h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I'm not sure. I've emailed back for clarification.

Thats certainly what it sounds like... A bit like being here under the house rules...

Bit of a cop-out really, I wonder if they are concerned if they take a harder line it would have affected the attendance... Wouldn't surprise me in the least.

They're talking complete clods!

We won't sponsor acts who promote violence etc.?!
They bl**dy are doing!

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I wish I could help you with another analogy... Osama for not saying that US is an enemy and to be killed?

Putin not claiming that Anna Politkovska was rightfully killed?

Noticing this conversation pop up made me realise i've not had guinness myself for a long long while, I've boycotted it at the nearest pub to here that we go in on the basis along that they charge thirty pence more a pint than another pub up the road (same brewery/chain) and elsewehre... very sad I go to pubs that sell the beer I like It does sound like, from their corospondance that they've really not considered who they lined up for the gig, and now they're just squirming about trying to make out that it all fits in with their policys, which it clearly doesn't

I think the Hitler analogy was a good way to put it, Roy.

Funny too

Righty. I asked about at the union and. with the notable exception of the Black Members' Rep, have been met by apathy.

Anyway, I'm carrying on regardless and just replied to Diageo:

'Sorry for taking so long to get back about this.

While I appreciate that Vybz Cartel and and Bounty Killer might not have breached your code of conduct at the festival in question they have both previously called for the murder of gay men, a stance which, to the best of my knowledge, neither has retracted.

I hope I'm mistaken but if I'm not could you please make a public statement apologising for employing people who incite homophobic murder and committing to ensure it doesn't happen again. Your commendable code of conduct won't be seen as counting for much unless you can demonstrate that:

a) these acts have retracted and apologised for their previous stance or,
b) you were unaware of their history and this was an unfortunate error.

Sorry to be getting so het up about this: it is, as you know, a very important issue that affects many men, particularly in the afro-caribbean community.'

That last line (starting 'Sorry') was in the email, it's not an apology for this thread!

A few hours back I forwarded the email exchange to Peter Tatchell, and I just got a reply!

'Thanks Dave

Diageo seems to be saying that the singers did not perform anti-gay songs (I cannot say whether this is correct) and that Diageo therefore have no problem with sponsoring the event and the artists.

Would they respond in the same way if a white singer had incited the murder of black people? Would they have even considered inviting him? Would they say: wiel, he might have incited racist murders in the past but since he says he won't say such things at this concert we are happy to have him on stage?

Of course not. Hypocrites!

Go get 'em! Make these arguments to Diageo.

Best wishes, Peter'


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Crikey, I wasn't expecting a reply and certainly not so quickly! Superb.

Well done Roymondo for bringing this to our attention - I hope you do put forward those arguements to the company.

I'll see what sort of reply I get and, if it isn't satisfactory, will start publicising this a little further afield. I've posted my email to Diageo and PT's reply to me on the union forum so, hopefully, that will inspire some more action from them.

There is nothing more satisfying and good for the soul than taking on the big boys in a righteous battle.

Oh yes

Have at 'em Roy

I'm boycotting Guinness entirely in support of your cause, and informing those around me of the issue. I might try to get the LGBTQ society at college (I'm the chairperson) involved, what do you think?

BEG

You absolute star!

At the moment I'm still waiting for a response from Diageo. If none is forthcoming, or if they skirt around the issue again, it would be nice to be able to tell them that not only are individuals boycotting them, but a few organisations are considering the issue too.

I need to get the go ahead from the National Committee of my union's LGBT group before I can bring our name into it so have to tread a bit carefully at the moment, but if I do I'm sure that the addition of a students' society could bring some weight: students are quite well known for drinking a fair bit of beer!

There are several other Diageo lines too, including (irritatingly) Smirnoff. http://www.diageo.com/en-row/Ourbrands/

Oh piddle, some of my favourite brands are in there Oh well, there are alternatives...

I'll join you in the boycott.

Superb!

Well, it's not really superb as I'd much rather Diageo just publicly said 'Sorry, it won't happen again.'

Thanks for the support though peeps! I'm getting quite riled with Diageo's apathy.

Hell's teeth man - are you encouraging me to be completely teetotal????

Not only do they make Smirnoff, they do Bushmills, *and* Captain Morgan Spiced

Thank bob the wines are ones I avoid anyway; frankly, I reckon they're wee-wee.



Seeing as it's a good cause, though, I'll boycott their products on principal - I had a good read thru this crowd's lyrics,and I was totally revulsed by the hatred spewed.

I'm not supporting any outfit that condones the sort of cr*p they spout. Those guys are sick imo.

If you like, you can point out that the alcohol consumption in a small town in Kent may noticeably lower, as well.

(Or it will do once I've brought it to the attention of my sons, their mates and their friends friends, as well my little group of inebriates. Every little helps. My 2 went off Guiness about the same time as I did, for the same reason)



I think you've started with a snowflake and it might well turn into an avalanche...with a bit of luck.

Blimey, it's contagious this 'ere righteous boycotting thing! Su-bloody-perb.

Really, I'm so pleased that people are getting on board and letting others know about this, and even more pleased that the others are getting on board too! I feel a tad overwhelmed.

As I've said, the thing that annoys me is no longer that the artists played at a Diageo gig; the thing that annoys me now is that Diageo are so completely missing the point )(which was brilliantly metaphored by Peter Tatchell) while happily referring to their Code of Conduct.