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A princely mistake
Monday 12th January 2009, 12:15PM GMT.
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If you caught Sky News yesterday, you couldn’t miss the headlines about a princely gaffe three years ago when Prince Harry called a member of his army platoon a “Paki”, writes Shirley Tart from South Africa.
It wasn’t clever for two reasons. First, it was seen as an insult to people from Pakistan; second, because it was videoed somebody, somewhere, at some time, was going to pick it up. That day was yesterday.
Once caught out, the prince apologised. He said he used the expression about a pal without malice. Anybody who knows a jot about lads together knows they can talk a different language. That might not be clever either, but they do it.
I’ve never seen why an abbreviation of a national name is offensive, nor it seems did Harry’s Sandhurst colleague. Here in South Africa, they watched the news coverage with disbelief as royal correspondents gathered in London, good old Dickie Arbiter, former press man, was pulled out of retirement and politicians galore flocked to comment.
Here in South Africa, the Prince is not kow-towed to, but he is well respected for the work he does and the profile he raises on a continent which suffers more than any other on earth. They talk of the special bond he has with children, the schools he helps build and the good guy they think he is. Girlfriend Chelsey’s family lives in Africa as well.
Like others, I’ve had a go at him for his silly swastika prank, for falling out of nightclubs and so on. But this latest accusation was three years ago, and since then Harry has been honed by tough army life, tried to do his duty despite family and top military brass, and, maybe, tried too hard to be one of the boys.
If he told fellow soldiers to call him Your Royal Highness, there would be a huge hue and cry. As it happens, he gets called “Ginger”, to which he doesn’t object, though some would.
Whatever their station, nobody should go around insulting others but we need to be careful not to see comments which may be clumsy or crass as sinister.
And the message from hereabouts – where they know a bit about personal insults – is that he’ll have got the message that he blundered.
Now lay off Harry.
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Its an abbreviation, we British get called Brits, too much fuss is made these days about upsetting certain cultures.
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this must be the biggest non story of the year so far. i have put up with a load of left wing loonies on late night radio decrying harry wales comments, have put up with the daily mirror’s royal corresp. james whittaker calling harry thick and saying this is how the army officers speak and indeed how the elderly royals speak. as for that paper the news of the world they are disgraceful for inciting our left wing. why do they not go out to helmund province, afghanistan and put their heads above the parapet.
can some one please explain what is offensive about brit, paki,taffy, jock, aussi,paddy or even shroppi. i would consider froggi and kraut to be offensive but not yank etc.
people who emigrated to this country and those born here of immigrants can call themselves british, or brits.it is high time we all grew up.
now i have heard a very offensive word after the name paki and it begins with b and that i would call grotesquely offensive, but surely paki on its own is merely an abbreviation and or nickname. it is time for some of us including george galloway mp, james whittaker etc to grow up and smell the coffee,
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It’s not the same as saying ‘Brit’ Fran, and anyone using that argument must be very ignorant. The term has come to be used in an extremely derogatory way and has often been accompanied by foul racist attacks on the Pakistani community.
I’m frankly amazed it can even be printed in this story – I doubt the ‘n’ word used to describe a black man in a derogatory way will ever be seen in print again!
I actually think the reaction to this story is over the top. It happened three years ago, Harry has clearly changed since then and I don’t think he intended any malice. However, he should not be using that term and I’m sure he knows that.
Let’s not hang him out to dry, but equally let’s not pretend he did nothing wrong.
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All this “hoo haa” is outrageous, he was a young “squaddy” (albeit an officer) 3 years ago having the kind of chat that goes on in barrack rooms throughout the army. The way things are going, our armed forces are going to be the laughing stock of the world, afraid to say or do anything. In fact the powers that be and the press are trying to turn them into a load of women (now lets have some PC comment about that). Does someone mean to tell me that all the other nicknames for all the other groups within the army are never used.
Good on yer Harry, don’t be put off, these people are just trying to play the injured, hard done to underdogs to get sympathy.
I don’t mind being called a Limey, a pom, honky or similar and I will continue to use the words to describe others I always do.
