Update on 'Blame Canada' and the Oscars 295
ahassel writes, "The IMDB has a an update on the controversy regarding the profanity in the song from South Park. It seems that Trey Parker, et al will not censor their own song; they will leave that task to ABC. They also comment on the irony that they are asked to censor a song from a movie about censorship. There are now three words on the chopping block, including "fart," of all things. The original article from today's Washington Post"
Censorship in other parts of the world... (Score:1)
(Directed to those who thing that a little swearwords will harm people... the rest of you, no offense)
I mean, seems it's perfectly ok to blow people's heads off... but farts... now that's going too far.
It's interesting to see how the diffences between how people judge this sort of content in different parts of the world. Here in Sweden, the age rating for South Park is seven year olds... even Kyle/Kenny/Stan/Cartman would get in.
Liberalism and dirty language (Score:1)
This is an interesting statement, but I wonder how well you've thought it through. Let me ask you the same question in a slightly different way: do you know a liberal that does not swear? For years, psychologists have been trying to isolate the reason why people turn to liberalism and/or the Democratic party. And for years, the same liberal apologists have attempted to claim that liberalism is genetic, that some children are born predisposed to liberalism by virtue of their hereditary traits.
Naturally, real scientists don't believe such garbage, and so the consensus is that liberalism is generally caused by a series of environmental factors, the largest of which is family environment. The lack of a strong central father figure often leads children to believe that their needs should be attended to be an outside entity; when they grow up and become politically mature, that belief manifests itself in a political orientation that calls for larger government. In addition, constant exposure to shocking language (such as the word that rhymes with "luck") often de-sensitizes children to other shocking societal problems such as abortion and homosexuality.
So the result is a person that wants bigger and more intrusive government (and therefore higher taxes) and not only accepts but embraces the horrors of multiculturalism and infanticide. In other words, a liberal. So you can definitely say that there is actual scientific evidence that links swearing with liberalism. However, I doubt you'll accept it.
Strange concept (Score:1)
Re:There's a subtle difference here... (Score:1)
Dyslexic.
Re:Anyone else (Score:1)
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pb Reply or e-mail; don't vaguely moderate [152.7.41.11].
Re:The seven words (Score:1)
They? "They" is George Carlin. He sat down and thought about what words couldn't be said on tv. His seven words are the foundation of a supreme court ruling. Somehow his drug induced comedy routine is the basis of the supreme court ruling. At least he gets a good laugh out of it.
Gordon Lightfoot and Ann Murray (Score:1)
Re:This is insightful! (Score:1)
This comment should undo it.
Re:Anyone else (Score:1)
The only one of these three that does not have a negative connotation is luck. Bitch and witch can be used interchangeably. And tart, in a different context, is not a very friendly word. Couldn't they have used cart?
You have got to wonder about newspaper editors sometimes.
Different categories... (Score:1)
Re:Alert: No insight above (Score:1)
#define X(x,y) x##y
Re:Blame America! (Score:1)
Censorship is just another way of doing control and should not be tolerated by any true democracy.
Re:of course (Score:1)
First Lolita ...now SouthPark (Score:1)
Maybe next they'll paste a blotter over Mona Lisa's cleavage. If the Oscars are about honoring the best in Cinema and if they agree that a SouthPark song qualifies, they should'nt censor it.
But we all know the truth. The best movie doesn't win at the Oscars. The most popular or lucrative does. I wouldn't be the first to point out that nominating SouthPark is more a tool to draw viewership from the Gen-X crowd than truely admitting that somthing so crude has real cultural value.
A great vicotry for fart jokes (Score:1)
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Re:Not valid. (Score:1)
Re:Liberalism and dirty language (Score:1)
Jeff Sand
Re:Oh, come on! (Score:1)
Re:"Dissenting Opinion" == "Troll" (Score:1)
Now THAT was a troll. *bows*
Re:Mule Muffins (Score:1)
Re:"Dissenting Opinion" == "Troll" (Score:1)
Re:How Truly Ironic (Score:1)
Re:Blame Canada is not that funny... (Score:1)
Besides, how can you top such an instant classic like Uncle Fucka?
Re:The BLEEP is exactly wha is needed. (Score:1)
I agree though, bleeping would do everyone good, including, as you mentioned, adding to it's comedic value.
- 8Complex
Don't say fuck anymore (Score:1)
Re:ABC is protecting American Families (Score:1)
Words are not now and have never been a problem. If a kid has trouble detecting what form of speech is appropriate for a particular time and place, that kid needs some educating. Knowing how to say the word 'fuck' will not lead kids down the dark path to liberalism, nor will it turn them into democrats.
