Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Staff the lifeboats

After almost three weeks away from blogging and taking any interest in current affairs it comes as no surprise to find that nothing has changed in good old politically correct Britain. Now we have a council telling its staff to avoid using the phrase "man on the street" in case it upsets women.

The document claims the popular saying is based on the assumption that the world is male and makes the views or work of women invisible.

Oh really? Who says so? Just because some jumped up politically correct femiloon on the council decides that is the case doesn't make it true.

The guide also kills off the phrase "manning the switchboard" and suggests "staffing" or "running the switchboard" instead.

Isn't "running the switchboard" going to be offensive to the disabled or chronically obese? OK - forget the obese, it's OK to offend them according to the world of political correctness. Along with smokers and heterosexual white males they are just about the only demographic which it is OK to be offensive to. God help you if you are a clinically obese white heterosexual male smoker!

A spokesman said: "We introduced the guide because as community leaders we must be aware of what modern society requires of the public sector. This includes the sensitivity of various individuals and groups, and current thinking in society in general.

Er - actually, what modern society requires of the public sector - and the council in particular - is that the bins are emptied without fuss once a week, the streets are kept clean and safe and that they provide value for money. Pretty much the same as was expected of the public council in past societies.

Indeed, if it wasn't for the fact that the council employs unwanted "diversity coordinators" at public expense the question of whether the expression "man on the street" may be offensive to someone would not arise in the first place.

Actually, the thing I find offensive is the spokesman suggesting that the council are "community leaders". They are no such thing. They are employees of the community paid a wage by the community to perform a service. What that phrase reveals, however, is the thinking of the ruling class that they are somehow our leaders rather than our servants.

It's only when one realises that the council in question is actually a Tory controlled council that it becomes apparent that this is exactly what one would expect of the modern Cameron controlled Conservative Party. Anyone expecting to see a return to sanity should the Tories win the next election is going to be in for one hell of a shock.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

"It's only when one realises that the council in question is actually a Tory controlled council that it becomes apparent that this is exactly what one would expect of the modern Cameron controlled Conservative Party."

Depressing, isn't it..?

TheFatBigot said...

Let us just hope that the decision was taken by a superannuated flunkey and not by the councillors.

Obnoxio The Clown said...

It's pretty clear that Cameron is going to be New Labour painted blue. Expect lots and lots of words, lots of "targeted spending" and no results.

Anonymous said...

"The council said that the document, which is distributed to all staff and council members, is not a rulebook but a guide to help staff and members find the correct words."

It isn't a rulebook, but you'll be f*cked if you don't follow it. Remember, 200 hours in the Diversity Camp of Happiness and Enlightenment is not meant to be a punishment.

Anonymous said...

"God help you if you are a clinically obese white heterosexual male smoker!"

I read that and thought of Charles Clarke, ex-Home Secretary. Does he smoke?

Anonymous said...

"Expect lots and lots of words, lots of "targeted spending" and no results."

Tax burden up to 43 or 44% by the end of Cameron's first Parliament.