Bad language...

[Gob]

A train operator has come under fire after it apologised over a complaint from a non-binary passenger because the conductor greeted customers by saying 'good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.'




London North Eastern Railway said in response to the complaint on Twitter that 'train managers should not be using language like this' before promising to take action.

The non-binary passenger, who goes by the Twitter name Laurence and uses the pronouns they and them, also states they represent the Rail, Maritime and Transport trade union.


In their complaint, Laurence stated: '"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls..." so as a non binary person this announcement doesn't actually apply to me so I won't listen @LNER.'

In response, the train company said: 'I'm really sorry to see this, Laurence, our Train Managers should not be using language like this, and I thank you for bringing it to my attention.

'Please could you let me know which service you are on and I will ensure they remain as inclusive as we strive to be at LNER.'

The exchange sparked a fierce debate over whether 'language like this' should be banned by companies.

A colleague who was with Laurence at the time and is also believed to be a rail worker defended the complaint.

Jarley wrote: 'Both Laurence and I were customers of the railway - being rail staff does not absolve an operator from the duty of care or responsibility to be inclusive.

'I was sat with Laurence when this tweet was sent. Both of us are non-binary and we were both alarmed and uncomfortable by the lack of inclusion.'

But Twitter users criticised LNER for their apology and said they felt there was nothing wrong with the friendly greeting.

Mark Jenkinson, the Conservative MP for Workington, said: 'You’d be forgiven for thinking this Train Manager had unleashed a tirade of abuse.

'“Should not be using language like this”

'He’d actually said “Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls”.

'Identify however you like, but can we stop this nonsense?'

God help this chap if he experiences some real strife in his life...

[Big RR]

Or the poor railroad if it encounters a problem that requires any real thought or effort to remedy.

[MajGenl.Meade]

Well, to be fair, the driver could simply say "Good morning everybody" altho people engaged in out of body experience might be upset.

Or he/she could lead off with "Good morning ladies, gentlemen and moronic assholes" but that might cause trouble all around.

F-ing "binary". Society is going to hell in a handbasket.

[Joe Guy]

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. And to all you non-binary creatures, I'm aware that the quality of your afternoon depends on your individual circumstances and I don't wish to infringe upon your emotional space by pushing my optimistic agenda which may not suit your situation. Have the day your way... they.

[MajGenl.Meade]

Thinking more about this . . . given that binary means "relating to, composed of, or involving two things", should them not be pleased that they got a double shout-out - "Ladies and gentlemen" includes ladies, gentlemen, and ladies and gentlemen.

[Burning Petard]

Ah but Maj Genl, you are a gentleman by act of congress. I am, by birth and preference, not a gentleman.

snailgate

[MajGenl.Meade]

Well, he did add "boys and girls" so I guess that covers the pettyfoggers too!