Jim Carroll, I'm a bit confused. My examples were not 'urban legends' but actually happened. Our Local Authority contacted Heads of Schools and suggested the 'chalkboard' idea. They also questioned the recitation of 'Baa Baa Black Sheep'. (Barmy indeed) I assure you I have had many pupils over the years complain about name-calling related to their appearance. Children have name-called for centuries. I myself was called 'Skinny' (wish I was now, no chance of that!) As long as it was good-humoured and not vicious or spiteful, everyone learned to laugh along. I'm sure the parents were generally supportive of this policy. I did have the odd complaint, but I personally feel that one has to learn to be less sensitive and to cultivate a balanced sense of humour. As a very small child just after the War, I watched a black man get on our bus. I'd never seen one before and said in a very loud voice to my mother "Look! Look mummy! A chimney sweep!" My mother nearly died of shame, but the man laughed like a drain. Nowadays I suppose we'd have been in the Tower for racism. And I married a black man!