Rolf Harris
#301
Re: Rolf Harris
Absolutely. Just because someone's views are of the minority in a group most certainly doesn't mean they are wrong. I admire people who stand up for what they believe in.
If only more people weren't afraid to speak out and say what they really wanted to say in controversial topics then maybe the world would be a better place.
If only more people weren't afraid to speak out and say what they really wanted to say in controversial topics then maybe the world would be a better place.
#302
Spud
Joined: Feb 2011
Location: Avoca Beach
Posts: 565
Re: Rolf Harris
There have been a few cases like that recently with other UK celebrities who have been cleared of all charges.
#303
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,040
Re: Rolf Harris
The big risk here, and I suspect this may be the case with one or two other recent news stories, is that in 30 years time someone in a similar situation to your mates sister may recall the events differently and report wrong doing. Especially if the fellow she had an under age relationship with becomes wealthy and she sees an opportunity to grab some compensation.
There have been a few cases like that recently with other UK celebrities who have been cleared of all charges.
There have been a few cases like that recently with other UK celebrities who have been cleared of all charges.
#304
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: Rolf Harris
Absolutely. Just because someone's views are of the minority in a group most certainly doesn't mean they are wrong. I admire people who stand up for what they believe in.
If only more people weren't afraid to speak out and say what they really wanted to say in controversial topics then maybe the world would be a better place.
If only more people weren't afraid to speak out and say what they really wanted to say in controversial topics then maybe the world would be a better place.
I doubt people are cowering in silence afraid to express themselves over it.
#305
Re: Rolf Harris
And if people were afraid to say what they really think they'd simply say nothing at all, no one is forced to comment. The accusation of being scared to say what you really think, otherwise known as being in 'the PC brigade' is just an incredibly tedious comeback that's used ad nauseam now...you don't agree with me, well you must be hiding what you really think.
#306
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Finally now living in Lo Marabu, Rojales, and it feels like home
Posts: 3,569
Re: Rolf Harris
And if people were afraid to say what they really think they'd simply say nothing at all, no one is forced to comment. The accusation of being scared to say what you really think, otherwise known as being in 'the PC brigade' is just an incredibly tedious comeback that's used ad nauseam now...you don't agree with me, well you must be hiding what you really think.
#307
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: Rolf Harris
And if people were afraid to say what they really think they'd simply say nothing at all, no one is forced to comment. The accusation of being scared to say what you really think, otherwise known as being in 'the PC brigade' is just an incredibly tedious comeback that's used ad nauseam now...you don't agree with me, well you must be hiding what you really think.
Yes, very tedious.
#309
Banned
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,348
Re: Rolf Harris
#310
Re: Rolf Harris
Also the idea that he is the only person posting who has personal knowledge of abuse is laughable (not literally obviously). No one knows what anyone else has gone through or dealt with unless they actually say so and many probably don't want to but are happy to discuss the subject in a relatively calm manner.
It's a good discussion imo, let's keep it that way and not a) make assumptions or b) get sidetracked with negative personal comments.
#311
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,040
Re: Rolf Harris
But for mine, I believe tarnishing every peodo with the same brush on this is a bit out of order. A full blown single digit child rapist is slightly different to a dude dating a 14 year old who he thought was 17.
#312
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: Rolf Harris
I'm rarely in the PC brigade on BE ..... just have a look at the "Apology to Asylum Seekers" thread.
But for mine, I believe tarnishing every peodo with the same brush on this is a bit out of order. A full blown single digit child rapist is slightly different to a dude dating a 14 year old who he thought was 17.
But for mine, I believe tarnishing every peodo with the same brush on this is a bit out of order. A full blown single digit child rapist is slightly different to a dude dating a 14 year old who he thought was 17.
Here in the US the age of consent is 18 and people can go on the sex offenders register for what most would consider trivial matters like public urination.
I think common sense dictates that there are degrees to this.
#313
Re: Rolf Harris
I'm rarely in the PC brigade on BE ..... just have a look at the "Apology to Asylum Seekers" thread.
But for mine, I believe tarnishing every peodo with the same brush on this is a bit out of order. A full blown single digit child rapist is slightly different to a dude dating a 14 year old who he thought was 17.
But for mine, I believe tarnishing every peodo with the same brush on this is a bit out of order. A full blown single digit child rapist is slightly different to a dude dating a 14 year old who he thought was 17.
Although both terrible crimes, there is a difference between a peedy that looks at kiddy porn and one that actually molests kids
#314
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,040
Re: Rolf Harris
I don't even think there's a clear-cut 'PC' position.
Here in the US the age of consent is 18 and people can go on the sex offenders register for what most would consider trivial matters like public urination.
I think common sense dictates that there are degrees to this.
Here in the US the age of consent is 18 and people can go on the sex offenders register for what most would consider trivial matters like public urination.
I think common sense dictates that there are degrees to this.
#315
Re: Rolf Harris
I suspect that the real reason that this topic has occupied such a large amount of discussion is that children are involved, and as they are very vulnerable members of society we, rightly, need to be protected, but also other vulnerable members of society need to be protected, the elderly, those with learning difficulties, disabled people, all of which have been, and almost certainly are being, abused, if fact Jimmy Saville has been implicated in most of those categories. ALL vulnerable members of society need to be protected, and discussions should not be limited just to children. Perhaps the ongoing investigation into abuse in the H of P will focus the law makers minds, and they are now talking of making covering up of abuse a crime itself. Personally I think abuse of vulnerable people of any kind should be treated in an equal manner.
There are. of course, been many additional safeguards put into place for people working with children and other vulnerable people, and now to work with them you have to get enhanced police clearances, I know I did and that was only so I could do medical tests on children to help diagnose diseases. I hope that all entertainers who work with children, like Blue Peter and others also have to be chaecked, perhaps if these were available and used at the time Harris, Hall and Saville were performing they MAY have thrown up some concerns.
There are. of course, been many additional safeguards put into place for people working with children and other vulnerable people, and now to work with them you have to get enhanced police clearances, I know I did and that was only so I could do medical tests on children to help diagnose diseases. I hope that all entertainers who work with children, like Blue Peter and others also have to be chaecked, perhaps if these were available and used at the time Harris, Hall and Saville were performing they MAY have thrown up some concerns.