SOME years ago I had the privilege of working with a most courteous, civilised gentleman, a veteran of the Second World War. He was a man of progressive and liberal views, who looked upon the world around him with, generally, approving eyes.

When, though, a few drams of 'Scottish wine' had passed his lips he would, quite regularly, opine that the brace of things he disliked most in this world were 'racial prejudice and Germans'.

At the time I though it merely a sharp line on his part — he was ever a witty man — but looking back, I have a feeling that he meant it — and could see no illogicality or inconsistency in such a statement. Perhaps he was acknowledging the fact that prejudice is a normal, natural feeling — and emotion — one shared by virtually all of us; it is probably as common as love, devotion, desire, hope, joy and, sadly, hate and despair, and, if kept within bounds and as long as one is aware of it in oneself, can do little harm.

Personally I would have to admit to possessing prejudices in abundance, many totally illogical, some pedantic, a number probably unfair.

There is, for example, the widespread use of the American word 'Hi' rather than the good, solid English 'Hello'; centre, so often spelt incorrectly; the ancient rank of lieutenant pronounced 'lootenant' (and by British people); likewise the spelling of so many words in our land in the trans-atlantic way.

This, though, I must concede, is only the beginning; why do we have to put up with footballers who argue constantly with referees, with men — usually, but not always — who are basically reasonable people but after a few 'bevvies', just want to have a fight; with comedians of both genders on television — radio as well — whose abilities are so limited they have, seemingly, to rely on foul language and crudity to entertain; with people who walk dogs but fail to clean up after them; with parents who allow their children to run riot in public, doing nothing to discipline them though they are upsetting others?

But enough if this — I could go on for eternity about my foibles, those things which annoy this rather intolerant man but which, generally, to be fair are not dreadful and rarely against the law.

If I added the prejudice harboured by members of my own extended family, peaceable, fair minded group though they are, plus the full gamut of my own — then a volume the thickness of 'War and Peace' could well result.

Sadly, there are, though, prejudices which are less harmless; at school, there was a teacher who insisted that nobody should write with their left hand — cruel, to say the least. And there are still a surprising number of folk in this land prejudiced against gays, failing, for some reason, to recognise that such a lifestyle is not chosen, but dictated by nature.

Likewise, disabled men and women often are victims of prejudice — treated as second class citizens and denied respect. There are, mind you, groups such as gypsies, new age travellers and the like, who while undoubtedly suffering prejudice, often can invite it to a degree by their own lack of respect for the lifestyle of the great majority of people; and my old friend and colleague's prejudice, and more, against Germans could assuredly be justified — likewise that against the Japanese; can anybody ignore the multitude of war memorials throughout this great land of ours?

Clearly the inhabitants of these two belligerent nations cannot now be held to blame for the sins and barbarities of their grandparents — possibly, even a generation beyond this. The heinous crimes of their forbears cannot, though — and certainly should not — be forgotten.

Still, while prejudice can often be a destructive force there are times when it is, in a sense positive; where, after all, would any self-respecting football supporter be without such feelings of disdain — albeit, generally benign — towards the followers of other clubs.

As a loyal, long suffering member of the Green Army, I have been sustained by feelings of prejudice against those misguided souls who follow other sides; some, I have heard it said, even support Exeter City; after such a shocking revelation as this, further words, I'm afraid, elude me.