[Closed] Prince Harry: Racist, or just plain idiot?

Don't really care, it's fairly normal amongst friends to use phrases like that that coming from someone else would offend but coming from a mate is a sign of affection. Find out who released the video in order to cause controversy and put them on trial - its obvious that none of the video content was intended for the general population to see.

[url= http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=f0IVuGK7sAw ]A couple of Gs, an R and an E, an N and an I...[/url]

The words "blown" and "out of proportion" spring to mind. Yes he probably shouldn't have said it, but really...

[i]Can't believe no-ones done this one! A Monday morning special, if ever there was one![/i]

because its such a non-news event that's only got traction because the BBC want to pump it to death?

far more worthwhile things to bicker about in here.

in any case, it was 3 years ago, I'm sure he has grown up a lot since then.

bumbling upper class bafoon .... who dressed up as a Nazi and calls someone a ****, I'm noticing a pattern of behaviour here. Racist OR Idiot i find the 2 tend to go hand in hand.

you can't blame him....

[img] [/img]

[i]Stoner - Member
Can't believe no-ones done this one! A Monday morning special, if ever there was one!

because its such a non-news event that's only got traction because the BBC want to pump it to death?

[/i]

You mean rather than talking about the fact the economy's ****ed?

Both, obviously. Like grandfather, like grandson.

Only mildly racist, but to use the P-word like that isn't acceptable and smells of institutional racism (the army) to me.

Yeah, all of them might call their asian pal that in a friendly way - but he's hardly going to complain about it and rock the boat is he?

We have a friend from school whose dad is from Mauritius. At secondary school he was known as Ramjam because his surname started with "Ram...", which is probably racist (he was just about the only non-white kid in the school). We still call him RJ 20 years later.

Is we racists?

If any other serviing officer had done exactly the same, would it have been "pumped to death" by the BBC et al?

institutional racism (the army)

There are lots of Jocks, Taffs and Scousers in the army.

Well you could say that it's proof that the Prince Philip's genes have skipped a generation and that he truly is Charles' son;-)

Personally though I agree with a lot of what's been said above, it's been blown out of proportion and the source of the leak was some money grabbing scrote.

I'll agree his choice of words could offend some, but if it's not said with malicious intent then the political correctness police should really be quiet. Besides all that I'm sure he's learned a whole plethora of new and interesting words to describe various nationalities in the Army!

[i]There are lots of Jocks, Taffs and Scousers in the army[/i] ... surely only in the lower ranks? 😉

What about calling a British National a Brit - offensive/racist?

[i]Do you find the term Brit offensive?[/i]

LOL! Miketually; thank you! Class!

I agree, it has been blown out of proportion, but a (supposed) member of the Royal Family, using such a term, reveals that there still are some pretty backward attitudes, and that ignorance is rife even amongst the privileged classes.

Personally, I'm glad I live in a country where such behaviour is increasingly rare. And that this particular incident isn't being brushed under the carpet, but being analysed and debated. Hopefully not for too long, though, as I'm going to get bored quite soon.

I do feel some of the people coming out and being 'offended' are using the whole affair as a way of getting publicity/exposure for themselves, though. 'Ooh, look, I'm all offended! I'm a victim!'

There are serious implications of this, for sure. That Harry didn't think his use of this word was unacceptable, points toward the fact that racist and phobic behaviour still needs addressing. There is always a need to educate and enlighten people. And that people everywhere, should perhaps make a little more effort, to understand one another.

But to me, it's just some thicky toff, being a knob-head.

I think this sort of points towards the whole stupidity of claiming words are offensive - they're not. Its the intent with which they are used that is offensive. To be racist surely it needs to disadvantage or be discriminatory in some way, rather than just be a name. If it were used to cause mental anguish, or somehow make the person seem less valuable then fine, thats racist:
"he's only a ****, send him into the bullets first"
but thats totally different to here's bob, our ginger mate.

The problem is that distinguishing between racism and just using certain words is hard, so people assume that anyone using a certain word is racist, but I think thats a cop-out as its the easy route. As sv says, I dont mind being called a brit, or a limey etc - I AM one, and proud of it.

well put coffeking.

only problem is it assumes a level of intelligence in society (that it can distinguish betweent eh words and the intent) that is inevitably lacking. Got to have moral guidance for the lowest common deonominator unfortunately.... 🙄

Words only mean what [u]you[/u] mean when you say them.

