Comments

Comment 1 | From: Jeannie Booth | Date: 8 October 2009, 16:48

The difference between British people being called limeys and Pakistani people being called pakis in this country is that the majority of people in this country, and the vast majority of the people with any real power in this country, are white British and are therefore not being oppressed on racial grounds by the establishment. This is why people like Bruce Forsyth can't understand what the big deal is because as long as he's in the UK he's not in an ethnic minority. I do think, however, that these issues where somebody famous uses the wrong word once out of ignorance or thoughtlessness are given disproportionate importance compared to the real issues of race relations that the general public encounter every single day. Racists in workplaces across Britain get away with offensive behaviour and discrimination towards their colleagues all the time and I think more energy should be put into tackling these issues than pretending to be shocked at a celebrity using the wrong word now and then.

Comment 2 | From: David S | Date: 8 October 2009, 16:54

Many a truer word spoken, Nick. Some people are just putting the case for their own petty ignorances and the use of belittling racist gutter language in our country, I think. There can be no plausible explanation for racist behaviour from any member of the community black or white.

Comment 3 | From: / | Date: 8 October 2009, 17:36

Quote: "‘Paki’ is a loaded word, used generally as a derogatory and offensive description " By your own logic, the word can therefore be used in a non derogatory / offensive way. Just because a word is typically associated with racism, does not make anyone who uses that word a hateful racist. If you think you can judge what someone is like purely upon their vocabulary, especially vocabulary presented to you by media sources, then it is you who is unfairly juding people, making you as bad as racists. I think racism is extremely stupid, as are people who are racist. But you are taking things way too seriously, sticking your nose into what is simply a media circus, without knowing much about any of the parties involved.

Comment 4 | From: jacqui | Date: 8 October 2009, 18:43

I have just heard the comment on the news. I realise it is not acceptable, but didnot understand it was because it was related to violence. Which 'violent' people were they reffering to. The taliban are not from Pakistan. Excuse my ignorance, i would just like to know.

Comment 5 | From: e | Date: 8 October 2009, 21:14

Nick, could you please stop using the N word and the C word as I am rather offended by how many times you have had to use it as an example. I am also offended that you seem to think that these words are not in use today, when they are very much used as an insult hurled savagely when racists want to. I am also offended when black people use it towards each other as all it does is re-enforce a hideous throw back to the vile enslavement of african people. Personnally I think words like this should be banned, as the legacy of slavery will never, ever go away. We will always be reminded of it.

Nick replies: Point taken.

Comment 6 | From: L Waygood | Date: 8 October 2009, 21:26

Why is 'Pak' acceptable (as used in English-language press in India, Middle East, etc.) whereas 'Paki' is considered racist? Am I missing something?

Comment 7 | From: John | Date: 8 October 2009, 22:36

I think that this argument is rediculous If an American or Australian visit this country will we face prosecution if we call them yanks or aussies. PLEASE PEOPLE LIGHTEN UP IT AND STOP BEING SO TOUCHY. If I were to visit Pakistan and was called a Brit no one would give a dam

Comment 8 | From: Nicola | Date: 8 October 2009, 22:57

Personally, when I see an organisation called "Hope not Hate" calling for the dismissal from employment of somebody guilty of nothing more than ignorance and thoughtlessness, then I really do wonder if all hope is lost!! I hope this man does not lose his job and credibility through his recent indiscretion, I hope he and others learn from his error. I believe that if he is sacked by the BBC over this matter it will further ignite the flame of racism in this country.

Comment 9 | From: Neil Judd | Date: 8 October 2009, 23:30

I have toi take issue with the dramatic reasoning of Jeannie. We've come a long way, this is the reason we are so up in arms about it is because it is now relatively rare to hear these things in public. We are not in the 80's anymore, we have come a long way and wish to stay there. I think first and foremost, we should acknowledge that.

