No mean city? You had better not mean us...
THE caricature of the foulmouthed, violent, drunk Glaswegian may be as old as time.
Now the city’s leaders plan to challenge those who portray Glaswegians in a bad light.
Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (GCMB), has pledged to lodge an official complaint with any film makers, authors and TV producers who cross the line.
He said the stereotyping of Glaswegians was a ‘lazy approach’ which was ‘disrespecting people on a massive scale’, adding: ‘We will openly display our anger. We will fight for this city.’
Glasgow has long been perceived by many outsiders as a den of violence whose Buckfast-swigging residents live on a diet of battered Mars bars and pie suppers and speak with an incomprehensible accent.
But GCMB has tried to promote the city as a vibrant, cultural hub with a caring and inclusive atmosphere, immortalised in the slogan ‘People make Glasgow’.
Mr Taylor said: ‘Overseas, people are much more aware of the changes t he city has gone through. However, within the UK, you have programmes like EastEnders, where the villains are Glaswegians.’
Frank McAveety, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: ‘Glasgow has been transforming itself in recent years and has changed beyond recognition.
‘Today, we are a world-class city, standing tall with a reputation for hosting top- class events, as showcased by our hosting of the best Commonwealth Games.’
In EastEnders, villain Trevor Morgan (Alex Ferns) was an abusive man who beat and raped his wife ‘little’ Mo Mitchell.
Yet, while some believe such ‘negative’ portrayals of Glaswegians sully the city’s reputation, others seemingly think they are worth embracing.
Writer I an Pattison, who created the character of Rab C Nesbitt, said: ‘Rab spent 30 years displaying his anger and fighting both for, and in, this city.
‘He was rewarded with ten series and six TV specials that brought millions of pounds of London funding north.
‘Mr Taylor complains about negative stereotyping of Glaswegians then promises “We will display our anger, we will fight for this city.” I applaud his zeal.’