I have a brother in law, named within our large extended family as Paddy O’Sullivan, I had better tell him that I cant call him that in future and ask him for an alternative. Then I will stand back and await the broadside.
Absolute rubbish.
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Fran is totally out of touch with reality. It is not just an abbreviation – it is an offensive term in the same league as nig-nog and coon. These type of words are not acceptable and it’s nothing to do with “upsetting certain cultures”.
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I had a local convenience store near to my place of employment that was opened by a Pakistani, who said his name was Ron, he was called Paki Ron by himself and his family, no racist slur intended, he loved it and was proud of being called Paki Ron What is all the fuss about?
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I love Harry, he’s the only normal Royal. The word he used isn’t one i would use though, it makes me feel very uncomfortable.
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Not a word I’m comfortable with, not least because it is generally used as a derogatory term for anyone with a particular skin colour regardless of country of origin. People who use it are generally pretty ignorant.
In Harry’s case I accept that it was probably a bit of banter and not in any way malicious, but he really should know better.
Shirley Tart fawns over the Royals to such an extent that it’s difficult to imagine her ever criticising any of them.
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from what little i know of the prince im afraid he appears a nasty spoilt mean little toff, he is an embarrasment to the fine character shown by his mother, his brother and HRH; his nan and to the great british army
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This was said some three years ago and is the fuss being made because of who said it.
I really believe it has been blown out of proportion and was not intended as an insult.
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It is an abbreviation which is now widely associated with racism, but we should always judge the context in which the term is used.
I have watched the video concerned and it would be ridiculous to say that it was a racist statement.
Whilt our princes are born into great wealth and have a good deal of privilege I feel that in choosing to serve in the armed services they are showing that they are willing to give back to the country.
Give the young man a break, it was blatantly not a racist comment.
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in spite of all the waffle written above will somebody please tell me what is offensive about the term aussie brit paki yank, etc i am waiting
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watching the clip you can it was never intended as a racist remark just a poor one! have to say I really hate our media they are always baying for blood! especially the News of World
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I think Peter sees it the same way as me. Not maliscious, but still silly.
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My god what is the problem ???
We have Jocks, Micks, Taffs, Brits, ect…
Wherever your from you get tagged.
Its not offensive or racist.
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all i have to say on the matter is unfortuantely Harry isn’t from the real world,so probably won’t understand the impact of his comments, and probably won’t be that bothered.’paki’is like any other name,to be used with awarenss that some will see it as a racist name.i for one don’t think that as having spent 20years in a mainly Pakistani area of Bradford, i would and wouldn’t use this term,it is subjective. By the way many PAkistani’s I know refer to each other as Pakis,indeed the person who commented that it is similar to British (Brits) is right, because I have been told, by a Pakistani Friend, that in Pakistan,that is acceptable.Also the Australian Cricket team refer to the Pakistan Team as the Pakis!.Taking into account that the Officer of Pakistani origin,chose to have this nickname and therefore consented to this name.What is all the fuss about?It’s also funny that radical people from either side of the politial ‘fence’ come out of the woodwork to condemn him. I don’t defend him or the Royal Family, but in this instance we’ve gone into politicla correctness overdrive!
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Many of the comments above appear to find no problem with the use of the phrase “Paki” – what about “Rag-head”?
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i am still waiting for somebody to tell me what is wrong or racist about taffy paki, jock paddy. yank, aussie or shropie. one of you must know
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This just shows how PC our world has become.
Being a ex squaddie I can assure everyone that far worse language is used than has been reported on by the media as coming from harry’s mouth!!
What on earth do people expect – The army does not employ our brightest talents – the majority of our army come from working class communities.
Harry was trying to blend into his troop so of course he is going to mimic what everyone else says in said troop.
A complete load of rubbish.
If anyone else apart from harry had said it, it would be a non story.
