• Comment: Carol’s no racist: she’s just been left behind by a better Britain
• Commentary: What’s said in the Green Room is very different from a remark on air
• Comment: Sorry, Carol – Auntie had to dump you
• Radio chiefs braced for criticism over ‘wasting’ licence fee on stars
• A royal golly apology
• Carol Thatcher aide: This is BBC vendetta

Reader views (138)

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I think everyone should go onto ebay and buy a Robertsons Golly badge and wear it in solidarity with Carole Thatcher

- Bribry, London, UK

Why has the Jo Brand "Poo" investigation gone underground is this manipulation.??

- David,Chertsey, Chertsey.UK.

Monserrat-born Ms Arnold needs to realise that a couple generations of Brits grew up with Robinsons jams and golliwogs - before the PC brigade got involved - and so the comment really ISN'T even shocking! Silly woman.

- Marianne, SW France

What has Carol Thatcher got to apologise for..Saying that someones hair looked like a Golliwog? What a load of crap. If only the people on here who were critisising her stood back and looked at what they were writing..Utterly ridiculous some of the comments on here. I'm sure that waht she said was not meant to offend anyone, and Maggie was the best Prime minister we ever had. Better than this idiot Gordon (who wasn't elected by the way) Has his head up his arse most of the time trying to hold on to his job. It's about time you people in the UK got a life. Forget about all the things you can complain about on behalf of Black people. Let them fight their own battles, they will do better than you. All you do is annoy the whites and the blacks. It's all stupid.

- Dave Robinson, Schuylkill Haven USA

This Gollygate fiasco needs to be put to rest now. Big deal. I'm white and blonde with big jugs and get called a "Barbie Doll" on a regular basis, but I don't accuse those who call me that of racism! There is nothing racist in Carol Thatcher's comment and it clearly wasn't done to offend anyone. The people who say they are offended are obviously the racists for attaching racism to an innocent comment. They are certainly bullies who are using the racism card out of spite.

- Fiona, Barbie Doll, London, London

Totally predictable response from Boris. But is this news?

- R Roger, Epping England

Totally predictable response from Boris. But is this news?

- R Roger, Epping England

So no one cares that she called him a froggy then, its alright to call someone a froggy? What is the difference between gollywog and foggy. Why is one offensive and the other not.

- Pat, Essex

Isn't it interesting how "right on" the East End has become! 30s liberals, suffering from white middle class guilt preaching to the unenlightened. Ms Thatcher remarked that she thought someone resembled a golliwog - a harmless and attractive toy - rather than calling them a "wog". And anyway, if grown up people can't take a bit of name calling it's pathetic. I was called "ginger" "carrots" and "freckles" as a child because of my red haired colouring (my husband still calls me "ginge" sometimes!) and I don't and didn't mind a bit. These days of course I would sue for compensation for "bullying" and "hurt feelings" and would claim to be traumatised - because I would know that I could. See the point?

- veronica, London UK

Where on this planet is no one racist to any one ?

- Joe, Swanley Kent

Rasheed; I undestand where you are coming from, but disagree with the general thrust of your argument.
If one is to be successfully prosecuted for, say, attempted theft, it must be proven beyond reasonable doubt that one INTENDED to steal. Why is it that with the use of language it is incumbent on the accused to prove beyond reasonable doubt that they DID NOT INTEND to offend?
In this area, and a number of others, our fair and robust judicial system has been turned upon its head. It is the responsibility of the accuser to PROVE guilt, not vice versa.
The whole issue of "human rights" has been blown out of all proportion in recent years, and we all know why. The right "not to be offended" has been used as a Trojan Horse to systematically stifle informed debate in this country, on a raft of issues. It has also been used by militant minority groups in order to stamp out opposition to the furtherance of their own interests.
One man's right not to be offended is the removal of another man's right to free speech (within obvious limits). If this situation is allowed to continue it will continue to damage the thread of our society ( a proven NuLiebour policy) by breeding ever deepening contempt for those who are seen by the majority as the "chosen few". Ultimately, it will lead to civil unrest.

- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster

The fact is that Carol Thatcher's comments are and were wholly offensive to people of black and ethnic origin and it does not matter that she herself views them as a joke. Carol Thatcher's defence of her action seem to rely on the fact that she does not think the term golliwog to be offensive and she said it as a joke. It is clear that Carol Thatcher means she is not interested in the views of the people she offends. She targets people with such language and then claims she is being persecuted. Racist language against black people in the UK originates from slavers who used racist propaganda to undermine the abolitionist campaign which had started to expose the barbarity and inhuman behaviour of slavers. These slavers dhumanised the black person and using racist language, some of which exists today. It is dangerous to argue her language is not offensive or be ignorant of its origins. Carol Thatcher is guilty of not only using such language but then trying to justify it in various different ways. She even excludes acknowledging the fact that she offended the mother of the tennis player. Carol Thatcher has excluded herself from the BBC by exposing her racist ignorance.

- Val Keller, London UK

I totally agree with Stephen of Old Street and Sahid. Haveing grown up in the 1970's, early *0's and witnessed my black friends being called "f...ing Golliwog" you know that the term is racist and always wil have those connotations.

It saddens me that there are so many people on here you think that it is an acceptable term to use in the 21st Century, especially from a great city like London.

