| Blackburn Newspaper Incites Anti-Muslim Sentiments |
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| Sunday, 18 November 2007 | |
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In a report launched last week by the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone “The Search for Common Ground – Muslims, non-Muslims and the UK Media” it’s investigation finds that the Lancashire Evening Telegraph was involved in publishing serious factual inaccuracies, lies and distortions back in 2005 in a story about a Bank removing Piggy display’s because it offended Muslims.
In October 2005 the Lancashire Evening Telegraph ran a sensationalist headline reading: The outrageous article went on to suggest that the Natwest bank and HalifaxBuilding society had been forced to reconsider the use of piggy banks because it may cause offence to Muslim customers. Not surprisingly, the story created yet another opportunity for Muslim bashing and attracted widespread national media frenzy. In sharp contrast the actual truth attracted little or no attention at all. In a statement for the above mentioned report, the Natwest Bank stated: ‘This started with a local paper in the North. They rang us and we gave them a verbal statement which it appears they completely misinterpreted. From there it ended up in the Star and the Express, neither of which checked it with us.’
Adding: A Natwest spokesperson goes on to categorically state that: ‘The story was nonsense.’ Yet this ‘nonsense’ reached far beyond British shores; international web-based magazine Le Journal Chrétien published an article in March 2007 about an East Lancashire building society and bank that threatened the European way of life and culture. Beyond Europe, headlines in Australian media further lambasted Muslim pressure on financial institutions to lose the piggy bank symbol. Racists, segregationists and Islamaphobes revelled in the story and milked the opportunity to create further resentment towards Muslims. Yet their lies and animosity were not challenged by the so-called champions of integration or cohesion and worst of all, were silently accepted by Blackburn Muslims themselves. This isn’t the first time the Lancashire Telegraph has caused offence to Muslims and most probably won’t be the last…unless we take action against them. This is just one example to show how a handful of lies can cause such widespread damage. The report launched by Ken Livingstone provides many more examples of similar incidents that pose significant threats and challenges not only for British Muslims, but for British citizens at large. The full report can be found here. This isn’t an isolated incident and is not limited to residents of East Lancashire or Muslims alone. If we do not challenge the lies and nonsense peddled by newspapers such as the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, they will continue to divide our communities and breed unwarranted resentment towards Muslims and further increase insecurity, suspicion and anxiety amongst non-Muslims.
The Lancashire Telegraph must take responsibility for its action and issue a public apology: • Email demanding an apology at: let_editorial@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk • Or call the offices and make an official complaint to the News Editor, Andrew Turner Tel: (daytime) 01254 298 205 or (after 5pm) 07850 740 927 • Or Write to The Lancashire Telegraph, 1 High Street, Newspaper House, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 1HT           Readers have left 23 comments.
RaviM:
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I was originally 'taken-in' by this article but realise it was nonsense from start to finish.
I hope newspapers would readily print retractions. We know how ready the press are to feed on any news that demonises people. I find it shameful as I do with people who act politically correctly on behalf of Muslims - without ever asking Muslims.
(1)
2007-11-18 23:17:07
sisterfrancesca:
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I was originally 'taken-in' by this article but realise it was nonsense from start to finish. — RaviMI hope newspapers would readily print retractions. Totally agree with you, Ravi. We know how ready the press are to feed on any news that demonises people. I find it shameful as I do with people who act politically correctly on behalf of Muslims - without ever asking Muslims. totally agree with you, Ravi.
(2)
2007-11-18 23:40:22
sisterfrancesca:
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totally agree with you, Ravi. The BNP guys are known to practise this kind of disinformation strategy all the time. But the Lancashire Evening Telegraph can be taken to the Press Complaints Commission if the story turns out to be factually untrue (which I wholeheartedly hope it is).
