Katharine Birbalsingh – the head teacher of Michaela Community School.

What is wrong with pointing out that it's a tradition? That's not dismissive. It's a fact.

MaizieD

It is not the factual nature of the comment I am challenging - it is the whole tone of growstuff's comments which imply that KB and those who support her stance on this are of the Right-Wing-Anti-Woke brigade.

Dickens

^What is wrong with pointing out that it's a tradition? That's not dismissive. It's a fact.^

MaizieD

It is not the factual nature of the comment I am challenging - it is the whole tone of growstuff's comments which imply that KB and those who support her stance on this are of the Right-Wing-Anti-Woke brigade.

Aaaah.

'Tone' and 'implication' are difficult concepts in discussion forums I find... Always so open to interpretation..

I admit was quite surprised to find Polly Toynbee supporting Birbalsingh's stance in the Guardian the other day. Though I think it was more because of her belief that all state schools should be secular.

I must ask my Jehovah's Witness and Methodist neighbours ...)

That made me smile! DH's Methodist (could have been Welsh Baptist) ancestors were missionaries, trying to bring Jehovah's Witnesses back to the true faith.

I wonder if they ate fish on Fridays?

Of course there are alternatives to Friday fish on the school menu. I've just ordered my Fish gougon, chips and peas for tomorrow at school. Alternatives were Cheese Potato Quesidilla or Chicken Curry, or the Salad Bar!

On a serious note, don't most Church schools actually draw on a far more diverse population in the cultural sense than many secular schools in the community? And in a wider economic sense too?

MaizieD

Dickens

What is wrong with pointing out that it's a tradition? That's not dismissive. It's a fact.

MaizieD

It is not the factual nature of the comment I am challenging - it is the whole tone of growstuff's comments which imply that KB and those who support her stance on this are of the Right-Wing-Anti-Woke brigade.

Aaaah.

'Tone' and 'implication' are difficult concepts in discussion forums I find... Always so open to interpretation..

I admit was quite surprised to find Polly Toynbee supporting Birbalsingh's stance in the Guardian the other day. Though I think it was more because of her belief that all state schools should be secular.

'Tone' and 'implication' are difficult concepts in discussion forums I find... Always so open to interpretation..

I concede, in general.

However growstuff did, in fact, say...

I actually think Birbalsingh has made this a "wedge" issue because she knows she'll be supported by the anti-woke brigade.

There aren't many ways you can misinterpret that comment.

The term "woke" to some people is subjective and fluid.

It seems woke means it is wrong to criticise religions and religious practices?

In which case, why do those who claim to be woke on GN scoff at Christianity and Judaism?

I remember a thread from a few years ago where Christians were upset because Gregg's had replaced Baby Jesus with a sausage roll in the crib. As Jesus was a Jew then yes that was offensive on more than one level. But one poster claimed that taking Christians taking offence were wrong:

I wonder if those who are so offended realise that they are actually at the start of a sliding scale which escalates into the actions of the bombers of Charlie Hebdo? Of course they condemn these actions but in expressing such offence they are taking one step along the same road. It's a road that has led in the past to all sorts of conflict.

Surely woke means religious tolerance for all?

That claim was in itself truly offensive.

Dickens

MaizieD

Dickens

What is wrong with pointing out that it's a tradition? That's not dismissive. It's a fact.

MaizieD

It is not the factual nature of the comment I am challenging - it is the whole tone of growstuff's comments which imply that KB and those who support her stance on this are of the Right-Wing-Anti-Woke brigade.

Aaaah.

'Tone' and 'implication' are difficult concepts in discussion forums I find... Always so open to interpretation..

I admit was quite surprised to find Polly Toynbee supporting Birbalsingh's stance in the Guardian the other day. Though I think it was more because of her belief that all state schools should be secular.

'Tone' and 'implication' are difficult concepts in discussion forums I find... Always so open to interpretation..

I concede, in general.

However growstuff did, in fact, say...

I actually think Birbalsingh has made this a "wedge" issue because she knows she'll be supported by the anti-woke brigade.

There aren't many ways you can misinterpret that comment.

It wasn't intended to be misinterpreted. Or am I not entitled to an opinion?

Unless I am reading it out of context, that quoted post sounds like someone who once again was trying to say what they think other posters are thinking??
(I'm guessing the Muslim terrorists was being discussed?)

Could anybody point out where I wrote "right wing"?

PS. Birbalsingh would be proud of being called "anti-woke". That's what her whole raison d'être is about.

Joseann

Unless I am reading it out of context, that quoted post sounds like someone who once again was trying to say what they think other posters are thinking??
(I'm guessing the Muslim terrorists was being discussed?)

