Bigots and Bigotry

The definition of a bigot is given as follows:

A bigot is a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices.The correct use of the term requires the elements of obstinacy, irrationality, and animosity toward those of differing devotion.

I suppose that definition means that at any given time, we can all be bigots. Our country has many serious bigots in areas of colour, religion and politics. It seems that Gordon Brown has dubbed a woman who was stubbornly asking an awkward question, a 'bigoted woman'. Maybe he is right, but then also by definition, so is he! I have no doubt that this exchange will be played and replayed many times over, and even when the election is over.

We have to be careful who we call a bigot, and who we point at. The old description of pointing is true, when we point a finger, there are another three pointing back at ourselves. The fact is, we expect more of our politicians, especially those at the highest level, and it should not matter if their mic is switched on or off. Is it too much to ask that 'what we see is what we get'? Apparently it is, and this proves it. I think Gordon Brown was unfortunate in getting caught, but am I naive enough to think he is the only one who could be caught like this? Definitely not! 

This will turn out to be the gaffe of the election run up, and it may cost Gordon Brown and the Labour Party dear, because this 'mistake' had nothing to do with policy. It did have everything to do with character, honesty and integrity, and this is at the heart of all politics, and the fundamental reason for people to go into politics. When the ordinary people are labelled as bigots, because they ask difficult questions, then that politician has lost the reason he entered politics in the first place.

Isn't it odd that the thing which causes the most stir, isn't the shouting at each other, or who can give the most statistics, or policies, but an 'off mic' comment which shows character?