Fat Buddha Gets Stuffed by English Council

In China and other countries with Buddhist traditions, he is a symbol of health and happiness. But tell that to the politically correct council officer who objected to a restaurant being called Fat Buddha...because it might offend Buddhists.

In a letter to Mr Fung, Miss Ingle wrote: "To use the name of a major religion's deity in your restaurant brand runs contrary to this city's reputation as a place of equality and respect for others' views and religious beliefs.

Durham City Council defended her position, saying: "The department felt the name was inappropriate in a city founded on faith. We don't want to offend anyone because of the different faiths that come to the city. The council operates a strict non-discriminatory equal-opportunities and diversity policy across the board."

The restaurant has now opened and nobody has objected. The council has admitted it is powerless to force him to change it.

"If this lady had known more about Buddha this problem never would have happened," tbe owner said.

"She asked me what I thought would have happened if we had called it the Skinny Jesus or the Hairy Muslim.

"But it is not the same. Buddhists are not going to be offended by the name Fat Buddha because it is a symbol of health and happiness."

Fat Buddhas are everywhere in countries with a Buddhist presence, based on my observations during my many years in Asia. It just smacks of ignorance and political correctness gone beyond mad.

Does this mean that the Fat Controller in Thomas the Tank Engine has to be renamed? Is Fat Boy Slim too balanced a name? These and other important questions really need to be answered.

World Peace, Love, Prosperity, Health and Happiness to Dogfight at Bankstown

Photo from the Daily Mail.