Will Young: Manners Maketh Man

Chart star Will Young has said more should be done to clamp down on homophobic language and the use of the word “gay” as an insult in schools.The Leave Right Now singer said he had even taken up the issue with Education Secretary Michael Gove who he said had been “encouraging”.
Young draws attention to his concerns writing in the Independent On Sunday this weekend, as the paper publishes its annual Pink List of powerful gay and lesbian figures.
The Pop Idol winner, who came out shortly after winning the show and has gone on to have an enduring music career, said the issue had to be addressed.
He writes: “A few months ago I attended a teachers/education conference at the Barbican organised by Stonewall.
“Through the various seminars I attended I picked up one recurring theme, teachers and heads of schools were more than often not backed up by local authorities when it came to homophobic language.
“Michael Gove attended the conference and I put it to him that this use of the word gay as a derogatory form of description HAD to be addressed.
"His reaction, I was pleased to say, was attentive and encouraging. Let’s see words turn into actions Michael."

The Daily Mirror, like several other papers, pick up on Will Young's article for the St Cake's school magazine yesterday.

This is not the first time Will 'Nice-But-Dim' Young has spoken out about the sorry state of Britain's (state) schools.

He told The Independent in 2009...

Will Young, outside St Cake's, circa 1994.

"It was taught in independent schools that you are privileged, but this was also tinged with a hint of snobbery. I remember writing a letter at prep school that read: “I must pass common entrance to take me to public school, otherwise I’ll be going to state school and everyone will be very disappointed.” State school wasn’t an option. It would have been devastating for me. There was a fear of state schools that came perhaps from a sense of feeling better than others. What was instilled in you was the sense that people were more unruly in state schools and not as lucky as we were."

But his time at Wellington College had a profound effect on young master Young II.

"What was great about private school for me is that we were taught the importance of manners, and that is something that has never left me (hopefully). I am not implying that state schools don’t teach manners but traditional values and basic decency were definitely promoted – and that has been invaluable to me as an adult."

Though according to Dominic Cummings, Michael Gove's special advisor on education, where you go to school may be irrelevant - what really counts is good breeding.

No-one can deny chart star Well Hung has that.

But at least public schools keep you away from all those uncouth oiks and their filthy language.