The Green Cross Code Man
Some of you may remember that the mega-entity that is David Prowse, as well as being the figure but not the voice behind Darth Vader was also an even bigger star as the Green Cross Code Man on British telly during the seventies and eighties. Indeed, it was he himself who coined the phrase "Stop, look, listen" that was drummed into the children of my epoch on a daily basis.

A few months ago, I heard him in interview on Radio 4 talking about how road safety campaigns had changed over the last 15 years or so. I say talking, but more like ranting loudly, and I agreed with everything he had to say.

In general, his point was that the emphasis on road safety had shifted in a none-too-subtle way that was indicative of 'childrens' (see: Hoodie Scumbags) changing attitudes, and possible a fundamental cause of said change.

In His Mighty Era as GCCM, he had tutored children all over the country (he and Tufty the Squirrel, who never had the same appeal), telling them to stop,look and listen, but NOW the campaign was aimed at the DRIVERS - "Kill your speed, not a child!" - this was effectively telling the kids "If you get hit by a car, it's not YOUR fault for being a twunt* and not paying attention, it's the drivers fault!"

In my not-so-humble-opinion this coddling** of children is *exactly* the problem with our so-called society. We tell them that they have all of the rights but none of the responsibility and they simply believe us.

All hail to GCCM and his ineffable wisdom!

*He probably didn't use the word 'twunt', but this was radio 4 and he might've got away with it.

**I won't say 'molly-coddling' as that would be most offensive to the MrsEffinDoubt.
(EffinDoubt is breaking glass on, Wed 15 Oct 2008, 17:09, Reply)