I have really enjoyed the exchanges over recent days which have been
delightful.
I am too busy to add anything of value other than to wonder whether an
equally important issue is having economy, business & first class seats?
Ged Murray
-----Original Message-----
From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Faith Marchal
Sent: 11 December 2003 14:37
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Fw: Racism can be both witting and unwitting
Good for the captain, good for BA -- as far as it goes. Mind you, if
1) company policy was clear, unequivocal, and published to passengers as
well as staff, and
2) stewarding and other staff had had appropriate company-sponsored race
equality training with a focus on customer care, then the stewardess
would not have had to consult the captain in the first
place! She'd have been equipped to take the whatever action was
appropriate -- secure in the knowledge that she had British Airways'
(including the captain's) full backing . . . (Though I acknowledge that
quoting "the authorities" is a useful tactic at times, when dealing
with particularly stroppy people! ).
What an interesting mail box today! Better not let me get going on the
separation of church and state, or the literal interpretation of 18th
century texts in the 21st century, e.g., the American Bill of Rights. I
do wish our founding fathers had written the right to bear arms as "the
right to self-defence" -- which I think was the original intention --
but they didn't and we are living with that legacy. Did anyone see
Michael Moore's stunning expose of US gun culture gone mad, "Bowling for
Columbine", on TV the other night? As an American myself (though not
technically ex-pat: I can't quite bring myself to tug the forelock and
swear allegiance to a hereditary monarchy!) I have some pretty scathing
things to say about the paranoia that has escalated in my native land
during recent decades. I think it resembles the same hysteria that
surrounded McCarthyism in the 50s, and -- going back even further -- the
Salem Witch Trials in the 1680s. But, like I said, don't get me going .
. . !
Best wishes,
Faith
===============================
Faith Marchal
Equality & Diversity Adviser
Anglia Polytechnic University
Bishop Hall Lane
Chelmsford CM1 1SQ
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
tel: 01245 493131, ext. 4928
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