LNER apologise for Train Manager's language

Most junior and keen members of staff...

I'm really intrigued on the hire criteria for those managing social media accounts for businesses.

twitter.com/LNER/status/1392201792407187465?s=20

I am more concerned that rather immature type of person in any position of authority. What would happen if something serious happened? A crash, a fire, an attack?

I can’t quite imagine wither pretty this dynamo duo calmly donning a high viz vest, organising an evacuation, calming panicking customers, liaising with the emergency services...

Firefighter on loudspeaker “ok ladies and gentlemen... the incident is at the far end of the platform - can you please make sure you...”

‘Eeeeekkkkkkkkk! Did you just use gendered language? Hate crime! Someone call the police!!!!”

"doesn't apply to me so I won't listen"

I've got news for you Lawrence. You're not special or unique, most passengers don't think that announcements apply to them and therefore don't listen. This is why I get asked stupid questions.

Perhaps I need to make my announcements more inclusive. Some people don't seem to think that they need to buy a ticket. Perhaps they would respond better to "Ladies, gentlemen, and drug-dealing scrotes hiding in the toilet...". That's more inclusive of all of the various occupants of the train, isn't it?

Oh, I agree. I also think we need to be careful not to reify sexed, gendered or sexist language where it is not necessary.

Yes. In most situations there's absolutely no need for sexed language. In some, it's absolutely essential.

Thank you for sharing findyourbacon Amidst this train wreck of a non issue, this made me properly laugh:

twitter.com/leokearse/status/1392556684728545290?s=21

Personally, I would wish to identify as the train driver and ride in the cab so I could play with all the buttons and switches. Would make a commute a lot more enjoyable.

Serious note... The point of announcements on trains is to give out safety information, and other operational matters. If a passenger felt the message could be more inclusive, they could send a serious suggestion to the operator. Not showboat on Social Media.

It's the manner of the complaint, the nonsensical idea that anyone doesn't belong to one or other of the sexes, and the way the complaint has been handled which is the problem.

YY.

I identify as the Fat Controller

There aren't enough eye rolls in the world for this indulgent shite.

It's the manner of the complaint, the nonsensical idea that anyone doesn't belong to one or other of the sexes, and the way the complaint has been handled which is the problem

Oh, I agree. I also think we need to be careful not to reify sexed, gendered or sexist language where it is not necessary.

It's the manner of the complaint, the nonsensical idea that anyone doesn't belong to one or other of the sexes, and the way the complaint has been handled which is the problem.

Yet again, a digital comms person taking it upon themselves to cave, capitulate and throw people under the bus on the whims of just ONE silly, immature complaint, as usual best ignored.

It's clear whoever this social media person is is on side with the Lawrence's politics and considered themselves on the side of the 'oppressed'. But that's really not what their job is for, and look what a stupid mess it makes - derailing all communication to centre on one niche issue that totally blows up.

I can't imagine the social media manager at my work would ever try anything like this, nor get away with it and I really hope I'm not being naive. It makes everyone look like fools.

And as for the concept of ‘morning’ - this was invented by the druids as a ways of controlling the population and shaming those who preferred to be active in the night.

What? The director of communions defended that bollocks, and followed it up with a "be kind"

The LNER twitter team weren't "kind". Laurence wasn't "kind".

Fuck kind. Kind got us into this fucking mess.

I like AMScanlon's suggestion.... Are you going to add “& non-binary Laurence” to all announcements?

Hang on a minute, I identify as a set of points and am continually being told by your staff that everything that runs late is due to me failing.

Fed up with it.

PMSL

Personally, I don't think sex or gender is relevant here. I'd prefer 'Good Morning Passengers' personally. For a start, I ain't no lady.

Following in the footsteps of Aimee Challenor then, responsible for the scrapping of "ladies and gentlemen" on the London Underground back in 2017.

"It started after Aimee Challenor, an equality campaigner and transgender woman, had an uncomfortable experience with Transport for London's Oyster helpline. After she gave her name, the phone operator said that the 19-year-old "didn't sound like a Miss." Challenor said she was "shocked" by the comment and later asked London Mayor Sadiq Khan to apologise. He did, vowing to investigate ways to boost awareness at the transit agency. Khan asked the transit agency to adopt the new greeting almost six months ago."

That 'please be kind' reply from the comms bod has got my goat

twitter.com/leokearse/status/1392556684728545290?s=21

The way things work now means it's open season for this type of pathetic bullying behaviour and the way it's reacted to by individuals and institutions with self flagellation, and grovelling apologies promising to "do better" and "educate yourself" just encourages more.

There should be more use of the MN favourite "ODFOD" imo

Oh dear, this is ridiculous and that tweet with the gif is so unprofessional.