Subjects of offence

First we have a grovelling apology by the editor. It was someone else's fault, he sobs. This on the same front page which tells us that a school is going to give students p money for better results.

Yes, "p money". A professional Editor would have prevented that typo. Just as a real Editor would have noticed and removed offensive words from Modesty Blaise.

So what were the offensive words? We are never told.

Was it when we read that the thugs are newcomers to Australia? Real Australians, we were told, would not bash a woman. But these men are newcomers. Did this cartoon comment offend all New Australians? Probably not.

A few days later we have the man who would be mayor adding to the chorus of denials. None of my coworkers think like that, he writes, adding a few easily offended voters to his support group. Robert Drewe must not be a coworker.

"Mrs Fawcett even had the classic physical features cruelly known as 'tuckshop arms', thick and pendulous upper arms that wobbled threateningly as she stamped around the tuckshop..." Can you pretend that that is not offensive?

Offensive to  the real Mrs Fawcett -- we are told that this is not her real name -- and to anyone else who volunteers to help in the tuckshop. Thanks for all your unpaid help, you fat and ugly women with tuckshop arms.

Amongst all this pretended contrition is a letter from the Ginger Meggs cartoonist. Well done, he writes, we must be so careful to not offend anyone.

This from the cartoonist who recently introduced the Chinese girl -- intelligent and hardworking, of course. And the Indian or Pakistani boy who is a great cricket player. Are racial stereotypes okay as long as they are from other countries?

Plus the long-running stupid boy, the stupid violent bully and the lovesick girl. Objects of fun for us to laugh at. But that's okay. Is it?

The quality of our daily paper is embarrassing. That's okay, there are plenty of other sources of "news", each with their own standards and bias.

Now we are expected to accept the fake apologies -- and direct passing of blame -- for one offensive word. While the rest of the paper is littered with equally offensive articles. On behalf of all of us ignorant and accepting readers -- I am embarrassed.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
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"Are you one of those people who think wallowing in unhappiness and bad luck is the same as toughing it out?" … Ononoki