But in answer to the original question... I'm inclined to think: An Idiot in the company of racists.

sv, not really comparable. The term 'Brit' has never really been seen as offensive, whereas **** has a legacy of nastiness.

One day, maybe calling a person from ****stan a **** won't be seen as at all racist, but that day is not yet. Same as the word **** (which in itself, just means a black person), won't be in common parlance in anything like a friendly and positive manner, for a long time, if ever.

And what is acceptable between friends is totally different to what's acceptable in other social situations.

I wouldn't call someone a Taffy, Jock, Mick, Spic, Dago, Wop, Chink, or whatever, if I thought the person wasn't completely comfortable with it. in fact, I'd rather call them by their name, tbh. Nicknames are a bit childish, really, especially ones that relate to race, tribe, religion, etc.

Problem with things like this, is that someone starts it off, often not really meaning any harm, and the 'victim' just thinks 'oh, sod it, just go along with it, for a quiet life'. Doesn't necessarily mean they are completely comfortable about it.

I don't see how someone's colour or creed is relevant, really. Call someone 'Crashy', because they crash a lot, that makes more sense. But I do have a mate, Scottish Kev (self explanatory). I've asked him if he minds, and he's actually quite proud of it. 'Nae, dinnae worry, eh? Ah'm proud te be Scottish, and it helps me stand out amongst ye English bastards'.

Banter, Abuse. Fine line, sometimes.

he should be suspended then DNA'd before being allowed to re-apply for his position.

CaptainF - You're not really that naive, I'm sure.

Coffeeking - Very well put.

I'm not saying Harry's likely to be on the next leaked BNP list or anything, he's just the thin end of the wedge - with the BNP list being the other end.

It's interesting for me in that the word "****" is really similar to that Swastika he wore before - both have been co-opted by one point of view and both have become so loaded with meaning that to wear or say them (even "ironically") shows an insensitivity to cultural meanings which could be called racist.

Miketually - Fail to see your point. Is "Ramjam" a racist term I'm unfamiliar with?

looked like slow news day bollocks you distract the muppets from the slaughter of the Palestinians, by our *allies* against terror.

I don't like the blokes public image, however it was from 3 years ago, and he has said sorry, so that should be enough.

Slow news day, my arse.

Strongest domestic news story of 2009 so far.

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/celebrity/prince-philip-alters-will-200901121504/

[i]Strongest domestic news story of 2009 so far. [/i]

funniest post of the year so far...

The term 'Brit' has never really been seen as offensive, whereas **** has a legacy of nastiness.

True, a fair point, but how far do you take it. Black has also been linked to nastiness. Ginger has. We're ruling out whole swathes of dictionary because someone else at some point used them offensively.

Problem with things like this, is that someone starts it off, often not really meaning any harm, and the 'victim' just thinks 'oh, sod it, just go along with it, for a quiet life'. Doesn't necessarily mean they are completely comfortable about it.

While that can happen, I'd be willing to be in most circumstances its not the case.

As seen here, a large selection of people call the prince a "toff" and "upper class". Considering they are both used as negative terms in todays society, yet they are things that (like people with coloured skin) he cant change. That makes anyone calling him that (especially those in this thread who are intending it unpleasantly) equivalent to racists - class-ist, as it were. Just because its not his race in question doesnt make it any less offensive if used in that manner. I think some people should look closely at their own views!

But I do have a mate, Scottish Kev (self explanatory). I've asked him if he minds, and he's actually quite proud of it. 'Nae, dinnae worry, eh? Ah'm proud te be Scottish, and it helps me stand out amongst ye English bastards'.

As an Englishman living in Scotland I can honestly say the same, I dont mind being pointed out as the "English bastard", because I know they dont mean it unpleasantly and they invited me out for a drink! But then I've been served by a nice person in Tesco who was perfectly nice until I spoke (in my obviously English accent) and his manner changed completely, despite never using any words - that I found infuriating.

It is surely something of a small triumph that we all recognise that the word is as least racist in overtone, and that from all sides he's being rounded upon as an idiot for using it. It wasn't that long ago it wouldn't have been at all remarkable or newsworthy.

I think it's been blown out of all proportion, and the video in question has been taken out of context.

I grew up in an area where being white put me firmly in the minority (180 people in my yr at school, with only about 20 white people) and so had plenty of 'ethnic minority (majority)' friends.
One guy in particular used to come out to the pub with us and regularly describe himself as **** and would joke about it. He would often say that we were taking the p*ss out of him just because he was the only black guy there etc. but it was all in a friendly, among mates kind of way.

