Tuesday 13 January 2009

Racism/Racist Language/Racist (In)Tolerance?

Why, oh why, can't the media just 'get off the case'?

We now have a report on the BBC website that Prince Charles calls a coloured member of his polo club 'Sooty'. So what?

I play bridge with a friend who is of Indian descent and one of my names for him is 'chapatti' (from the Hindi capati). He in turn has 'names' for me, based on my Jewish and possible Greek background, which might be considered just as offensive, however both of us recognise that we have a regard for each other as friends.

Let us consider this latest BBC report and the reasons for it being produced. Was it done to 'stir' up debate; was it done to demonstrate one mans 'friendship' with another; was it done as a means of condemnation; or was it done just to 'cause trouble'. Who knows?

Whatever the reason, it need not have been produced for it serves no purpose other than to demonstrate the media's propensity for 'tittle-tattle' journalism. Let us return to serious journalism?

Give it a rest chaps - please?

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