- Simon, Newcastle, ex London

What is someone who was born in Montserrat doing on the London assembly? or would it have been the very colonialism that she is against which gives Jennette Arnold the right to not only live in the UK but be part of a body which represents Londoners?

- Terence Harrington, Canterybury, UK

Being offended on behalf of somebody else is the worst kind of hysteria - this is the same kind of paranoia that drove the witch hunts and McCarthyism. Carol Thatcher did not do anything to inspire hatred, violence or discrimination against black people and what she said was not broadcast. However, her mother was a right wing politician, and that is worse than murder in the eyes of the socialist zealots at the BBC.

- Jon North, London, UK

My sentiments exactly Sahid, exactly the same comment I posted on the Sky News website, enough said.

- Deborah, London, UK

It would appear that there might be some confusion between the word "golliwog" and "wog" in the minds of some people.

The former has its origins in the United States and was not a form of abuse. It has no colonial connotations. The latter is/was an acronym for "western oriental gentleman" which did become a term of abuse.

Personally, I have never heard anyone call someone a golliwog, whereas I certainly have heard a person being called a wog.

In the light of the recent rash of apologies in the blame shame game, I have asked everyone who knows me to desist from from calling me a "rupert".

- Nick, St Albans, UK

One of the most striking and interested things to come out of this sorrowful episode is what it reveals about people’s real and hidden attitudes towards race and by extension racism in contemporary Britain. (If people have a clue what that means!)
Look people, we are in the 21st century repeat 21st century - the amount of innuendo, misinformation and just plainly mad conspiracy theory, which has been used to justify the indefensible actions of Carol Thatcher is incredible and slightly baffling. I have a distinct feeling that the more and more people defend the actions of Carol Thatcher, the more and more information will seep out that will reveal the true nature of the event and then we will see whose side the defenders of racism are on.

- Stephen, London old Street

Next thing white faced blonde haired dolls will be banned
and anyone making dumb blonde jokes will be fired immediately because we are so unrealistically sensitive.
Why can't people of all races take things more light heartedly.

- Patricia, Rotorua New Zealand

Get off Carols back - look at the smutty inuendos from Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand - they are still on air...somebodies making a mountain out of a molehill. Did they sack the person responsible for the golliwogs sold in the Royal Shop at Sandringham ? And did they name the person responsible.? Political correctness gone bonkers.

- Yvette, lancashire

I have just hear Jo Brand on live QI BBC 2 television making derisory and offensive remarks about older men who suffer from urinary incontinence as a "joke"

She went on to make further insults about foetal incontinence.

I find this totally insulting to people with an age related disability...

Given how she was supposedly offended by teh golywog remark I suggest that she is sacked forthwith

- Chris Bailey, Witham England

Perhaps it's time for a "blandspeak" dictionary fully vetted by every ethnic group living in the UK. That should reduce the English language to a few dozen phrases, which UK citizens could utter in safety knowing that no one will howl in outrage and demanding they be sacked,beheaded,jailed etc.

- Steve, Hereford

You can't change Britain overnight.This kind of over-reaction just ingrains racism even deeper and makes it last longer. I agree with Boris,there has to be a gradual change in peoples attitudes, not this 'Witchhunt' that Britain seems obssessed with. I'm a foreigner in another country and it isn't all roses here either. More tolerance on both sides please.

- Andybg, Cyprus

I remember a certain comedian referring to 'Bowler Hatted Twits' many years ago. Will they ban replays of THIS show now?

Get a life BBC. My vote is to scrap the TV licence and make you earn your living.

- David, Dereham, UK

"As for Thatcher Snr, I think nature is having it's own karmic revenge on that woman, not the BBC. She probably can't remember who her daughter is, let alone what job she has (or had).
- Keith, Kings Cross, London, UK"
Didn't Harold Wilson suffer from dementia in the end as well ? He was in every Labour cabinet from 1945 onwards, whose Kharma did he offend ?

- Russ, London

Ali Sichilongo,
A rare source of common sense in a hysterical reaction to Thatcher's sacking.
Most peoiple forget that Thatcher referred to a young black girl as a "golliwog". This has been offensive since the days of Alf Garnett.
I hate Political Correctness with a vengeance, but the BBC have my 100% support on this one.

- Andrew W1, London

As a black male child growing up in 1960's and 1970’s Essex with my then foster parents certain words including golliwog were hurtful and meant to demean. Having said that, I think that we British people shouldn't draw too much attention to the spoken use of bygone words and phrases – golliwog included.
Especially when used in private conversations, I agree with Mr Mayor Boris Johnson that transgressors should be dealt with quietly; on the other hand I don't fault Ms Thatcher on her stubborn stance, but wish she had diffused the situation in a timely fashion. At the very least she should have registered an apology either through her agent/spokesperson or just donated her fee for the day to charity and the world would have been better for it.
We all make goof remarks which could be perceived as discriminatory by others whether intentional or not, also since we have in our mist in greater numbers Polish, Indian, South African, New Zealand and Nigerian immigrants who don't share our nuances and don't or can't understand British joke either! So who really gives monkeys! (Apologies to all monkey lovers/nationals)
Carol Thatcher is one of our own and we shouldn’t mutilate our own, the English language is the most beautiful language in the world and golliwog will always be part of it, so be it.