One thing I did notice at are school was that racist tensions were almost always greatests between blacks and asians and Hindus and Seikhs.

The only concerning thing about the video is that it appears the guy he was calling a **** was asleep at the time so you can't see his reaction and you have to take it from reports that this was an 'affectionate' name for the guy rather than see his reaction had he been awake.

While that can happen, I'd be willing to be in most circumstances its not the case

Having been in this situation myself, and knowing many others that have, too, I can say that it often [i]is[/i] the case.

Being a 'Minority' in a situation can be uncomfortable enough. But when someone addresses you, in a manner to make you feel uncomfortable, and others follow, that can be pretty unpleasant. I've worked in places where people have gone 'Oi, Abdul (not my name, but a generic '****' name to thick ****s), or 'ear, you, yer ****', and believe me, it isn't nice. Then, they'll come up to you, with 'ah, I'm only joking with you, mate', and you are then expected to accept it. 'S'only a joke, innit?'

Not very funny, when you get it all day. I never stayed long, in places like that.

But I learned to understand it as other, insecure people, needing somoene else to project their insecurities onto. So they choose the easiest target, in my case, the only '****' in the the workplace.

So, it don't bother me now, as I've said, I just find such behaviour sad. And I'm now in a situation where I don't encounter such ignorance. Much better.

The only concerning thing about the video is that it appears the guy he was calling a **** was asleep at the time so you can't see his reaction and you have to take it from reports that this was an 'affectionate' name for the guy rather than see his reaction had he been awake.

Must admit I did wonder about that myself.

[url= http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=F67JhKT5bxU ]Sing along, folks![/url]

Anyone actually watched the video?

It's not a word I'd use but I'm not so naive I don't realise that lots of people do, either offensively or inoffensively.

I'm not really interested in the royal family, would be just as happy not to have one personally. But he actually came over as not a bad bloke - the joke phone call to his grandmother, for instance.

If I thought he'd intentionally endanger a fellow soldier because of his race, I'd be the first to demand action. But what these guys go through together (not just royal ones, even more so the squaddies) I don't think leaves much room for petty racism.

In a land far far away, i was once a soldier. When I joined as a 20 year old I did not realize what institutional racism was, but I am sad to say that it had an effect on me, to such a point that during my 4 yrs I used the "P" word. It saddens me to say that, but the system demanded conformity, which I dully complied with. I had a truely fantastic time in army and would encourage any adveturous spirited individuals to think about joining. However on the institutional racisum point, I clearly showed naivity and am thankful that I was able to change my values.

As for Harry, he is demonstrating nothing more than a mirror to the environment from which he has come. What views he wishes to embrace as he matures is anyone's guess. Lets hope, in his own way he will be as understanding as RudeBoy,

Skiddie

Watched the video on news of world site ... and he also comments to one person that they look " like a f***ing raghead" . Nice use of **** and raghead, sure that will come in useful when he is representing Britain. As we are all subjects of the royal family, it would be good if they actually brought them in an environment that represented the majority of the UK residents, rather than some rarified boarding school reserved for the upper echelons of the UK establishment,

A couple of thoughts occur to me on this...

1) Has the "victim" of this racist attack spoken up about his view of the case, or is everyone getting their knickers in a twist on his behalf without his sayso?

2) If said "victim" was shocked/traumatised etc by the incident, why didn't he complain at the time and

3) Assuming he is now serving in the ****stani army, how on earth is he coping with the real stresses of fighting the Taliban up in the mountains?

I suspect that this non-story has come about because:

a) Young, famous, privileged young man makes a fool of himself in the past (Nazi costume, drinking binges etc)

b) The gutter press decide to watch out for him so they can have another go

c) Said young man goes through Army training, comes out the other side a much better person, and goes off to serve his country with distinction and more courage than most of us have done, depriving the gutter press of their target

d) Some scroat sends in teh 3 year old video so the vendetta against him can be started again.

He was young and foolish, but appears to have grown out of it.

Anyone got a video of him being call "ginger nut" by fellow cadets they want to sell to redress the balance?

[i] it would be good if they actually brought them in an environment that represented the majority of the UK residents, rather than some rarified boarding school reserved for the upper echelons of the UK establishment[/i]

/Shuuders. The last thing i'd want representing the UK would be someone brought up on a diet of x-factor and big brother.