Again, get real.
Canada is not the real point. (Score:1)
Remember Columbine? They blamed the Internet, Doom, Goth sub-culture, trench-coats, drugs, ADD, peer pressure, jocks... Few people asked: What are these kids parents like? What about school administrators and teachers? How did THEY treat these (arguably fucked up) kids?
Several years ago, a kid killed himself. The kid was into heavy metal, so the parents came to the 'logical conclusion', and sued Judas Priest or Ozzy Osbourne, or some other 'artist' whose hm song suggested suicide.
A couple months later, in a very quiet development, it turned out that the kids parents were both having affairs, going through a messy divorce, and using the kid to score points against one another. Yeah, it was Ozzys fault.
So "Blame Canada" may be offensive to Canadians, but that's a bonus, not it's intention.
Blaming Canada is the right thing to do. They may not warp our fragile little minds as much as we'd like to think, but they must deserve it for SOMETHING. I mean, Brian Adams!! Ferchrissakes!!
Blame Peter (Score:1)
no shit (Score:1)
That's because once someone turns 21 they figure they don't have to worry about it anymore and they forget about it.
I'm 21 and I know there's a lot of bullshit out there...course it helps that my sister is just turning 16 and vents her frustrations to me.......
of course (Score:1)
Its all a conspiracy man. How else could "Shakespear in Love" beat out "Saving Private Ryan" last year.
That made me lose all respect for the Oscars, and Catherine Keener's nomination for Best Supporting Actress cemented it. She played Maxine in "Being John Malcovich", a really dumb movie.....the only funny parts were hearing Cameron Diaz say "suck my dick!" and the scenes with Charlie Sheen musing on dead lesbian witches.
That, and Billy Crystal is not, nor has he ever been, funny or a good host of the Oscars.
look at imdb (offtopic) (Score:1)
Mary Kay Bergman [imdb.com]
I guess they didn't want to say "clitoris." It would probably have all of IMDB.com banned by the censorware.
_________________
Re:i'm soooooooo drunk (Score:1)
Anyone else (Score:1)
*puzzled look* When, exactly, did this word become obscene?
Re:Anyone else (Score:1)
Ah, but it's not like there are many options:
twitch,pitch,snitch,ditch,hitch are the only ones
which come to mind
Re:One more time! WEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLL.... (Score:1)
PS. Can I say bastardization on TV?
For the song lyrics, see the following:
http://www.beef-cake.com/interactive/lyrics/bluly
Re:Change happens slowly (Score:1)
Re:First Lolita ...now SouthPark (Score:1)
With all the American Beauty nominations that might change.
Dan Rather isn't Canadian... (Score:1)
I'd also like to nominate Amanda Marshall or Chantal Kreviazuk to sing this song...not as well known in the States yet, but they're both at least as good Celine Dion or Sarah Maclachlan, and haven't we heard enough from them already?
Re:Reagan Sucks (Score:1)
They could just use the word "M'kay" (Score:1)
Offtopic - Slashdot, land of the humour-impaired (Score:1)
Not to mention... (Score:1)
Also Which, but that sounds like Witch
Would titch qualify as a word, given that it's slang only people over 50 use? "Move that over, just a titch."
Anyway...
artist's license & free will (Score:1)
Furthermore, to censor the song would be to alter it from its original & pure state, and to thus make a new entity of it, a lesser entity that doesn't represent the inspiration of Trey's that made him make it.
Darn upon censorship and those anal retentive peoples....
Re:Blame Canada is not that funny... (Score:1)
Re:Me: Missing the Point (Score:1)
Re:Change "fuck" to "censor" (Score:1)
Re:Blame Canada is not that funny... (Score:1)
Alert: No insight above (Score:1)
Insight requires, by definition, a revelation or some expository function. The above post merely states an opinion as fact with no supporting evidence. It barely makes sense.
Don't be fooled.
Re:Don't worry aboot it (Score:1)
Re:Who needs censors? (Score:1)
Re:Who needs censors? (Score:1)
Re:Who needs censors? (Score:1)
Re:Don't worry aboot it (Score:1)
Canada at the Oscars (Score:1)
As it's not possible for it to be performed live, I suggest getting a medley of Canadian singers to perform the song. Just think of it:
Anne Murray
Rita McNeil
Jim Carey
Mike Myers
Alanis Morrisette
Geddy Lee, and the rest of Rush
and of course, the one and only
William Shatner
And the whole thing could be introduced by Morely Safer or Dan Rather...
