Barlow's brief

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GEORGE Clooney
GEORGE Clooney

Parallels of Clooney film in modern era

Vic Barlow
26/ 4/2006

HAVING just read the story of the ten-year-old Salford schoolboy taken to court for alleged racist name-calling during a playground argument and the hysterical criticism of the judge for dismissing the case I decided to go to the cinema.

The film I wanted to see had already started so I skipped it and watched George Clooney in Goodnight and Good Luck, the true story of the 1950s witch-hunt in North America for 'communists'. I found the film very disturbing.

It was a frightening period in America's history when any alleged connection with communism, no matter how tenuous, was enough to ruin reputations, wreck careers and bankrupt families. Once allegations were made innocent people lost their livelihoods.

There was no need for evidence; accusations were enough to destroy lives and create a national paranoia.

Policemen, doctors, teachers, actors, celebrities all lived in dread of the 'communist' slur.

Film and TV companies fired anyone accused of being a 'communist', terrified of the damage caused by association.

No allegation was too ludicrous for the self-appointed fighters of communism to sustain. Public humiliation forced some innocent souls to commit suicide.

The following day I read about Don Reynolds, who was arrested by police for selling 'an offensive' toy in his junk shop, and it occurred to me that if you change the word 'communist' for 'racist' Britain now has the same scenario depicted in George Clooney's film.

There is such hysteria surrounding the mere accusation of 'racism' that any logical discussion is impossible. It's a taboo subject where anything less than total conformity to the politically correct viewpoint attracts torrents of abusive protest. Even in our so-called 'war on terror' illegal immigration is a topic better avoided for those in public office. While a Black Police Federation is perfectly acceptable a White one certainly is not and any police officer suggesting such can say goodbye to his/her career.

Headteachers feel compelled to edit children's books to avoid the 'racist' slur and organisations dependent on government funding must prove they can attract ethnic minorities whether those minorities have any interest or not.

Let's hope common sense finally prevails and shows this for the lunacy that it is.

America finally recovered its equilibrium and looks back in shame at the lives needlessly ruined by false accusations. I suspect we will do likewise.


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Most recent 1 of 1 user comments

   I wonder what film you had originally planned to see. Pity you were late, anyway, what was on at Cinemac ? Have you been to your local cinema yet ?
Gerry Lord, Macclesfield
27/04/2006 at 11:52
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