Posted on 06/06/2007 9:25:15 AM PDT by DogByte6RER
Lucy pin-ups banned by RAF
ROYAL Air Force chiefs have risked a bust-up with their pilots by forcing them to black out pictures of pin-ups painted on their planes - including Hampshire glamour girl Lucy Pinder.
In the 1940s it was common to see the likes of Rita Hayworth and Jane Russell adorning the fronts of Lancaster bombers and flying fortresses setting off en route to their German targets.
Countless more pictures of anonymous girls were splashed across aircraft, in poses almost as risque as their crews' missions were risky.
Sixty years on, when British airmen fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan decided to bring the practice into the 21st century, one of their first choices was Lucy, from Winchester.
But their plans were shot down before even getting off the ground - by politically correct bosses worried about offending female crew members and Muslim locals.
Senior commanders got hot under the collar when they heard about the paintings, and immediately ordered that any drawings on Harrier jets be blacked-out to silhouettes only.
RAF Strike Command feared that having too much flesh on display ran the risk of putting off female recruits, who could view the images as sexist.
And in a country where many women wear full burkhas, there was also the worry that pictures offending local culture could spark a diplomatic incident.
Concerned that even the outlines were too provocative, they have now ordered the images be removed completely.
Saints fan Lucy is disappointed the troops weren't allowed to have their fun. Last November she visited Afghanistan with pal Michelle Marsh as part of a morale-boosting tour, and even signed one of the planes carrying her picture.
She was shocked to hear of the enforced cover-up, saying she thought the pictures were "harmless fun".
"It's very flattering, and it's nice that they get to do something that takes their minds off things for a while," the 23-year-old told the Daily Echo.
"It's a shame they've got to change them to silhouettes. Rules are rules, but I don't think it's offensive.
"It's just the way it goes these days. They're doing a very hard job out there and we should all appreciate it.
"It's a very serious situation out there and it's a bit of frivolity, but it's just the lads having a bit of fun and light relief.
"Anything that can cheer them up for a bit must be nice."
Last night RAF bosses defended the ban as entirely appropriate, saying in a statement: "The Royal Air Force values and recognises the contribution of service personnel regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or social background.
"To this end, the RAF promotes working in an environment that is free from harassment and where personnel are respected both for the contribution they can bring to the team and the value and potential they offer as individuals."
9:00am Tuesday 5th June 2007
By Jon Reeve
LOL!
Would the Muslims prefer this?
Here's one for the feminist...
And here's one for the wives of the enlisted...
I have always thought it interesting that the “repressed” 40’s had such risque nose art. Your story made me chuckle.
these paintings do respect and honor women....
Well, as another Christian woman, let me suggest that if you are offended, you always have the option of not joining the RAF so you won't have to see such offensive art. No one is holding a gun to your head and forcing you either to study these pictures or to read a thread where your thoughts might be compromised.
Most men don't fight for some abstract political cause. At the deepest level of their psyches they are fighting for their homes and the women back there. Let these strong heterosexual men be reminded of what they love and want.
I have never understood people who get upset about pictures of women. It’s as if they think women don’t know men like women unless they see a scantily clad picture of women on a mans locker, airplane etc. If these pictures are out of line, then all women who go to a beach in a bikini, or walk down a street with shorts , halter tops, etc. are out of line. Can’t see what the big deal is except someone wants to control everyone else.
That's my question. What's more motivating to a manly fighting force than beautiful women? I'll fight the Pope over short shorts and bikinis. Ba-donk-a-donk makes the world go 'round as far as I'm concerned.
Porn is not nice.
Porn kills.
Porn is not nice.Porn kills.
Pin-ups are porn? Not buying it.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell."
Then there must be a lot of heroes in hell.
Cheers.
I find it hard to believe that a God who gave his only son to forgive the sins of man would be so unforgiving. If that is the case I say unto you thus...
HES YOUR GOD THEY ARE YOUR RULES>>>> YOU BURN IN HELL!
Bottom line: The universe does not revolve around her.
Good luck with that whole self-mutilation thing. I’ll pass.
I don’t know if you realize it or not, maybe you do, but he is quoting from the Bible ... Matthew 5:28-29 to be exact. If you have an issue with what he said ... take it up with scripture .... you know ... the whole message and messenger thing.
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