Another Thatcher who splits opinion
An overwhelming reponse to today's Morning Extra. It's unusual to hear so many Scots defending a Thatcher, but in the case of referring to a tennis player as a "golliwog" it seems many of you can't see what the fuss is all about.
Margaret in Kirkintilloch emailed to say: "Our individuality is being taken away from us. Heaven help the future when no one can think for themselves." And a similar point from Alison who says: "I am sick to death of the dictatorship that is this country. We can no longer make any decisions or say anything in case we upset someone. Golliwog as a description of a hairstyle is perfect. It does not mean racism."
Many of you raised points about double-standards. Why should Jonathan Ross keep his job when he was just as insulting to a pensioner? And what about racism against the Scots? Margaret in Stonehaven wrote to ask: "Does Russ Abbot have to apologise to all Scots for wearing a red wig, a tartan bonnet and speaking with a silly 'Scots' accent?"
Nonetheless, plenty of calls, texts and emails from those of you who think Carol Thatcher was deeply offensive and that the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú was right to drop her from The One Show.
Steve echoed the thoughts of many when he made the point: "If this comment was made in my place of work (and in many others) then disciplinary action would be taken — and quite rightly."
John on the Isle of Skye added: "Language and actions are the window onto the core values by which we live, it is not case of political correctness, its an indication of who we really are and what we really believe, and by that we should be judged. We should act the same in public as in private, any private conversation is still an indication of who we are."
Debates like this often come back to an analysis of the origin of the term. Alisdair writes: "The word "wog" was a description specifically created with racist connotations. The name "golliwog" was not, it was reacted against because of an association with it's abbreviated derivative. Referring to , American author is thought to have invented "golliwog" by combining "golly!" (a disguised reference to God) with "pollywog" (a name for a tadpole which comes from the Old English "poll," meaning head, plus wiggle). This seems like a very accurate description of a toy which was loved my many children and presumably gave many their first positive introduction to black people, as any pink rag doll gives a very acceptable introduction to white people."
But does the origin of the word matter if it later takes on more sinister undertones? You can leave your thoughts below.
Finally, you're telling us that golliwogs are still on sale. Apparently 3ft tall golliwogs are available at a number of city centre newsagents in Glasgow, they've been spotted on sale in Hamilton and there's a window display of them in Callander. Do you know of other instances? Let us know.
Comments
or to comment.