No Offense Was Intended.
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Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:51 pm

Nevermind. Neutral

Tue Nov 23, 2004 7:04 pm

I am a longtime lurker, and I have found this board to be extremely helpful and informative. However, I cannot resist speaking up. I find these political posts to be somewhat out of place on a beauty board, and furthermore I am finding this overt Anti-American sentiment to be offensive and disconcerting.

I have been planning a purchase from EDS, but I cannot find it in my heart to support a company that shows contempt for my own country, which I am very proud of.

Perhaps I am overreacting, but I am sure not to be the only person offended by these repeated insults of my country and president by certain board members. Please be aware that some people don't take kindly to such comments and that there is a possibility that it can affect your business.

Thank you for listening and I hope to leave everybody with a more open mind and accepting heart.

Kind Regards,
Cynthia
USA

free skin care · Tue Nov 23, 2004 7:47 pm

I agree forcynthia. I am proud of my country and our President and this offends me too.

However, I'm not going to make a hasty decision. I am going to give some thought on this. I'm sure the thread was not meant to offend anyone. It is the "lounge" part of the forum with a description of "anything your hearts desire" so one has to take that into consideration.

-Cheri

Tue Nov 23, 2004 8:05 pm

(deleting repeat post)

Tue Nov 23, 2004 8:08 pm

You are right, phredd44, perhaps I am being hasty. However, this is not the first offending anti-American post I have seen by employee(s) of this company. Even though this is the lounge section, there needs to be some tempering of offensive statements. While I do admit that this is not an inherently hateful post, I suppose I consider this 'the last straw'. I hope that companies in other countries will think twice before potentially alienating every patriotic American customer. And on a higher plane, I would hope that there would be a greater regard for other people's feelings. I certainly would never consider posting a message that was at all derogatory to another country, even if it was 'all in fun'.

If I do see a change of heart I would certainly reconsider my stance, but for the time being I will boycott any business that shows a blatant disregard for my nation. I do hope and pray for more accepting minds in our neighboring and fellow countries, for I have no ill will toward them or their leaders.

I also hope that I have not offended anybody with my own post, but I do have strong feelings about this topic and several posts on this board have been pushing my buttons, and I feel the need to speak my mind.

Here's to being Beautiful AND Accepting! Smile

free skin care · Tue Nov 23, 2004 10:08 pm

I read some of the previous Anti-American posts again and EDS employees obviously knew some of us have been offended in the past so even as a "funny", the latest post was thrown in the general direction of current and potential US customers. Definitely in bad taste.

No you didn't act in haste. I just wasn't standing up for my country. I'm with you. I'll take my hard earned AMERICAN dollars elsewhere.

Tue Nov 23, 2004 10:26 pm

Hi forcynthia and phredd4,
As you can see (on the left), I am also a Canadian. I totally respect you guys for loving your country. But do you not think that having a divided nation is some what a joke. In turn if it was another country, I am sure you guys would also have the same trail of thoughts. And besides, we are all entitled to our own opinions. Don't take it out on EDS. If you really have an issue, email EDS and let them handle it. I am sure they will take proper actions, even if it's there own staff.

PS **WE Canadians always get teased too by US media, so I think this only makes it fair. Laughing

free skin care · Tue Nov 23, 2004 10:56 pm

The point I would like to make is that I think we call come to this forum as an outlet, to escape from everything else in our lives. A tranquil place to just talk about skincare or things in general. I don't feel that politics should be posted. Yes I found the post offensive and insulting. I was suprised that it was posted by a moderator. I support My Country and the President whether or not I voted for him. I would find any post that offend anyone in bad taste whether it would be about lifestyle, country, etc.

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2004 4:29 am

Sorry Guys
but I thought it was a light hearted joke. I will probably get flayed for this but I thought it was funny. Now you are probably thinking that is because I am English. But I can also take jokes against my own country. I am not being racist. I think it is good to be able to laugh at serious things sometimes.
I am sure no offence was meant by the post.

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2004 5:51 am

The point of that piece is that it is supposedly written by Basil Fawlty. If you have ever watched the TV series Fawlty Towers you will know that the character of Basil Fawlty is someone who is incompetent, has a short fuse, arrogant and a bigot.
People laugh at his ridiculous ideas and behaviour, this doesn't mean that they support his attitude. His uptight, xenophobic demeanour would be (hopefully) shared by very few people but it doesn't mean that you can't see some humour in his pathetic actions. People laugh AT him not WITH him.
We British have been the subject of jokes and ridicule for centuries. You learn to develop a thick skin. Besides, some of the jokes aimed at the UK are true, and I don't mind admitting it! Smile

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2004 6:25 am

I totally agree with Lori and Toe. It was very lighthearted and is only a joke...If it was about England I would have laughed just as much, jokes about England are usually true!!!! It is good to laugh, be honest if we didnt have a giggle about our countries and the people in power we'd all probably cry!

