BBC drops Carol Thatcher from One Show after 'golliwog' remark
The BBC confirmed it had dropped Carol Thatcher as a presenter on The One Show after she referred to a professional tennis player as a "golliwog" in a private conversation
Fair or Unfair?
It's not fair she used the word "golliwog". I can't imagine when that would be appropriate in da workplace.
Dropping her was unfair, I'd say the remark showed poor judgement and being at odds with the ethos of the organisation. Too which a warning or disciplinary measures would be fair. But sacking her is a sad knee jerk reaction and proof of how nervy the BBC seems to be getting.
Quote: Griff @ February 4 2009, 2:59 PM GMTOr a jam factory.
Isn't that a Bob Marley joke? 
Quote: Griff @ February 4 2009, 2:59 PM GMTIn a toyshop maybe. Or a jam factory.
Or perhaps in the famous Wogden gun factory, if a Berty Worster type who can't pronounce "den" was being shown his new bespoke shooter.
Fair. I'm glad she's gone, I can't stand her.
From what I've read, I'm under the impression that her comment was that this player reminded her of the character from ... Robertson's, was it? The jam anyway. Not that she had directly exclaimed "Oh look at that stupid golliwog!" or such. And in any case, it was a private conversation. I don't like her much, but definitely unfair.
Well it's one of those expressions no sensible person uses in the workplace. I can't think of any one who would want to be compared to a gollywog. Unless they're auditioning as a model for the new Robinson's campaign.
And there's no such thing as a truly private conversation at work. You all might want to check your employers HR policies.
It showed poor judgement on her part and crass over reaction on the BBC's part.
Which player was it? If it was Andy Murray, I could understand it.
Quote: sootyj @ February 4 2009, 3:45 PM GMTI can't think of any one who would want to be compared to a gollywog.
If one doesn't wish to be compared to something else, then one should take steps to avoid looking/being/acting like the something(s) else.
I could understand if the remark had been broadcast, but it wasn't. As an e-mailer to The Daily Politics today asked, how can she be sacked for an off-air comment, and yet the likes of Ross etc continue to work?
Well Aaron you smacked the proverbial nail on the head, it's a total double standard.
That said the other part of the statment that if you don't want to be compared to something, you should actively avoid looking like it. erm I hope your kidding that's a more than slightly dodgy statement.
I mean if you're boss at work called you big ears would you chop them off?
Quote: sootyj @ February 4 2009, 3:45 PM GMTWell it's one of those expressions no sensible person uses in the workplace. I can't think of any one who would want to be compared to a gollywog. Unless they're auditioning as a model for the new Robinson's campaign.
And there's no such thing as a truly private conversation at work. You all might want to check your employers HR policies.
It showed poor judgement on her part and crass over reaction on the BBC's part.
Sooty speaks sense. 
I see the Daily Mail readers think what she said was not as bad as the Sachsgate business. No surprises there...
In fairness Sachsgate was actually broadcast and involved revealing private stuff.
e.g. his granddaught was a cuddly prostitute.
Quote: sootyj @ February 4 2009, 3:53 PM GMTThat said the other part of the statment that if you don't want to be compared to something, you should actively avoid looking like it. erm I hope your kidding that's a more than slightly dodgy statement.
I mean if your boss at work called you big ears would you chop them off?
Well I wasn't being entirely serious, no. But at the same time, if I objected to being compared to Daniel Radcliffe, I'd probably limit my wearing of glasses. Likewise, when I decided I looked like a student scum type, I cut my hair short.
Quote: sootyj @ February 4 2009, 3:57 PM GMTIn fairness Sachsgate was actually broadcast and involved revealing private stuff.
e.g. his granddaught was a cuddly prostitute.
And was direct name-calling and insults, rather than an onbservation, as this case seems to be.
The tennis player in question was most likely Jo Wilfried Tsonga. Look him up in Google Images and see if you think he bears any resemblance to the golliwog off the Robertson's jam label.
Hint: if you think he does, you may be suffering from Thatchervision.