Post by Teddy Bear on Nov 23, 2011 22:36:43 GMT
First spot this difference in this story
Here's the headline from the BBC - Obama effigy burnt by St Andrews Conservative students
And this one from the Daily Mail Scottish university students burn effigy of President Obama
Well you know the BBC don't think it's good if they've put 'Conservative' in the headline.
Now let's see what the BBC tell us about this university stunt - or 'incident' as they prefer to put it. I've underlined the relevant elements of the story to what I want to show.
Now you get the drift, and judging from the response the BBC elicited from those interviewed you can see the 'shock and horror' that they expected to get. If they had any guts those interviewed would have told the BBC to go f**k themselves, and if their students felt they had a reason to burn an effigy of Obama, then they must have felt they had a good reason to do it.
Notice the BBC didn't ask the students why they had done it, or if they did, they decided not to give their reasons.
Now contrast this report with these 2 others. One from 2003 when Bush came to the UK and while here protesters in Trafalgar Square pulled down a model of him, replicating what Iraqis had done with the statue of Saddam, and then his effigy was burnt. Notice the use of the word 'colourful' by the BBC to describe the proceedings. No mention of this being 'offensive' to Bush, and this was done while he was in London.
Then this effigy of Sarah Palin being burnt in 2008 when she was initially running as a vice-Presidential candidate
'Celebration' and all good fun had by one and all. No mention of this being perceived as a sexist attack, or that it could be offensive to her.
I can see a time in the not too distant future when people will celebrate an effigy of the BBC being roasted. It will be called Burning Bush House Chestnuts
(hat-tip - DB)
Here's the headline from the BBC - Obama effigy burnt by St Andrews Conservative students
And this one from the Daily Mail Scottish university students burn effigy of President Obama
Well you know the BBC don't think it's good if they've put 'Conservative' in the headline.
Now let's see what the BBC tell us about this university stunt - or 'incident' as they prefer to put it. I've underlined the relevant elements of the story to what I want to show.
The incident is understood to have taken place on Friday evening on the town's East Sands beach.
One of those who attended told the BBC that members of the association had "no input" and were "surprised" to discover Obama was on the bonfire.
The St Andrews Conservative Association apologised for any offence caused.
The university said it was aware of the reports and was seeking clarification.
Suggestions that the effigy was also wrapped in an EU flag have been denied.
In a statement, the university said it had asked to meet the president of the society to discuss "very understandable concerns".
A spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment further.
It is understood that the university's discipline officer will be present when the meeting takes place.
Matthew Marshall, president of the St Andrews Conservative Association, said: "President Obama is an important ally to the British government. It was a stupid thing to do and we apologise for any offence caused."
'Closest allies'
A former chairman of the university's Labour society described the burning as "disgraceful".
James Mills said: "I can't imagine any other student activists of a major political party would behave in this manner.
"It's disgusting and I hope the Conservative Party and the prime minister completely come out and condemn this obscene act."
He added: "The last thing a truly modern party should be doing is burning an effigy of anyone let alone the first black president of the USA, one of our closest allies."
The same society has burned effigies of Gordon Brown and former South African president Nelson Mandela in the past, along with one of Mr Mills.
'Act of hate'
A St Andrews Students Union spokesman said: "As students we believe in political debate, with engaging those who we disagree with us and that all students at St Andrews have a valid opinion to contribute.
"While it does not violate any laws, we believe that the burning of political or public figures in effigy can be an act of hate, stifles productive engagement and can be offensive.
"We believe that St Andrews students should hold ourselves to a higher standard and actively demonstrate that we are ready to engage with, and respect, the opinions of others.
"As such we deplore the burning in effigy of political or public figures regardless of sex, race, political persuasion or any other distinction. "
Sam Fowles, St Andrews Students Union vice president, said: "I do not believe this was a racist act but I don't believe that makes it any less disgusting. Tonight student representatives have shown that the vast majority of St Andrews students are much better than this sort of puerile and offensive behaviour."