(3)
2007-11-18 23:55:49
Islamic Torch:
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Hey its news - and no matter what everyone thinks the paper does have a point - and valid point it is. Whether the adverts cause Muslims offence or not - there is a perception by someone that offence can be caused to Muslims. In Islam what animal is forbidden to Muslims ? The Pig. And do you have posters or cuddly toys or anything to do with the Pig in your homes - I hope the answer is No and as kids and now what is the one thing that causes Muslims offence - no not being called Bin Laden, but reference to Pork, Bacon sandwiches etc. So be true to yourselves and the reality is you do find it offensive - so if someone believes that this causes offence why are you twisting it and kicking them ?
(4)
2007-11-19 08:05:30
truth:
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I was originally 'taken-in' by this article but realise it was nonsense from start to finish. — RaviMI hope newspapers would readily print retractions. We know how ready the press are to feed on any news that demonises people. I find it shameful as I do with people who act politically correctly on behalf of Muslims - without ever asking Muslims. Ravi: i dont think you got to the heart of the matter. either you have the intellectual ability of a door knob or you have alteria motives and knowing your other blogs i know where you stand. This was not a politically correct stance by anyone, it was the stoking up of racial tension with lie's and deceptions. dont try and play politics with saying that someones trying to be politically correct. grow up and stop being an intellectual begel. the truth is coming to get you!
(5)
2007-11-19 10:22:03
Salim:
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I read this article with interest espescially as i live in Blackburn. i get a feeling MPAC has a problem with blackburners and i seem to think that we are all backward thinking traditional people who cant speak for themselves and has no voice. As Mpac's previous visits to Blackburn and their obsession with the town shows a lack of understanding of what really is happening in my town. It is bad enough having the local and national press having a go at us muslims, we have to put up with MPAC who whenever they want to raise an issue they bring cameras from Channel4 and show the muslims in a bad light.
As for the Lancashire Telegraph i myself, councillors and the general people of blackburn that i know have complained on many occasions about articles regarding muslim that have been misconstrued and have been factually incorrect by the paper. The paper within our community is seen as biased against the muslims and they have been made aware of that. The people are alive and our eyes are open, we deal with issues in that affect the muslims in the world through tact and constructive approaches unlike MPAC. The lancashire telegraph writes such articles to provoke the muslims in to taking action in away that would prove that we are against freedom of speach or the freedom of the press. They want us to demonstrate in the streets whenever they write such stories so they can call us fanatical muslims. You can not be gunhoe about such things we deal with it through the proper channels that doesn't add further bad publicity against the muslims as a whole.
(6)
2007-11-19 11:33:21
jamil rehman:
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They will only learn once the Bnp has full control of the local council. Blackburn muslims are some of the most illiterate i have come across.
(7)
2007-11-19 13:02:00
sisterfrancesca:
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I read this article with interest espescially as i live in Blackburn. i get a feeling MPAC has a problem with blackburners and i seem to think that we are all backward thinking traditional people who cant speak for themselves and has no voice. As Mpac's previous visits to Blackburn and their obsession with the town shows a lack of understanding of what really is happening in my town. It is bad enough having the local and national press having a go at us muslims, we have to put up with MPAC who whenever they want to raise an issue they bring cameras from Channel4 and show the muslims in a bad light. — SalimAs for the Lancashire Telegraph i myself, councillors and the general people of blackburn that i know have complained on many occasions about articles regarding muslim that have been misconstrued and have been factually incorrect by the paper. The paper within our community is seen as biased against the muslims and they have been made aware of that. The people are alive and our eyes are open, we deal with issues in that affect the muslims in the world through tact and constructive approaches unlike MPAC. The lancashire telegraph writes such articles to provoke the muslims in to taking action in away that would prove that we are against freedom of speach or the freedom of the press. They want us to demonstrate in the streets whenever they write such stories so they can call us fanatical muslims. You can not be gunhoe about such things we deal with it through the proper channels that doesn't add further bad publicity against the muslims as a whole. OK, Salim et al, I am no legal expert (and right now I don't even live in Britain) but, if the articles have been found to be repeatedly untrue and likely to stoke up inter-religious unrest, what about the following courses of action (and what would the relative consequences be): - complaint to the Press Complaint Commission - lawsuit for inciting inter-religious strife - libel action and anything else that helps uncover the truth. Muslim brothers and sisters should not live in this witch-hunt athmosphere. As to the MPAC itself, a small suggestion. Instead of crying wolf (the wolf of Islamophobia, that is) all the time, why not write something positive about non-Muslims, sometimes? There are plenty of non-Muslims who are nice people around (and my husband is one of them). For instance in Blackburn there is a councillor, a certain Michael Lavalette, who has been working very hard to build bridges between communities, especially between Muslims and non-Muslims. Why does the MPAC have to focus almost exclusively on wrongs, real or perceived, received by Muslims?