- Rasheed, Edgware

"As for Thatcher Snr, I think nature is having it's own karmic revenge on that woman, not the BBC. She probably can't remember who her daughter is, let alone what job she has (or had).
- Keith, Kings Cross, London, UK"

Is this the thinking that's driving the 'anti-' brigade? What a despicable attack against someone suffering an all too common ailment of the elderly. If that is the level of your thought processes and your compassion for others, then you, sir, are a sad waste of breathable air.

- Rogan, Irving

There's a gigantic gap opening up between those who've learnt English as a foreign language - and their children and grandchildren - and those who've learnt English in the bosom of their family surrounded by parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and neighbours all speaking the same language and having no memory of ever having spoken any other language. Its no use learning the words if someone doesn't understand the subtext or applies a strange history of their own to words they don't fully understand. The meaning of a word is its use and the majority can't help it if immigrant families put a malicious interpretation on familiar words to suit their own purposes. In the last few days I've heard minority groups ascribe the most appalling meanings to the word "golliwog" that most people wouldn't have dreamy up in a million years.

- Stella Melluish, Croydon, UK

I commend the BBC for reprimanding Ms Thatcher for her use of this offensive term. To the people who are supporting her, if you were black and grew up in the 1970s, as a black person, then you would understand why this word, is not only offensive, but hankers back to the casual racism that many people here, wish to portray as a bit of harmless fun. Which for those of us at the receiving end of it, was not harmless and were often painful and hurtful at the time.

- Sahid, London

Only a moron like Boris Johnson would be stupid enough to support a person that used a term like that. And for all the idiots who've voiced their support for Thatcher on the grounds that it was a comment said in private...er,..NO! If she'd said that "word" at home then it'd be classified as private....but she was at the BBC Studios where she was working - she was in her work place. Therefore, she had an even greater responsibility to watch what she said.

Furthermore, as a "person of colour" that was raised in this country I am deeply offended that she chose to refer to Tsonga ( a talented and up and coming tennis star) but who is black...as a "golliwog". Adrian Chiles and Jo Brand were right to be offended - and for all those that have said that Jo Brand has said equally offensive remarks...yes I'm sure she has IN THE CONTEXT OF HER STAND UP WHICH...IS AN ACT!!! Not when she's waiting to tape a show with her colleagues in a green room. I'd also like to say I don't recall Jo Brand ever having brandished any racist material in her work? So how you can compare the two is beyond baffling. For once, the BBC got it RIGHT...and I'm disgusted that so many people here don't get it...maybe these same people would be happy for people to be able to say anything they like?...In which case why all the broo-ha over Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand? If that's the kind of society this country is headed towards then I'm packing my bags and shipping out!

- Ali Sichilongo, London

I'm black and bald, and my concern is that politically correct opinion supports my right to be upset should someone make a negative comment regarding my colour, however should hurtful comments be made regarding my baldness i have no redress. I believe that laws should also be brought about which discourages any hurtfull remarks

- Albert Kingston, London

Potitical Correctness has made this country the laughing stock of the world, and undermined all ENGLISH social traditions.

- J. L. Gammage, Hereford

If you can't understand why, in 2009, the term gollywog is unacceptable then you are either a bit slow or a raving racist.

- Nj, London

I'm beginning to warm even more to Boris.

Carol's remarks were about the tennis player's hair-style and not said in a derogatory context.
Soon, the majority of us will have to go around with our mouths taped up as more and more words become unacceptable.
I'd like to know who it is that is in sole charge of these so-called right/wrong words.

- Gloria, bromley

I like Carol Thatcher, but I feel she was totally out of order not apologising, having said that the BBC have once again applied double standards, Jonathan Ross is back on our screens after his ungentlemanly conduct or should I say his infantile behaviour with Russell Brand, all wrong, makes the BBC higher hierchy look weak, which it is.

- David J Stevenson, Nairn Highlands

The leftists and politically correct animals in the BBC will always rush to the barricades when they get a wiff of anything that smacks of racism. You can bet your life that if anybody at spoken untoward,in the green room, about Christianity, not a murmur would have been heard, yet Carol Thatcher's silly remarks which again were not broadcast, stirred up the usual false heroics within the hierarchy and out rushed Jay Hunt a senior manager, uttering all the usual racism arguments, accusing poor old Carol of innapropriate behaviour and far far worse than Jonathon Ross's rant, me thinks the Beeb has another agenda!

- Edwin Sheppard, Pinner UK

Why don't we also ban the words 'Teddy Bear' in the certain knowledge that it's bound to offend people with pale or bronzed skins. -Especially if named Edward.
A Gollywog's a doll for God's sake, -not a black person!

- Tony Huggins, cumbernauld scotland

seems like you can`t say nothing these days without someone jumping on the "i`m offended" band wagon!!.What`s it to be? freedom of speech or political correctness? you can`t have both!!.these left wing nutters make it up as they go along!!!!I`m offended that my english culture is being destroyed,and our jobs are being given to foriegners by these left wing morons,but as usual, I can`t say that can I!!.The trouble is we are all being made slaves in our own country,taxed to death by these idiots,and they say when can`t say what we want?

- Andy, london

Who cares what Boris thinks? The man is a bufoon and despite being married to a woman of asian origin is prone to making stupid racist remarks himself. I am not at all surprised he supports Carol Thatcher so whole heartedly-- to Boris & his ilk, Mrs T and her spoilt brood can do no wrong. They disgust me.

- James, London, UK

Thank God for Boris, when are the pc brigade going to shut up whith their rubbish?

