Sheilaz Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 Yes, then I come along & start wittering! OK, my very right on reply, Dan is; Yes, we all nod when someone from a group or culture acts in the stereotypical way that we have come to expect. But, using language to describe everyone from this group in the same terms is prejudiced and just reinforces an image which may often be false. It's very powerful which is why I'm speaking out against it, albeit in a little squeaky female voice. Racism, sexism, ageism, anti-feminist, etc. They all serve to keep a whole group of people in a weak position. Everytime an individual is portrayed in this undermining way, it makes it harder for someone to break out of this false description. Yes, one older person at a till may be doddery. But, that doesn't mean that everyone is by a certain age! Someone young may be doddery, but this will go unnoticed, it doesn't fit the stereotype. But, using the general language of ageism, (or any ism) when describing the behaviour of one particular person, ensures that the prejudice continues. That's why I'm tormenting you with my pickiness, but I'm not stressed or upset. Just hoping to be enlightening, but probably waffling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken on a mission Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 Yes, then I come along & start wittering! OK, my very right on reply, Dan is; Yes, we all nod when someone from a group or culture acts in the stereotypical way that we have come to expect. But, using language to describe everyone from this group in the same terms is prejudiced and just reinforces an image which may often be false. It's very powerful which is why I'm speaking out against it, albeit in a little squeaky female voice. Racism, sexism, ageism, anti-feminist, etc. They all serve to keep a whole group of people in a weak position. Everytime an individual is portrayed in this undermining way, it makes it harder for someone to break out of this false description. Yes, one older person at a till may be doddery. But, that doesn't mean that everyone is by a certain age! Someone young may be doddery, but this will go unnoticed, it doesn't fit the stereotype. But, using the general language of ageism, (or any ism) when describing the behaviour of one particular person, ensures that the prejudice continues. That's why I'm tormenting you with my pickiness, but I'm not stressed or upset. Just hoping to be enlightening, but probably waffling. Whilst I agree with you in principal, political correctness dictates that are are no longer able to form first inpressions or make value judgements based on previous experiences. Common sense dictates that this will only serve to pull peoples feelings underground. This is why parties like the BNP are doing so well at the moment I think many ordinary people - myself included - despite the best of intentions, are too scared to open their mouths half the time for fear of offending somebody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 Have just watched the news & agree with both of you. But, for the sake of debate; Yes, Dan, but don't you then just hate it if someone calls you "white, middleclass, middleaged ****** (insert own word, couldn't think of one ) in a sneering way as if they know just what you're like, & that your views and actions must be exactly the same as every ignorant p*at they've ever met, just because you have some similar appearance? (As an example, not just you! It happens to me & I abhor it) COAM, first impressions? Mmmm...we do categorize people this way. It's probably an ancient, inherited tribal need to identify with your own group & see others as the enemy. Perhaps there is a limit on the size of the group that we can see as being "like us". Actual numbers? 21, 211, etc? Family, village, town...country?...continent? But, haven't we evolved and developed, shouldn't our brains be capable of making us part of one world? Perhaps not? COAM, yes, PC has gone mad, and you're right on both counts...people daren't say what they mean, or can't find an acceptable word...and, dangerously, free speech goes underground. Mmmm.....Thing is, I would be with you in arguing against PC overkill. It often makes a problem, not solves it. Totally agree. But, I don't think I'm promoting political correctness. Just suggesting that the behaviour of one person is not taken to represent a whole sector, nor vice versa. It really is a terrible assumption. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 Sheila I think you are "sort of" enlightening! What sort of "sort of" is that? But I always respect and listen to your comments and I think you are great! The feeling is mutual. Thought I'd double post too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 I feel sorry for her too. It must be terrible for her hearing and seeing her husband's infidelity splattered all over the news. Poor woman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 If she has any sense she will go out with her head held high and tell them she has shown him the door and politely ask them to bu**er off What a shame poor woman - the media aren't happy unless they are persecuting some innocent victim of their parners mess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hellcat Posted May 4, 2006 Author Share Posted May 4, 2006 Its always the 'poor' women that we feel for. these middle aged, middle class (!!Sheila ) idiots that can't keep it in their trousers and have the power to make the world turn their way really hack me off! In the meantime the long-suffering wife, who may have subjugated her own career for the sake of his sit at home having to endure not only betrayal but humiliation as well. I'm sure she'd love to take a rolling pin to him, but then she would be portrayed as the villain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 Beleive me, I know EXACTLY how she feels, and murder crossed my mind at the time too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 