(8)
2007-11-19 13:25:01
Syed:
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As for the Lancashire Telegraph i myself, councillors and the general people of blackburn that i know have complained on many occasions about articles regarding muslim that have been misconstrued and have been factually incorrect by the paper. The paper within our community is seen as biased against the muslims and they have been made aware of that. The people are alive and our eyes are open, we deal with issues in that affect the muslims in the world through tact and constructive approaches unlike MPAC. — Salim
(9)
2007-11-19 13:40:35
Che Guevara:
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As to the MPAC itself, a small suggestion. — sisterfrancescaInstead of crying wolf (the wolf of Islamophobia, that is) all the time, why not write something positive about non-Muslims, sometimes? There are plenty of non-Muslims who are nice people around (and my husband is one of them). For instance in Blackburn there is a councillor, a certain Michael Lavalette, who has been working very hard to build bridges between communities, especially between Muslims and non-Muslims. Why does the MPAC have to focus almost exclusively on wrongs, real or perceived, received by Muslims? Michael Lavalette is from Preston not Blackburn. Just googled him. If you read the last couple of paragraphs of the article you'll understand why MPAC is highlighting this issue. All the hard work and effort of the good people of, be it non-muslim or muslim is being wiped away and destroyed because of the media. Articles (As Muhammed Peace be Upon Him said "The pen is mightier then the sword") can cause friction, hatred, suspicion, anxiety and insecurity amongst non-Muslims towards Muslims.
(10)
2007-11-19 13:51:00
Che Guevara:
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I read this article with interest espescially as i live in Blackburn. i get a feeling MPAC has a problem with blackburners and i seem to think that we are all backward thinking traditional people who cant speak for themselves and has no voice. As Mpac's previous visits to Blackburn and their obsession with the town shows a lack of understanding of what really is happening in my town. It is bad enough having the local and national press having a go at us muslims, we have to put up with MPAC who whenever they want to raise an issue they bring cameras from Channel4 and show the muslims in a bad light. — SalimAs for the Lancashire Telegraph i myself, councillors and the general people of blackburn that i know have complained on many occasions about articles regarding muslim that have been misconstrued and have been factually incorrect by the paper. The paper within our community is seen as biased against the muslims and they have been made aware of that. The people are alive and our eyes are open, we deal with issues in that affect the muslims in the world through tact and constructive approaches unlike MPAC. The lancashire telegraph writes such articles to provoke the muslims in to taking action in away that would prove that we are against freedom of speach or the freedom of the press. They want us to demonstrate in the streets whenever they write such stories so they can call us fanatical muslims. You can not be gunhoe about such things we deal with it through the proper channels that doesn't add further bad publicity against the muslims as a whole. What utter nonsense. You say your eyes are open and you engage in constructive approaches? What approach is that? It doesn't seem to be having an effect. Open your eyes more wide and read the article again. MPAC is not asking you to march or go and demonstrate. It's asking you complain and demand an apology as it is your RIGHT. If the thousand of Muslims collectively all send an email, stop advertising in the newspaper and stop buying the paper, I bet you the paper will stop its bias. Your paper is still bias after all your so called complaints because your approach is wrong. Your approach has no effect or meaning to it. Maybe you should get the hint. You guys (Not everyone) in Blackburn don’t know how to make change. Why don’t you listen to MPAC who have experience and support them instead of criticising them. Support MPAC and listen to what it says and you’ll have a paper that will stop its Bias and you’ll have an MP who will not only give you your mosques, chandeliers, Muslim schools but also stand up to injustice around the world.
