What role did negative rhetoric play in what happened? (Picture: Reuters)
In MetroTalk, readers are aghast at reports of Greek coastguards throwing migrants into the sea.
How did this happen? One commenter believes that the negative rhetoric used about migrants has desensitised people to their plight, leading to an alarming indifference to migrant lives. What do you think?
Meanwhile, a reader has scathing criticism for Gareth Southgate and what’s the difference between a moped thieves and a baby cow?
Share your thoughts on these topics and more in the comments.
Migrants are human beings
The reports of Greek coastguards ‘throwing migrants into the sea’ (Metro, Tue) are utterly horrifying. I can’t believe this isn’t on the front page of every newspaper.
These are human beings who have already gone through absolute hell on this earth.
This is why rhetoric matters. The way we talk about people means people think lives are disposable.Sophie, London
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The local Coast Guard continues to deny accusations of illegal activities. (Picture: Shuttershock)
It distressed me to see the image of a Greek coastguard pushing a migrant boat away and distressed me even more to learn that migrants have been thrown back into the sea to drown.
The BBC investigation detailing those horrific incidents must be shared with UN humanitarian agencies and with the International Criminal Court. Nothing can justify cruelty of this magnitude. Scott, West London
Regarding Ryan and Rob’s comments (MetroTalk, Wed) about how raising taxes is a good thing – I beg to differ. Raising taxes does not only affect the very wealthy, it affects ordinary people who will have less money to spend, which will affect the economy, and it takes away aspiration.
I’ve paid taxes for a long time and it does not matter which government is in, there is never any significant difference to public services. There have always been NHS waiting lists and potholes, so why pay more? And it makes you wonder where the extra money we are paying is going. Denise, London
What do you think about Gareth Southgate’s management style? (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
In response to Daniel Austin’s article (MetroSport, Fri) I hope I am wrong, but I don’t think England will ever win the Euros or World Cup under Gareth Southgate.
This is not necessarily because of the England team’s shortcomings, it is because of Southgate himself.
I doubt if he sits down alone and carefully thinks about how he could best utilise his team and subs, what their weaknesses are and how to improve on them.
I doubt if he researches other top teams, and looks at their strengths and weaknesses. Also, I suspect he is not really competitive.
When he was a player himself, he was not that good and this is being repeated in his management style. England deserve a better coach. Andree St Clair, London
How do adults celebrate a goal?
Russ, Stockport (MetroTalk, Wed), expressed his sadness at seeing great athletes enjoying their success in a ‘childish’ manner. Would it help if they solemnly walked back to the halfway line like adults, bow gracefully and let play commence? Michael, London
Sympathy for the calf not moped thieves
Jordan (MetroTalk, Tue) appears to be saying that a roving cow is deserving of the same treatment as a motorcycle thief. I just hope that he is not in charge of any animals. Nick, London
Is Jordan real? He asks how a cow is different to motorcycle thieves? Well, a cow, as far as I know, does not make a conscious decision to go out on the rob and break the law. Moped thieves do. Phil Murphy, Liverpool
The calf in question (Credits: Kai Bennetts/PA Wire)
Jordan asks what’s the difference between a calf being rammed by a police SUV and the same tactic being used on motorcycle-mounted thieves.
The calf was a confused young animal that didn’t know it could safely let the police take it to safety.
Moped thieves know exactly what they’re doing.
They choose not to surrender because they want to continue a life of violent crime. And they endanger others in the pursuit, hoping to deter the police.
No comparison. Nigel, London