A recent news article included a factor that John Berkow had used the "F" word during an altercation with a member of his staff. If that is supposed to enhance the chances of him being more seriously disciplined, then the following should be considered.
The "F" word is liberally used in public places by people from all walks of life. The government has allowed the BBC to transmit programmes - imported and home-bred - which contain the word. Is it little wonder that. the word is now used in everyday language? Perhaps even the complainant(s) commonly use it, but conveniently class it as abusive when used towards them.
Physical abuse is obviously not to be tolerated - but verbal bullying? In my working life I met the occasional person who saw verbal bullying as the norm; and often by someone far above me in the echelons of management. But, regardless of rank, they got back as good as they gave. And, if they tried to use position to justify their abuse, I quickly told them that a foul-mouthed bully would never get my respect. A colleague went one step further. He used to have a pocket recorder for use in his work (we nicknamed him The Pathologist), and he would secretly switch on the device when faced with such verbal bullying - keeping calm himself.
Then he would rewind, say "listen to yourself", and play it back. Saw a few red faces as a result!
The "F" word is liberally used in public places by people from all walks of life. The government has allowed the BBC to transmit programmes - imported and home-bred - which contain the word. Is it little wonder that. the word is now used in everyday language? Perhaps even the complainant(s) commonly use it, but conveniently class it as abusive when used towards them.
Physical abuse is obviously not to be tolerated - but verbal bullying? In my working life I met the occasional person who saw verbal bullying as the norm; and often by someone far above me in the echelons of management. But, regardless of rank, they got back as good as they gave. And, if they tried to use position to justify their abuse, I quickly told them that a foul-mouthed bully would never get my respect. A colleague went one step further. He used to have a pocket recorder for use in his work (we nicknamed him The Pathologist), and he would secretly switch on the device when faced with such verbal bullying - keeping calm himself.
Then he would rewind, say "listen to yourself", and play it back. Saw a few red faces as a result!
