What a stinker of a story
I think the whole ‘affair’ is quite honestly totally ridiculous. If you get to the core of the matter people should remember that the taping of the 'off-air' remarks were not broadcast but 'leaked' to the media.
Why?
The Supreme Being of News Corp Rupert Murdoch was in town regarding the NOTW phone hacking scandal which threatens to derail News Corp’s buy out of the money printing machine known as BSKYB. A few token heads have rolled - but unfortunately not that many of the management at the NOTW. Andy Gray who worked for BSKYB (News Corp own 39.1%) just happened to have ongoing legal action against the NOTW over allegations that his live microphone was taped on previous occasions. Now just who do you think would do such a thing? He now joins a long list of people who will sue NOTW. Andy Coulson walked later from No 10 as he must have got advance warning of the missing emails that have now apparently have been found again. Surprise, surprise.
But what a total fit-up for Gray in particular. The good news for Andy is that he has had 19 years with BSKYB at upwards of at least £1.5m pa. He and now his pal Richard Keys are better out of it. 'Poor' Richard Keys I am afraid was collateral damage relating to the sacking of Gray.
Was it Sexism?
I consider what they said to be daft, stupid and silly; not appropriate for public consumption and/or in the workplace. But was it a hanging offence? I really don’t think so. Do most people who are friends now have to carefully consider what they say to one another in private? Perhaps yes, if it is being recorded overtly (being broadcast) or covertly (taped and leaked) as in this case.
I am not making an excuse for sexism. Like racism and religious bigotry we have had in the past it is I feel 'institutionalised'. I believe it is the same with sexism. More often than not it is deep rooted in the culture of the organisation/workplace; and also from people's upbringing and schooling. These factors determine the background level, or 'acceptability', of the problem within the organisation.
Think back to 10/20/30 years, as to what were the generally acceptable norms were as to racism, bigotry, sexism, and so on; I think most people will agree we are thankfully headed in the right direction to reduce the level of institutionalised racism/sexism/bigotry.
Many folk in the street jumped right on the Murdoch bandwagon to call both Gray and Keys sexists. Women seemed to be even more unforgiving than the men folk –you would expect that though wouldn’t you? The problem I have is that many people who were quick with the tar brush did not even know what was said.
Apologies in advance for repeating the heinous words that they dared to speak. I really don't want to cause any offence so read no further if you are easily offended.
Keys: "Somebody better explain the offside rule to her (the line official)."
Gray: "Women don't know the offside rule."
Keys: "The game's gone mad. See charming Karren Brady complaining about sexism? Do me a favour, love."
Gray speaking to Sky Sports presenter Andy Burton, 22 January
Burton: "A female lino today, bit of a looker ... according to Steve the cameraman. I don't know if I should trust his judgment."
Gray: "I wouldn't... I can see her from here. (Expletive] - what do women know about the offside rule?"
In mitigation, this 'sexist' tirade was off-air so few people heard it. It was a private discussion between Gray and Keys & Gray and Burton. But somebody taped it and shocked the world media with its dastardly content.
Hypocrites
I'm sure they'll not be much sexism at the News of the World or the Sun! And I do find it a bit sickening when BSKYB and News International now take the moral high ground and gloat over Andy Gray and Richard Keys ‘resignation’. 'We won't stand for sexism in the workplace' and other such tosh. Some were labelling them as perverts, or even worse. Hypocrites the lot of them - the trashy News of the World & The Sun thrive on a diet of cheap sexploitation and lurid stories which are often just made up. Is page 3 of the Sun sexist - I believe it is!
As an interesting aside I read that the red tops apparently had teams of journalists looking for any contacts - especially old boyfriends - of Sian Massey the assistant referee. They were allegedly offering hefty cash incentives in return for 'raunchy shots' of the 25 year old. But I'm sure if the get any it will be handled in the best possible taste with absolutely no element of 'sexism'.
Pot calling the kettle black.