- Vince London, West London

When I was a child, golliwog pictures were on the side of jam jars, and if you collected enough you could send away for a golliwog toy. I thought they were really cute and in no way did i liken them to the black friends I grew up with and played with, who incidentally also saved up enough coupons to buy a golliwog, so anyone who finds Carol's remark racist, is in fact saying that they think black people look like golliwogs. Get a life people and stop this PC obsession.

- Susie, London

Can't some entrepreneur start marketing Golly badges in support of free speech and an end to this tiresome political correctness?

- Martin H. Watson, Teddington

Please ban political correctness as it has no use in modern day Britain and only goes against common sense and the majority of public thinking.

- Nick Nack Paddy Mac, Kilburn, London UK

Maybe if white people were refered to as crackers more often they would understand the anger felt by using such words as golliwog or wog but then most people that feel political correctness is out of control , still believe in slavery . Pure Rascists

- Adam, london

How selective the BBC can be, Jonathan Ross can make rambling obscene comments about OAP less abled people and little is done, Carol Thatcher meanwhile says something, apologises swiflty and still this is not enough..MMMMMM something seems wrong with the BEEB me thinks.....

- Daniel Bromley, london

I am very troubled that Jay Hunt wanted to move this into the public arena and also questioned why she has decided the apology given was "not adequate”.
Don't the BBC you have better to do?

- Max, Isleworth

Why did you edit my comment by removing my reference to Brand as an "amorphous blob"? It is in no way as offensive as most of the left wing bile that she perpetually spouts, and it is a pretty accurate description of this alleged comedienne.

- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster

Right now a search on Ebay reveals over 1,300 items listed as "golliwog"! Go Figure...

- Michael Spencer, Toronto, Canada

I think the BBC were correct in their actions. Even though the incident in question was not broadcast. Had Carol Thatcher's remark become pubic at a later date and the BBC had taken no action there would be an equal amount of uproar. In employment based training on equal opportunites and discrimination we are tought that it is not the intent of the person making the remark which is the at issue but whether or not what they do or say causes offence.

Owning a golliwog is not offensive and to have them taken off sale at Sandringham is ludicrous. But as someone who has been called a golliwog or wog in the past, trust me it is offensive. If those of you who are for Carol Thatcher are so convinced of political correctness gone mad, please compare one of your black colleagues to a golliwog in a group situation this afternoon. I'd be intrigued to know if you still have a job on Monday.

- Claudia, London

Common sense has flown out of the window.

- Wallis, Bordeaux France

Shame on you BBC. It is well known that the BBC is very pro-Labour, so not surprise at all that they attack a Conservative at every opportunity.

- Anon, London

Given the comments Jo Brand regularly dishes up against all types 'on air' she is the last person to be judge and jury on anything!.

As for the misfits presenting the show where do the BBC drag up these rejects.

This is the BBC making political capital out of a private comment made in private to deflect all the rubbish being thrown at Crash Brown and Mandleson.

Th girl apologised end of subject. With this madness making the headlines teh issue now is over the credibility of BBC management not Carol Thatcher.

- Robert Marshall, LONDON

Fire Jonathan Ross before Carol Thatcher.
There was no offence made by Miss. Thatcher's remark.

- Maggi Weller, London, UK

Well done BBC. If I worked for the BBC I would be proud about the actions taken by Adrian Chiles and Jo Brand. It is blatantly clear to me that every one of the respondents here would have been seriously offended by the use of the word if they a) are black, b) are aware of the racist and derogatory historical context of the word, or c) have an ounce of empathy for those who feel denigrated by the use of such words.

- Dm, London

It's not an acceptable term, but it WAS not made on air and therefore there should really have never been this fuss made of it. As for Jo Brand walking out in disgust - I am speachless - the things that come out of that womans she can hardly be disgusted by that - she is a well known socialist - think that has more to do with it.

- Nick, London

Sorry Beeb but my licence went in the bin last month - I have sold the TV and bought a laptop which provides for my entertainment equally well

- Wallytrader, London

As usual the BBC is wrong! This was a conversation off air, no one was any the wiser until all the publicity and Carole should not have been sacked. They didn't sack J Ross when they should have done given his words were on air. The BBC is out of touch with the people that fund it and I agree it should no longer be funded by the public.

- M Tillson, Surrey

It's political correctness gone MAD.

- Major Bufton-Satterson Pot-Blaster, Tunbridge Wells

I am going straight out to try and buy a golliwog for my grandchildren, who will enjoy having one as I did. I will also stop eating Robertson's jam.

- Jonathan Montmorency, cooden, uk

I FIND THE BBC OFFENSIVE ITS TIME TO GET RID OF ITS PUBLIC FUNDING.

- John Kenyon, PADIHAM ENGLAND

Brand & Chiles have a right to object to C.Thatcher in the privacy of the Green room and walk out if they don't agree with the language, but to raise all this fuss and go public just demonstrates their own objectionable behaviour and attitude towards the thatcher family. Quite frankly I find the BBC culpable in offending the tennis player. It is they who should apologise to him for the publicity.B

- A J Wilson, wokingham, UK

Well I think "cabbage doll" comes to mind when thinking about this issue.