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2004 6:29 am

Here's a joke about my home town!!

As you may know, Manchester will be hosting the Commonwealth games
in July. What you may not know, is that many of the famous events
which go to make up this spectacular, have been especially altered
for Manchester. A copy of these changes has been leaked, and is
reproduced below.

OPENING CEREMONY
The flame will be ignited by a petrol bomb thrown by a native of
the city, in the traditional dress of balaclava and shell suit.
The flame will be contained in a large overturned police van
situated on the roof of the stadium.

THE EVENTS
In previous Commonwealth games, Manchester's competitors have not
been particularly successful. In order to redress the balance, some
of the events have been altered slightly to the advantage of local
athletes.

100 METRES SPRINT
Competitors will have to hold a video recorder and microwave oven
(one in each arm) and on the sound of the starting pistol, a police
dog will be released from a cage 10 yards behind the athletes.

110 METRES HURDLES
As above but with added obstacles (i.e. car bonnets, hedges, garden
fences, walls etc)

HAMMER
Competitors in this event may choose the type of hammer they wish to
use (claw, sledge etc) the winner will be the one who can cause the
most physical damage within three attempts.

FENCING
Entrants will be asked to dispose of as many stolen goods as
possible in 5 minutes.

SHOOTING
A strong challenge is expected from local men in this event. The
first target will be a moving police van. In the second round,
competitors will aim at a post office clerk bank teller or securicor
style wages delivery man. The traditional .22 rifle has been
replaced in this event by a choice of either a Browning automatic
handgun or Sawn-off 12-bore shotgun.

BOXING
Entry to the boxing will be restricted to husband and wife teams,
and will take place on a Friday night. The husband will be given 15
pints of lager while the wife will be told not to make him any tea
when he gets home. The bout will then commence.

CYCLING TIME TRIALS
Competitors will be asked to break into the University bike shed
and take an expensive mountain bike owned by some mummy's boy on
his first trip away from home. All against the clock.

CYCLING PURSUIT
As above, but the bike will be owned by a visiting member of the
Australian rugby team, who will witness the theft.

MODERN PENTATHLON
Amended to include mugging, breaking and entering, flashing,
joyriding and arson.

SWIMMING EVENTS
All waterways are currently being tested for toxicity levels, once
one is found that can support human life, swimming events will be
organised, please note that the Synchronised Swimming even for this
year will comprise of dropping acid and watching all the funky
ripples on the pool, the specific musical support to this event will
be provided by "The Verve".

THE MARATHON
A safe route has yet to be decided.

THE CLOSING CEREMONY
Entertainment will include formation rave dancing by members of the
Salford Health in the Community anti-drug campaigners, synchronised
rock throwing, and music by the Stockport community choir. The flame
will be extinguished by police riot water cannon following
inevitable pitch invasion by confused Man United organised
hooliganism club. The stadium itself will then be boarded up before
the local athletes break into it and remove all the copper piping
and the central heating boiler.

Late News:
Apparently Liverpool were set to put in a bid very similar to the
above but with the Pentathlon modified to include:
Killing a spouse, digging a hole, burying the body, laying a patio
and the strangely named 'Calm Down' contest.

To guarantee the entry of any Mancunian athletes at all, Drugs
testing has been waived this year.

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2004 6:44 am

OK, for all of those who were offended by the original post. Please read the following link....

http://www.jardmail.co.uk/seasonal/usreply.shtml

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2004 7:43 am

Gucci

As I was reading your post Liverpool came into my mind (for some weird reason)So I was quite relieved to see it mentioned at bottom.
Living in Poole we don't have these problems
except for the odd murder,drug trafficking and the children that play football eith their empty beer bottles.
hope you had a great holiday and didn't spend tooo much.

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2004 8:47 am

Well done Toe for rescuing this thread.

(Bloody hell I hope we haven't upset any of us Brits now - this thread could run and run).

I agree politics should be kept off this forum Shame on you

(purely becuase there are more important things to discuss like skin, hair & make-up).

Now now who said bimbo - that is politically incorrect it should be miss bimbo Cool

.

Best not post Basil Fawlty's sketch when he had the Germans staying then!

German: "Will you stop talking about the war!"

Basil: "Me? You started it!"

German: "We did not ."

Basil: "Yes you did, you invaded Poland."

Silenced

Oh cr*p I'm in trouble now.

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2004 9:11 am

We wont even mention Alf Garnett.
By the way I love fawlty towers.

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2004 9:50 am

The trouble with posting on forum or sending an email is that we can't read between the lines. If you don't know the person posting it can be taken the wrong way. Now, if I got the post email from a friend (knew where they stood) I probably would laugh.

I do know for a fact the Caspers Mum did not set out to offend anyone. We also have to remember that their are all age groups on this forum and that makes a hugh difference in how we view things.

I am from the US and don't really care for that type of humor but that is just me. I try to stay away from Politics, Religion and life styles.

