I noticed with interest the gay pride flag flying over our offices a while ago , and whilst I do support this type of awareness raising exercise in principle and if carried out for the right reasons , it’s almost guaranteed to have a side effect on some of the more ………hmmmmm…… …..
……….how can I put this ……..errrrrr…. ………………..
…………..more …….. narrow minded sections of the community……………………
………………or am I being unfair here :)….
Now I was going out on site on that particular day with a pair of characters we very aptly call - “The Chuckle Brothers” , who - to pull no punches , are the most racist , sexist and of course - homophobic people I have ever had the misfortune to trip over , but - rather like relatives - you cannot choose the people you work with !!!
These two individuals , nearly collectively , crashed the vehicle we were all in when they saw the flag , and were so wrapped up in shouting abuse , they failed to notice the car they had just cut up , and the guy swiftly…. getting out of it …………
I knew exactly who it was due to my union dealings , as one of our Directors stood in front of our vehicle’s open window , just catching the end of the abuse as he
did so ……………
The ironic part of this story is “ The Chuckle’s” are both union members , and one of my fellow rep’s , will no doubt have to represent them in the upcoming disciplinary , because I’m going to be called as a witness…….. who ……… as they are about to find out ………………..saw and heard absolutely ………….nothing !!!
Now what’s going on here , I hear you thinking , maybe - misplaced loyalty to people I work with ……………………………….
……………………no f**king chance ………….
Well it’s like this –
Whilst I’m certainly not excusing it - ignorance isn’t against the law , and compared to some of the things I’ve seen , this is a relatively minor incident , simply because no real harm was done to anybody in the real world – yes really .
In my experience - attaching electrodes to the “Chuckles “ genitals ( see page 22 of the C.I.A Persuasion Manual :) ) will simply not change their years of ingrained attitudes , never mind a “mere” disciplinary hearing .
The Director will be telling the truth about the inconsiderate driving and the homophobic slurs at the hearing , but since neither are illegal , I’m highly dubious as to the real reasons why he needs a mere minion , like myself to back him up .
I suppose you could say my personal attitude to this was a little strange on the
surface , but rightly or wrongly , I will simply not be used to prove what is a disputable point in my opinion , a clear cut case of discrimination or any other serious matter – yes - but this , an unequivocal – no .
My thoughts are - It’s certainly not my place to root these people out. , I leave that to the authorities that be - who point the finger , act as judge , jury and executioner , and
then - can quiet conveniently..……….just walk away ………………..leaving everyone else to deal with the consequences……………………..
It’s dammed if you do ……….dammed if you don’t ……… in my case and guess what for once in my life ……….. I’m not playing ……………for either side ………
……..and you can reserve my place in the “darkest places of hell “…………….
………………..supposedly …:)