[i]If said "victim" was shocked/traumatised etc by the incident, why didn't he complain at the time a[/i]

To who? How? One is in the to the throne you know. If your overseas in ****stan how do you do spoke colloquial racial insults?

Who cares? Inbred toff shown to hold childish racist views. Whats more sad is people dying or maimed for the 'Queen' on pisspoor salaries.

2) If said "victim" was shocked/traumatised etc by the incident, why didn't he complain at the time and

Anyone got a video of him being call "ginger nut" by fellow cadets they want to sell to redress the balance?

There isn't a vendetta against Prince Harry, he's just inherited his grandfather's gift for diplomacy.

The tabloid hacks love him in fact, because he's the most down to earth, blokey royal they've ever met - and he really wanted to see some action rather than be the token royal soldier.

Anyone going to defend his use of raghead? Please.

Lets hope, in his own way he will be as understanding as RudeBoy

😯 Good Lord.

I think we are all, at times, guilty of transgressions against others. And we must question our attitudes, and ask if we are right, to think the way we do.

I have seldom used racist language or terms, against others. The last time I did, was probably over 20 years ago. I have 'banter' between close friends, but am more derogatory about myself, than anyone else is! One of me mates, a black guy, is absolutly terrible. Says the worst things, about black people. But it's like that kind of Richard Pryor style self-deprecation, where you say such bad things about yourself, nothing anyone else says can possibly be worse. You should hear some of my Jewish friends! Terrible!

You can only really have that, with people you really trust, though. People who know the boundaries, and know when to draw the line.

Maybe Harry and his mates had that kind of thing going on. Which is why I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

I find the cynical sensationalisation of this story, by the NOTW etc, to be a lot more disturbing.

i]The last thing i'd want representing the UK would be someone brought up on a diet of x-factor and big brother.[/i] ... with an elected government you can have a say. Don't think you can with the royal family, I do remember t a report that his grandparents preference was to watch slapstick comdey, which is far superior to x-factor 🙂

The Metaliica cover of SFW lyrics come to mind

[url= http://www.lyricsfreak.com/m/metallica/so+what_20092017.html ]Here but not work safe[/url]

I haven't read all of this.

****stan means "Land of (the) Pure" in Urdu and Farsi.

Tajikistan means the "Land of the Tajiks" in Persian.

The name Afgh?nist?n translates to the "Land of Afghans".

Guess what "Uzbekistan" means.

The inhabitants of "****stan" are, in some sense, "****", and when they so describe themselves it appears to be by way of congratulating themselves on being such a great country having shoved out all the hindus. I'm not suggesting that going around calling people "****" should be encouraged, but the etymology is reasonable enough.

😕

[i]etymology[/i] you cant go around using words like that in this day and age

Having watched the video, and read the article, it's a complete non-story as far as I'm concerned. The army, as skid-mark has pointed out does have elements that can be perceived as racist, but equally, that's part of the bonding element within it - you bond with the people you're working with there, as they're the ones that'll have your back in a firefight. I'm personally not in the army, so I don't know how this evolved, how endemic it is, or the tone / intent in which it's generally used. And yes, the army is an old school establishment, and the vast majority of any operations overseas, with a live and active enemy will encourage the use of derogatory terminology to describe those "enemies". And that will be blanket terminology.

It's 3 year-old footage, the family of the guy who's referred to have openly said it's was never mentioned, and equally, others from that family have been in the british forces. None of this has been raised until this video arrives.

Whilst I can accept that this term may be considered offensive, and it's not one I personally use for that very reason, I do very much object to the removal of words etc from use because some people take offence, and that is a far bigger issue. As has been said clearly, it's the intent that's the problem, not the word. In this instance, I don't believe that there was any real intention to offend, it's more a combination of naivity from Harry and malice from the video poster.

But equally, that's part of the evolution of language. Words that are in common use can have different meanings over time, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing. Look at the evolution of the word "gay" - it's been rapid over the last 30 years or so, and different groups of people use it with different connotations.

What I also object to is the reactionary stance of all the racial equality groups etc, calling for heads to role, claiming total moral outrage and the like, as they may have an element of a point, but are solutions being offered? At the present time, with the economic climate as it is, job security at a pretty low level, and a perceived loss of immigration control equally promoted by the media (the same media that's suddenly bashing harry over this) I have a fear that we will see increasing racial conflict over the next couple of years. That's a pretty scary thought, but one that can only be avoided by understanding and tolerance from all sides. That's what I fear we're losing, and this story just adds fuel to both sides.

