Re: Bulletin Edition 10 Offensive Top Ten lists
It is with horror and sadness that I have read the latest bulletin and the ensuing letter mentioning Annie Madden and AIVL.
There are so many things that I find highly degrading, judgemental and offensive about these Top Ten lists that I find it hard to know where to start.
Initially you state the lists are based on fact. Then after public and community outcry I note with actual disbelief a 'clarification' appears on the electronic copy. For all us silly people who can’t tell a joke from a list of offensive stereotypes. Oh and the letter saying yet again "It's a joke.... get it?'
The worst thing about your response is that the negative response that you have received is from the actual people you are portraying: CNP and OMT clients and staff. And you’re still not listening.
Interestingly you acknowledge in your clarification that it is offensive and that others maybe stigmatised by it and yet because that was not your intention you won’t be recalling the edition.
Try imagining if you were writing about aboriginal people as a group, or people with disabilities or gay people. You should be recalling the edition.
As a person who has been on both sides of the CNP desk I am telling you, ‘John, it is offensive.... Get it?
It is not acceptable humour. It is perpetrating a vicious stereotype that demonizes and portrays users in such a negative light, as troublemakers, liars, hustlers and con artists.