(11)
2007-11-19 13:53:56
sisterfrancesca:
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Michael Lavalette is from Preston not Blackburn. Just googled him. If you read the last couple of paragraphs of the article you'll understand why MPAC is highlighting this issue. All the hard work and effort of the good people of, be it non-muslim or muslim is being wiped away and destroyed because of the media. Articles (As Muhammed Peace be Upon Him said "The pen is mightier then the sword") can cause friction, hatred, suspicion, anxiety and insecurity amongst non-Muslims towards Muslims. OK, sorry for my mistake about Lavalette. Yes, I understand that the pen is mightier than the sword, and I can clearly see the effects of all this anti-Muslim witch-hunt everywhere. I can see by myslef how even people who by no stretch of imagination are ignorant rednecks are under the impression that MUSLIM=TERRORIST, etc. That is why I was wondering if some sort of action to clear our name was possible to clear our name.
(12)
2007-11-19 14:02:48
Salim:
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To Jamil Rehman i resent your remarks strongly WHO THE HELL ARE YOU TO COMMENT ON BLACKBURN? WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT US? YOU CALL SELF A MUSLIM? WHO NEEDS ENEMIES WHEN WE HAVE PEOPLE LIKE YOU JUDGING OTHER PEOPLE WITHOUT KNOWING THEM. You should be ashamed of such remarks and so should mpac for allowing such sweeping statments, you should apologise not only to people of Blackburn but to your fellow muslims for your pathetic and cheap remarks, if you knew anything about islam then you wouldn't have said such things. You may be the literate one you obviuosly think you are better then others but you lack hikmat and any knowledge how to behave as a muslim. GROW UP!
As for CHE GUEVARA a) try and use you proper espescially if you're a muslim why hide it unless you're ashamed of your MUSLIM name. What utter nonsense you talk my friend, don't you think this has been done, we even get apologies but as ever the apologies stuck in a corner somewhere in the paper. You guys and MPAC come across so PATRONISING as if you need to spoon feed us to take action. We are taking action and it is working slowly, we have a muslim reporter working for them and the there are muslim staff working for the paper which has recently any anti muslim bias. The paper has recently reported on more positive stories about islam, i am not defending the paper and the community and I still doesn't trust the paper but its the same with other local and national papers, it is not mutually exclusive to Blackburn. FINALLY TO PEOPLE WHO WANT TO COMMENT ON BLACKBURN TRY NOT TO PATRONISE US OR TRY TEACH HOW TO SUCK EGGS, YOU GUYS THINK YOU'RE INTELLIGENT YET YOU DON'T BOTHER TO FIND WHAT IS HAPPENING IN TOWNS LIKE BLACKBURN. SUCH ATTITUDES MAKES ME THINK THAT PEOPLE WHO USE THE MPAC WEBSITES DO SO TO PROVE HOW CLEVER THEY ARE AND SHOW HOW INFERIOR OTHERS ARE TO THEM. DON'T YOU DARE TALK DOWN TO FELLOW MUSLIMS AND FOR THAT MATTER NON MUSLIMS THAT IS NOT OUR BELOVED PROPHET MUHAMMED'S p.B.U.H WAY.
(13)
2007-11-19 14:51:48
shan:
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This is all part of the slow brainwashing being carried out to cause a dislike for muslims,so when the real action takes place people will not stand up to help muslims as fellow citizens.
if you read the early days of nazis in germany this is the method that was employed to create mitrust of jews. today newsapers and the electronic media will spread rumours all over the world within minutes,they are no longer the purveyors of real and honest news as it is,but thay have become a vehicle for spreading rumours to incite hatred for thier chosen victims,it might be muslims today,like it was for black people-jewish people and irish people.
(14)
2007-11-19 14:59:02
Che Guevara:
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Salim - May be you could explain what you just done with that big post of yours? Sounded like you were ranting and shouting? You just put yourself down to our level.
