UK: Vicars told not to wear dog collars in public as it makes them a target for muggers

The Daily Mail (U.K.) ^ | October 7, 2007 | CHRIS BROOKE

[Stoat]

So, rather than addressing the crime problem properly, people are being advised to cower in fear.

How utterly pathetic.

Since ladies are the most common rape victims, should they now be advised to cut their hair short, wear masculine attire and avoid wearing jewelry or makeup in an effort ot appear as masculine as possible?

How about dealing with the crime problem effectively instead, so that all of society doesn't have to live in fear?

[Stoat]

I thought you might be interested......

[Disambiguator]

This is the headline:

Vicars told not to wear dog collars in public as it makes them a target for muggers

This is the headline we'd all like to see:

Vicars told to carry large-caliber handguns to defend themselves against muggers

[IronJack]

Five vicars have been murdered in the past decade, and a 2001 study found that 12 per cent of clergy had suffered some form of violence.

While I sympathize with the vicars, these are not exactly alarming statistics. I'll bet that nearly every profession could make the same claims. One murder every two years? Out of a population of how many? I would think that that is hardly even statistically significant. And the statement that roughly 1 out of 10 had suffered "some form of violence" is so broad as to be virtually meaningless.

There is a problem, to be sure, and this "solution" is an act of abject cowardice, nothing more. But I hardly think this is the problem the article would have us believe it is.

[Max in Utah]

“DOG COLLARS?”

[kinoxi]

Jihad!, I want to stick my winky into the infidel’s cattle. They offend my brethren.

[kittymyrib]

Do people in England really call them “dog collars”? I have never heard them referred to as such, the correct term being “clerical collars.” This seems disrespectful, and it certainly says a lot about the lack of civilization in not-so-Great Britain these days.

[VR-21]

Sigh. I suppose declaring an open season on the human trash who prey upon decent people would be considered unenlightened.

God protect you Britain.

[originalbuckeye]

Britain was such a civilized place not too long ago. I used to love going to Brighton for shopping. While in Britain last Christmas I was verbally assaulted by a bunch of 14 year old yobs walking in the Lanes. My FIL had said Brighton wasn’t a nice place anymore but I had to see for myself. It’s just sad.

[donna]

Warning: Vicars advised not to wear their dog collars in public because they are more likely to be attacked

Nicky Cruz - testimony

Tough, but lonely, by age 16 he became a member of the notorious Brooklyn street gang known as the Mau Maus (named after a bloodthirsty African tribe). Within six months he became their president. Cruz fearlessly ruled the streets as warlord of one of the gangs most dreaded by rivals and police. Lost in the cycle of drugs, alcohol, and brutal violence (snip)

No authority figure could reach Cruz - until he met a skinny street-preacher named David Wilkerson. He disarmed Nicky - showing him something he'd never known before: Relentless love. His interest in the young thug was persistent. Nicky beat him up, spit on him and, on one occasion, seriously threatened his life.yet the love of God remained - stronger than any adversary Nicky had ever encountered.

Finally, Wilkerson's presentation of the gospel message and the love of Jesus melted the thick walls of his heart. Nicky received the forgiveness, love and new life that can only come through Jesus. Since then, he has dedicated that life to helping others find the same freedom.

[TWohlford]

The sad part is that the Church of England no longer stands for much in the way of morality. Perhaps that is why the hoodlums have such contempt for them?

[Argus]

priests are often targeted more than other professions as they are considered unlikely to fight back.

I think I have a solution. Start packing heat!

(Oh yeah I forgot. This is the UK, where the criminals have the monopoly on violence.)

[SpaceBar]

England has become what many want the US to become, a minimum security work camp that resembles a society. No sharp or dangerous things, just go to work and pay your taxes, while Parliament is in the back pocket of the London power brokers. The sun really has set on the Empire.

[brytlea]

Oh, I do hope so! ;)
susie

[PAR35]

should they now be advised to cut their hair short, wear masculine attire and avoid wearing jewelry or makeup in an effort ot appear as masculine as possible?

No, if they just wear burkahs, they should be ok.

[SandRat]

So,... who hates Dogs and reviles them? Who would mug a man of God of the Chistian Faith? Who would change the lexicon from CLerical Collar to Dog Collars to demaen these men of Faith? Think about it. Just asking.

[Clintonfatigued]

Now, that’s just sad.

The U.S. has a lot of problems, but at least we haven’t sunk to this level.

[dighton]

“DOG COLLARS?”

Webster's II (1934) gives dog collar in that sense as Brit slang. Someone with an OED could say how far back it goes, and whether or not it’s usually derogatory.

‘Maurice, why did you bring that ghastly little dog-collared drip over here like that?’

— Kingsley Amis, The Green Man, 1969.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

“Dog Collars,yobs,off his trolley.” Are we speakin’ the same language?
I assume yobs are youts.