Comment 10 | From: Maya | Date: 9 October 2009, 01:35

Agreed - there seems to be a massive contradiction in all the messages put forward by the BBC and their employees. Anton after having used the P word in his apology says that he has never used racist language and goes onto justify it as it was said in banter and jest, and now Bruce has made clear that the problem lies with the people who view using the P word as racist. According to his public statement actually the word isn't racist and people who view it as such, actually need to get a sense of humour, like they did back when the National Front was in full flow and the word was used regularly and asians had to put up and shut up. The BBC and its employees need to be consistent about the message they put out - either they recognise that use of the word is racist and unjustifiable, or they feel there is nothing wrong with the word and the problem lies with the over sensitive, political correctness obsessed public. Judging by Anton's weak apology and Bruce's advocation of his comments, it appears to be the latter.

Comment 11 | From: Harry | Date: 9 October 2009, 01:47

You people are pathetic, firstly, you do not know Anton so how can he be judged so badly by you three morons? He hasnt been racist has he? Who can honestly say that they were offended by what he said? Nobody i know, white, asian, pink, green or red whatever, have found what he said offensive. All it is, is liberal guardian readers jumping on the BBC band wagon like normal, trying to act all high and mighty. The bloke has apologised. That should be the end. Racism is wrong, ofcourse no one likes to see it, but this is not a case of racism. I will openly speak and say how much i disagree with the BNP and others, but people should leave this guy alone, it angers me so much when people like David S or Jeannie like to think they because they jump on the band wagon they are moral. I would like to see your lives in the spotlight and see people pick up on every little mistake u make.

Comment 12 | From: rob sibly | Date: 9 October 2009, 10:58

im deployed at the remarkes and comments over antons debek comment, one word spoken in jest and all the anti rasist get on the band wagon to smere the carreer of prbably one of the best ballroom dancers on the show whats up with the peaple of today. ive lived in london and been brought up with the immigrant peple lived and worked with them and they used to give as well aS TAKE IT. I NOW STAY IN SCOTLAND NEAR TO Glasgow you dont have to be coloured no just english and you get all rhe rasist remarks and taunts going ye i live with this daily and i now what it feels like but the differance is im white and english and from london

Comment 13 | From: Freddie | Date: 9 October 2009, 11:48

I am a new visitor to this blog,and if its okay can you explain what the epithet " hope not hate" means ,exactly, what are we hoping for, and how will we know if we have it? On the comments above (Jeannie Booth) the vast majority of people in this country...etc seems a bit of an over simplification.As a man of Bangladeshi descent I have not to my knowledge ever been oppressed in my home country . I do feel however that Britain is becoming a bit "precious" because of well intentioned but rather smug PC attitudes of the press.Is this not counter productive?

Comment 14 | From: Sara | Date: 9 October 2009, 12:39

I agree, Nick. The insinuation here is that by making a statement of objection to the use of derogatory racist terms, you are a humourless extremist and not to be encouraged by the comfortable white majority who'd prefer to pretend it's all rather silly. Please continue to create maximum discomfort for all those who prefer to ignore racism in order to maintain a quiet life.

Comment 15 | From: serena | Date: 9 October 2009, 16:37

This truly beggars belief! The term "PAKI" can never ever be justified it has always been a term with the most unpleasnt connotations . Anton Du Beck is a Dance Teacher surely some standards of professionalism and integrity prevail . Mr. Du Beck should understand if he genuinely fails to grasp why such a term is not acceptable that this was the phrase used by the Far Right when they would encourage grass roots activists to go "PAKI BASHING" in the late 70s and early 80's . As for the "terrorist" slur this is even worse , A gross slur on Ms. Rouass's character and an ugly depiction of all honey coloured people seen as Terrorists . This grotesque cultural sterotype makes me think of the historical frenzy of pre War Germany and the way the Jewish community were brutually satirised and parodied and it was okay to do that, okay to hurt , okay to dememan . It was just a joke .Then we had World War 2 . Is it no wonder that people are terrifyed of speaking out and bothering to care . You don't need to know someone personally to be disgusted by their public attitude even if Du Beck ( this made up name is frankly ludicrous !) is of foreign extraction there is something in his personality , perhaps a superiority of some kind that makes him feel it is alright to "jest" in this way . But the term "PAKI" has never been used in a positive light it's always been used to culturally demean minorities from the Sub continent stripping them of their ancestral pride and their rich cultural heritage . It's awlays been used as a "put down". The "terrorist" slur is unforgivable and as for Brucie's limey analogy well it's just ridiculous . For all those with no voice and for all those blinkered by the truth Nick has soul and the right kind of groove it ain't hip to trip out on colour anyhow people from Pakistan are closer to their Afghan Neighbours and tend to look more European if truth be told , so it's doubly insulting for Laila Rouass as the term is deliberately offensive in that it tries to group together all minorities en mass without respect to their cultural heritage . It ain't about P. C. that argument is crass it's about RESPECT so roll up your sleeves Nick this one's going to roll and roll and remember Jade Goodie called Shilpa Shetty a "PAKI" so Mr. Du Beck is in the best company evah !