I'm sure that was not the way of our beloved Muhammad, Sullallaho Alaihee Wasallum With regards to making change slowly. Speed it up as SHAN gives a good reason but also because: Million Iraqi's dead from an illegal war. A war which Mr Straw supported and the Muslims (Not all) voted him. Iraqis still dying Same in Afghanistan Your MP is a Zionist (Albeit not open) and supports the atrocities, illegal actions of the current regime of Israel. Your MP clearly doesn't like Islam hence his comment about the Veil Your MP supports current proposal for Terror Laws. People like you always make an excuse "We are doing everything we can and it is happening slowly" Wake Up again. We have no time. You are already hated deep inside by a huge population of non-muslims. And its not because we are bad people but its beacuse the media is creating a stereotype of us.
(15)
2007-11-19 15:39:43
YossiB:
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As to the MPAC itself, a small suggestion. — Che GuevaraInstead of crying wolf (the wolf of Islamophobia, that is) all the time, why not write something positive about non-Muslims, sometimes? There are plenty of non-Muslims who are nice people around (and my husband is one of them). For instance in Blackburn there is a councillor, a certain Michael Lavalette, who has been working very hard to build bridges between communities, especially between Muslims and non-Muslims. Why does the MPAC have to focus almost exclusively on wrongs, real or perceived, received by Muslims? Michael Lavalette is from Preston not Blackburn. Just googled him. If you read the last couple of paragraphs of the article you'll understand why MPAC is highlighting this issue. All the hard work and effort of the good people of, be it non-muslim or muslim is being wiped away and destroyed because of the media. Articles (As Muhammed Peace be Upon Him said "The pen is mightier then the sword") can cause friction, hatred, suspicion, anxiety and insecurity amongst non-Muslims towards Muslims. I hope we all apire to accuracy. The Prophet did NOT say "The pen is mightier than the sword". From Wikipedia (and many other sources):- "The pen is mightier than the sword" is an adage coined by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839 for his play Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy.[1][2] The play was about Cardinal Richelieu, though in the author's words "license with dates and details... has been, though not unsparingly, indulged."[1] The Cardinal's line in Act II, scene II, was more fully:[3].......
(16)
2007-11-19 17:12:54
Raja77:
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As to the MPAC itself, a small suggestion. — YossiBInstead of crying wolf (the wolf of Islamophobia, that is) all the time, why not write something positive about non-Muslims, sometimes? There are plenty of non-Muslims who are nice people around (and my husband is one of them). For instance in Blackburn there is a councillor, a certain Michael Lavalette, who has been working very hard to build bridges between communities, especially between Muslims and non-Muslims. Why does the MPAC have to focus almost exclusively on wrongs, real or perceived, received by Muslims? Michael Lavalette is from Preston not Blackburn. Just googled him. If you read the last couple of paragraphs of the article you'll understand why MPAC is highlighting this issue. All the hard work and effort of the good people of, be it non-muslim or muslim is being wiped away and destroyed because of the media. Articles (As Muhammed Peace be Upon Him said "The pen is mightier then the sword") can cause friction, hatred, suspicion, anxiety and insecurity amongst non-Muslims towards Muslims. I hope we all apire to accuracy. The Prophet did NOT say "The pen is mightier than the sword". From Wikipedia (and many other sources):- "The pen is mightier than the sword" is an adage coined by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839 for his play Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy.[1][2] The play was about Cardinal Richelieu, though in the author's words "license with dates and details... has been, though not unsparingly, indulged."[1] The Cardinal's line in Act II, scene II, was more fully:[3]....... You are correct!! I was going to correct the poster myself but you got ii before me. The prophet Muhammed (pbuh) never said 'the pen is mightier than the sword' What he did say was 'The ink of a scholar is more dear to me than the blood of a martyr' I have found alot of Muslims getting mixed up with that one. I don't know why they don't even sound the same
(17)
2007-11-19 18:51:12
YossiB:
