The Tower Of London’s Beefeaters harassment investigation is underway. Moira Cameron, the first female beefeater ever, claims she endured harassment from male colleagues at the Tower of London.
Earning a chance to guard the 931 year-old monument is no gimmick for Moira Cameron. The honor was bestowed upon her in 2007 after serving in the armed forces for over two decades, a duty she describes as “magical.” But her contentment was rattled after she says certain individuals took issue with her holding the post based on her gender.
Apparently at least three men have beef with her taking the job, she told the Guardian newspaper:
“I’ve had some comments. I had one chap at the gate one day who said he was completely and utterly against me doing the job. I said to him, ‘I would like to thank you for dismissing my 22 years’ service in Her Majesty’s armed forces’.”
Her official title is a ‘Yeoman Warder,’ whose primary duties include guarding the historic fortress and the crown jewels. Men have typically done the job, but Moira made headlines two years ago when she was appointed the prestigious position. In fact, her promotion was given over 5 men who were also in consideration.
In a statement about the investigation, The Tower confirmed that three individuals are being looked into and called the alleged harassment “unacceptable.” They went on to say that they take any violations of their formal harassment policy “very seriously.”
At press time, two guards had been suspended, with the third still being investigated.
This really irks me, especially when you consider that they serve under her Majesty THE QUEEN! Yes, I understand the concept of royal blood lines, but it seems to me that if women are good enough to rule the country, even if symbolically, then shouldn’t they be fit to serve as a Yeoman Warder at The Tower? What a caveman mentality these guys must have. Oooga Booga!
What are your thoughts on the Tower of London’s Beefeaters harassment investigation? Feel free to let us hear it below.
Check out a video about Moira Cameron below.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:50 am
To me it’s seems funny that men who are dressed in ‘robes’ act like male chauvinist pigs.
My regards to Moira Cameron
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:09 am
Why does it seem to me that everything has to be equal. There are all kinds of differencies in the world. Sports are different for men and women. Battle is different for men and women. Income is different for poor and rich. Do these also need to be changed. Granted all you do is walk around and guard something, but tradition is one thing that England has hung onto the longest. I believe that it should have remained gender specific, only because of tradition. When everything is finally equal, then the world will be a very dull place.
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:14 am
Sometimes tradition should be observed over “political correctness”. While I have great respect for Moiras’ 22-yrs. of service, it doesn’t count much against 1000 yrs. of tradition.
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:25 am
The men did not act as men should but really, you can see their point - every aspect of ‘male’ life is being infiltrated by women. Men don’t want to join women’s clubs and organisations and clubs, so why do women feel that they need to be a part of traditional male organisations and career fields? Its just getting so ridiculous. As an American, I see a female Beefeater and think, “yep, the womens libbers have landed on the shores of Great Britain!”
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:27 am
This is quite acceptable. She has no business tehre in the first place. Or has she grown a penis?
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:28 am
Seriously? The world would be dull if we were all equal? Wow you’re so right maybe slavery shouldn’t have been abolished or in that case women shouldn’t have any rights at all I could go on considering most things that go on now a days break many “traditions.” The point is they had no right to harass her, she was given the job and thats the bottom line. Instead of acting like children they should have sucked it up and moved on.
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:29 am
although i can understand the “tradition” of this position being held by men…but then also a lot of other things have “traditionally” been male only until recently…that dosent mean that it should never include women based on that fact…if they can serve in the same capacity and are fully qualified/capable of doing said job..then they should be allowed to serve along side the men.period.
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:42 am
i am lost for words. us in the third world have no problem with gender. thought you were ahead!
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:45 am
What??? Tradition should rule? Some of the previous comments suggest that tradition should be upheld, you call that progress? Mens clubs and organizations have nothing to do with a career. I fully agree with Syd. The woman in question could probably quick most of your asses.
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:45 am
Yes, I believe in equality but I also believe in tradition and that the Beefeaters should remain all male.As to serving her country for 22 years,good for her,But was she a warfighter( politicly correct term)or support personel? Did the possibility that she would be called upon to go into combat exist? I think not.Big difference.