Constance Briscoe

[limitedperiodonly]

I've been holding off for days because there's just been opening evidence.

But today it was said in court that she told the police that Chris Huhne had a homosexual relationship and that he infected Vicky Pryce with something he said he caught off bedsheets.

But apparently she didn't say that.

I apologise. For the sake of integrity I'd normally do a link, but I can't find one. But I heard it reported on R4's PM, which is reputable, and I couldn't wait any longer

It's going to get so fucking dirty, isn't it?

And as I've said before, I am astounded that people who would consider themselves to be so clever, can behave in such unwise ways.

It might well help others but I know I'd feel resentful in the unlikely event of being cast as a role model.

You might not even know you have been. It may be that someone considers you a role model from a distance.

I get furious at the very sexist argument that when a Woman especially achieves success or prominence she has to be a bloody role model!

Just another way for us to impose limitations on how these women are allowed to behave.

You are my role model limited

Dubious about CB. And in the interests of equal opportunities, dubious about VP.

It may be that someone considers you a role model from a distance.

It's possible but unlikely. Though when asked how I'd like to be remembered I always say: 'With a public holiday.'

But that is their choice to see you as a role model if you are not actively pursuing it. And we've got so muddled over celebrity turning them into ciphers or two dimensional caricatures of the real flawed people they truly are.

Mignonette, I think what's happening is a conflation of three things:

1. People (mainly but not exclusively men) telling some women they must behave in a certain way because they are a role model
2. People choosing to admire or wishing to emulate some women whom they see as role models.
3. Some women (and many men, too) actively wishing people to look up to them and calling that "being a role model".

Only 2 seems like a good thing to me. But it shouldn't be lost just because 1 and 3 are bad things.

limitedperiod, based on your grace and wit here, I'd like to say that I consider you a role model for how to handle MN threads

Completely agree with Angela's last post. I have always found the idea of role models to be highly dubious, and I'd really take issue with the idea that Constance Briscoe is a good role model. Yes, of course we should encourage young black women - or indeed anyone else - to aim high and fulfill their potential, but I don't think that using Briscoe as an example is the best way to do it.

Hung jury, probable retrial. God, I feel sorry for anyone who has a trial then has to go through it again.

The agony continues..

She's not someone I have warmed to though I do think she's suceeded against the odds in becoming a judge - must have been tough.

Thank you "HomeHelpMeGawd". I don't mind people disagreeing with me. I just believe that my comments have been interpreted incorrectly. I didn't say Constance was a role model because she is black or solely because she is a judge. Please AngelaDaviesHair don't put words in my mouth! I didn't say she was a role model because she's in the public eye or because she is black. She is a role model for two reasons (1) she came through an abusive life and worked hard to achieve a top career. (yes she may not be the only one, but people don't manage to achieve this when they've had a good life much less) (2) she became a barrister and judge at a time in a society where it is was probably more difficult for women much less a black woman. Its not impossible, but it maybe more difficult for you to relate to this if you're not black. That's why she's a role model because she sends the message that it doesn't matter your obstacles in life, it you want something so bad u can do it. Also Angela how dare you assume that black people need role models to achieve EVERYBODY no matter what race have role models!! A role model is personal to a person depending on their circumstances, mind set and personality.. it is not universal so the fact that you don't see her as a role model has no bearing on me. I assume from your comments that you are well informed about role models and who should be a role model and who shouldn't so i would like you to name one "role model" that is perfect and doesn't have skeletons in the cupboard or who hasn't done anything wrong in their life. You clearly don't have any which is why you can so ignorantly speak of others.

I would like to know why you are so irritated by black people being role models. does this threaten your own state of mind??? What is positive or negative?? It just might be that, what YOU see as a negative can be interpreted as positive by someone less cynical and rigid. Why does Constance Briscoe have to show or tell YOU something about black people in order to be a role model?? Why cant she just be a ROLE MODEL?? Why a BLACK one!! Clearly ignorance and lack of life experience and education has clouded your judgement!!

And btw this was not meant to be rude but like you i am rather irritated by the critical way many people have adopted in every situation.

Please AngelaDaviesHair don't put words in my mouth!

I haven't. Read my long post, please. At the end of it I said: "I am not accusing anyone of saying that on this thread, but it is a viewpoint that informed my reaction to the post."

Also Angela how dare you assume that black people need role models to achieve EVERYBODY no matter what race have role models!!
This is the exact opposite of what I was saying.

The rest of your post is ranting, abusive and above all, dim. I can't really engage with someone who doesn't even have a basic level of reading comprehension.

sweets83 how can you possibly feel that someone in a profession where you are supposed to have a high level of integrity and intelligence, and who obviously has neither, be a role model?