- Tom, Peterborough

What is wrong with all these do gooders moaning about a word that was not even broadcast for gods sake (ooo is that blasphemy) lighten up , get on with your lives and dont worry about a word thats been used for decades and is far less racist than a lot of words in use these days. (I mean stand by any group of youths and listen if you can understand them they use far more expletives etc that i dont want to hear than Carol Thatcher)

- Tony, hastings uk

The simple answer is yes. She made a racist and offensive remark in public which was challenged and she has failed to apologise. What's more she doesn't seem to see what the fuss is all about. However, Carol, there are a great number of people who do and it is right that you should go.

- Bruce, London

Keith, Kings Cross, London, UK. I find your comments about an elderly woman suffering from dementia disgraceful and extremely insulting to those of us who have parents suffering from the same disease. Are you telling me that my dearly loved mother is dying from this horrendous disease because she has done something evil and nature is taking revenge? And you have the gall to criticise someone for making comments about a children's doll, when your own comments are far, far worse.

- Kate, London

This is madness. This was a private conversation.
Utterly unbelievably, one of those claiming to be upset was Jo Brand, the unfunny "comedienne" who is employed to be insulting in public.
This is a sick, horrible, joke

- Bill Martin, london uk

In this dera and age I find it unbelievable that so called educated people find it alright to call people such racist names. For people that are supporting carol Thatcher, it just goes to show that racism still exists no matter how much you try to eradicate it? I wonder what these small minded people would do if they were at the receiving end of such derogatory remarks. Well done Jo Brand and Adrian Chiles for being politically correct!!

- Sue, Essex, Essex

The institutionally left wing BBC wants shutting down. They have deliberately promoted and given excess air time to any comedian that shouted Ya Boo Thatcher from Ben Elton onwards.Jo Brand has not apologised for her Poo statement aimed at a party that probably gained supporters as a direct result of her mouth.Political correctness gone mad.

- Alan, Llandrindod

Thatcher is unbelievable.

Her remarks typify the kind of small minded casual racism that was once prevalent in Britain. She sounds like a throwback to all the worst aspects of 1950's Britain, which as a country we've been struggling, quite rightly, to overcome.

I admire Jo Brand and Adrian Chiles for standing up to her.

- Paul, London, UK

Lighten up people.People like Chiles and Brand are what's wrong with this country.Nobody likes a tell tale.

- Keith, South Carolina,USA

My God, how utterly rediculous.

Do not apologise Carol.

You are right and they are sadly very wrong, blinkered and short sighted.

Permission to breath Sir !

- '1984' London, London

Imagine the reaction if she had said Jo Brand looked like a cabbage patch doll.

- Tom, Watford (UK)

How offensive to Robertson's jam, now I can no longer wear my golly badge on my school blazer lapel

- Jonathan, Edgware

The only people offended by Thatcher's remarks and their like are those that actively seek offence at every turn.
They are the same left-liberal hate-mogers that have stifled debate on immigration, the EUromonster and so many other issues.
Like crazed banshees, their only defence to anything that challenges their twisted political dogma is to point and scream "racist!" or "xenophobe!" It really is wearing very thin.
How foul-mouthed Jo Brand can claim offence at anything is beyond me!

- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster

Isn't it time those who try to gag this country under political correctness were done away with. They have done nothing more than to ruin this country in favor of some culture that left their own culture to come and ruin ours.

- Andy, Carlisle

That word is not acceptable. If it became okay to call people 'golliwogs' then we should expect other offensive words to come back into vogue. As a so-called journalist she should know the power of language and therefore know that some words carry a lot of nasty baggage.

- Paul Hocker, London

I find the BBC's reaction to Carol Thatcher’s alleged comments grossly offensive and a total waste of my licence money.

The term "golliwog" refers to a child’s doll in an illustrated series of children's books by Bertha Upton later used by Robinsons to promote jam. Any reference to a person looking or being like a golliwog should be take in exactly the same way as someone being described as a Teddy Bear, a term of similar date.

I do not condone the use of racist or offensive language but believe it is made of statements made in an individual context NOT by the use of “bad” words that a certain minority actively seek to take offence whenever they hear them.

- Paul, Cambridge

Joe Brand complaining is a bit rich - from one of the foulest mouthed "performers" on TV.

- Terry, Bradford uk

Give us, the long suffering public, a break. It is high time much of the BBC was sold off to save the taxpayer the ludicrous licence fee. This unrepresentative bunch of overpaid PC, leftist and other assorted oddballs have nothing in common with the vast majority of sensible, fair minded people in this country.

Besides becoming diabolically poor value for money, the dumbed down Beeb's handling of the Jonathon Ross and Carol Thatcher incidents leave real people enraged by the corporation's sheer stupidity in their attempts to justify their actions.

- Licence Fee Loather, Stourbridge, UK

Of course the BBC are right about this. Let's face it they are never wrong about anything.

- Douglas, Bristol

I find Jo brand very offensive and rude are the BBC going to sack her.

- Dave Smith, Croydon

You can't say anything these days as whatever you say you will be 'offending' someone,! Unfortunately, there will be a whole new generation growing up in fear of opening their mouths and having no opinion on anything as individuals. As for golliwogs, they were a type of toy - I don't think Carol Thatcher has anything to apologise for,she meant nothing by it, she is of that generation where golliwog dolls were popular. Surprised we can still describe bin bags as 'black' as it might offend someone!

- Giorgia, London

I wonder if all those offended by Thatcher's remark, would react the same way if a homophobic comment was made instead? Somehow, I doubt it.