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as no one has responded i assume nicknames and abbreviations rule ok, so left wing loonies please leave this thread, a shropie
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I suggest that some of our papers like the News of the World and the Mail, do a “fly on the wall” in a service barrack room or mess or in a Police canteen or in a DWP restuarant. They would well and truly have a story and this “Paki” word would have been one of the milder ones being used and as for Harry as a young man, well I am generally against royal “hangers on” but within the constraints of his background he is a typical young army officer and a good deal better than his brother Edward who flunks all the army/marine courses to the extent he has to resign his commission then, blow me we see him in a full Colonels uniform at the Cenotaph, there’s the immorality and idiocy, let Harry have his head, he is a good lad. He meant nothing whatsoever by this stupid word, it would have rolled off the lips without thinking – the same as it would have rolled of mine in the right context.
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“Old News of The World”… who actually buys it – enough people to make it profitable and that worries me more.
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Makes me sick when people use the racist card! Paki is an abrevation used to call a person from Pakistan as is Brit for British, Aussie for Australian etc etc. Why would you find this offensive in the slightest? For those who use the term inappropately, i.e calling an Indian person a Paki in an offensive manor, shows a lack of intelligence and narrow mindedness but to use it on a correct form should not be seen as offensive.
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I’ve been called worst and it never makes the paper. Too much suffering in the world to worry about a comment made 3 years ago.
Newspaper editors grow up and look at the real world?
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All this, on the same day a British soldier had been killed in Afghanistan, most probably by someone who had crossed the border from Pakistan to carry out his mission.
Ten seconds of tv news coverage for the loss of a British life, and only AFTER ten minutes of hounding a member of the Royal Family for a throwaway remark.
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harold i might have a problem with raghead, it allegedly refers to an iraqi insurgent or a member of the taliban. but if our army lads are either being shot at or blown up by them then they deserve to be called something and perhaps raghead is better than somethings.
incidentally harry wales is shortly to join william wales at raf shawbury for helecopter training. let us hope the two amongst other pilots can call their machines choppers without too much criticism. per ardua ad astra!
no one has yet told us what is remotely offensive about the abbreviation paki. has the cat got your tongues!
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I was appalled by this story, not for what Harry said, but because it was video’d and sold to the highest bidder by one of his supposed squaddie mates. The soldier who did this should be thoroughly ashamed of himself. If ever there was a situation where having complete trust in your mates was a 100% neccessity, then being in a field of war is that situation. These lads should be able to depend on each other for their lives. To sell one of your mates out for a quick buck is unforgiveable. I hope that group of soldiers is able to identify the low-life who did it, and express their displeasure!
It is a non-story ~ if anyone had been offended by Harry’s remarks, then they would have raised it at the time.
Yours, Very angry Brit.
(That’s short for British Subject, and no, I do not get all indignant and upset if anyone calls me that ~ There are far too many other, more important things to be worrying over)
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Prince Harry is a real ‘ginger head’ and has been called that on several occasions.
Scots are Jocks – Welsh people are Taffy and Australian’s call us English folk Poms.
I ask the question – what are the people from Pakistan complaining about.
Or is this all to do with Political correctness ?
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several people including me have asked what is offensive about the abbreviation paki. no one has come forward from which i deduce it is not offensive and is a word not in common use except when used the press incite loonies of the left if royalty used the phrase. i am going to use a very daring word, now will it be published? SWISS!!!
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Devon Salopian – I can’t see why it is offensive either.
I don’t mind being called a Brit, Welshie boy ;o) even anything to with leeks.
Water off ducks back.
The problem arises when the loony PC left act hoffifed on behalf of the offended party.
The PC left has a lot to answer for in my view.
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The abbreviation for someone from Pakistan, devon salopian, is Pakistani.
Paki is a pejorative term.
Also, Rag-head is pejorative term for a Sikh.
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It’s a sad state of affairs!
This country is seriously bad for your health!
Arrest Bliar & Co for war crimes, these are the real issues.
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H. St. John Peasbody – The abbreviation for someone from Britain is British.
Would you say Brit is a pejorative term.
Also you say Rag-head is pejorative term for a Sikh that may be but you have to remember we are in a War with the Taliban – in WW2 Hun was used as a term for the Germans – would you say that was correct?
