Er... Jeremy this was not an issue of what Gray and Keys thought but how they behaved and what they said - in a workplace. Sexism in the workplace is illegal, along with racism, homophobia, ageism...but is still an issue and it will remain an issue unless determined action is taken. The rights of people should be protected and workplaces should not ignore the law and allow any kind of disrespectful, disciminatory culture to persist. Efforts are needed from all employers and employees to ensure that people are treated fairly and with respect.Last night controversial Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson also weighed into the [Sky Sports sexism] row - and said he would have been sacked '100 times' if the same rules were applied to him.
Talking backstage at the National Television Awards, he said: 'We've arrived at a stage where you actually can be busted by heresy by thought, which is a terrifying place to live.
'While we try very hard on Top Gear not to be sexist... if a man wants to think that... that's fine. You should be allowed to think what you think.'
Quoted in this story:
Richard Keys resigns from Sky Sports over sexist 'bully boy' behaviour Mail Online
This Grey/Keys issue is as much about sexism as the war in Afganistan is about womens' rights.
ReplyDeleteAll the footage of sexist commentary came from Sky itself, including all the previously unseen footage. The Sun led on its front page with the issue. Sky news also led with it. All Murdoch press apparently acting against a Murdoch station.
This was all about Sky Sports wanting rid of both Grey and Keys and this was the method they chose. Cheaper than an unfair dismissal. But nothing actually to do with Sky sports objecting to sexism.
harry
Have you thought Harry, that persistent sexism and bullying behaviour made Gray and Keys harder and harder to work with and that this is why they wanted rid of them? Their sexism and bullying is undeniable - how do you keep up a good team spirit in a workplace with this unprofessional crap happening?
ReplyDeleteDo you condemn their behaviour or feel that the poor dears have somehow been harshly dealt with?
"The rights of people should be protected and workplaces should not ignore the law and allow any kind of disrespectful, disciminatory culture to persist. Efforts are needed from all employers and employees to ensure that people are treated fairly and with respect."
ReplyDeletePresumably this includes Grey, Keys and Clarkson?
I condemn all sexism. But am concerned that only certain sexists are made an example of for convenient reasons. As Clarkson points out, why is he still in a job.
ReplyDeleteSimilarly I condemn the treatment of women in both Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. But why is it used as an excuse to invade one but barely mentioned in respect of the other.
Harry
Sexism should both condemned and acted against. You are correct to say we are inconsistent in doing this. We need both strong policies and to enforce them fully and properly. Maybe Clarkson and other like him should be fired if there is evidence of persistent sexist statements and behaviour. Cant say I agree with your 'convenient reasons' assertion because there are clear grounds to sack Gray and Keys.
ReplyDeleteAs for Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan - I agree that UK policy towards such countries is completely wrong, unacceptable and inconsistent. What we can do about what goes on in such places is nothing like our ability to take action against sexism in the UK however.
Weggis, of course my comments apply in the same way to Gray, Keys and Clarkson. I've made it very clear of how I think such issues should be approached in the couple of posts I've done on it. Gray and Keys have admitted their sexist behaviour. Clarkson has virtually admitted it so if there is evidence of persistent sexism in the workplace from him perhaps he should be sacked too. If there is evidence that any of these people have themselves not been fairly treated then that should be considered too.
ReplyDelete