Also note that those who think its funny are not from the US. So, my fellow Americans I guess that we need to start so called humor re: UK, Canada and see what happens(love them both). Laughing

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2004 10:01 am

PMSL at Cm's post (true about budwieser...sorry phredd4 and forcynthia, but if you have ever tasted real bud, you will know that the US version is not the king of beers!)
And Gucci rofl

I love the 'calm down event in liverpool too Laughing

Sorry...won't be anti american anymore Razz

Wed Nov 24, 2004 10:18 am

Winnie wrote:

The trouble with posting on forum or sending an email is that we can't read between the lines. If you don't know the person posting it can be taken the wrong way. Now, if I got the post email from a friend (knew where they stood) I probably would laugh.

I do know for a fact the Caspers Mum did not set out to offend anyone. We also have to remember that their are all age groups on this forum and that makes a hugh difference in how we view things.

I am from the US and don't really care for that type of humor but that is just me. I try to stay away from Politics, Religion and life styles.

Thank you, Winnie, for understanding the humour, as well as the person whom posted the thread. Embarassed

There was never any offense intended, and I am truly sorry if others perceived the post as "anti-American sentiment". Truth be known: two of my best friends are American, and they thought it was hilarious. Guess not everyone does. Poor judgement on my-part.

The views reflected were not of Canadians, myself, Essential Day Spa, the citizens of the U.K., etc. British humour is very, very dry, sarcastic, and whitty (think "Monty Python"). Not everyone gets it. The entire time that I was reading the post, I was hearing someone with an upper-crust, whiney, nasal, stuffy British accent, narrating it.

It was just a CANDID view that came from one of the biggest names in U.K. entertainment. Nothing more, nothing less.

Therefore, my profuse apologies are extended to those who felt that I was implying anything against the U.S. I wasn't.

And now, I will shut-up ...

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2004 10:23 am

As an American who actually has a sense of humor, I thought Casper's Mum's post of the "Notice of Revocation of Independence" was hysterically funny. I will also continue doing business with EDS...once I get my next paycheck, of course!

Carrie

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2004 10:27 am

After being on the forum for a LONG TIME I have gotten to know CaspersMum. Again, she did not mean to offend anyone.

After a while ladies, even though you have never met the members, you will get a good feel for them and where they are coming from.

Happy Holidays

Winnie

Wed Nov 24, 2004 2:26 pm

Toe wrote:

OK, for all of those who were offended by the original post. Please read the following link....

http://www.jardmail.co.uk/seasonal/usreply.shtml

RIGHT-ON!

I am dyin' here, ladies! This is too good! Not only can I see the humour in other nations, but also that of my own country.

Know that we Canadians recieve influences from both the U.S. and the U.K. Afterall, we are a member of the British Commonwealth. Therefore, though we are bombarded with U.S. news, media, etc. - we also get a little bit of the U.K. influence too. Thus, we view life south of the border AND across the pond with an interesting perspective. It's not an issue of disrespect. IN ANY WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM!!!
I echo the sentiments of another member's previous post: Canadians get ribbed too. (Yay, tell me abooot it, eh?!)

Guys, if you could see how we take the you-know-what out of our own country, perhaps you'd understand the humour. One of my favorite Canadian t.v. shows is "This Hour Has 22 Minutes". They bash our country, countrymen, and politicians like you would not believe, and it's a riot! http://www.22minutes.com/intro.html We also have "Royal Canadian Air Farce" http://www.airfarce.ca/. We poke fun at ourselves, the fact the our neighbours to the south and the UK know relatively little about us, etc. http://radio.cbc.ca/programs/thismorning/sites/a&e/mercer_010330.html It's a national joke, the stereotype of Canada. We really don't mind, and shrug it off.

View this CLASSIC commercial from Molson Breweries. Maybe this will better illustrate the humour that I meant to share, and not the malice that others seemed to perceive it as. Shock

http://www.videoclipstream.com/akamai/therant/rant.html

free skin care · Mon Nov 29, 2004 4:17 am

Since some of my American brethren became all up in arms about that Revocation of American Independence thing, it started me wondering if our neighbors to the north also had a monumental chip on their shoulder...did the Canucks get all up in arms when the song "Blame Canada" from the movie 'Southpark' was nominated for an Acadedmy Award a couple years back???

Just curious...
Carrie

free skin care · Mon Nov 29, 2004 3:22 pm

No, your neighbours to the North do not have a chip on their shoulder. We loved the song "Blame Canada" and thought it was hilariously funny and witty Laughing

free skin care · Tue Nov 30, 2004 7:46 am

Hi, English here. Talking about songs When I lived in Oz many moons ago there was a song not sure what it was called but it was a p*ss take of poms and I loved that song I still sing it to myself. Spect the Oz girls know what it was called. It had a line they laugh at our game of Australian rules, refer to our tucker as hash.
I'll stop waffling now.

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