Sunday, June 22, 2008

'Fat and black' description attacked

Australian police in Queensland will review its use of terms to describe people after an indigenous women objected to being called "fat and black."

Rube Nixon, who tops the scales at more than 100kg, said the terminology was derogatory and inflammatory. "I felt really depressed when I read it. You say you have got a medium, slight or heavy build - I am of a large build. Not fat and black."

Police Constable AJ Pendlebury used the terminology to describe Ms Nixon, who he pulled over for a traffic offence, and her lawyer supplied the court brief which described her as "fat and black".

Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said terms used to describe skin colour and build would now be reviewed against national and international standards to ensure consistency and appropriateness.

He said the descriptors were used for internal use only to allow officers and prosecutors to identify individuals. "I regret any embarrassment felt as a result of this matter, and I will be contacting the person as soon as possible to discuss our response," Commissioner Atkinson said in a statement.

"There was absolutely no offence meant in the use of these terms, however we recognise the concerns, and will explore the protocols for these descriptors, and whether they should be adjusted."

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