Is our military…

[Kippaxpete]

That’s really sad to hear, but being racist doesn’t necessarily render someone to be irredeemably bad. Racism is illogical, unwarranted and wrong. But so are lots of things. Doesn’t necessarily mean that a racist person is poisonous or malign. Life is far more complicated than that. Four legs good, two legs bad?

'Doesn’t necessarily mean that a racist person is poisonous or malign.' Really Gord? I will concede that racism shouldn't perhaps be used as a sole characteristic to define a person but it sure gives a strong clue as to their worldview and how that might inform their behaviour towards others. In spite of what you say, I'd like to think you acknowledge that racism per se is, in fact, both poisonous and malign. Simply to excuse it by saying 'so are a lot of things' is whataboutery of the highest order. Remember, two wrongs don't make a right.

 

[abu13]

Our state pension and they way we look after our elderly. Whoops

 

[blueish swede]

oven bottom muffins, cream teas, parkin and chocolate oranges are desperately underrated.

 

[Saddleworth2]

The armed forces are drawn from the society they serve and reflect it's values and culture. What you are angsty about is a British young men issue rather than an army issue.

not a young man issue. Some corners of the armed forces are institutionally racist.

 

[The Future’s Blue!]

Not at all - This is a culture that is coming from the older and more senior members. Many are highly educated, and often from privileged backgrounds. And again, this isn't candid, behind the scenes stuff - this is in front of civilians, knowing they're on show.

I realise that it's a very different job, but young British men who worked for Sainsbury's wouldn't expect their superiors to be openly racist, sexist, homophobic etc. Given that the levels of control and pride they're expected to take in things like how shiny their shoes are, it would not be beyond the bounds of possibility for them to follow the lead of those telling them what to do when it came to their attitudes being a little more modern. If anything, you'd think it would be easier, given these young people are expected to jump through whatever hoops are put before them.

Did you report this behaviour to anybody?

 

[Mazzarelli's Swiss Cheese]

not a young man issue. Some corners of the armed forces are institutionally racist.

Some corners of most things are.

 

[Blue Maverick]

Just like to point out that I served in the RAF for 25 years and I can tell you with all honesty that I never saw any racism or misogyny and I have no doubt that if it ever did occur then every single person I served with would have done something about it.

I'd also like to say that, despite the common misconception, the last thing the Armed Forces want is robots who are incapable of questioning their superiors. Initiative & resourcefulness are encouraged at all rank levels. Regarding orders given, it's knowing where the line is and realising those occasions when they must be obeyed.

Finally, after nearly 10 years as a Service veteran, I can unequivocally state that Forces and ex-Forces personnel are infinitely more reliable than your average civilian.

I always thought when I was in everyone was treated the same on the shop floor, no matter who you were you hit the puss taken out of you, everyone gave as good as the got, that is what I miss the most, it built lasting friendships to this day and I left nearly 23 years ago (were did that go?) hiw todays youth get on with I don’t know because if it’s the same (I doubt it) they will be crying to the SNCO at the earliest opportunity.

 

[mexico1970]

Not at all - This is a culture that is coming from the older and more senior members. Many are highly educated, and often from privileged backgrounds. And again, this isn't candid, behind the scenes stuff - this is in front of civilians, knowing they're on show.

I realise that it's a very different job, but young British men who worked for Sainsbury's wouldn't expect their superiors to be openly racist, sexist, homophobic etc. Given that the levels of control and pride they're expected to take in things like how shiny their shoes are, it would not be beyond the bounds of possibility for them to follow the lead of those telling them what to do when it came to their attitudes being a little more modern. If anything, you'd think it would be easier, given these young people are expected to jump through whatever hoops are put before them.

Can you give direct examples that you have witnessed? As an ex serviceman I can tell you that whilst there are some (Very few) incidents of fuckwittery in the main the lads I served with were exceptional brave people.

As for "Questioning" your superiors, it's the army it wouldn't be effective if the ranks questioned everything they didn't agree with, indecisiveness would cost lives. Again where have you seen this behaviour?

 

[metalblue]

We are one of the most innovative countries in the world.

We treat everyone as equal (health and wealth) - I think the only advanced economy that does and is actually envied by others.

We have an accessible and fair legal system.

We are a world leader in financial services.

We have freedoms others can only dream of.

This doesn’t mean we always get things right, that would be entirely unreasonable to think we would, but the systems are in place. We tend to be very critical of this country, it’s part of the national psyche of taking the piss out of ourselves.

 

[Mr Kobayashi]

I always thought when I was in everyone was treated the same on the shop floor, no matter who you were you hit the puss taken out of you, everyone gave as good as the got, that is what I miss the most, it built lasting friendships to this day and I left nearly 23 years ago (were did that go?) hiw todays youth get on with I don’t know because if it’s the same (I doubt it) they will be crying to the SENCO at the earliest opportunity.

They have Sencos in the military?