Bravo for bringing the Great White North back to the forefront!
Re:Canada at the Oscars (Score:1)
What would that sound like?
"D'h...... OOOO AHH!"
Re:This isn't the first time... (Score:1)
Walt
And Celine Dion, Neil Young, Joni Mitchel,The Band (Score:2)
The Seven Dirty words (Score:2)
--
Blah (Score:2)
And, besides, kuro5hin.org is *not* slashdot, and never will be. So if all you want is a replacement for /., you might be disappointed.
The name won't be changing btw. It amuses me greatly to see people slowly learn how to spell it. :-)
But please, I ask you, stop trolling. No one needs this.
--
Re:"bitch" (Score:2)
Consciousness is not what it thinks it is
Thought exists only as an abstraction
Re:ABC is protecting American Families (Score:2)
This poster was completely serious and it's simply disingenuous to moderate it as "funny". Those responsible seek to discredit his view by laughing at him.
Very well. It's clear from the responses to that post, that in this community at least the predominant view is the wishful thinking that small actions cannot lead to large consequences.
But no-one is claiming that allowing the use of a mild expletive on TV is going to directly cause someone to murder or adopt a homosexual lifestyle. What the poster does claim is that every tiny antisocial behaviour which is legitimized inevitably lowers the barrier to adoption of the next tiny antisocial behaviour. Those who really want to be rude or insulting then have to go a little bit further to achieve that. Soon, that in turn becomes the norm and any would-be reprobate has to go further still. The process is therefore self-sustaining.
Look at how over the course of the twentieth century, social rules have been progressively stripped away. Antisocial behaviours which were once unthnkable are hardly even frowned upon by most people nowadays. This increasing tolerance has had both positive and negative effects. With equality for women and racial minorities we no longer disenfranchise entire social groups, but as individuals we do treat each other with far less respect than we did a hundred years ago. Rules of social etiquette have almost completely disappeared.
I am ashamed to admit that I have used profanity habitually ever since my childhood. My parents would frequently use mild swearing at home when I was small and I picked up the habit there. It made me feel grown-up to use such special "grown-up" words in the school playground and when my cousin made the naive mistake of telling me about the f**k and c**t words, I could hardly restrain myself from proudly displaying my "maturity" to my peers.
As a direct result I was continually in trouble at school for swearing. Despite the negative consequences I have never been able to break the habit. Even now, at the age of 37 I still swear regularly and it must be inappropriate because sometimes I do offend people who were brought up under a stricter set of behavioural rules. It has even got me into trouble at work occasionally.
So it may or may not be true that increasing tolerance in one area of life transfers to inappropriate levels of tolerance in other areas. But it's certainly true that allowing any bad language at all can ultimately lead to further use of even worse bad language.
So perhaps what the poster should have said is: that to avoid a torrent of profanity we need to outlaw occasional use of mild expletives; to avoid murder we need to outlaw all selfish, disrespectful behavior; to avoid teenage pregnancy we need to outlaw unchaperoned contact; to avoid homosexual "families" raising children we need to outlaw all homosexual behaviour.
This won't suit free speech advocates, gun freaks, horny teenageers or the gay community of course. Everybody wants to pursue their own self-gratification regardless of its negatives effects on themselves or everybody else. But even so it should be obvious to anybody from numerous extant examples of gradual social change over the course of the last hundred years that concept of "the thin end of the wedge" is more than just a metaphor and needs to be counted as a potentially huge cost of any small increase in personal freedom.
Consciousness is not what it thinks it is
Thought exists only as an abstraction
Hook, line and sinker... And ROD! (Score:2)
No wait, it's late here too and,... Yep, I've been drinking. Man, that was f*BLEEP*g funny!
"Gateway swear-word"... Snicker! "The kids' swearing reflects badly on US" Bwwwahahahaha!!!! Oh s*BLEEP*t, it's so funny, I'm crying!!
Thank you. Really. Haaa!
Change "fuck" to "censor" (Score:2)
I'm hoping people realize you're joking (Score:2)
I almost didn't realize, either, until I got to the part where you start insulting the Canadians.
-AS
Re:There's a subtle difference here... (Score:2)
And censoring it, IMHO, would be QUITE ironic especially when you consider that SP:BLU is all about exactly that: censorship, particularly in regard to naughty words. I *highly* suggest that you see this movie so that you know what I'm talking about. It's on video, and its been on PPV a few times, and you'll probably be able to catch it on premium cable before too long.