- Brian Taylor, Oxford UK

Come on, let's have a quick poll about this.

- Bryan, chatham

Do we have to pay our licence fee to be confronted with likes of Chiles and Brand?

- Lucy, Wallington, Surrey UK

OK from now on i am going to take the only course left in these polically correct times. So please will everyone be patient when i apologise for ever single word i say
All her comment was about the appearance of a man and found it the best description available to her at the time. No doubt said with the affectionate reminder of her child hood times.


SORRY IF I HAVE OFFENDED ANYONE

- Martin Folwell, Richmond Surrey

BBC you are a disgrace - an innocent comment like this made in private which should not be construed in an offensive manner and Carol Thatcher is axed - compare this to the disgusting and malicious behaviour of Jonathan Ross and Brand who get off so lightly in comparison - I have no confidence in judgements made by the BBC - time and time again they show themselves to be hopeless. I now only hope the right thing is done and the BBC is axed saving the need for people to waste their hard earned cash paying licence fees to an orgamnsiation which many have now lost all respect for and confidence in.

- David, London, England

Good for Carol. WHy should she apologise when she has done nothing wrong. I will noy purposely buy as many gollywogs as I can find. The gift shops at a great many tourist attractions sell them, Wookey Hole, Mountfitchet Castle and the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood for starters all sell gollywogs. They are not offensive they are sweet.

- Jane Bewick, London

By what right does the controller of BBC1 assert that THE WORD “golliwog” is “unacceptable in this day and age” (according to the controller of BBC1 this morning)?.

Context is absolutely crucial! If Thatcher had directly called someone a golliwog (or, worse, “wog” – a term that Adrian Chiles is undoubtedly highly sensitive to from his Birmingham childhood!) then that is a slur that should certainly be apologised for.

On the other hand, if she referred to a third party as “looking like a golliwog” (as I have read that she did) then that would be an entirely different matter as it may (depending on the hairstyle of the individual) be entirely fair descriptive comment. Indeed if you compare the Robertson’s golliwog with the shirt that Tsonga was wearing at Melbourne you will see they are both bright yellow!

I’m afraid that without that clarification on the context the BBC’s huffing and puffing on the issue is utterly worthless! From where I sit it looks to me as if the BBC is pandering to the prejudices of Adrian Chiles (2nd most valuable presenter after Jonathan Ross!!) rather than reaching a sensible view on the matter.

Really the highest levels of the BBC are making some utterly absurd decisions these days – perhaps all the controllers and top management should be forced to endure a spell in the real world rather than pontificating from their ivory tower about what is right and wrong for the rest of us????!!!!!

- Keith, Felixstowe UK

How long will it be before it becomes illegal to own a Golliwog in the UK?

- Peter, Watford, England.

BBC used to be respected. Why are you doing this. I'm shock that this even an issue.

- Max Matt, Isleworth

Tebbit is wrong. Carol Thatcher wouldn't have got a job at the BBC if it hadn't been for her mother in the first place, not the other way around.

- Nb, Suffolk UK

The BBC in this whole situation are behaving like Control Freaks,I wish they would get on and report the News.a whole lot of News is being ignored because of long words like zenophobia , multiculturalism,is'nt this enough.

- David,Chertsey, Chertsey.UK.

Thatcher Jnr's remarks were unacceptable - if she'd made a similar comment in an office or factory, she'd face diciplinary action.

As for Thatcher Snr, I think nature is having it's own karmic revenge on that woman, not the BBC. She probably can't remember who her daughter is, let alone what job she has (or had).

- Keith, Kings Cross, London, UK

If it was an innocent "off the cuff" remark, Carol Thatcher should have no problem in apologising that her remark offended other broadcasters. The BBC is quite correct in taking its decision to axe her especially after allowing her plenty of time to correct the situation.

- Nigel Howse, Baltimore USA

The BBC are a mess they don't know leftie from rightie.

Give the British Taxpayer free TV and bann the BBC!

- Taxfreetv, London

This is what political correctness does.It engenders a generation of snitches, running around snitching on other people. Where is the British sense of humour these days?. Gollywogs are cuddley things, I used to take obe to bed with me - and still would if I could find one!

- Georgio, Birmingham

I heard the controller of BBC TV on the radio saying that MS Thatcher used a name that a vast majority of people in this country find offensive. Well Ms (whatever your name is) I would suggest you do a national poll on it and you might be very suprised in the result.

- Richard, Cambridge

On the BBC this morning the person being interviewed (a BBC 'Controller' I think) said that a gollywog was a hideous doll. I don't know who made her dolls but the ones I gave my children were lovely and the kids loved them.

- Derek, Barnet

I think without the BBC, political correctness would be less of an issue. I am afraid the destruction of moral values, standards etc is down to the BBC. Oncethey stood for honour and integrity but they are failing lamintably now. People have different views and you cannot make on size fit all. The only size appears to be the BBC's view, however wrong it is. If you have a separate opinon you are wrong.

- Simon Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania

Jonathan Ross apologised immediately. She wouldn't.
End of story.

- Fresh, London

No !!!!! I had a golliwog when I was a child and remember them on jam jars. As a child I was unaware that this toy could cause offense and I loved it for the toy it was. I don't associate the golliwog comment with racism in this instance as it is a descriptive comparison rather than a derogatory comment! It really is the context which it is used rather than the term itself.

