Thousands petition to keep pub’s ‘offensive’ name
www.independent.co.uk
Locals have branded the decision to rename the pub “ridiculous” while others say the name was derogatory

Thousands of people have signed a counter-petition to keep a pub’s “offensive” name after a rebrand was announced.

The Midget, a Greene King pub in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, was first subject of a petition signed by more than 1,300 people calling on the brewery franchise to “recognise the offence of the term and its implications” of the pub’s name.

The name comes from the iconic MG car which was built in the car company’s former factory in Abingdon.

Last week, Greene King said it would rename the pub The Roaring Raindrop in tribute to the last ever land speed record-breaking car produced by MG.

But some locals have objected with more than 2,800 people signing a counter-petition calling on the brewery to reverse the plans to rebrand.

  • mindbleach@sh.itjust.works
    1·
    5 hours ago

    This has been a weird case for the euphemism treadmill. The word is not meaningfully distinct from “dwarf” in tone, context, or common use. This push might be even sillier than people trying to taboo the word “crazy,” as if the suggested alternatives won’t go the exact same way, for the exact same reasons.

    • HumanPenguin@feddit.ukEnglish
      1·
      5 hours ago

      Not sure I can agree with your logic.

      This is about the use of the word. More then its meaning.

      Is it really reasonable to name a pub or car after a person based on there physical abnormality no mater what term we consider acceptable.

      Your interpretation would suggest naming the car the little person would be accpetable today. But in the future would be offensive.

      Honestly can you really claim the name littlebperson is ever an appropriate way to name a model of car or pub?

      • mindbleach@sh.itjust.works
        1·
        3 hours ago

        … yes. Especially if it’s some cutesy diminutive in a romance language.

        Would you have us remove all commercial uses of the word “giant?”

        • HumanPenguin@feddit.ukEnglish
          1·
          3 hours ago

          So your original comment about asking people suffering from the condition was crap.

          Because the term little people was one requested by themselves. As early as the 1980. As a way to avoid the lack of respect post a time when midget and dwarf in circus freak shows was their only available employment.

          You really care nothing for how anyone feels. Other than your loss of the ability to belittle other?

          • mindbleach@sh.itjust.works
            1·
            3 hours ago

            Wrong person. Scroll up.

            I ask you again: does this rationale apply to other physical traits? No more “mute button,” no more “window blinds?” You could argue those are the accepted terms for certain handicaps, but said it doesn’t matter what term we consider acceptable.

  • Zip2@feddit.uk
    14·
    1 day ago

    Would this be a good time to mention that my uncle used to collect Midgets. He had three of them if I remember and even had one of them stretched.