprised. However, both Michael and Diane laughed. They both showed that they were not offended.
Whilst this writer abhors racism it can be a hard one. Blatant racism stands out like a sore thumb. Subtle racism may be harder to identify and stop. If you are on the receiving end you will identify it easily. However, somewhere along the way we have to accept humour. In our attempts to be politically correct are we becoming too sensitive and losing the true point of political correctness?
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