Stereotypical

In which Boris Johnson might help perpetuate a stereotype

Written by Forest Pines; published at 11:41 am on January 16th, 2006.
Filed under: Political.

According to yesterday’s Observer, Boris Johnson is planning to stand for election as Rector of Edinburgh University.*

I’m not among the relevant electorate, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. Aside from the fact that he can hardly spend much time on the job, it’s hardly going to do very much for the university’s reputation. Edinburgh is already known as the university for posh, rich English kids who aren’t bright enough for Oxbridge; voting for someone who carefully cultivates a reputation for being posh and bumbling is hardly going to help.

* I’m quite pleased that I managed to avoid the cliché of adding “…is planning to follow in Gordon Brown’s footsteps by…” Aaargh, damn, I’ve spoilt it now. At least Brown’s Rectorship had a lasting effect: he annoyed the University management so much that they banned students from standing for the post.

Keyword noise: Boris Johnson, Conservatives, Edinburgh, Edinburgh University, Gordon Brown, politics, posh, reputation, Tories

5 comments on “Stereotypical”

1. kate says:

   January 16, 2006 at 11:44 am

   Isn’t a Rector a religious post, anyway? This is all too confusing for me.

   I was just hoping for cute photos of Boris.
2. Forest Pines says:

   January 16, 2006 at 11:49 am

   Not in Scotland. A University Rector is basically the university’s chairman, but also is supposed to represent students who have disputes with the university.
3. kate says:

   January 17, 2006 at 12:04 pm

   also, you need a picture. CLearly.
4. Forest Pines says:

   January 17, 2006 at 12:54 pm

   Hmmm. You KNOW what he looks like! And I did put a link in to his blog, where there is a nice big photo on the front page.
5. kate says:

   January 17, 2006 at 3:33 pm

   I know where his blog is, too! And he is very very funny on it. Especially the current entry.