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As to the MPAC itself, a small suggestion. — Raja77Instead of crying wolf (the wolf of Islamophobia, that is) all the time, why not write something positive about non-Muslims, sometimes? There are plenty of non-Muslims who are nice people around (and my husband is one of them). For instance in Blackburn there is a councillor, a certain Michael Lavalette, who has been working very hard to build bridges between communities, especially between Muslims and non-Muslims. Why does the MPAC have to focus almost exclusively on wrongs, real or perceived, received by Muslims? Michael Lavalette is from Preston not Blackburn. Just googled him. If you read the last couple of paragraphs of the article you'll understand why MPAC is highlighting this issue. All the hard work and effort of the good people of, be it non-muslim or muslim is being wiped away and destroyed because of the media. Articles (As Muhammed Peace be Upon Him said "The pen is mightier then the sword") can cause friction, hatred, suspicion, anxiety and insecurity amongst non-Muslims towards Muslims. I hope we all apire to accuracy. The Prophet did NOT say "The pen is mightier than the sword". From Wikipedia (and many other sources):- "The pen is mightier than the sword" is an adage coined by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839 for his play Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy.[1][2] The play was about Cardinal Richelieu, though in the author's words "license with dates and details... has been, though not unsparingly, indulged."[1] The Cardinal's line in Act II, scene II, was more fully:[3]....... You are correct!! I was going to correct the poster myself but you got ii before me. The prophet Muhammed (pbuh) never said 'the pen is mightier than the sword' What he did say was 'The ink of a scholar is more dear to me than the blood of a martyr' I have found alot of Muslims getting mixed up with that one. I don't know why they don't even sound the same So, to all you potential martyrs out there, better to write a slogan and post it on the underground than to blow up the train.
(18)
2007-11-19 19:31:07
Someone who actually lives in Bl:
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I'm sorry to burst your bubble but the initial story in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph was actually true! In fact, both the bank and Lancashire Council of Mosques were quoted in the story confirming that the pigs were taken from public view "in case it caused an offence to Muslims". Those are facts that nobody can dispute. Nobody at that stage - the paper, the bank etc - actually said there had been a complaint by any Muslim. When it became a big global story with lots of negative publicity for the bank, of course it tried to distance itself from the story. And like a game of Chinese Whispers, lots of the retellings around the world have embellished it to say that the pigs were removed due to complaints from Muslims - which is untrue. It was some well-intentioned but misguided bank workers worrying it may offend but as far as I am aware the LET story never said there had been a complaint. Having said all that, although the story is true, I'm still not sure the paper should have written the story as it was making a very small story (someone taking a pig off display) into a big story. But then I suppose it gets people talking, even two years on, and so presumably sells papers!
(19)
2007-11-19 21:03:35
Salim:
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To che guevara i don't have defend myself to people like you who don't want to even reveal their true name. However, since you asked i didn't vote for Jack Straw nor did many muslims in Blackburn he got in with the white vote. As muslims we only represent 15% of the voters so don't think we like him either. Your ignorrance about blackburn muslims is incredible the patronising tone you have makes me sick. I was talking about change in the local papers coverage of muslims which is changing slowly not about Jack Straw who many muslims don't vote for and don't care about. I and many muslims in Blackburn wrote letters of complaints and went to his surgery when he made the comments about the veil which ended in jack straw cancelling his surgery on the basis of security and i with many Blackburners were one of the 2 million who came down to london to march against the War. I marched for the palestinians cause in London and we continue to protest against muslim oppression in the world. so Che Guevara WHO THE HELL ARE YOU TO COMMENT ON WHATS GOING ON IN BLACKBURN and How dare you accuse me of making excuses What Hace You done for the muslim cause. Oh thats right lets have ago at muslims in the north who in your eyes inferior to you. GET OFF THAT HIGH HORSE YOU'RE ON AND SEE WHAT REALLY IS HAPPENING, I'M FED UP TO MY BACK TEETH AS A MUSLIM HEARING PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND FOR THAT MATTER PEOPLE IN MPAC WHO CONSTANTLY HAVE A GO AT MY TOWN AND THE MUSLIMS LIVING HERE WITHOUT KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT US AND HOW WE ARE TACKILNG THE ISSUES THAT AFFECT FELLOW MUSLIMS IN THE WORLD. MPac has lost trust of the muslims in Blacburn because of there use of the media to make a point, the very same media who manipulated the programme on the mosques in Birmingham. People see them as trouble makers eventhough MPaC raise issues that need to be tackled. You need to use hikmat to change things win hearts and minds not antagonise muslims by shoving a camera in their faces when they come out of salaat. We don't make excuses for anything or anyone who chooses to use every opportunity to have a go at the muslims. Before commenting on any community try and actualy find out what really is happening in those towns and communities.
