A few days ago, my good blog friend from Bent Society, left the following comment:
We have a big news story in the UK regarding Carol Thatcher (daughter of ex-UK Prime Minister) and the peculiar phenomenon of the Golliwog - which often raises its head over here. We'd very much appreciate a US response to the debate. I'm not sure if this is peculiarly a UK and Australian thing...Be warned...some of the debate may make you angry - but its not generally of the Far Right White Supremacist.
If you are like me, and not as familiar with terms and customs of the UK, I asked myself "what the hell is a Golliwog and why are folks seemingly up in arms?" So, I did some checking and what I learned was truly disgusting.
What is a Golliwog? Until recently, these creatures were sold at the Royal Gift Shop are are considered by some as the #1 most racist toy ever made. You can read about the history of the Golliwog here. But here is a brief description:
The Golliwog (originally spelled Golliwogg) is the least known of the major anti Black caricatures in the United States. Golliwogs are grotesque creatures, with very dark, often jet black skin, large white-rimmed eyes, red or white clown lips, and wild, frizzy hair.
Apparently, the daughter of former UK Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, used the term golliwog to describe a male tennis player taking part in the Australian Open tournament in Melbourne. According to CNN and the British media, Carol Thatcher used the term back stage during the filming of The One Show last week. Dismissing her comments as a "joke", the BBC fired Thatcher stating that"any language of a racist nature wholly unacceptable" while urging her to issue an unconditional apology which she declined.
Boris Johnson - the Mayor of London - came to Thatcher's defense stating that instead of being fired she should have been taken to the side and told "Listen you'e got to watch what you say and you'e got to be sensitive". Sound advise coming from a man who was forced to apologize references to "piccanninies" and "watermelon smiles" during the mayoral election last year.
The debate is raging in the UK with similar outrage we've seen in the States over racial slurs and innuendos. And then you have the all too familiar "it was a joke" and "don't be so sensitive" refutes. You can read them here, here, and here. But, one post I read put a very different spin on this issue that will surely effect all athletes of African descent who will be converging upon London for the 2012 Olympics.
In a post entitled, Boris thinks casual racism about 2012 London Olympic athletes will be OK, provided you are 'sensitive' about it, by Martin Belam writes:
In August last year Johnson accepted the Olympic flag on behalf of London.
The Olympics might often be a focus for political dissent, but they also allow people of all states, creeds, faiths and colours to participate.
Sadly, yesterday, Boris Johnson came out to say that as far as he is concerned, Londoners will be perfectly entitled during 2012 in the workplace to compare any black-skinned athletes at the games to golliwogs, just as Carol Thatcher did to a tennis player, as long as afterwards they are taken to one side and told to be a bit more 'sensitive'.
I am urging all Sojourners, if you are so inclined, to our collective voice be heard across the waters in protest and solidarity with our sisters and brothers. You can do so by writing a post about these controversial and racist creatures or by leaving a comment at anyone of the UK blogs and electronic venues discussing this issue. We know there is strength in numbers and change can come even when the status quo tries to stop it.
H/T Bent Society for the 411! I'm sounding the alarm and am encouraged that the "Americans are coming!"
Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
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