Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Privilege is no longer what it used to be

Well, I just read this on the bbc:

Pope adviser calls the UK a ‘Third World country’

Of course he denies he meant any harm in that remark.

He alleges the UK is “Third World” because there are so many atheists.  Uh…  I suspect, that when he lands at Heathrow (he specifically mentioned problems landing there) there are lots of people from all over the world.  Could be black.  Could be Asian.  Maybe gay.  Maybe Muslim.  You know: Third World People. Something tells me this is not gonna go over well.  First of all, if you read the article it seems like the cardinal is telling white lies.  At the very least. Keeps digging himself deeper with each effort to ‘splain himself.

Then he goes to say this - that they discriminate against you on an airline when you wear a cross.  Hmm... do you believe that? Um... man wearing long red gown.  On the other hand it would seem that the kind of obeisance prelates are used to is no longer happening. Not for men wearing long red dresses.  Not on airlines.  Not in Britain.  Apparently not in the Third World. 

So the guy is now staying home:  Solely on health grounds…

This is a new day, folks.  If you are an atheist, you’ve been branded Third World.  Probably also if you’re agnostic. Probably true if you don’t wear a cross.   Probably true of anyone who has spoken out against Vatican hypocrisy.  Right now…. I have likely become Third World.


I’m actually pleased to be counted among the unfaithful – if that’s what it takes.

4 comments:

Rick B as formerly before Richardxx said...

I wonder what characteristics a first world country would have in his opinion.

ARTHUR OF THE ROUNDISH TABLE said...

What a guy!!!

Don't worry, the Vatican is still upset about Henry. 'Third World' was just code for Anglican.

TheraP said...

Rick... I fear the characteristics would be white folks! Preferably rich and deferential to cardinals.

But you have put your finger on the nub of the problem! Very, very good question.

Amike said...

So many Atheists in third world countries? How bizarre of him. It would seem that he gazes at his navel more often than at a globe.