Saturday, 19 March 2011

Big Brother with a Small Mind

News reached me this week of a colleague who ordered a Black Coffee in London, only to be challenged that His request was Improper.
Apparently someone has decided that the correct term is Coffee without Milk.
Makes me glad I generally drink Tea.
I accept totally that racism is ugly and I never doubted that the Race Relations Act responded to a growing Issue in the UK.
Can you believe that was back in 1976!
I am no great fan of London but everyone tells me one of its big strengths is its multi cultural make up and tolerance.
Each culture naturally wants to protect its heritage and respect for the dignity of others goes a long way to providing for good relations.
When I look at the time since 1976 I can see a lot of problems were eradicated as Society was encouraged to seek more harmony with their neighbour.
I am not convinced though that Incidents like this weeks does any more than stir resentment.
In professing to protect peoples Human Rights, Society still struggles to Interpret what is balanced.
People are people and that should be enough to act with goodwill.
Dwelling on someones origins is no way to judge a person.
In all of human society there is good and bad.
Beware though - next time you pull the leg of your Scottish Friend when you suggest he has "small arms and long pockets".
Someone may be listening.

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