Is this an “about time” situation or the end of a noble tradition? Will there be clothing jokes over her new 1,400-pound (Sterling) uniform? The creation of the first female Beefeater is certainly an event of impact, considering that the group has been made up strictly of men for over 500 years.
A 42-year-old Scottish woman became the first female “Beefeater” on Monday, taking up her post as a guardian of Britain’s Tower of London. Moira Cameron started duties as a Yeoman Warder after beating five men to secure the coveted position.
Today, there are 35 Beefeaters, plus the Chief Yeoman Warder and Yeoman Gaoler. To apply to become a Beefeater, candidates must have earned medals for long service in the armed forces and good conduct.
Personally, I think women can serve in any position that they demonstrate competence in. Everyone should. This is good, not bad, for the Beefeaters.
Traditional? If having and retaining an attached penis throughout the entirety of one’s Beefeater career was truly a primary job requirement, then this was a tradition that was overdue to be reexamined in the bright light of reason. I don’t think there’s any point in time where civilization’s progress couldn’t have been slowed or halted using the argument “but it’s traditional!”
If it turns out that this job is almost entirely ceremonial, I would argue that there’s all the more reason to extend gender inclusion to this little corner of a changing world. In 30 years, we’ll see it as a fine old “tradition.”
#21 Hope your private property privilege goes the same way. It’s only a tradition and anyone shold have a home.
Bright light of reason, gimmy a break.
Hey as long as the gin stays the same, I’m ok with it.
#23 I heard that now, the Beefeater Gin smells like teen spirit. I think Uncle Dave put a pic about that somewhere in the blog.
#21 Gary you slick bastard, you beat me to it!
I too was wondering what having a penis had to do with “historical accuracy and the desire to both adhere to and honor the traditions of that job.”
#13 JMB you’ve hit the bullseye. The concept of a Black caucus has always pissed me off. Thats nothing but racial discrimination. Just like affirmative action. These so called “reverse racism” initiatives are anything but.
Lauren and Pedro you are so caught up in your own dominant white male ego, latent homo-erotica bullshit that you can’t see what the real issue is.
#19 BTW Angel. Sorry for hitting below the belt. I was attempting to make a point.
I’m glad you have a sense of humor and some resilience.
#26
S’okay, I know some women who are damn overachievers and have their damn right to be what ever they want, but then there’s the “It’s like equal rights okay? It’s like we deserve to be there? It’s like if you don’t let us in then it’s sexist okay?” that just get on my nerves..
#7, Ha!
Q: How many WMs (women Marines) does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: None, her Gunny does it for her.
#25 as I said above, I’ll be waiting for the first Muslim Pope, the first non-British citizen Prime Minister, the first female condom tester…
After all, most of those are just traditions and, since we should do everything just because we can, let’s start robbing, rapping, burning houses down.