(20)
2007-11-19 22:44:27
YossiB:
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I'm sorry to burst your bubble but the initial story in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph was actually true! In fact, both the bank and Lancashire Council of Mosques were quoted in the story confirming that the pigs were taken from public view "in case it caused an offence to Muslims". Those are facts that nobody can dispute. Nobody at that stage - the paper, the bank etc - actually said there had been a complaint by any Muslim. When it became a big global story with lots of negative publicity for the bank, of course it tried to distance itself from the story. And like a game of Chinese Whispers, lots of the retellings around the world have embellished it to say that the pigs were removed due to complaints from Muslims - which is untrue. It was some well-intentioned but misguided bank workers worrying it may offend but as far as I am aware the LET story never said there had been a complaint. Having said all that, although the story is true, I'm still not sure the paper should have written the story as it was making a very small story (someone taking a pig off display) into a big story. But then I suppose it gets people talking, even two years on, and so presumably sells papers! — Someone who actually lives in BlTo recap:- The pigs were removed so as not to offend Muslims but the decision was taken by some local bank staff acting politically correctly and no Muslim actually made a comment about it. Sounds like those local councils who tone down Christmas by anticipating offending Muslims. These people are causing the trouble. If we just let ourselves do what the majority of Brits have always done and maintain our traditions then we would never get into these stupid stories that cause trouble against Muslims. Is someone going to try and tell us that Muslims avoid shopping centres because there are Christmas decorations, or something stuoid like that? BTW, to me its the same argument about halal meat in schools. If we are going to serve it then we must ALSO keep serving non-halal meat. How else are kids going to be allowed pork chops or ham? Its unfair to change our traditions and then make Muslims the reason, so demonising them further.
(21)
2007-11-20 07:40:48
Adeel:
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I'm sorry to burst your bubble but the initial story in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph was actually true! In fact, both the bank and Lancashire Council of Mosques were quoted in the story confirming that the pigs were taken from public view "in case it caused an offence to Muslims". Those are facts that nobody can dispute. Nobody at that stage - the paper, the bank etc - actually said there had been a complaint by any Muslim. When it became a big global story with lots of negative publicity for the bank, of course it tried to distance itself from the story. And like a game of Chinese Whispers, lots of the retellings around the world have embellished it to say that the pigs were removed due to complaints from Muslims - which is untrue. It was some well-intentioned but misguided bank workers worrying it may offend but as far as I am aware the LET story never said there had been a complaint. Having said all that, although the story is true, I'm still not sure the paper should have written the story as it was making a very small story (someone taking a pig off display) into a big story. But then I suppose it gets people talking, even two years on, and so presumably sells papers! — Someone who actually lives in BlUtter garbage. I've got the original article in fron of me. I am from Blackburn, I work in Blackburn and I have been living in blackburn for 37 years. The bank spokesman did not say anything about affence to Muslims. And how could the Lancashire Council of Mosque speak on behalf of the bank? The LCM were told by the Lancashire Eve Telegraph that the bank is taking off promo material in case it offends Muslims. LCM was just agreeing that this is a good thing to do. But again, the point is, the Newspaper fabricated a story and lied. and that is wrong!
(23)
2007-11-21 10:14:47
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What on earth will it take to wake up the Blackburn Muslims? How many knocks can they endure? How many insults can they tolerate? How much longer will they allow the Islamaphobes to run riot in their own backyard? Time and again, this Northern town attracts attention for all the wrong reasons and does little to lessen the challenges facing Muslims in Britain.
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