Comments on: Radio 1 vs Fairytale of New York

By: tony flaig

tony flaig — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:36:14 +0000

Seems sad that anyone should actually change the way they feel just as a result of PC bullies, the reference to faggot or even slut to me had no other intent other than being casual insults that may well occur in real life.

I think we are gradually having our thoughts emasculated, by self important crazies. Sexual preference is a natural thing as is language, so when people try to restrict my choice of words, that are acceptable (particularly using american slang definiitions) it frankly gets right on my tits (in a non-sexest, non derogatory way)

I suggest that you read George Orwells 1984 and understand how language can be hijacked. Bad becomes ungood, I’m not sure what complete bollix is in New speak.

Prior to this, bull coming out of Radio 1 few would have had any awareness of the negative homosexual reference, why would they most people are not that obsessive.

By: Cheezy

Cheezy — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:21:24 +0000

Great post. Personally, I could write a book entitled ‘Racist Taxi Drivers I Have Met’… both in England and in New Zealand… There are that many of them about…

As I’m a bit of a ‘skinhead’ these days, most of these people seem to assume that I’d be a willing audience to their racist diatribes/jokes…

These days though, i’m often replying with something like: “I’m sorry mate, but you appear to have mistaken me for a redneck!”.

By: John Pynchon

John Pynchon — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 09:10:26 +0000

Happy Christmas, Adem.

By: j.

j. — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 04:15:26 +0000

I find myself using “gay” to mean “rubbish” accidentally now and then, most likely to to its prevalence during my youth. I don’t like it though.

I’ve never heard this song, so I don’t have strong feelings one way or the other.

On an unrelated note, I heard a nasty rumor today that pubs in the UK close at 11pm???!? Why!?!!?

By: Booster1

Booster1 — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:31:11 +0000

This blog is well gay. I like it. Call me on 07323 845212 tiger for dirty thumbs. Mwa!

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:35:45 +0000

The entire point behind language and offense is somehow based on the users intention. I’ll use the “gay” part as an example.

If I were to make a remark about someone or something and used the word “gay” to someone who doesn’t know me, or anything about me, might think I’m a homophobe.

Anyone who does know me would laugh it off as those close to me know that I have no problems hanging out at gay bars with my brother and his boyfriend.

Then again, one also has to know their audience well enough to speak in a certain manner. It appears neither the cab driver, nor Radio One, really knew theirs.

By: Adem

Adem — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:43:20 +0000

I guess that it’s a little funny in our circle of friends as none of us is gay (not that I know of), and so these little things slip by. It’s an odd one this, because I’m sure that if this changed then we’d soon find outselves watching what we say.

So just because there is no one to offend does it mean it’s fine to say it behind closed doors? Tricky situation as I don’t want to be a hyprocrite but we do have jokes about being gay in our group and it seems fine because everyone else is laughing, but maybe it shouldn’t be.

I suppose it also depends on how a person can take a joke. We all take the piss out of each other for being either fat, foreign, epileptic, nerdy, etc and I think we know where to draw the line, so I suppose if everyone is being insulted then it’s fine!

By: jonny

jonny — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:03:30 +0000

I agree about the casual racism but to be honest mate if you have a problem with people using gay for something that is rubbish and as an insult then you need to get a whole new bunch of friends. You big gaylord.

By: Adem

Adem — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 09:16:41 +0000

The throwaway use of ‘gay’ always gets me as about 5 or 6 years back I used to use it and didn’t really think much about it until I started working with someone who was gay. It was then I realised what I was actually saying. Lesson learnt, although I hear it all the time, and do usually try to point that out to people, but the taxi driver was an exception as I doubt it would’ve penetrated his little head.

By: Aravis

Aravis — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 06:34:02 +0000

I think it’s great that the radio station was forced to play it properly again.

As for the slang term “gay” for “rubbish,” that’s been around since the early 80′s at least. It was common when I was in school, used thoughtlessly by most. I wouldn’t say it now, though.