NIGHTWEAR retailer Peter Alexander found itself in the firing line last week for selling pyjamas emblazoned with the saying ‘boys will be boys’.
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Critics said the attire promoted a culture that excused males from responsibility and allowed behaviour that would not be tolerated by females.
Acknowledging that sentiment, Peter Alexander opted to withdraw the pyjamas from sale, stating “we do not tolerate the behaviour that is being associated with this slogan”.
Its decision reflects an environment in which male behaviour is under more scrutiny and actions which would have been waved past on the basis ‘that’s boys being boys’ are no longer.
The starkest example of that is the firing of football commentator Barry Hall by Triple M radio after he made vulgar comments in relation to the pregnancy of a fellow panellist.
The former Wangaratta Rovers forward was axed by the same organisation which previously continued the employment of commentators who endorsed the drowning of AFL journalist Caroline Wilson.
Hall apologised for his behaviour and said he has “nothing but respect for women”.
That point is hard to take seriously, given what occurred, but at least he showed contrition.
Of course Triple M’s football coverage is known for its blokey demeanour, so it’s not entirely a shock that Hall and his colleagues would indulge in such ‘banter’.
What should be more disturbing to Australians is the debasement of standards and courtesy which continues to ripple over the federal parliament with the low-rent behaviour of politicians.
The latest example is Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonhjelm who thought it was appropriate to tell fellow Upper House member, Green Sarah Hanson-Young, that she should “stop shagging men”.
The comment was made in the Senate amid a debate on whether women should be armed to protect them from assault.
Instead of apologising, Senator Leyonhjelm told Senator Hanson-Young afterwards to “f… off”.
It’s quite an appalling example of bullying and abuse in what should be a showpiece for democratic civility.
It appears a radio network, with a record of boofhead behaviour, has a better grip on decency than an elected representative who reflects the ‘boys will be boys’ outlook.