Is It Racist To Be Called Frank?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2431562/Black-commander-called-Frank-Bruno-West-Midlands-firefighters-passed-promotion.html

Seems to me this chap is using the race card when it is not at all called for. being the highest-ranked black officer in the West Midlands Fire Service, can't be all bad, can it?

[sp1814]

FredPuli43

Actually, I read the 'can't be all bad, can it' remark slightly differently.

If someone has reached the rank of sergeant, but has the skills to be a colonel, then the fact that they are a sergeant is actually a very bad thing. Yes, they may outrank a private, but the rank they have reached actually is 'all bad', because they should be doing better.

AOG seems to be saying, 'could be worse', and Commander Simpson is saying, 'It should be better'.

[FredPuli43]

Rather differently read, sp, but similar. My enquiry of AOG was because he seemed to be suggesting that blacks and whites should have different expectations, and that this black man should have reached that rank was good enough, he being black. Otherwise, what was the point of the words used by AOG and which I cited ? This innuendo is unfortunate and, if accidental, may call for an explanation of what was meant by the words.

[Svejk]

Only working for UKGOV.co. could people expect and demand automatic promotion.
Blimey, the fire service must be like the navy. More Admirals than ships.
Seeing the enormous stress the poor man's suffering in his current rank, might they not be doing him a favour not promoting him to a more demanding role.
Bear in mind, its not like the BBC or the cabinet where you can promote incompetents out of harms way. Lives are at stake.

[Sir Alec]

When I was a child they used to call me Heidi, because I had curly hair and there was a programme on at the time with a curly haired girl. When I was in my teens they called me Marc Bolan, because I had very curly hair. When I was in my twenties, they called me Mick Hucknall, because I had curly hair. Just because he's been called Frank Bruno, and to be honest, I can't see that as an insult, as Frank Bruno is such a wonderful person, why is he complaining? Should he not have complained to management first? I cannot see this as a case for racism.

[HowardLink]

It is far from racist

[sp1814]

Svejk

All that from one little Daily Mail story?

Astonishing.

[ludwig]

It's interesting that his wife's representing him at the tribunal.

[redvanman]

He is looking for a big pay day through the race card so easy for him then early retirement with a pocket full of tax payers money

[Svejk]

Its not that astonishing,Sp. I learnt/learned to read when I was 5. ^ ^ now, if only I stayed for the writing class.

[ludwig]

I've been passed over for promotion a few times but being a white straight male it must be because I'm no good.

[ChillDoubt]

Bit late seeing this thread but having looked at the link, 3 words spring to mind:

Separated at birth!

To digress, can I sue the 1st Battalion The Royal Scots, as every time I set foot in their barracks in W. Germany they called me sheep sh*gger/Druid/that f*cking Welsh tw*t?

[ludwig]

Perhaps I have a case for discrimination on the grounds of ability.

[anotheoldgit]

sp1814

/// Also AOG, he may be the highest ranking black officer, but (and I don't pretend to know the Fire Service grades), that doesn't in itself, mean
anything. ///

Well it does if he is claiming discrimination, if he was being discriminated against do you really think he would have reached the position he has?

Perhaps the white firemen have more to claim discrimination about, seeing they haven't reached his position.

[emmie]

passed over for promotion might be more of a clue, than being called another name.

[anotheoldgit]

FredPuli43

/// Now, what was your point in saying "can't be all bad , can it?" after saying that this man was the highest-ranked black officer in the West Midlands Fire Service? The innuendo may be that you think that he's done well for a black man. ///

Only in your one track mind.

No I think he has done very well for any fireman, to attain the rank of Station Commando be him Black or White, can't be all bad.

[Brenden]

You can all call me Liz Taylor any time you want - I wont sue. Ridiculous to call it racism, he probably isnt good enough for promotion but seeks positive discrimination.

[Zeuhl]

/being the highest-ranked black officer in the West Midlands Fire Service, can't be all bad, can it? /

That is illogical nonsense to begin with.

Rather like the 'generosity' of me offering to send aog 'up to £1000'

i.e.
If all the 'black officers' were restricted to just sweeping the fire station floor, the one 'black officer' allowed to polish the fire engine would be the 'highest ranked'

So as terminology it is meaningless

[sp1814]

Spot on Zeuhl.

It's so ridiculously obviously, I'm surprised that the OP has failed to see it.

But back to AOG's original point.

What is it about this story that leads people to believe this man is 'playing the race card'?

I suspect that some are prejudging Commander Simpson - based on the fact that he is a black man with a complaint.

[ummmm]

I suspect you might be right.