Thursday, February 15, 2007

Small Fish seeks Teeny Weeny Pond

See that "top Local Tory" ....that me that is .Good Old Gazette a terrific local Paper doing its job of winding the Coucil up. They are furious about this.


Council job ad sparks racism row
nlnews@archant.co.uk
14 February 2007
A JOB advert on Islington Council's website asking for 40 Afro-Caribbean men to become teaching assistants has been branded a disgrace by a top local Tory.

Paul Newman, vice-chairman of Islington North Conservatives, says the advert for the roles in Islington's Ethnic Minority Achievement Service (EMAS) is insulting and could encourage support for right-wing parties such as the BNP.

He said: "Do we need divisive special treatment for newcomers? Absolutely not, there is already growing suspicion and mistrust. This will add to it.

"Black children and white children should be treated the same and so should their teachers. Simple."

The advert, entitled African-Caribbean Men Wanted in School to Make a Difference to Children's Lives, offers applicants "an all expenses paid training package" and the support to "develop a rewarding career in education".

But many other jobhunters feel discriminated against.

A 21-year-old from Essex Road, who only wanted to be named as Victoria, was so furious when she saw the advert she began a petition objecting to it.

She said: "I find it racist and sexist and there are a lot of people who feel the same. I've already got 36 signatures, and some work in Islington schools."

Councillor Ursula Woolley, Islington's executive member for children and young people, said: "Islington Council and CEA would never condone any kind of racism.

"The advert is for a training course that is run regularly. It's not a job offer, but we hope the training will help unemployed residents to find a job.

"Giving our children positive role models they can identify with is an important way of helping them to succeed.

"Advertising that's targeted to attract underrepresented groups is not discrimination, it is specifically allowed under equalities law.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think you'll find that my dear little friend, Haringey's Cllr. Emma Jones, works as one in, er, Islington! She is, though, white.

Newmania said...

Works as a teacher you mean ?

Anonymous said...

It's not the 'black' issue I find strange, but the 'male' issue. I'll be honest I've never heard of a male teaching assistant.

I wouldn't want to be one - would you ?

Newmania said...

My wife pointed out to me that the heroes love interest in the standard Hollywood actioner was almost always a primary school teacher and ever since then its been really off putting .They all are .

I wouldn1t mind really part time work full time pay , can`t be fired. Suits me

Duncan Webster said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Duncan Webster said...

Paul, sorry that it took you so long to find the Gazette's coverage - I had posted it on before you!

Anonymous said...

electro-kevin is right, but I don't expect men are up to the job!

Well done, you obviously don't need a press officer.

Anonymous said...

Big difference between a teacher and an assistant though. Not being picky, but my wife was a TA for some years and beer and skittles it ain't.

don't worry, I won't let her see your last !

Anonymous said...

You're turning into just the sort of 'troublemaker' and 'pain in the arse' that council officers spend their Friday afternoons bitching about in the local.

Keep up the good work.

Newmania said...

I noticed Duncan having done the interview I was ,of course, less curious to read what I had said

Anonymous said...

You can always take the 5th like David Cameron if things start getting a bit too hot in Islington.

Incidentally, the fake Peter Hitchens laments that he is unable to conceal his past juvenile (Trotskyisk) tendancies which are raised at every opportunity.

Newmania said...

Hmmm does he now ? I begin to wonder if he is cabinet material after all.

Excellent I have three days in bed and much more is planned

Anonymous said...

Off topic.

For a laugh with IQ try this:

www.anxietyculture.com

Sorry, I can't seem to get the link.

Newmania said...

Pity Kevin . Saw you nosing around Chez Ellee today. Its a good spot that isn`t it ,. She`s a lovely woman and she maeks it all look so nice

Anonymous said...

There are quite a lot of male teaching assistants but most blokes obviously feel a bit like electro-kevin about it and stick to tightening nuts or polishing powerpoints. This can't be a good thing, though, and I think Islington should be commended for taking a direct approach to getting more black, male role models into classrooms.

Newmania said...

Why Steve when white working class boys are by far the worst performing group . Don`t they count . Why not just take money away from whjite people and give it to black people which is what is in efffect happening . Divisive at all ?
It undermines the prionciple of equlaity and the role model that you have is of a man whois incapable of obtaining employment without a hand out .That is not a good role model , it is abad role model.

It is insulting and partroninsing to black people who are embarrassed to be treated like asuch abasket case people that they have to be given state sweeties


You should talk to my wife..

Yeeesh

Anonymous said...

Chez Ellee - not the sort of place where I would use the 'f' word.

Steve, you have a point - I was quoting from personal experience. No, Ellee I don't think I could cope with a whole class of kids - the prospect is a scarey one for me. I much prefer the company of humans to small children.

Anonymous said...

PS

Philipa has posted on Fortean Times 'Cameron IS NuLab ?'

I think all Conservative politicians should read this. (pertaining to fathers)

Paradigm-shifted me anyway.

Ms Smack said...

With so many single mother families, its a great idea to have more male safe role models in the school. I can see both sides of this argument. .. there are alot of companies where if they had to choose between two suitably qualified teachers, will always choose the white person. Like it or not, these strategies are in place to counteract racist behaviours that are very prevalent in today's society.

Anonymous said...

Err ... Ms Smack has just paradigm-shifted me too !

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