Golliwogs/Gollies

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

I seem to recall that a staff member from the British Library visited The Ginger Pop Shop without trauma - for either them or me.

Perhaps not now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-8rI-idHMM

[Fiona1986]

Five police officers does seem like overkill. I can understand it being a crime if someone was to repeatedly wave a golly in the face of someone who had said they found them offensive, but surely owning and/or displaying gollies in your own home or business is not a crime?

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

Being offensive is not an offence, and in this case, none was intended.

However, if an individual chooses to TAKE offence when none was intended, and paint themselves as a victim, that is not a matter for the police.

But following Fiona's example, having a racist wave one in your face with the intention of being personally horrible is another matter entirely.

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

It seems that anti-racists don't mind real violence

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-65297070

[Anita Bensoussane]

Do you mean people who are anti-golly, Viv? Even then, I'm sure only a tiny minority would resort to vandalism.

[Ice_Gemz]

I don't see why they were seized, rather than the landlords being asked to take them home instead.

[Katharine]

It would appear that the pub in the above article has been forced to close.

Apparently the display had been there 10 years without a complaint - talk about using a sledgehammer to crack a nut! If the 'offensive' dolls have been removed, then I can't see why the suppliers have cut ties with the pub, the owners haven't been charged with any criminal offences - whatever happened to 'innocent until proven guilty'?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-65471314

[Lucky Star]

Such is the terror these days of being associated in any way with anything that might cause offence. The brewery would most likely rather lose the pub and it's business than risk being boycotted by the overzealous "woke" brigade. You can tell it by the cringeworthy statement rushed out by Heineken; it includes all the buzzwords!

"After being made aware of the abhorrent display feature in the White Hart Inn, we advised the pub owners that we want nothing more to do with them.

"They go against everything we stand for.

"We believe pubs should be places of inclusivity and respect for all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion or gender."

I'll boycott Heineken and Carlsberg in protest.

[Anita Bensoussane]

I think you've hit the nail on the head, John (Lucky Star).

The gollies my sister, my friends and I had as children were loved, and were given to us with love by our parents. Heineken etc. can call them "abhorrent" all they like, but they can't take away my memories. For me, the feeling of love remains.

[Jack400]

I totally agree, Anita.
And Lucky Star I'll too avoid Heineken and Carlsberg. Though it's going to be easiest, for me,
I only drink bitter - never their rubbish.

[John Pickup]

Anyone who drinks Heineken deserves to be offended.

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

Anyone who drinks Heineken deserves to be offended.