The BBC ‘Golliwog’ Scandal
I was listening to radio four’s Today Programme (fancy, I know, but I don’t understand all the words) on my way into work this morning – which, incidentally, took two hours (thank you Mr Transport Minister for not funding back stocks salt and grit properly) – and they were talking about the Carol Thatcher debacle.
Iain Dale and Michael Eboda (editor of the Power List) waxed lyrical about the state of the BBC, what constitutes to racist language and how the BBC should try and be more consistent.
Something that still amazes me in this polarized society is this: if something is offensive, it shouldn’t be said. This is regardless of who it is said to, or what it is said about.
This has been my thinking for about three years now and here’s why.
I spent each university summer break camping, surfing and working in Cornwall (Padstow, don’t you, ever so fancy and that). Now, in a few South Western tourist shops, you can still buy ‘Golliwog’ toys and memorabilia. So one day, I was having a look around one such shop on my lunch break and I overheard this conversation (not verbatim, but close);
Woman one: Oh my God
Woman one’s daughter: What?
Woman one: Look over there. I can’t believe that you can still sell those.
Woman one’s daughter: Oh God, no, I’ve not seen one of those for years
Woman one: Excuse me (to shop assistant), excuse me?
Shop assistant: Yes, can I help?
Woman one: I think it’s disgraceful that you still sell these.
Shop assistant: Oh, why’s that?
Woman one: Because they’re offensive.
(now this bit is verbatim)
Shop assistant: Well we had a black woman buy two the other week and she wasn’t offended.
(Women one and daughter rush out of the shop, leaving many customers a bit perplexed.)
My point is this; you don’t have to be the subject of the offence to be offended. You’re completely entitled to be offended.