Comment 16 | From: A. Simmons | Date: 9 October 2009, 21:03

One thing the comments above remind me is that there are lot of people who are not intrinsically hate-filled thugs who just don't get it. They would never describe themselves as rascist, and many would assert that they are actively opposed to rascism. (Apart from anything else, I think it's clear that a significant chunk of the people up-thread, on the Hnh Facebook page and elsewhere are following / reading / agreeing with the basic ANTI-rascist cause. However, they honestly and sincerely don't understand why there's such a fuss over what, to them, is "just a word", or "like an American calling a Brit 'limey' ". Many of these people would, I think, understand and support truth, justice, and a fascist-free way, if it was explained to them properly. IMHO, it's an indictment of =us=, those who see that word for what it is and are prepared to stand up against it and all it stands for. We don't reach out well enough to the mis-informed, the ignorant, and those whose minds are polluted by those fascist rags on sale in every newsagent. Of course, more than a few here and elsewhere are straightforward Nazi trolls, & there's no arguing with them :)

Comment 17 | From: Jeannie Booth | Date: 9 October 2009, 23:46

Quote Harry: ''it angers me so much when people like David S or Jeannie like to think they because they jump on the band wagon they are moral. I would like to see your lives in the spotlight and see people pick up on every little mistake u make.'' You seem to have turned my post upside down. I was saying we should be less concerned with celebrities slipping up and more concerned with real issues of racial discrimination in everyday life. How is that jumping on the bandwagon? Everyone makes mistakes but I'd never call anyone a name like that. I'm not saying that to be high and mighty either. It just wouldn't occur to me. Sorry to disappoint you. This guy put himself in the spotlight. And he didn't say it in his own home, he said it on camera for millions of people to interpret what he said in a million different ways, and can therefore expect some people to be offended. Freddie I agree with you that the over PC attitudes in the press ARE counter productive because they obscure deep running prejudices, and I fear that while we (British people) are constantly trying to avoid using certain words, we are not asking ourselves why it has to be such an effort not to use these terms which, like it or not... agree or not, many people do STILL find very offensive.

Comment 18 | From: David S | Date: 10 October 2009, 06:23

He has done the decent noble and honourable thing, apologising alongside Laila on live television last night (It Takes Two). I believe he has learnt his lesson and should be given a second chance. Everybody makes mistakes (myself included) and I've heard far worse language coming out of less educated people on buses. Now there's the matter of stopping the unashamed and unremorseful racists of the British National Party and the English Defence League.

Comment 19 | From: mara | Date: 10 October 2009, 10:03

for gods sake get over it.

Comment 20 | From: phil | Date: 10 October 2009, 11:13

Well Nick all I can say is that I hope Anton goes on to Win this series of Strictly to show all of you medalling Do gooders the real strength of feeling in this country.

Comment 21 | From: Gina | Date: 14 October 2009, 16:31

I don't think it's about what you're not 'allowed' to say, it's more about doing your best not to upset people. It should be natural to not want to cause offense to others. That's just basic social skills really, so I'm not really sure why some are trying to defend their right to upset people. That seems pretty childish to me. However trivial the matter may seem to you, things that you are offended by may well seem trivial to other people because we are all different, so I don't have any time for the 'get over it' attitude at all.

Comment 22 | From: Jerrold | Date: 8 March 2010, 07:36

www.hopenothate.org.uk, how do you do it?

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