Make Greene King change the name of its pub 'The Midget'

The Issue

The Midget in Abingdon, UK, is part of the Greene King brewery franchise.

Midget is a derogatory word used towards people with dwarfism. It is a term derived from the word ‘midge’ meaning Gnat or Sand-fly, which is dehumanising. It was a term popularised during the Victorian freak show, but unfortunately continues to be used as a form of hate speech towards people with dwarfism. People with dwarfism, including children with the condition experience name calling on a daily basis. They have experienced this word being shouted at them. Furthermore, children with dwarfism experience high levels of bullying. As a result, people with dwarfism experience are nearly 3× more likely to experience mental health issues than the general population. Thus, it is important to remove a term that is part of this problem. 

Whilst Greene King claims that the pub is named after the MG Midget car, the phasing does not reflect this, especially whilst it omits 'MG'. Furthermore, the origins of the name of that car come from freak show terminology, which is disablist hate speech and flouts the Equality Act (2010).

As a result, Greene King should recognise the offence of the term and its implications. They have great opportunities to celebrate the car manufacturing history of the area by using a more appropriate name, such as Riley or Austin-Healey. 

Victory
This petition made change with 1,343 supporters!

The Issue

The Midget in Abingdon, UK, is part of the Greene King brewery franchise.

Midget is a derogatory word used towards people with dwarfism. It is a term derived from the word ‘midge’ meaning Gnat or Sand-fly, which is dehumanising. It was a term popularised during the Victorian freak show, but unfortunately continues to be used as a form of hate speech towards people with dwarfism. People with dwarfism, including children with the condition experience name calling on a daily basis. They have experienced this word being shouted at them. Furthermore, children with dwarfism experience high levels of bullying. As a result, people with dwarfism experience are nearly 3× more likely to experience mental health issues than the general population. Thus, it is important to remove a term that is part of this problem. 

Whilst Greene King claims that the pub is named after the MG Midget car, the phasing does not reflect this, especially whilst it omits 'MG'. Furthermore, the origins of the name of that car come from freak show terminology, which is disablist hate speech and flouts the Equality Act (2010).

As a result, Greene King should recognise the offence of the term and its implications. They have great opportunities to celebrate the car manufacturing history of the area by using a more appropriate name, such as Riley or Austin-Healey. 

The Decision Makers

Greene King Brewery
Greene King Brewery

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Petition created on 31 January 2024