Forum Topic

For any offence caused!

"Boris Johnson has apologised “for any offence caused” by his article describing Muslim women who wear a face-covering veil as looking like “letterboxes” and “bank robbers”.The prime minister was confronted over the issue on ITV’s This Morning by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, who said Muslims had been hurt and offended by his remarks.Johnson replied: “People dig out all sorts of articles … I’ve already said sorry for any offence caused and I say it again.”"https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/dec/05/boris-johnson-says-sorry-for-any-offence-caused-by-burqa-article"People dig out all sorts of articles" - Huh, now you know what it is like to be Jeremy Corbyn."Most Brits think “I’m sorry for any offence caused” is a proper apology"https://yougov.co.uk/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2019/02/06/most-brits-think-im-sorry-any-offence-caused-prope"A common cop-out is words to the effect of “I’m sorry for any offence caused”, which implies that the speaker thinks their actions were not actually offensive and that it’s the fault of the offended for being so."So back to square one with Mr Johnson.

David Ainsworth ● 2533d5 Comments

The article Boris Johnson wrote, as a journalist, was actually promoting anyone wearing whatever they like, including hijabs, burkas, etc.  Being not able to help himself having a sense of humour, he mentioned if you want to look like a letterbox that's up to you.  Just a stupid joke.  We have all had slightly derogatory jokes made about us.  When did we all lose our GSOH??  Too many lobby groups jumping on silly comments never meant to offend.

Bunny Payne ● 2533d

"Being not able to help himself having a sense of humour", and lacking any self-awareness.From:-10 Things Passive-Aggressive People SayNo. 9. "I was only joking"Like backhanded compliments, sarcasm is a common tool of a passive aggressive person who expresses hostility aloud, but in socially acceptable, indirect ways. If you show that you are offended by biting, passive aggressive sarcasm, the hostile joke teller plays up his or her role as victim, asking, "Can't you take a joke?"And, yes, I guess that I can do that sarcasm thing too.

David Ainsworth ● 2533d

Hello Bunny,I think the problem is that Boris Johnson has tried to be a joker for too long - and his jokes have come home to roost.There are jokes and there are jokes.  But, as a politician, he should know this - at least I hope he knows this - by now.If whatever he wrote xxx years ago was meant in a different way, then today, he should stand up and say so.  No more games!

Ivonne Holliday ● 2532d

Ivonne I agree, but for heaven's sake!!  Will we go back to when we were in the playground, but that's what it seems like.  When did the great British public get so sensitive and whiney,  just nasty lobbying as far as I'm concerned.

Bunny Payne ● 2532d

Science for just about everything - Good Freakonomics episode on what constitutes a good apology. Usually a combination of contrition and change.  Our future prime ministers might want to listen, as their behaviour is undermining trust & legitimacy in politics.  South Western Railway might want to tune in as well. http://freakonomics.com/podcast/apologies/

Ruth Pates ● 2532d