November 7, 2002

Dear Sir,

A few nights ago the local TV News showed a man writhing on the ground while being handcuffed by policeman... just the usual sort of minor occurrence, nothing particularly newsworthy about it. But my attention was caught by the newsreader referring to him, very deliberately, as a "gentleman".

I wondered whether he was trying to cheer this individual up - in the event he might be listening to the news. "Don't worry, mate, whatever you've done, we here at ZBM still think you're a gentleman"

Others, however, thought it was pretty silly. The kind of terminology has become a habit in Bermuda recently. We used to refer to people in plain, simply terms as other countries do. Now, suddenly we are becoming insincerely flattering, probably in order to avoid the cardinal sin of "Disrespect".

The Standard Dictionary defines "Gentleman" as "A man of chivalrous instincts, fine feelings and good social position", perhaps a bit old fashioned, but still selective and intended as a compliment.

Let's stop sounding ridiculous.

JANE POCOCK

Warwick