Japs
Sir: Mr Barber's attack (Letters, 18 Octo- ber) on the use of `Japs' to describe the Japanese is similar in spirit to the incredi- ble furore which followed the Duke of Edinburgh's amusing remarks in China. Surely it is offensive to the Japanese and Chinese to suggest they might feel insulted by such pinpricks? How many Britons would take umbrage at the reference to Brits' or to their characteristic round eyes? Such episodes reveal Britain's awful lack of confidence.
Making fun of foreigners is a great British tradition and the sooner we get back into full swing the greater will be our self-respect and, I fancy, the respect shown us by others. In the meantime I suggest Great Britain be renamed Grovelling Britain.
Mark Christie
18 Gatcombe Drive, Stoke Gifford, Bristol
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