Dischristmasnation

So it's December 19 and no doubt elsewhere in the world where there's snow, or at least a chill in the air, it feels like Christmas already. With a week to go, still not feeling it here in the triangle yet. I've been to a ton of xmas parties, seen a zillion trees and Hamilton has been lit up in all its glory for weeks but still nada. So rather than get too concerned I've decided to let my Christmas spirit do it's own thing (it'll come to the party eventually) and not succumb to silly season brain mush just yet. While the rest of the planet ponders over light issues, such as whether X Factor was justly won, which is the best track from the Bieber Christmas album and how many baubles are too many on the tree, I'm keeping it real with a dissection of a heavy issue in this post... discrimination. 


Firstly, the fact that here in Bermuda, which was considered part of the developed world (last time I looked), discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation is legal. A few weeks back an ad in The Royal Gazette for “Wanted: homosexual house cleaner (heterosexuals need not apply)” caught my eye. This seemed a little strange but all was revealed when a human rights campaigner came forward to claim authorship, trying to make a point about how backward it was that sexual orientation has not yet been added to the Human Rights Act. This is despite years of protests and claims from the Government that it would be looked at. 


This ludicrous situation was highlighted by legislation aimed at protecting the rights of disabled people in the workplace coming into effect at the beginning of December. Reading this in the news, I was surprised that this wasn't the case years ago. The same could be said for proposal the Government made in November to outlaw age discrimination. It's seems crazy that this isn't already a done deal as it is in the UK. 


News this week demonstrating that you really can't judge a book by it's publishing date was the completion of the Everest Marathon by 70-year-old Bermudian, Giorgio Zanol. He became the first ever septuagenarian to do so as the cut off age is normally 65 due to the intense pressure of this event on the body, but Giorgio jumped through all the hoops to run the race. This is an impressive feat at any age, but poor Giorgio's 40-year-old son, Marco, went along for the ride and sadly had his achievement overshadowed somewhat by his father's performance. 

Rather upsettingly it appears that discrimination is rife on the island, and not just among humans. Carrots are suffering too. In a move that mirrors the toughening of work permits to ensure that skilled local people are given preference over guest workers from overseas in recruitment process, the embargo on foreign carrots has become more strict. The ban on imported carrots, unless insufficient Bermudian carrots are available, was put in place to protect local farmers. Don't get me wrong, Bermuda carrots are delicious, sweet, with a delightful texture. However, it has to be said, they're not the best looking in the world. In the main they are short, disfigured and nobly. As there are no laws in place on discriminating on the basis of looks, I shall voice this opinion freely without fear of retribution. I happen to believe that there is enough room on this island for carrots of all races. I, for one, would certainly appreciate a good looking baby carrot to accompany my turkey on Christmas day. Bah humbug!