Posted on 12/11/2006 3:02:47 AM PST by Mrs Ivan
It has often been accused of being a stronghold for political correctness.
But even the Commission for Racial Equality, it seems, has a sense of humour when it comes to Christmas.
The watchdog's official card this year features a nativity scene with all the usual religious characters.
The traditional design, however, is presented as a 'draft' - and is lampooned with a series of scribbled suggestions or notes.
One states: 'The snow looks hideously white' while another says: 'Sheep should look more diverse.'
Pointing to the stable, one suggestion reads: 'Stable not compliant with housing code - where is disabled access?'
Highlighting Father Christmas and reindeer, another comments: 'Important: Animals pulling sleigh should be product of equal opportunities employment policies, not all one species.'
Michael Fellows, of the Campaign Against Political Correctness, is delighted with the card. He said: 'When a heavyweight like the Commission for Racial Equality starts poking fun at political correctness you know things have gone too far.
'It appears that political correctness, which totally undermines British life, is now being wholeheartedly rejected and replaced by common sense.'
The CRE - whose chairman Trevor Phillips has declared that multiculturalism is in danger of sending Britain 'sleepwalking' to segregation - would not comment over its decision to send the card to contacts and supporters.
But senior sources within the organisation feel the card is timely.
A survey published at the weekend revealed that the rise of political correctness has made a marked difference to the Christmas cards available in high street stores.
The Daily Mail study of 5,500 cards found the scene of Jesus in his manger with three wise men appears in just one in 100. Hundreds avoided any images linked to Christmas at all, including fir trees and snowmen.
The Christian Voice group has already called for a boycott of such cards, saying society should never forget why Christmas is celebrated.
On Saturday, the Bishop of Rochester became the latest senior clergyman to speak out. He said Government agencies and firms were reluctant to allow Christmas celebrations because bosses feared they would be seen as discriminating against people of other faiths.
The Right Reverend Michael Nazir-Ali said the root of the problem was the culture of political correctness. He told Radio 4' s Today programme: 'I think the point is not some kind of active conspiracy, but various assumptions that we have got used to over the last 50 years, which are now affecting legislation, for instance, diversity legislation.'
The Pakistani-born bishop added: 'The point is Christmas has been celebrated in this country for 1,500 years at the very least.'
j. narain@dailymail.co.uk But even the Commission for Racial Equality, it seems, has a sense of humour when it comes to Christmas.
The watchdog's official card this year features a nativity scene with all the usual religious characters.
The traditional design, however, is presented as a 'draft' - and is lampooned with a series of scribbled suggestions or notes.
One states: 'The snow looks hideously white' while another says: 'Sheep should look more diverse.'
Pointing to the stable, one suggestion reads: 'Stable not compliant with housing code - where is disabled access?'
Highlighting Father Christmas and reindeer, another comments: 'Important: Animals pulling sleigh should be product of equal opportunities employment policies, not all one species.'
Michael Fellows, of the Campaign Against Political Correctness, is delighted with the card. He said yesterday: 'When a heavyweight like the Commission for Racial Equality starts poking fun at political correctness you know things have gone too far.
'It appears that political correctness, which totally undermines British life, is now being wholeheartedly rejected and replaced by common sense.'
The CRE - whose chairman Trevor Phillips has declared that multiculturalism is in danger of sending Britain 'sleepwalking' to segregation - would not comment over its decision to send the card to contacts and supporters.
But senior sources within the organisation feel the card is timely.
A survey published at the weekend revealed that the rise of political correctness has made a marked difference to the Christmas cards available in high street stores.
The Daily Mail study of 5,500 cards found the scene of Jesus in his manger with three wise men appears in just one in 100. Hundreds avoided any images linked to Christmas at all, including fir trees and snowmen.
The Christian Voice group has already called for a boycott of such cards, saying society should never forget why Christmas is celebrated.
On Saturday, the Bishop of Rochester became the latest senior clergyman to speak out. He said Government agencies and firms were reluctant to allow Christmas celebrations because bosses feared they would be seen as discriminating against people of other faiths.
The Right Reverend Michael Nazir-Ali said the root of the problem was the culture of political correctness.
He told Radio 4' s Today programme: 'I think the point is not some kind of active conspiracy, but various assumptions that we have got used to over the last 50 years, which are now affecting legislation, for instance, diversity legislation.'
The Pakistani-born bishop added: 'The point is Christmas has been celebrated in this country for 1,500 years at the very least.'
Or perhaps this one:
Complements of Pookie's Toons 12/7/2006
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