Shades of Gray

This week there has been a lot of talk about Andy Gray and Richard Keys, and the sexist comments they have made. I think I should add my two pence to the argument.

Andy Gray was wrong to say that Miss Massey did not know the offside rule, although the sentiment that most women do not know the offside rule is true. It is highly unlikely that she would have made it to her postion as linesma.... Sorry 'Assistant Referee', if she is not aware of the rules. That said, Howard Webb made it to his position as a referee and he doesn't seem to be aware of any other rule other than Man U must win.

However, Andy Gray's clip on camera where he makes sexual innuendo's which are totally inappropriate to a female colleage are enough to get him sacked on their own, and it was right that he was fired. He lacked the class to walk on his own accord, which would have been the honorable thing to do, and it is only right that he is left with what he counts as a 'reputation' in tatters.

I have heard mutterings from people that women say far more demeaning stuff about men and yet they are not forced to resign from their positions, and although this is not true, let us suppose for a minute it is; is this really that much different from servants talking behind the back of unjust masters?

Yes. I did go there. No matter how we wish to look at it, women are still disadvantaged in the work place when compared to their male counterparts. Women are still disadvantaged in many areas of society when it comes to their male counterparts. Women are still in many ways disadvantaged in the home when it comes to their male counterparts. And this is by no means to say that the law has everything right, because the complete opposite is true when it comes to children and paternal custody, but even this is steeped in the idea that women are better as homemakers than bread winners, and in some ways disadvantages them further.

I do not believe that this whole episode is a matter of political correctness gone wrong, but political correctness at its best.

Andy Gray and Richard Keys speak their opinions, no matter how idiotic (and they almost always are idiotic) to millions of people every week who for some reason take what they say as the gospel truth. Regardless of the fact that they thought they were making these remarks privately, in a studion anything can happen, and they should have been aware of this. They should also be aware of the impact of their opinions on the people that tune in to watch football but fail to mute their TV's. It sends out a negative message to women, it reinforces negative stereotypes of women in men, and it perpetuates the cycle.

I for one am glad to see women officials at mens sporting venues.

I look forward to the day when women also compete in the same sporting event and earn the same amount of money.

If only so I can here them complain that its not fair and the men are stronger, faster and more aggressive than they are.

You can't have your cake and eat it love...

Now run along and bring us a cuppa

I'm Baaaaccckkkkk......

Ok, I am back from volunteering at a community camp all last week. It was great.

Challenging. But Great.

Anyway, its a new football season, and I look forward to this time of the year, every year.

However, I think I am the only one in my household who does. When my beloved Liverpool are on the TV, don't talk to me. Don't look at me. Don't even think about me. I am not interested in hearing anything.

And heaven help you if Liverpool lose. Depending on who we are playing, and what the competition is, I can be mad for weeks... Or on the flip side, I can be happy for months... (Remember Athens 2005 anyone?).

Supporting Liverpool is more than just a hobby... Its a passion. I don't understand what it is that draws me to supporting a football team, after all it is just 22 men kicking a ball around, but then, do I have to understand it? Women collect shoes. The other half has hundreds, but she can only wear one pair at a time. I don't understand it, but I accept it.

I am silently optimistic about our chances for this year. I have hopes that we can challenge for the title this season, and whatever happens, let Man U and Everton be unsuccessful and I will be happy...

COME ON YOU REDS!!!!