Is saying someone's hair looks like a golliwog really a rascist remark? What if I said a girl looked like Barbie; sexist, perhaps? Or a sharp dresser looked like Blind Blake? Surely it's not the words but the intention. I'm hardly a fan of the Thatchers - and Carol T is just another whose only talent is self promotion - but was the remark really mean to belittle, hurt, intimidate etc. I assume these toys originated in the minstrel era when both black and white performers wore such clothes and makeup.
Terry Wogan on Radio 2 has on several occasions mentioned Lead Belly and Blind Lemon Jefferson being on the chain gang. As far as I know the latter bluesman was never so incarcerated so would the family of Mr Jefferson like to sue? Anything to get rid of him! TW that is.
Doc John