Unnecessarily smug and pious question aimed at the dailymailers

[sp1814]

Over the past few months, whenever threads about racism and political correctness come up, we often hear the phrase

"Well, the only people who ever get accused of racism is white people"

That being the case, can the dailymailers please explain how they perceive the following story:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/05 /11/tottenham-star-ledley-king-racially-abused -and-hit-me-and-called-steven-gerrard-fat-clai ms-victim-115875-21348444/

I've always held the position that anyone can be racist and that the laws as they stand are 'colour-blind' and aren't there just to victimise white bigots.

Does this story support this? And if it does can we all accept that it's not only white bigots who can and are arrested for racist abuse?

[birdie1971]

I think this story proves two things.


One. Anyone can be racist. Your own skin colour and nationality is completely irrelevant.

Two. Ledley King is an utter moron.

[HillyHugger]

'Allegedly'

[ludwig]

I'm not really a dailymailer sp, but I'll have a go at answering the question.

It doesn't quite work as an example of what you're saying, because the bouncer wasn't white, and he didn't call him a white b*strd or a honky.
If that had been the case and he'd still been arrested for racially aggravated assault, then I think the Dailymailers would be happy. As it is, it doesn't quite prove that the law really is coulour blind in the way you're saying.

[Gromit]

Of course black people can be racist. Just as women can be sexist. The last time I heard p@ki used in a racist way, it was uttered by a Bangladeshi. Robert Mugabe is undoubtedly racist against white people.

West Indian and Asian communities are often side by side and do not always get on. The Handsworth rioters were mainly West Indian, and they targeted Asian shops. It should not be that surprising that Ledley King can be racist to an Asian.

[sp1814]

ludwig

Dammit...you have made a very valid point. Never thought of it that way

Hell.

[R1Geezer]

SP, these cases are rare and as ludwig points out you are not comparing like with like. Find us a case of a white person being racially abused by a non white person that is susequently arrested. OK perhaps it does happen but I'd say it's extrremely rare.

[anotheoldgit]

Like all these highly overpaid Football prima donnas, they think they are a law to themselves, and often get off with a slapped wrist.

No matter what colour they come in, they should face charges and penalties that take into account the fact that they are roll models and therefore should carry the full responsibility for being so.

[anotheoldgit]

And if it does can we all accept that it's not only white bigots who can and are arrested for racist abuse?

Once again Sp you seem to shy away from actually calling a Black person.

Take this recent example you are keen to say 'white bigots' but won't put a similar handle to a Black.

You could have done so simply by adding four more words at the end of your rather racist paragraph?

And if it does can we all accept that it's not only white bigots who can and are arrested for racist abuse, but also aggressive blacks.

Now don't you think, that rounds it off a little more equal?

[sp1814]

AOG

Okay - I accept your wording...now don't you think this story kills off the assumption that only whites a) can be racist and b) that it's only ever whites that are accused of racism?

It's a line which is trotted out with irritating frequency, and there should be a full stop on it now.

[whifffey]

The reason the line gets trotted out with "irritating frequency" is that it remains fundamentally true, much to the discomfort of many black people, so there won't be a full stop on it.

There is more to play here than a race card, you have a helplessly drunk and aggressive famous sportsman.

[anotheoldgit]

sp1814

now don't you think this story kills off the assumption that only whites a) can be racist and b) that it's only ever whites that are accused of racism?

Still not all that convinced I'm afraid. True in this case a black footballer has been acused off racist abuse, against an Asian doorman.

But if it had been against a white doorman, I doubt very much if a racial tag would have been attached to the whole affair.

[sp1814]

AOG

But if it had been against a white doorman, I doubt very much if a racial tag would have been attached to the whole affair.

Well, that can't be argued as there is as yet, no famous precedent. we can only make guesses at what may or may not happen.