Q. I am shortly to give a dinner party for
an 80-year-old friend who very much wants to meet some neighbours of mine who are writers but very politically correct. My friend, however, has never brought himself up to date on PC and, although I have warned him to behave himself, it comes quite naturally to him to talk about such things as ‘wogs’ and to make remarks such as ‘the working classes love being in hospital. It’s the only chance they ever get to be waited upon’. How can I ensure that my other guests do not storm out in disgust, Mary?
Name withheld, Pewsey, Wilts A. Simply warn the writers in advance that your friend is a relic of a bygone age and ask them to view his output in the light of fascinating social history, rather than as remarks engineered to excite defensive reactions. When he gets going you can lead the responses to his more offensive remarks by echoing them. ‘“Wogs!” It’s years since I heard that word. Your attitudes are fascinating to us. Do go on, tell us more. You see, no one of our generation has prejudices like these. Isn’t it fun to hear them?’ In this way you will defuse the tension.
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