Mince, your use of my words juxtaposed against yours appears to indicate that you still think I am crying 'racism' here. For the record, I am not, and the words you've quoted should be interpreted in the following manner: I thought the puns were really bad (and by Peepmaster's own confession, they were "poor" at best).
Also for the record, I know Peepmaster to be a thoroughly decent and honourable man (yes, I have known him longer than my presence on this forum), whom I could no more accuse of racism than Nelson Mandela. My initial throwaway remark was ill-judged, intended as a joke, and mischievous. I apologise for typing it unreservedly. I believe Jade Goody made similar observations and admissions about her own behaviour and has been similarly contrite. It does just go to show how easy it is to cause offence with a few words, and I know The Peepmaster will certainly agree with me on that score.
That said, I stand by my follow-up post, and thank Malcolm for his support. I?d just like to add, however, that the hypocritical hordes I referred to are far greater in number than the tabloid media sh*t-stirrers. I?d be willing to wager that the overwhelming majority of the puritans who called Channel 4 and the authorities to express their heartfelt anger at the ?racist bullying? meted out by the houseprates concerned are probably no less guilty of crossing that same line on numerous occasions throughout their lives.
As a Scot residing in England, I have lost count of the number of times (based purely on my accent) I have been asked if I wear a kilt and play the bagpipes (yes to the first, and sadly no to the second), closely followed by ?original? lines involving haggis, whisky and porridge, none of which I enjoy.
When I was a Scot still safe in my own land, I know I was equally guilty of crimes against the Sassenach (until I discovered I actually am one, and my attention turned to the native English). All in good fun I thought, except for the stuff that wasn?t. And it can be funny, to the target as well as the aggressor ? until the context shifts, and the same sniggering remark that is exchanged between giggling na?vet??s is found being roared by heads of skin on a National Front march. Somewhere in between, there?s a line we are all capable of crossing. But it?s a very thick line with fuzzy edges, and not always clear to the naked eye.
Of course, the words we could all learn from are those of Ms Shilpa Shetty, in loving and forgiving those who trespassed against her.
Merry Christmas!