Oh, yes I can imagine Clare. There was a programme on TV last night about the man who had his w***y chopped off by his wife (that he used to abuse on a regular basis) and he has now become a minor celebrity because of the publicity the media gave him. People were actually siding with him and calling the wife allsorts of awful names....what is going on there I turned over after 5 minutes, didn't want to add to the ratings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 It's very powerful which is why I'm speaking out against it, albeit in a little squeaky female voice. Racism, sexism, ageism, anti-feminist, etc. They all serve to keep a whole group of people in a weak position. Everytime an individual is portrayed in this undermining way, it makes it harder for someone to break out of this false description. Indeed. One group that is constantly held up to ridicule and discounted as stupid is the group called "men"... watch an evening's worth of adverts with this in mind and you will see that the dominant and powerful images in most adverts today are women and the weak, stupid characters held up to ridicule, are men... if a man and a woman are played off against each other in an advert, the woman will be the smart, sassy one... Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 Sorry Phil I fail to see the point there *runs and hides taking the cats with her * Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 you can't hide with a cat - they will betray you! Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 They know where the can opener comes from Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 Well, I totally agree about the offensive portrayal of men in some adverts, and this is one (don't start me ) of the areas where I think Women's Lib. has backfired. Two wrongs don't make a right, and I don't believe that putting someone else down is the best way to gain a strong position. Those type of ads. make me cringe, it's not equality at all. Except maybe the Pepsi break ad, which wouldn't get by the other way round, but that's different... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 Except maybe the Pepsi break ad, but that's different... Did anyone hear about the Sports Relief this year - they are getting "celebs" (Zoe Ball is one........) to do Celeb Pole Dancing - women only. But Chris Evans says its ok because the men are going to have a boxing match Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 he'd obviously run out of anything sensible to say and couldn't contribute anything worthwhile... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 No, I think it was a typo, having read my post, meant to say "she" Hey, Dan, we're agreeing again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 Cat's always betray! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 You mean the environmentalist and not me right Gina?! on this occasion, yes Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 ever so slightly off topic but I drive Volvo's so get branded and old fa*t I own a caravan listen to Radio 4 and my fav radio station is BBC radio Gloucestershire - I get branded and old fa*t I'm 25 (almost 26) get told regularly that I am too young to know this that or the other. I am gay, have been in a stable relationship for nearly six years, have a dog, and a lovely large home (that we have spent the last two years "re-modelling") -I get branded a s"Ooops, word censored!" - mind you I couldn't live without Clinique products oh and did I mention that I was Welsh? But......best of all I am still ME - i have thoughts opinions etc and my biggest fault is never knowing when to keep my gob shut! as for the John Prescott thing - who actually cares that much. I got so sick and tired of the calls that he should resign but why??? Had he been any other person it would be left well alone and treated as his private business which it actually is. If every person who had any kind of affair was called to resign there'd be one hell of a big queue at the job centre. For whatever reason people have affairs have bad days at work when things don't quite go as well but we are still employed!! ***stands off soap box now*** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted May 5, 2006 Share Posted May 5, 2006 Good point Andrew. The media have a lot to answer for don't they. They'd be far better employed concentrating on what JP is doing for our country, not what he is doing in bed! As for you being 'branded'....some people have to pigeon hole everything for them to understand it. Smile politely, and walk away! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted May 5, 2006 Share Posted May 5, 2006 Walk??? Drive, Gina DRIVE! preferably straight at them - the Volvo's don't show the dents hehehehe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 5, 2006 Share Posted May 5, 2006 Good point Andrew. The media have a lot to answer for don't they. They'd be far better employed concentrating on what JP is doing for our country, not what he is doing in bed! if they did that I suspect JP would have a much more uncomfortable ride - he's been a ministerial disaster from day one - he's only in there to pass messages between Brown and Blair... Phil (who doesn't even own 1 jag) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted May 5, 2006 Share Posted May 5, 2006 Oh, he's had a promotion then Phil. and ...er...yes...Andrew...I should have guessed you don't do walking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted May 5, 2006 Share Posted May 5, 2006 if they did that I suspect JP would have a much more uncomfortable ride - he's been a ministerial disaster from day one - he's only in there to pass messages between Brown and Blair... Phil (who doesn't even own 1 jag) ...and to bulldoze lovely housing in the North/midlands, and completely concrete over the S.East.... Enjoyed reading your post Andrew, and liked Gina's pigeonhole remark too, very true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
