Will Mr Uppity now be banned for being racist?
As an American who grew up in the Deep South in the 1960s, I feel I must come to the defence of Eamonn Holmes, who has been criticised for his use of the word ‘uppity’ to describe Meghan Markle. The term apparently has racial connotations.
I understand the word ‘uppity’ to be used for any person who tries to conduct him/herself in a manner above the circumstances of their normal life, regardless of colour. When I was growing up, I had white neighbours who could barely rub two pennies together but who tried to act as if they were better than anyone else. They were definitely in the uppity category.
It seems that some people are just too quick to jump on the ‘racism’ bandwagon over the slightest perceived slur.
W. Carpenter, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire
I still have a copy of Mr Uppity by Roger Hargreaves, which I read to my son in the
1970s. Will this book now be banned?
Pat Jones, Dronfield, Derbyshire
Lots of people, including me, use the word ‘uppity’ to mean
UNDER THREAT?
Popular children’s book character Mr Uppity ‘snooty’. I’m surprised the powers at ITV even bothered to take action on a complaint made by yet another snowflake – or is that word discriminatory too?
V. Williams, Preston
What nonsense that Eamonn Holmes has been berated for using the word ‘uppity’, especially when the complaint comes from one viewer. Like Eamonn, I believe the word to mean ‘arrogant’. And I expect 99 per cent of the population would give the same definition if asked.
Peter Belcher, Barton le Clay, Bedfordshire
Eamonn was clearly unaware of the word’s racial connotations but it is vital that broadcasters take extra care with their choice of language.
A. Brown, Surrey
By banning the use of the word on the network, ITV has capitulated to yet another example of the PC stupidity so evident today.
Michael Hughes, Kenilworth
I am left wondering if the person who complained to the broadcasting watchdog Ofcom and to ITV about Eamonn’s use of the word has ever come across the expression ‘two nations divided by a common language’?
Thomas Meyer, Earls Barton, Northamptonshire
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry with laughter at the complaint. I have always known it to describe someone who is snooty. Who’s talking about colour?
Caroline Dascal, Hackney
I suspect the only person who knew the word’s racial connotations was the one who saw fit to complain.
A. Solomon, Newton Abbot