June 2021 | Page 25

Jottings and for the RMT trades union .
The LNER responded , “ Our Train Managers should not be using language like this ,” and promised to “ review ” the use of the phrase , emphasising that it is , “ committed to diversity and inclusion in all we do .” It said later that the Train Manager ( when did they stop being guards ?) who dared utter the offensive words would not face disciplinary action .
The railway operator ’ s response has prompted a tirade of criticism . Conservative MP Mark Jenkinson said , “ Identify however you like , but can we stop this nonsense ?” while broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer commented , “' Stop pandering to this nonsense . Your announcer said nothing wrong .”
There ’ s nothing new here , however . In 2017 , London Underground staff were told not to use the phrase “ ladies and gentlemen ” and say “ Good morning , everyone ” instead .
Meanwhile , Disneyland in California has re-opened to ladies , gentlemen , boys and girls after over a year and has been greeted with a tsunami of criticism about its revamped ride which tells the tale of Snow White .
You ’ ll recall that our heroine is fed a poisoned apple by the wicked Queen which sends her into a death-like trance from which she is rescued when the handsome Prince kisses her .
Snow White was one of the original rides when the theme park opened in 1955 and , according to a review on the webite SFGate , the high-tech makeover has produced “ added magic ” - but also a problem . The Prince , they claim , delivers the “ true lover ’ s kiss ” to Snow White as she sleeps , so she cannot have given her consent .
But it gets worse . An Australian mother is refusing to let family members cuddle her daughter if the child has not given her consent . The toddler is one year old .
Brittany Baxter from Melbourne argues that while children are unable to talk , they ’ re “ observational learners ” and will be able to pick up on how people around them act when it comes to consent . However , her appearance on a British TV show generated adverse comments .
“ How does a new-born baby consent ?” ask one viewer , while another stated , “ Beyond ridiculous .” Someone else asked why such “ woke nonsense ” was being beamed into her home .
Well , there ’ s this gizmo called the “ off ” switch ...
And before we finish , the English Football Association has come under fire after redesigning its famous Three Lions logo in order to show the “ true diversity ” of the sport . Bosses insist that the image , which now includes a lion , a lioness and a cub . will help increase grassroots participation by symbolising “ progression ” and “ inclusivity .”
Colin v Cuthbert : the sequel
Last month , your Jottings team brought you dramatic news of the supermarket war over Colin and Cuthbert . These are cakes made in the shape of caterpillars by the rival stores M & S and Aldi , with one accusing the other of copying its design . That case is ongoing , but last month we heard of a development . Remember deep-fried Mars Bars ?
Well , in Scotland , a fish and chip shop Continued overleaf
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