A reader in Canberra, Australia passed along this article about an English granny up in arms about her right to display a knitted toy gorilla in her window.
Says the article:
Anne Feast, 70, knitted ‘Cilla the Gorilla’ last year and the toy has been hanging in the window at her home in Bell Holt, Ely, alongside numerous other characters she has created, ever since.
But mother and grandmother-of-two Anne, who has lived in her home with her husband, Philip, 71, for around 14 years, was asked by police to remove the gorilla after it was reported by a passer-by.The couple don’t know exactly why Cilla caused offence, but they suspect it is either because someone thought it was racist or the way that the ape hangs down.
Yes…the way the ape hangs down. Oh, and here’s a transcription of that note:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN Are you the person that made a complaint to the police about the knitted toy gorilla in our window Well why did you not knock on our door and tell us face to face what your concerns were about this toy. These toys usually bring a smile to most people’s faces especially kiddies. I am so looking forwards to seeing your face but it’s not going to happen IS IT?????
Adds our submitter: “I love the fact that on top of the note she makes sure the message reaches its target by calling the local newspaper for coverage.”
related: A day in the life of a crank
extra credit: The meme that wasn’t!
44 responses so far ↓
#1
EmptyJay
I really hope she leaves it up. What are they going to charge her with?
People need to learn not to be “offended” by every little thing that makes them the slightest bit uncomfortable.
Good for her for getting the story published in the local paper!
Dec 10, 2014 at 12:41 pm rating: 90
#2
Winston
What’s offensive about a knitted gorilla?
It’s good to know there’s so little crime in little britain that the police have time for this.
Dec 10, 2014 at 1:41 pm rating: 90
#3
Ben
The articles says: “Cambridgeshire Constabulary said it had no record of the officers’ visit.” Meanwhile, Mrs Feast says, “everyone I’ve told can’t believe it.” No, I’m not sure I can either…
Dec 10, 2014 at 1:52 pm rating: 90
#4
TKD
This lady needs to stop monkeying around. It’s time for some gorilla warfare. Find that passer-by and throw a banana. Or other stuff that monkey’s are know for throwing.
Dec 10, 2014 at 1:55 pm rating: 90
#5
TKD
That poor, abused gorilla. Stuck inside all day. Teased by the sights just outside the window. Does this lady not know that gorillas are outside animals? She could at least let it hang from the window sill once in a while. Sheesh.
Dec 10, 2014 at 1:58 pm rating: 90
#6
kermit
This picture reminds me of that Simpsons episode where Marge Simpson is complaining about the violence in Itchy & Scratchy cartoons. Nobody can read her picket sign because it is too small and wordy.
Dec 10, 2014 at 2:43 pm rating: 90
#7
Dizzle
Of course this happened in the UK. Remember folks, being offended is a CHOICE.
Dec 10, 2014 at 3:21 pm rating: 90
#8
Belaani
Wait until I hang my crocheted two-headed, anatomically correct sock monkey in my window! In support of all crafted primate enthusiasts, I have to do that!
Dec 10, 2014 at 4:57 pm rating: 90
#9
Poltergeist
You know what would be great? If the knitted gorilla ended up coming to life and strangling the person who made the complaint.
Plus it would kill two birds with one stone since it would give the police something better to do than telling grandma to put away her stuffed animals.
Dec 10, 2014 at 6:23 pm rating: 90
#10
Ajana
I’m exceedingly offended that no one mentioned the knitted garden gnome in the window. You gnomists! /sarcasm
Dec 10, 2014 at 11:53 pm rating: 90
#11
Chug
Why is it our culture believes that the one person who complains about something has more rights than the dozens who like it?
Dec 11, 2014 at 12:02 am rating: 90
#12
SparkyRell
How much is that gorilla in the window?
Dec 11, 2014 at 2:07 am rating: 90
#13
Kwyjor
“Well why did you not knock on our door and tell us face to face what your concerns were about this toy,” she asks? Perhaps the plaintiff was concerned that local media would be contacted and that he or she would be subjected to unwanted journalistic scrutiny?
Dec 11, 2014 at 8:46 am rating: 90
#14
Elizabeth Capper
Get a life, honestly! The things some people complain about, she should put a picture up with her boobs out just to annoy them
Dec 11, 2014 at 6:51 pm rating: 90
#15
Findia Group
Thanks for sharing!
Dec 15, 2014 at 2:04 am rating: 90
#16
kyt
Bell Holt, Ely does not exist in Australia anywhere. I know, I have a friend in Australia, and google maps are very handy. Secondly, if you go to Google maps, it will give you a wonderful view of Bell Holt, Ely, Cambridge.
Just thought I’d necropost this just so that people who come here very late to the argument will know because there was too much discussion back and forth on this simple fact.
Have a Nice Passive-Aggressive Notes reading day!
Apr 3, 2015 at 5:02 pm rating: 90
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