If you call me Mr. Bean, I swear I won't cry...maybe.
I'm sorry for selling my story, says Iran hostage Mr Bean
"Seaman Batchelor's claim that he cried himself to sleep after his Iranian captors likened him to the comedy character Mr Bean made him a laughing stock.
One serving soldier posted: "Batchelor didn't do the reputation of servicemen much good either! Being broken by being called Mr Bean FFS! - that must be on a par with Monty Python's Spanish Inquisition and the comfy cushions."
"Another angry contributor wrote: "They should be expelled from the Armed Forces. Maybe HMS Cornwall could make a series like The Loveboat or be used for Big Brother? The Royal Navy seems intent on becoming a complete laughing-stock."
4 comments:
The problem is none of these sailors had been instructed on how to conduct themselves when in a POW (hostage) situation. The Marines on the other hand were more prepared most likely because of their training.
In the photo of the service members in their "new suits" on the way back to Britain, notice the expressions and body language of the sailors vs the Marines. The sailors play to the Iranian want of "happy prisoners" waving goodbye and smiling, while the Marines have stone cold expressions, and have their hands in front of them.
The fact that "Mr. Bean" couldn't handle the psychological games that the Iranians play is a direct reflection of the training they received.
Training is definitely a part. The fact that he's 20 may be another factor. Either way, the pillow comment was just what the media wanted.
It's easy for everyone to sit back and critiscize when they were never in such a position. Things usually have a tendancy to shift when you have a rifle pointed at your face.
Jenny raised the most relevant point... I don't believe the Navy does any type of POW training. I'm sure certain branches of their Navy do so but not deck crews.
I'm still stoaked as to why Iran can kidnap British Sailors and no one has done anything in response. Oh well, I'm sure there will be plenty more oppertunities down the road.
When you ignore problems, things tend to grow into more complicated situations. Don't worry Robert, like you said there will be more instances in the future, but as soon as President Bush and VP Cheney leave office, terrorists will stop hating the West and the world will be filled with lollipops and sunshine (not the "global warming" kind mind you, because Hillary can cure that with all of the donations she's received).
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