- Kim, Lancing, West Sussex

Carol - Don't apologise! You are not responsible for the emotions of others! It is their problem!

- John, London

Good for you Carol. I think it's still a relative free country. Even so with the ridiculous laws imposed upon us by the autocrates who are only in those positions because nobody wants them.

- A Winsley, London

MY Gollywog who I have loved and cherished for over 45 years and will never throw him out............But I have had to hide him with the rest of my old toys who are no longer allowed into this so called racist society!

My Bald Teddy ( Baldy) My Irish pixy ( Paddy ) My Soldier ( Tommy )with his gun of course.........My little duck ( quack ) A ragdoll ( Raggerdy ) and My blonde big breasted ( no brains )BARBIE!!

Oh, I forgot the toy I always wanted and never could afford to buy.........BRAINS from Thunderbirds!!

Love them all!! And they all get along just fine....uhmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

- Valerie, Hampton Middlesex

The BBC are a sham, the likes of Ross gets away with it.

- Brian Hughes, wales

gollywog as a term isn't offensive, it's the way it's used and the context it's used in. when I was young and on the recieving end of this kind of rubbish it was used with other far more offensive and racist words and it's been dammed by this association. I collected gollywog badges and figurines when I was a child. I saw it as a benign thing until I started to be on the end of racist abuse after that, I stopped collecting because I didn't like the way the term was used. I'm older now and I no longer care.

I think the people who complained to the producers were pathetic, they should have given her a telling off at the time, as it appears Jo brand did and that should be the end of it. it's stupid that she was sacked for saying what she did, but she was even more stupid for saying it.

- Nu, londond uk

I am now 65 and left the UK over thirty years ago, it is this kind on stupidity that makes me glad that I did. You can have the likes of Ross using the F bomb, I think without it he would have nothing to say, but the term Gollywog is a taboo, how pathetic, yes you can still collect the enamel broach from Robertsons Jam on Ebay. When I grew up a Gollywog was just that a Gollywog, it did not refer to any particular race.

- Apointofview, USA

Is it illegal to use the word Gollywog now? Knee jerk PC reaction probably driven by agenda.

- Bruce, London

If only the BBC had kept her Mother off the air in 1979 we'd all be better off now.

- Terry Trotter, Chingford England

Suppose I see someone who looks very much like the character "Uncle Ben" on the rice package? Or someone who resembles the character "Aunt Jemima" on the syrup bottle? Am I not allowed to pass a remark?
It is astounding to me that the BBC which welcomes back Jonathan Ross after his gross and continuing obscenities, would make a major issue over an innocent comment made in private. She, like I, grew up seeing the golliwog on Robertson's jam jars and in Rupert annuals, as well as the dolls.
It appears that the BBC should be re-named Big Brother. Be afraid, be very afraid.

- Alf Bennett, London, England.

What ever happened to adult conversation? If someone took exception to her comments why in heaven's name didn't they say that they found the comment offensive, surely that would be the end of it. Telling teacher is for children.

The BBC should really question their wisdom over this silly affair, trying to defend it on Radio 4 is just dumb!

- Geoff, In the country

Radio 3 announced and played the Golliwog's cakewalk this morning.

- Graham, Haslemere U.K.

The ultimate point is that Carol said the tennis player looked like a toy.

Surely when the media compares Paris Hilton to a "Barbie" doll and such like they are doing the precise same thing.

When the media commonly say Camilla looks "like a horse" are they not doing the exact same thing.

Where does it end? We will all live in silence soon from the fear that anything we say will be enough for someone to be offended.
This is ludicrous. I hated Maggie Thatcher - horrible awful prime minister she was, but Carol has done nothing that EVERY ONE of us hasn't done on a regular basis.

- R. Dawkins, London, UK

Why do the producers think that if Thatcher had apologised all would be forgiven? She committed a horrid race crime for which there can be no forgiveness.

- Len Moss, burgess hill

The issue is not what she said (although you would think that she was intelligent enought to be aware of saying anything that could be used as racism) the issue is that it is beneath her to apologise. As usual it's all been blown out of proportion

- Jackie, Holmfirth United Kingdom

why, if she were told it offended, didn't she apologize? if she doesn't care that it caused offense, especially when totally unwarranted, then who needs her?

- Karvictho, københavn

The top BBC boses are idiots,they annoy us license payers I'm sure perposely.They are paid hugh salaries for getting it all wrong.Sack the lot and bring in fresh people with new ideas.Carol would be first on my list for a top job.

- Gerald Diamond, Romford Essex

The BBC was right to axe Carol. We need to create a culture in Britian where such remarks are not tolerated. Carol's remark belongs to a bygone age. Is is time for a cultural change in Britian, in the same way 'change' has arrived in America

- Andrew C, Bedfordshire

Dave Davies - does it matter that there were no black people around when the comment was uttered? Im not black and take offense to that terminology. Should I not? I can put my hand of my heart and say that I have never made a rasist remark therfore I feel I can critise - thanks for allwing me to do so Dave.

- Natty, London

I find this offensive and would of been offending overhearing this. As for moaning about the BBC wating to get rid of her, grow up and get a life! You cant make racist comments willy nilly without consequence!

- Natty, London

Apologise to who?

- James Black, London, UK

where on this planet is there no racism to anyone ?
what is happening to freedom of speech ?