When YOU fight in Afghanistan then by all means you may choose to call your enemy whatever you want to until you do fight in Afghanistan as HRH Harry has then I would suggest you do comment on HRH Harry language or terms used for the enemy
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Try looking up ‘abbreviation’ in the dictionary
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The release of this three year old story took the failure of our government off the front page for a few days! So that worked, then.
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Perhaps some of those who see Paki and Rag-head as ok terms to use would like to walk the streets of Birmingham and say “Hello Paki” or “Hello Rag-head” to the first Asian they see.
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H. St. John Peasbody, what about posh snob, or shut up, go lock yourself in a cupboard and dont come out! or gay, you know stupid things you say to mates, the “paki” could of called harry a custurd cream. Im going back to mars now, bye bye all you brits, crouts, pakis, ozzie’s, any more that you can think of!
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H. St. John Peasbody said: Jan 13th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
“Perhaps some of those who see Paki and Rag-head as ok terms to use would like to walk the streets of Birmingham and say “Hello Paki” or “Hello Rag-head” to the first Asian they see.”
Now that’s just being silly. Brummie, tyke, taff or cockney are not insulting terms – but nobody in their right mind would walk around Cardiff and say ‘hello Taff” to the first local they see, would they?
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Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t Harry, in fact, refer to him as his “Paki friend”? And with a friendly intonation.
I hate the abbreviation “Brit” but will the PC brigade consider that abusive. Probably not, but then I am white, anglo-saxon, protestant. Say no more.
The News of the World has nothing better to do.
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ah just hot air, i think the ayes have it, the ayes have it. order.
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harold a pakistani is an inhabitant of pakistan. paki is an abbreviation for pakistani. nothing sordid, derisory or offensive about it at all. no one has said why it is offensive and i rest my case. raghead is offensive unlike the rag trade or ragtop a name given to the fabric roof of an old austin 7 saloon and others. from shroppie
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So what about the Prince Charles incident? Was it right to call his mate ‘sooty’?
‘Sooty’ himself didn’t mind.
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Sooty is the name of a puppet. Taking offence at such a term of endearment is absurd.
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Sooty is indeed the name of a puppet. I’d be much more concerned if Prince Charles called his friend “Sweep”.
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This seems to be a case of political correctness gone mad. If our own King can’t say what he wants then who will run the country? Certainly not Gordon Brown (who is an ethnic minority anyway and therefor biased). And for the tabloid press to call his son and heir a rag head is disrespectful, even if he is an imbicile.
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Dearest tristram. It is wonderful to correspond with you once again via this organ. It is wonderful for you to call a spade a spade and make things so clear for us.
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Harold. I usually ignore your dredging of me on here but now you’v e gone too far. And, for the record, a spade is NOT a spade.
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i called my cat sooty
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Then there are people with real problems…
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I’ve been to America and was called a “Limey” Ive been to Australia and was called a “Pom” I’ve been to Sri Lanka and my nickname was, when translated from Sri Lankan “Milk Bottle”
This country has gone too far! Enough of it!!!
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My. Don’t the Shropshire Star forums / boards come alive when “racism” and allegations thereof is the subject matter?
And we wonder why the discussion forum was closed……
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Kate, Iv’e been in the Army and I wouldn’t even attempt to disclose some of the names that I have been called or what I have called others. The word “Paki” is tame when I consider some of the descriptive words to denote one’s country of origin. The PC people who object to this can be easily steriotyped, invariably they are soft, milky handed individuals, never done a proper job in their lives, probably employed by a local authority, public service or a charity pushing paper or going on demos, never had a gruff voice speak to them, extreme left wing in their views, don’t know how the other half lives, the round kneck sweater and sandal brigade, social worker or see good in everyone type etc etc. In fact, just the type of people who have reduced this country to the social mess that it is in.
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What a sad Nation Britain has become , I remember England, say 15yrs ago. we were called Limeys(from the days of Scurvey and eating Limes) Pommes ,Irish ,Scottish,Welsh and yes Jews, we all made jokes ,no one took offence , so what has happened to England ? Im English and Im offended being called British because it means just about anyone with a British passport, have I got rights too?I do not find the princes words offensive, in my day it was more a friendly one of us type words.Does this offend any one ?we all make affectionate sayings more as friends than spite.
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