One of those who attended told the BBC that members of the association had "no input" and were "surprised" to discover Obama was on the bonfire.
The St Andrews Conservative Association apologised for any offence caused.
The university said it was aware of the reports and was seeking clarification.
Suggestions that the effigy was also wrapped in an EU flag have been denied.
In a statement, the university said it had asked to meet the president of the society to discuss "very understandable concerns".
A spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment further.
It is understood that the university's discipline officer will be present when the meeting takes place.
Matthew Marshall, president of the St Andrews Conservative Association, said: "President Obama is an important ally to the British government. It was a stupid thing to do and we apologise for any offence caused."
'Closest allies'
A former chairman of the university's Labour society described the burning as "disgraceful".
James Mills said: "I can't imagine any other student activists of a major political party would behave in this manner.
"It's disgusting and I hope the Conservative Party and the prime minister completely come out and condemn this obscene act."
He added: "The last thing a truly modern party should be doing is burning an effigy of anyone let alone the first black president of the USA, one of our closest allies."
The same society has burned effigies of Gordon Brown and former South African president Nelson Mandela in the past, along with one of Mr Mills.
'Act of hate'
A St Andrews Students Union spokesman said: "As students we believe in political debate, with engaging those who we disagree with us and that all students at St Andrews have a valid opinion to contribute.
"While it does not violate any laws, we believe that the burning of political or public figures in effigy can be an act of hate, stifles productive engagement and can be offensive.
"We believe that St Andrews students should hold ourselves to a higher standard and actively demonstrate that we are ready to engage with, and respect, the opinions of others.
"As such we deplore the burning in effigy of political or public figures regardless of sex, race, political persuasion or any other distinction. "
Sam Fowles, St Andrews Students Union vice president, said: "I do not believe this was a racist act but I don't believe that makes it any less disgusting. Tonight student representatives have shown that the vast majority of St Andrews students are much better than this sort of puerile and offensive behaviour."
Now you get the drift, and judging from the response the BBC elicited from those interviewed you can see the 'shock and horror' that they expected to get. If they had any guts those interviewed would have told the BBC to go f**k themselves, and if their students felt they had a reason to burn an effigy of Obama, then they must have felt they had a good reason to do it.
Notice the BBC didn't ask the students why they had done it, or if they did, they decided not to give their reasons.
Now contrast this report with these 2 others. One from 2003 when Bush came to the UK and while here protesters in Trafalgar Square pulled down a model of him, replicating what Iraqis had done with the statue of Saddam, and then his effigy was burnt. Notice the use of the word 'colourful' by the BBC to describe the proceedings. No mention of this being 'offensive' to Bush, and this was done while he was in London.
Then this effigy of Sarah Palin being burnt in 2008 when she was initially running as a vice-Presidential candidate
Palin effigy to go up in flames
Sparks will fly in East Sussex later when an effigy of US Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin goes up in flames at a bonfire celebration.
Thousands of people at the Battle bonfire will see Mrs Palin get a roasting as the race for the White House enters its final days.
The 12ft (3.6m) tall papier mache figure has taken six weeks to create.
It will form the centrepiece of the town's 400-year-old bonfire celebration which will attract up to 25,000 people.
Sparks will fly in East Sussex later when an effigy of US Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin goes up in flames at a bonfire celebration.
Thousands of people at the Battle bonfire will see Mrs Palin get a roasting as the race for the White House enters its final days.
The 12ft (3.6m) tall papier mache figure has taken six weeks to create.
It will form the centrepiece of the town's 400-year-old bonfire celebration which will attract up to 25,000 people.
'Celebration' and all good fun had by one and all. No mention of this being perceived as a sexist attack, or that it could be offensive to her.
I can see a time in the not too distant future when people will celebrate an effigy of the BBC being roasted. It will be called Burning Bush House Chestnuts
(hat-tip - DB)