- Joe, Swanley Kent

She said he "looked like" a golliwog, and no doubt that is what struck her about his appearance. Why is that racialist? I am white, when I was born the Africans said I "looked like" a white slug, to my parents face. Everyone laughed. Why not?! Seems to me that nowadays the PC brigade just look for problems where they simply do not exist. As it happens I take great exception to Jo Brand's form of humour.

- Sandy, Ealing, UK

I can't say I am a fan of Carol, but the ever more hypocritical BBC is showing itself to be a very nasty piece of work, and I feel very sorry for Carol with this school playground type treatment. The BBC has shown it's cards over the Jonathan Ross affair and is now, I feel, trying to make amends for it by using Carol as a scapegoat and to make itself look better. It has only succeeded in making itself look far worse! I shall not be renewing my licence!

- Ken Joralemon, London, UK

I think they were right to get rid of her - mainly because she was so annoying to watch and kept shouting. She should know one doesn't voice opinions like that - especially such obviously inflammatory and offensive ones.

- Isabel, Woking

I'll bet all the remaining equity in my house that the camera crew, producers, floor assistants, managers, bookers etc etc on The One Show aren't all white. She offended people she works with. That was the point Jay Hunt was making this morning. (And of course you don't have to be non white to be offended by what she said).

- Claire Stringer, Clerkenwell.

Carol Thatchers comment was made in a small group who happened to be on BBC premises, not on air. There is no evidence that she is racist in any way.The remark could have been commented on at the time by whoever took offence but taking it further was absurd, the BBC response was even more absurd.Someone wanted to stick the knife in.

- M Wilkinson, London UK

For heavens sake the PC brigade have again gone mad. I have two dictionaries admittedly a few years old but both give a definition of the word Golliwog that are certainly not racist or offensive.I think the behavior of the sneaks who reported private conversation are beyond the pale. As for the BBC they see fit to peddle the filth produced by Jonathan Ross and others and then sack Carol Thatcher. where is their sense of fainess and propriety. What standards are they trying to achieve.

- Ian Glen., Durham. England.

Carol Thatcher, along with everyone of her age (including Jo Brand), will remember when golliwogs were on marmalade pots and when the term was used without any malice. Whilst today the term is no longer in use, it seems perfectly possible that she used it in a literal way.

It seems that political correctness cannot deal with different shades of meaning and the innocent intentions of people using words which have been hijacked and distorted by the PC mafia.

Presumably, when the BBC talks about an apology, it means that Carol Thatcher should grovel in public over a remark which should never have been allowed to take on such disproportionate importance within the BBC, let alone to make the headlines. It also appears that, because there is no siginficant financial liability compared to the consequences of dealing with Messrs Ross and Brand, the BBC has decided to make an example of her in a despicable and cowardly manner.

This has all happened shortly after the BBC justified its decision not to broadcast a DEC appeal for Gaza with an assertion of its duty to remain impartial.

- Simon, london

If they didn't want Carol Thatcher, they wouldn't have hired her in the first place. Although I don't have a good thing to say about her mother, Carol is a good broadcaster. I remember her on radio and now on TV. This, however, is something she shouldn't have said. She was given the chance to apologise and didn't take it. Now you see the old Tory guard appearing for her defence, she's being dragged deeper into their old-school right-wing abyss. Poor Carol.

- Daz, South London

Quite right BBC! It wasn't a private conversation and it wasn't in a private place. Ms Thatcher should have known better.

She really should have apologised rather than moan about leaks to the press. There were journalists present when she uttered the remarks, so what did she expect?

Had she volunteered an apology when challenged or asked, she could have drawn a line under the episode and moved on. But she chose not to.

I suspect she has no idea how much she has diminished her own reputation.

- Conorm, London

Sign of the times. If politicians, like our PM, can't summons the decency to make an apology what hope is there for everyone else.

As for Carol Thatcher the situation surely comes down to what is 'on' or 'off' air. It was not said in a public domain context but aired by others. Could even say that those 'others' should be made to apologise for broadcasting a private comment. Are private comments no longer sacrosanct?

- Tony Islander, Herts

It is absolutely ludicrous to create such fuss over the word Golliwog. The presenter on BBC2 yesterday on the Jeremy Vine show made himself sound like a complete idiot not daring to speak the word but referring to it as the 'G' word. Carol Thatcher is a very good reporter adding a little bit of class to an otherwise dumbed down station that has now become a joke.

- Paul Bridges, BURY ST EDMUNDS

She doesnt need to apologise to the BBC or anyone else. How many Black people were around her when the comment was made?
This is all about mock offence or offence by proxy. Before you criticise Thatch, put your hand on your heart and swear that you have never ever referred to anyone in a term that may have been considered offensive/hurtful to someone somewhere.
When you have passed that test, you can criticise.

- Dave Davies, Basingstoke

Givin the case of Jonathan Ross and punishment meated out to him and this case, there does appear to be double standards in play. Yes I do beleive her Mother was a factor, also I suspect that because Carol's remark was deemed to offend an ethnic minority (very important) and Ross's remarks offended a white middle class male (not in the least important) had alot to do with it.

It also has to be remebered that Ross's remarks were broadcast, while Thatcher's were relatively private.

- Jeremy E, London

No doubt a harmless remark about an Englishman in a bowler hat would have been handled the same way...?

- Martin H Watson, Teddington

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