VIDEO: Is the fire service 'too white' and 'too male'?
Earlier this week, I took part in a debate on GB News about the publication of a new report which concluded that Britain’s fire service was too white and too male. As a 27-year firefighter, I felt that I had something to contribute to the debate. My opponent was the anti-racist activist Imarn Ayton. The segment can be viewed below.
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Yes, Paul Embery is right (again) !
It truly annoys me that none of these people *ever* do any homework. The London Fire Brigade (and all other services) has been actively promoting the Fire Service to under represented groups for DECADES, literally decades. Using black people, openly gay people and women to try to encourage more of the same to apply. I used to be asked to get involved but I ended up declining because I began to feel like one of the Brigades performing monkeys. The brutal truth is that, apart from gay people, openly gay or not, who cover every single demographic, *most*, not all, women don't want to lug ladders, BA sets & shovels around for a living (it seemed to be the same for black people, particularly asian but I'll only speak for women). Why is that *so* surprising to people?? I *loved* it, I just did, I loved the whole thing and I was strong & I could do it but making people like it? I absolutely do not think you can and is a recipe for real unhappiness when the reality of what you are being asked to do sinks in (it's a truly dirty job and buff 'hero's' are a Hollywood fiction, best FFs I ever knew were middle aged men with beer bellies) And as for bullying? She needs to know that there were plenty, and I mean plenty, of black people, gay people and women who indulged in some relentless and character/confidence destroying bullying, certainly in my day. Power is the root of bullying, not colour or sex. Anyway, once again, you are right to point out the bleedin' obvious to these baiters, race or otherwise, Paul so keep doing it.