http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7446274.stm


A pretty balanced article that sums up why many find it an offensive term.

As for why I kept the comment on the thread,especially as a section mentor, Dogsey is a worldwide forum so after much deliberation, I decided to post so that members from other countries would know that it is seen by many as an unacceptable term.

So are people going to get their wrists slapped for using the word 'chav' then? Like I said I find that term offensive and it is also quoted in that article you provided the link for as being an offensive term.

Why am I getting told off for using the word 'pikey' and no one gets told off for using the word 'chav'?

I also find it strange that you personally find the word offensive Ailsa? I am of travelling origin myself and don't mind the word. It was only one person quoted in that article as saying it was offensive to the travelling community.

I apologise to all the Romanies, travellers and gypsies on Dogsey who were offended by my use of the word.

I don't want to dwell on this too much Sarah, but given you have no idea who I am or what my background is, why should you find it strange that I find the word offensive?

Yes, there was only one person of the travelling community quoted (I linked to that article as I felt it was very balanced, as I said), but that person is a spokesperson for their community...

As for the term 'chav', it is a generalised term, that covers a broad group of people, it isn't aimed at one specific cultural group. Anyone can be a chav, it is more a state of mind than anything else, the term you used was specific to one social group, which is why I highlighted it.

I am also not telling you off. I do not have the right to tell you off, I was expressing my opinion and I told you why. I am entitled to do that and I have backed up what I said by linking to an article that pretty much said the same thing as I did, but presented it in a very balanced manner. No one is telling you off here, just me expressing an opinion. I did it on the thread as I felt it was important that members from other countries didn't think the term was one that was used by everyone. If you are not happy with me doing that you are able to report my posts by using the orange button in the bottom right hand corner of my posts, with the exclamation mark in.

You're right we shouldn't dwell on it, I hear that you find the term offensive.

I just want to get it clear in my mind whic words can and can't be used. It seems strange to me that one derogatory term is ok to use but another isn't?

Anyway, that's all I have to say.

Sorry Evie hun.

P.S. The greyhounds that are owned by the travellers (who aren't even living at the house rght now) are still howling day and night but the RSPCA won't even go to have a look at them.

That's an issue for Azz and the mods, not me. I explained why I highlighted the term you used and not another.

Have you tried the council to complain about noise pollution due to the dogs howling? I feel sorry for the poor things. They clearly aren't happy if they are crying day and night. Don't understand how people can keep dogs that way.

Back on topic:
I rang and spoke to the Dog warden today. I was actually shaking recounting what happened on Friday to him. He assured me he would be out this afternoon to deal with it. I was sure to give him directions to the cul de sac in which this dog lives. Fingers crossed.

I was a bad mammy this weekend; the my two dogs didn't get walked on Saturday or Sunday. This morning was their first walk since then, it went well. Though Willow is now quite stiff walking since her run, so not sure if it's related to the accident or she pulled something running. I'll keep an eye on her anyway.

Poor Willow. That's good the Dog Warden is going to go and take a look.

RE the council, yeah I've spoken to them but because I don't live in that street I can't keep an accurate account of when the howling is going on. I hear it every time I'm in the field and my friend lives two doors up and hears it all the time.

I've told her to report it to the council, but she's afraid of retribution (windows getting put through etc.). According to her no one has been out to them for days, but when I told the RSPCA that they said because I can't see the house from my house I can't tell who's been and who hasn't. My friend won't ring the RSPCA either even though I've told her I've rang them and tried.

The council wouldn't do anything when the other dogs they had were running on the main road either

Your friend should be ashamed of herself if she knows noone has been near the dogs in days and takes no action. They can't retaliate for being reported, cos they wouldn't be told who reported them surely?! I wonder what the council would have said if there had been a traffic accident involving those dogs running loose and the media reported that they were aware and took no action...
Ridiculous. It seems these days noone wants to get off their a$$es from their desk and go do the job they are employed to do!

Rant over.

I know Evie, I;ve said to her it would be anonymous. She cmplains all the time about them but won't do anything.

Short of saying 'Get off yer bum and do something!' I've said all I can about it to her and done all I can myself.

Unfortunately, not enough people are willing to take action and when those who are, do, the authorities don't want to know

I'm back from a walk a wee while ago.
The wee dog is still out wandering the street!!!!

So either the dog warden didn't deal with the situation as I was told on Monday; or the owner blatantly ignored the dog warden.

Either way I'll be on to the dog warden on Monday!!!!

The owner opened his door as we were passing and called the dog, but it continued barking at us and followed us on round the corner. Thankfully my two remained calm and the dog didn't get too close.

I'm so annoyed that this hasn't been sorted!