That's my opinion, whether you agree with it or not is another thing altogether.

The excuses, I find more distasteful.

He said he regarded "**** as an abbreviation" and the prince, in his mind, had "not crossed the line".

If I needed to refer to a ****stani I knew I'd abbreivate to **** too. Same for ausies, yanks, wops, paddies, taffs, jocks and brits. I wouldn't use the abbreviation to someone I didn't know but someone I knew, sure.

Why's it rascist?

Who cares? Inbred toff shown to hold childish racist views

😆 oh the irony.

"Look at the evolution of the word "gay" - it's been rapid over the last 30 years or so, and different groups of people use it with different connotations."

Without wanting to open a general debate on "gay", presumably it would be more offensive to call someone who was in no way, shape or form ****stani if you did it so as to label them with whatever racist connotations you would usually say applied to "****s". So, if I think "****s" are, say, smelly, sadistic and illiterate wife-beaters, calling them "****s" is less than charming, but my racist intent is actually much more obvious if I call Wayne Rooney a "****". 😕

If I needed to refer to a ****stani I knew I'd abbreivate to **** too

What, as in 'I'm off down the **** shop, want anything?'

'Bloke at work's a ****; his wife makes a lovely curry'.

I can't see anything inherently wrong with the use of the abbreviation, in such contexts. There's no malice or abuse intended.

(Although '****' shop often means a paper shop, grocers, off-licence; I've found the term is used merely because the shop in question is being run by Asians/****stanis)

But I somehow doubt you'd be too willing to use it in a place like Bradford, or Stepney, for example.

Sheldona; if, what you mean by posting that link, is that you personally don't care, that's fine (why bother posting on the thread at all, is what I'm wondering), but I, and obviously several others, do care.

PK; that's a pretty balanced and well-thought out piece, actually. Thank you.

wally not racist.
Plus it was 3 years ago - dontr think anyone can argue that he hasnt grown up considerably since then.
Its right for the army to conduct a review but cant think of any positives that can be gained from taking it any further.

Bigdummy, oh dont be gay! 😛

But I somehow doubt you'd be too willing to use it in a place like Bradford, or Stepney, for example.

Because nobody would know which shop you were talking about?

(Although '****' shop often means a paper shop, grocers, off-licence; I've found the term is used merely because the shop in question is being run by Asians/****stanis)

I think that's where ignorance (racism?) comes through - calling all brown-skinned people ****, as if they're all from the same place. I'd say it was generally ignorance, rather than racism, though. Similar to calling a maccam a geordie?

Can we not just call everyone who doesnít have a valid up to date British passport Jonnie Foreigner? Like we used to before the PC brigade got a voice. Then we wonít leave anyone out and therefore should end this whole debate in one giant flag waving, Rule Britannia singing, cricket bat swinging, Port sipping, square bashing parade.

Or he could just say sorry and we go back to Gaza for some real news.

UK os so PC it's boring. There are the Frogs, the Poles, the Jews, but try to say anything about a non-European and/or their culture and you're called a racist.

You lot will end up without right to say anything whilst people like myself, foreigners, will be allowed whatever they choose.

The young Prince said what many think but are afraid of saying. He's NOT stupid, malicious or wrong. It's the BBC, The Sun and politicians who should shut up, not him.

And just the fact you talk about someone saying what Lib-Dems find offensive is worrying.

Can we not just call everyone who doesnít have a valid up to date British passport Jonnie Foreigner? Like we used to before the PC brigade got a voice.

Define 'we'.

miketually, similar, yet different.

I'll simplify this, as some people appear to be missing the point a little bit:

Us 'brown-skinned' people don't really like to be called '****s'. We'd prefer it if people didn't.

I think I can speak for brown people, although myself, I've never been anywhere near ****stan.

I'm from Hackney.

Can we not just call everyone who doesnít have a valid up to date British passport Jonnie Foreigner?

The '****' in question will have a British passport, won't he? So he's not a Jonnie Foreigner...

Us 'brown-skinned' people don't really like to be called '****s'. We'd prefer it if people didn't.

Seems fair enough.

