Head of London Fire Brigade Says She's Been Harassed for Comment to Change 'Fireman' to 'Firefighter'
LatestDany Cotton is the first female commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, which should be enough to earn her some freaking respect. Yet, just mentioning that changing “fireman” to “firefighter” would perhaps encourage more women to join the force has led to nothing but abuse. Surprise.
The Guardian reports that Cotton was interviewed a few months after she was awarded her position in 2017, and mentioned a well-known animated British character named “Fireman Sam” who is “everyone’s favourite Hero Next Door!” according to his official YouTube page. Cotton didn’t even seem to be particularly out for Sam—she was just making a remark about stereotypes in firefighting:
“One single thing that would help bring more women into the service? Stop saying ‘fireman’. How many people still use that?” she says. “It would make a real difference if people stopped. Why did they have to go for Fireman Sam? What’s wrong with Firefighter Sam? We have to change that perception of a six foot hairy-arsed bloke who can kick a door down.”
In a speech this week at an event called “Gender Equality: will it take another 100 years,” Cotton explained that remark has lead to a campaign of harassment and abuse: