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Judge the judges

Wednesday, 23rd January 2008

Here we go again:

A story based on the Three Little Pigs has been turned down from a government agency's annual awards because the subject matter could offend Muslims.
The digital book, re-telling the classic fairy tale, was rejected by judges who warned that "the use of pigs raises cultural issues".

Wait. There's more:

The judges also attacked Three Little Cowboy Builders for offending builders
...The feedback from the judges explaining why they had rejected the CD-Rom highlighted that they "could not recommend this product to the Muslim community".
They also warned that the story might "alienate parts of the workforce (building trade)".
The judges criticised the stereotyping in the story of the unfortunate pigs: "Is it true that all builders are cowboys, builders get their work blown down, and builders are like pigs?"

Who are these judges, who don't realise that children's stories are not the same as investigative journalism? The chairman is someone called Ray Barker, Director of the British Educational Suppliers Association. Is it any wonder one in five British adults is functionally illiterate when the director of the educational suppliers' association is an idiot?

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Jennie

January 23rd, 2008 5:50pm

We mustn't offend cowboy builders, must we? They might refuse to work.

Michael N

January 24th, 2008 11:45am

A problem easily solved. A simple re-write is all that's required: "Once upon a time there were three muslim builders who were enormously popular with everyone. They were peace-loving and tolerant while proud of their own cultural traditions and true to their faith. In addition, they always turned up to a job as contracted, they were polite and well-prepared, and got the job done within budget and on time. They were a credit to the islamic faith and the building profession, as are the vast majority of peace-loving muslims and/or builders." It's thrilling stuff, and I can't wait for my kids to read it...