Well, I haven't mentioned or even responded to any post about Muslim terrorists. I have commented on the way Ms Birbalsingh has responded to the situation. My opinion is that she's not being entirely truthful and her arguments are flawed.

the bombers of Charlie Hebdo?
Erm correct me if I'm wrong, but were there bombers in Charlie Hebdo attack? I thought it was all guns and shooting?
Don't worry, it's not relevant to this thread!

growstuff

Joseann

Unless I am reading it out of context, that quoted post sounds like someone who once again was trying to say what they think other posters are thinking??
(I'm guessing the Muslim terrorists was being discussed?)

Well, I haven't mentioned or even responded to any post about Muslim terrorists. I have commented on the way Ms Birbalsingh has responded to the situation. My opinion is that she's not being entirely truthful and her arguments are flawed.

I think the post must be before my time, so I have no idea. (Hebdo was 2015).

In what way exactly do you see KB as untruthful?

Joseann

Unless I am reading it out of context, that quoted post sounds like someone who once again was trying to say what they think other posters are thinking??
(I'm guessing the Muslim terrorists was being discussed?)

If you're referring to Callistemon's quote about a 'sliding scale' I can see, from the reference to Charlie Hebdo, where the poster's thinking was coming from. Taking offence at perceived religious affront had the 'potential' , in the hands of an influential/charismatic manipulative individual, to escalate to violence against the offender.

I don't think it was suggesting that offended Jews and Christians would go and bomb Greggs.

growstuff

Could anybody point out where I wrote "right wing"?

PS. Birbalsingh would be proud of being called "anti-woke". That's what her whole raison d'être is about.

PS. Birbalsingh would be proud of being called "anti-woke". That's what her whole raison d'être is about.

Has she said that? Can you give the link to an interview or article she's written that says that? Otherwise I shall assume this statement is as inaccurate as the school times that Glorianny claimed in support of her various complaints.

It was an odd comment.

Just because someone feels offended or upset and expresses that doesn't mean they're at the start of a slippery slope to terrorism.

However, if the annoyance is expressed by bullying, criminal damage, threats of violence including stabbing, that is a worrying escalation.

I have a feeling KB did attack private schools for being "woke", the wokest of all I think she said.
Hackles up from me!!!

growstuff

Dickens

MaizieD

Dickens

What is wrong with pointing out that it's a tradition? That's not dismissive. It's a fact.

MaizieD

It is not the factual nature of the comment I am challenging - it is the whole tone of growstuff's comments which imply that KB and those who support her stance on this are of the Right-Wing-Anti-Woke brigade.

Aaaah.

'Tone' and 'implication' are difficult concepts in discussion forums I find... Always so open to interpretation..

I admit was quite surprised to find Polly Toynbee supporting Birbalsingh's stance in the Guardian the other day. Though I think it was more because of her belief that all state schools should be secular.

'Tone' and 'implication' are difficult concepts in discussion forums I find... Always so open to interpretation..

I concede, in general.

However growstuff did, in fact, say...

I actually think Birbalsingh has made this a "wedge" issue because she knows she'll be supported by the anti-woke brigade.

There aren't many ways you can misinterpret that comment.

It wasn't intended to be misinterpreted. Or am I not entitled to an opinion?

It wasn't intended to be misinterpreted. Or am I not entitled to an opinion? hmm

Do you not understand the point I was making to MaizieD?

She politely reminded me that interpreting people's comments is a difficult concept (obviously, because it's quite easy to get hold of the wrong end of the stick when you are simply looking at the written word).

... so I pointed out your comment which, as you have confirmed, is not open to any alternative interpretation.

And, has anyone suggested you are not entitled to an opinion?

I am challenging it, not attempting to stifle it, for heaven's sake.

How strange, Joseann. I know she isn't at all approving of 'progressive' education, but what is 'woke' about private schools

And I am challenging the interpretation of many of the posters on this thread.

growstuff

Could anybody point out where I wrote "right wing"?

On which side of the political spectrum are the "anti-woke brigade"?

MaizieD

How strange, Joseann. I know she isn't at all approving of 'progressive' education, but what is 'woke' about private schools

Not sure Maizie, but she had a rant ...... cheers below.
I don't think she understands independent schools.

I haven’t even mentioned the cultural madness going on in private schools!

Oh my. It is so bad.

Not all of them- clearly.

But the closer to London you get, and the more prestigious the school, the more woke it is…

All I can do is ring the alarm bell!

*see below .... not cheers?

Joseann

MaizieD

How strange, Joseann. I know she isn't at all approving of 'progressive' education, but what is 'woke' about private schools

Not sure Maizie, but she had a rant ...... cheers below.
I don't think she understands independent schools.

I haven’t even mentioned the cultural madness going on in private schools!

Oh my. It is so bad.

Not all of them- clearly.

But the closer to London you get, and the more prestigious the school, the more woke it is…

All I can do is ring the alarm bell!

😱😱😱

She is a bit weird, isn't she...