[garinda]

Pesonally I abhor people's use of any label that could undermine very serious issues. Especially as I think it undermines what can be very serious hate crimes, be it racism, false accusations of rape, sexism or homophobia.

Two examples to illustrate my point.

1/ A few years ago a mixed group of friends and myself, were leaving a gay club in Brixton, south London. We were chased by a group of thugs wielding baseball bats, shouting abuse, relating to the place we'd just left. One of our party was beaten, and he needed hospital treatment.

Was that an act of homophobia?

Yes it was.

Would it still have been so, if it was the same group leaving a straight club, and without the verbal taunts?

No, it would just have been an act of mindless thuggery.

2/ Recently I was asked to help choreograph a fashion show. Quite a big deal for me to agree to help, as I never know until the day if my health will allow me to do something. I turn up, at the appointed time, looking forward to be able to do something useful for a change, and at which my fashion background would be an advantage.

Ten minutes after my arrival I was told my services would no longer be required, as some of the Muslim women had a problem with me. Off I went, tail between my legs. Truth be told, feeling a little down and rejected.

Was this an act of racism, sexism, or indeed homophobia?

No of course not, it was simply a waste of my time. Simple as.

In tonight's Big Brother, Shilpa herself asked if the treatment she was receiving was racist, and concurred that it was.

I am still of the same opinion that the bullying she has been subjected to in the programme isn't racist. This is what tends to happen. The victim starts to look for reasons why this is happening to them. Bullying happens very often for no apparent reason, but in this case I do agree it is more about a cultural and educational clash, than it is about race.

The whole show seemed to be summed up for me tonight, when Danielle asked if Jack could read, when he'd been asked to re-do the shopping task. Baically these people, Jade, Danielle, Jo, and Jack are unintelligent, and jealous of a more balanced, successful, and happy person.

Throughout all of this furore, Shilpa as acted with dignity, and remarkable calmness. Whatever the outcome of the show, she will come out of this a winner.

Rumour on the grapevine, though I don't know if it is true, is that in this week's nominations, both Shilpa and Jade will face the public vote.

I think one young lady from Bermondsy, who was taken to the nation's heart, because of her naive innocence, is in for one big wake up call, in light of her recent behaviour. The thing that made her, might well break her.