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It's not about choice it's about consent. The guy at the Polo club whom Prince Charles calls 'Sooty' consents to that because it's difficult ans impolitic to say 'no' to the future King of England.

Nicknames reinforce esprit de corps in the forces and football/ rugby teams etc. There's a difference between that and the situation where if you voice any misgivings about the inappropriateness of a nickname you're merely being thin skinned.

It's about power relationships - ask yourself why it may be acceptable between black people to use the 'N' word, but if it's white to black the dynamic and intent is very different. Look at the Balding/ Treadwell power relationship - Balding's is very advantaged in terms of socio economic background, probably privately educated, university, BBC (which isn't as diverse as it likes to think). Treadwell like most jockeys is probably from a relatively disadvantaged background and so Balding thinks it's okay to inspect his teeth as she would an animal at the county show.

It's not about her giving him a nickname - she didn't - it's about her behaving towards him in such a way that denies him respect and dignity.

I smell captain Weezer is in town ... wonder who shot JR Pornstar??

Liam Treadwell is last weekends Grand National winning jockey on 100/1 shot Mon Mome. My opinion is that it was a stupid comment to make. Treadwell has been very average as a jockey during his career so far and not really won any major races. This was his first Grand National and he is now one from one. So this undoubtedly was the greatest moment of his career/ life. For Balding to say something like that was idiotic, she isnt exactly an oil painting herself.

Who is Claire Balding?
And is she? [think about it...]

Maybe it's an age thing- these TV bints get to a ceratin age and
go all 'funny'- Sherrie Hewson and Carol Thatcher being other
recent examples.