http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00hm113

Obviously the first bit was edited so it made her look like she was saying those things in-a-row, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't laugh at that. I can't wait to see Zoe's reaction in the episode

I thought they'd taken it out of context in some amusing way but Karen was really steamed about the "do the French like their children" quote.

Of course, "Do they drive in France" isn't much better.

That is quite funny

Yeah, let's all laugh at some dumb casual racism

It's not racism.

But the fact that she can quite shamelessly say that she has no idea about our closest neighbour on mainland Europe or their culture is a little disturbing.

She could at least have exhibited a little contrition for her ignorance.

Substitute French for Chinese/Pakistanis/Bajans.

I referred to it as casual racism rather than any malevolant type.

To be fair to her she does say she knows nothing about the French, although I would guess that can also be applied to maternal instincts and the human race. So her ignorance is an excuse.

Like I say, she is a really plausible candidate. She has alot of growing up to do.

Susan wasn't born or raised in the UK, so it's not that terribly shocking.

Neither was I (as my name implies) ...... and even I kind of figured that it was possible the french liked children and that they drove vehicles.

Susan could say she was an admirer of Hitler and there would be people on here saying 'Well maybe she's right' such is the love for that girl on here.

Stop making excuses for when she comes out with completely idiotic statements.

Had she been referring to a country more remote it would have been more understandable.


Most people do at 21!

They have spent most of their time learning things for their educational qualifications and the specific skills they need to survive in their own world - what and wherever that may be.

The question is, does she have the basis on which to build a rounded personality and is Sugar prepared to be a good mentor.

Oh, and does she have a viable business plan? (Viable for a £250k investment, that is.)

She isn't showing any prejudice therefore it isn't racism

/racism debate

Honestly some people

So Lord Sugar is going to pick her, and then park the business idea for 5 years while she grows up .....

"do the french like children"

Your opinion on that statement please.

I'm not trying to make excuses, just pointing out that, for a large chunk of her life, France was not one of her closest neighbours.

Taken at face value they really are very stupid statements. She must know that France is in the EU and all EU countries feature major car using cultures. And does she think there are any nationalities that don't like their children?

One can only hope that she's really asking the questions: "Do the French spend a lot of money on things for their children/cars" and just expressing it in a rather odd way.

I did not say it was out and out racism, but casual racism.

Still if you want to see what was not there who am I to stop you.

LOL

It is (at face value) stupid, but it's not racism.

It would only be racist if there was some indication that she thought all races liked their children except the French (or some group selected on a racial basis).

Togo is not one of our closest neighbours but I would never doubt the Togolese love their children.

Ignorance. Nothing more.

I believe it is you seeing what isn't there. I believe it is just simple ignorance of other cultures, nothing more. We might just have to agree to disagree on this.

Actually I would go with downright stupidity. So who's right, you with 'ignorance' or me with 'downright stupidity'

I'll let you decide

I'll go with my own answer of 'ignorance' thankyou

It looks like child’s car seat or some other kind of child's equipment on the carpet.

Possibly it’s an expensive piece of kit and Susan is thinking out loud before the task. Do enough French people drive and do they love their children enough …. to spend mega Euros on our product?

It’ll be interesting to see if Karren embittered remarks are spot on or if Susan is pre-planning and just rambling out loud pre the task.

It's not racism, it's foot and mouth. When she was at the focus group with Glenn it was so cringey, asking the oldies if they wanted memory aiding puzzles in the magazine *cringetastic*

LMAO Susan, the provider of the questions that no-one dare ask.