Miketually - to get a British passport is a piece of cake. Pretty much anyone can have it.
RB - so why do you Brits allow them to call you whatever they please if they're so blooming sensitive?
It's the British belief that as a former Empire you should feel guilty, if the media are to be trusted (I know, a big IF). Therefore, if you go to ****stan you obey their rules, if you go to USA, you respect their laws, but if you live in UK, you don't give a monkey about not hurting natives.
If you tried it back at home it'd be painful. Here, in London at least, a through-and-through Englishman is victimised constantly, especially by local authorities and officials.
Enough, off the topic.

Eh?
😯

Here, in London at least, a through-and-through Englishman is victimised constantly, especially by local authorities and officials.

Explain, please, because, as a 'through and through Englishman', I don't feel I am constantly victimised.

Fred, what do "brown-skinned" people call the pallid natives of this damp island? I've been called a "honkie" and a "white see you next tuesday" by persons of more exotic extraction, but it always sounds a bit forced and silly...

😕

The term 'Brit' has never really been seen as offensive

Really???

[url= ][/url]

[img] [/img]

Try again.

BigDummy, I think the word in Bengali is 'Gora', or 'Goora' (pronunciation is a very complex thing, on a subcontinent with over 800 officially recognised languages and dialects). It just means 'white'. It is sometimes used in a derogatory context. Sorry, I don't actually speak and Asian language myself, so I can't tell you about all the others.

IME, Some 'Asians' can be some of the most narrow-minded, nasty, xenophobic ****s around. The Hindu caste system is based on [url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_determinism ]Biological Determinism[/url], and many other Subcontinental cultures can be very insular and exclusive.

Racism is not the exclusive preserve of white, working class people.

I have, during my life, encountered some disgusting attitudes from people of all colours and creeds. Sadly, it seems ignorance and fear are prevalent in most communities.

through and through Englishman

I don't think I'm a "through and through Englishman". My maternal grandad is Scottish and my paternal grandad's grandad was Irish, so I have an Irish surname*. I'm just lucky not to be a ginger, I suppose 😉

* McTimoney. Apparently, it was made up when he came over here and no trace of him can be found in Ireland. I assume he was in the IRA or something.

Us 'brown-skinned' people don't really like to be called '****s'

I'm english. I have, on several occasions, been mistaken for an australian. Doesnt bother me. Never even set foot in Aus. As mentioned in a post above, the use of "****" as an insult or in a derogatory fashion (labelling anyone not white as "a ****" for example) is a different kettle of fish.

Indeed, my mother in law, who is a gujarati parsi, once remarked that "at least you are not black"...

😐

Indeed, my mother in law, who is a gujarati parsi, once remarked that "at least you are not black"...

Or ginger.

Or fat.

Unless you ride a full sus, then it's OK.

BigDummy, I could sit here for hours, and regale you with tales of some of the most horrendous prejudice, that I have encountered from people including members of my own family, but I have to go to the bank, then have other errands to run.

I hate racism and prejudice in all forms, regardless of where it comes from.

You can't give offense, only take it. All the people on the news are IMO idiots for jumping on the offended band wagon. You need to hear the opinion of the person it was directed to. Lot's of people have nicknames that other people may find offensive but in fact aren't to the person involved.

He describes him as his friend so hardly insulting him. It's just banter amongst friends that was never meant to be public. Oh, and it was 3 years ago?

I laughed when I saw the mock phone call on the news, thought it was very funny.

No one seems to worry when you see the Royals firing machine guns at Muslims
in Afghanistan.

Perhaps they could shout go home Ragheads and go back to ****stan.

Who ever released it is nowt but a s**t stirrer and beneath contempt. if the full word ****stani was used, would that be wrong. It's nothing but an abreviation. Indeed in areas of the Uk where I have worked that have a large asian based community , the word **** in reference to corner shops is common. Amongst those labled by that word. Complete rubbish and I have demeaned my self by rising to it.

My mate who is ****stani recently referred to himself as a "Blind ****". There's regularly a contingent of ****stani supporters at their cricket matches who have signs saying "****Power" etc.

So why is it ok for ****stanis to refer to themselves as ****s when it's not ok for everyone else? In fairness, the castigation of Prince Harry came from the ****stani soldier's uncle and from the self styled "Muslim Council of Britain".

My view - I wouldn't call someone a **** and I didn't like hearing my mate calling himself as such either.

When exactly did **** become offensive? Also, why would it be any worse the calling someone a jock, yank, pom, ozzy, kiwi etc...?

It's all quite ironic really, if his mum had a better driver than the alcoholic french guy he might have had a 'raghead' for a stepdad.