Now, ABC can't air a song with naughty words due to FCC regulation (although censoring the word "fart" is highly questionable). I wonder if they can play the song after 10 p.m., but air the rest of the broadcast before 10 p.m.? The Oscars typically start at around 9 p.m. anyhow, so at least half the broadcast is after 9 p.m.
Other than that, censoring with a BLEEP may be the only alternative, although it is not a tasteful one.
This isn't the first time... (Score:2)
In 1986, the song Mean Green Mother From Outer Space [mindspring.com] from the movie Little Shop of Horrors [imdb.com] starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Green was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song.
Some of the original lyrics went like this:
When the song played on the Academy Awards show, they had modified the lyrics significantly. I don't remember exactly what the modifications were, but IIRC they eliminated each of the allegedly objectionable words above.
I remember this clearly because it pissed me off that they sold out and censored this content in advance by going to the trouble to rewrite the song. The question stands... was the song heard on the show even the same song as was nominated?
I agree that the song as written is what was nominated. If it is changed, then it's no longer the song that was nominated. I hope that Matt and Trey hold their ground on this one. Let ABC bleep it.
And I hope that the Washington Post checks their facts a little closer.
Russ
Re:Thats what a bleeper is for (Score:2)
There's then the problem that they (Trey & Matt) could bleep the song themselves, but bleeping entirely broadcastable terms. Human nature then thinks that something bad must've been in there to get it bleeped out, works out a possibility and the song is perceived as rather worse, despite not actually SAYING anything you wouldn't repeat to your grandmother.
I can see why they might not want to use the bleeper.
Greg
Re:Change happens slowly (Score:2)
Hey Rob, Thanks for that tarball!
Re:Change happens slowly (Score:2)
Hey Rob, Thanks for that tarball!
Re:Offtopic... (Score:2)
Us yanks don't call asses arses, nor do we call them bums although our northerly hoser neighbors do. An ass is an ass or a butt. Butt is probably milder, more like bum. A bum over here is someone who lies in the street peeing in his pants.
I hope that cleared it up.
"bitch" (Score:2)
Some of these words might be genuinely vulgar, but it hardly takes a vulgar word to express a vulgar idea, and I personally find most of primetime television to be in poor taste as it is.
South Park in Britain (Score:2)
When I was last across the pond a year and a half or so ago, I was flipping through the channels and came across a promo for South Park episodes they were going to start broadcasting within a week or so. The promo consisted of having one of the characters standing there swearing with the swears bleeped out. The shock value was entirely lost on me, since I had just finished watching a show with fully uncensored profanity and was able to switch the channel to another show with full frontal nudity.
What passes for much of American entertainment, especially when taken out of context and in another land, is simply pathetic.
Clooney's no surprise (Score:2)
Re:Don't worry aboot it (Score:2)
Well, nudity certainly isn't mainstay, but I have seen it recently in a Made-For-TV-Movie on CTV, (The Girl Next Door), however it aired at 10PM and there was a disclaimer right before that segment. It's not unheard of to hear people totally go off on a swearing spree in Canadian shows, and they don't usually censor movies played on TV. Fuck, Shit, Ass, Bitch, I have heard pretty much all of them on Canadian TV during prime time without disclaimers.
-- iCEBaLM
Re:Censorship? (Score:2)
Right. Anyone claiming to be offended by a particular "profane" word is a hypocrite. Seriously. If you know the word, then the profanity exists within you already. If you know what the word "fuck" means, then any "offense" you may feel is a reaction to the profane knowledge you already possess. If you don't know what a word means, or if it has no profane connotations for you (for instance, Americans using the Commonwealth swear words "bloody" and "shag" without the associated offensive intent) then it's not profane. Little Timmy is not going to be warped by hearing the word "fuck", and more than he would be hearing the same idea in a foreign language.
An even better example: you can use any number of swear words on TV if they're in a language most viewers won't know. Schmuck and putz are OK, even on shows where calling someone a dick wouldn't be acceptable.
Re:"Fart" (Score:2)
Almost, but not quite. Carlin's "Seven Deadly Words" are:
Shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits"
Re:"Fart" (Score:2)
No, not in current usage, but back when Carlin came up with his list (1970s) it most definitely was. Of course, Carlin himself had a later routine about all the swear words he had forgotten to include. But his "seven words" became canonical when a Pacifica radio station played his bit and was slapped by the FCC. It went all the way to the Supreme Court, if I'm not mistaken.
