Quirky News

9 February 2010, 9:00

Harman nominated for Rear of the Year

Harriet Harman, who is known for her staunch feminist views, has been nominated for the annual Rear of the Year award.

The Minister for Women, who wants pictures of Page 3 girls banned from the workplace, is an unlikely candidate for the honour.

Twelve nominations have already been received for the Leader of the House by the annual competition's website, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Ms Harman, also in the news for backing plans to ban the term 'chairman' for being sexist, is unlikely to be flattered.

Rear of the Year organiser Tony Edwards said: "These are not large numbers but a dozen nominations in one week usually indicates encouragement on a fan-based website or an organised group effort of some kind.

"During the past month we've received flurries of votes inspired by celebrities on Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Dancing on Ice and various TV soaps, but we're surprised to see the MP for Camberwell and Peckham among the latest nominations.

"Perhaps some of Labour's backbenchers have decided to get behind her in the competition.

"These are early days with a further four months of voting to go so it would be premature to talk about a winner from the world of politics or whether Ms Harman's seat is set for the spotlight."

Sally Allen, boss of Wizard Jeans which is sponsoring the presentations at London's Dorchester Hotel in June, said Miss Harman was clearly comfortable wearing trousers and slacks.

She said: "She's frequently seen in Downing Street and at the despatch box in black slacks and short jackets."

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"But the bit where i said neccessary is for when women want to do heavy lifting jobs etc which they will do less well than a man and that is neccessary and not sexist. The case here is the other which i described as pointless. Pointless "sexism" is where silly women think they are being badly done to over such trivial matters. Just thought i'd clarify for you. People will probably think im racist now...i just have to laugh at people like that. People need to liven up."

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Warren, 11 February 2010, 12:06pm

"rebecca. I dont condone racism in a violent and aggressive sense but i personally think that a bit of racist banter is all good fun too. Like little racist jokes and such. I personally wouldnt have a problem with someone making jokes about how the brits drink lots of tea and such so i dont have a problem with saying indians all smell of curry as a joke. Back to sexism on the same level i think its fun and games. But if someone said "shes getting paid less for the same job" that is wrong."

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warren, 11 February 2010, 12:03pm

"Harridan Harman is well past her "sell by" date and stands to cause more problems and backbiting insisting on further social engineering ! NEW Labour have done enough to tear our families apart and broker the "broken society"......Yes January is a bad time of the year but there is already too much Labour meddling in our families and giving women far too many excuses/encouragement to leave their families & remove the rights of their children to have their natural Fathers !"

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Harridan, 10 February 2010, 4:37pm

"This woman would be better suited to 1960`s China Cultural Revolution wearing slacks and Mao jackets & straw sandals. Many women are appalled at turning the clock back, although keen for salary equality. If there is to be equality all round then for sure women will lose out.ie prison sentencing,divorce settlements,work & promotion seniority by the actual number of years "Worked" in any organisation as well as pension age and taxation responsibility in the family etc. Women are well & good here."

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Chiang Ching, 10 February 2010, 4:28pm

"Using the term "chairwoman" is also sexist, but it's not so daft as "chairperson". Whoever thought up that one? Women don't do anything to help their cause."

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acme, 10 February 2010, 3:33pm

"Warren, I agree that changing the word chairman is silly. But with regard to your comments about feminists and sexism, may I ask: Would you make the same comments about (for example) black people and racism? No, I thought not. But sexism and racism are very similar: both are centred around nothing more than a physical difference. Rebecca West spoke for many women when she said "Why should I be labelled a feminist simply because I refuse to be a doormat?""

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Rebecca West fan, 10 February 2010, 10:58am