Censorship? (Score:2)
Re:Different categories... (Score:2)
From TPM soundtrack, the music is definitely more complex than the original Star Wars, but I don't think any of it needs to be Oscar nominated.
That's not to say I don't like John Williams-- he just hasn't done anything recently that made me go "oh, wow, that's really cool." He developed his trademark "fanfarish" sound in the 80's, but since then it hasn't changed much. His style is a meld of lots of other composers with not much added, except the ability to create melodies that stick in your head, which isn't easy to do. Duel of the Fates sounded a hell of a lot like Carl Orff.
I know that innovative music isn't exactly a high criteria for the oscars, and there are some tracks on the TPM soundtrack that I really like.
Duel of the Fates is nice in that it builds on one simple theme.
Anakin's Theme is nice with the way he worked in the touch of the dark side towards the end.
Track 5 (Sith Spacecraft) is great for showing off my Klipsch Promedia speakers.
So... what movie scores do I like for being unique, different, and/or highly effective?
The Fifth Element
The Truman Show
Braveheart
Aliens (James Horner's creepy side)
One more time! WEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLL.... (Score:2)
She's mom is a big fat bitch
She's the biggest bitch in the whole wide world
She's a stupid bitch if there ever was a bitch
She's a bitch to all the boys and girls
On Monday she's a bitch
On Tuesday she's a bitch
On Wednsday through Saturday she's a bitch
Then on Sunday, just to be different, she's a superkinkamayamayabeeatch
Have you ever met my friend Kyle's mom?
She's the biggest bitch in the whole wide world
She's a mean 'ol bitch and she has stupid hair
She's a big big big big big gig bitch
Big big big big big big big bitch, she's a stupid bitch
Kyles mom, she's a big fat fucking biiiiiiitch
Big old fucking bitch ass mooooom
Yeah
Chaaaa
I really don't have a point, but I couldn't pass up the chance to use the word bitch a dozen times and not be offtopic!)
_________________________
Re:The BLEEP is exactly wha is needed. (Score:2)
That's exactly what I was thinking when I saw a live performance of Dr. DRE and Eminem on the American Music Awards on ABC a month ago (I believe it was the AMAs..too many award ceremonies to tell apart). It was quite impressive , they had on-the-fly censoring of their live performance for people watching on tv. They did such a good job that often the next 2 words after an explative were also bleeped out, rendering the song unlistenable.
I have also noticed that censored versions of albums (Fatboy Slim, Korn, etc) are oftentimes $2-3 cheaper than their unedited counterparts.
Don't let censors take over America. We'll listen to what we want to hear.
Network censors... how primative... (Score:2)
Re:Don't worry aboot it (Score:2)
Esperandi
BTW, what kind of regulation is there of Canadian TV on the "obscenity" front? I know they're much more liberal than the U.S. but I don't think they're quite as liberal as, say Brazil, are they? (in Brazil you could make a Coke commercial of a woman masturbating with the bottle and they wouldn't give a hoot, nudity is used in commercials all the time)
Don't worry aboot it (Score:2)
Esperandi
The irony of it all.... (Score:2)
Trey Parker must be laughing his irreverant butt off at the whole situation... ABC -> "Yeah, could you make your song that pokes fun at the idea of censorship and remove everything offesnive so we can air it on TV?"
Is it just me, or is the hypocricy in the situation just a bit too stifling ?
-Dextius Alphaeus
Who needs censors? (Score:2)
This in light of the new law being proposed in Alabama requireing kids to refer to teachers as sir and ma'am
There seems to be a huge "traditional" movement in this country looking to enforce obedience. Wasn't this type stuff reserved for religious governments like the Ayatola in Iran?!
Visit uMoo - http://www.uMoo.com/ [umoo.com] like Slashdot, just funnier...
Re:ABC is protecting American Families (Score:2)
What good will come out of locking up your children in a dream world where everyone is happy and no one ever says something bad or something that criticizes the standard. I'll tell you (since this is a rhetorical question).. nothing. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.
What good does it do when TV/movie characters unleash a torrent of obscenity in front of children?
When I hear the *beeep* I always try to figure out what they really said (which is not so hard most of the time, which is partly due to that they put the beep in at strange times.. someone says 'f..*beeeeeep*.k' and with not so advanced lipreading you can get the middle part). Had they just said the word I wouldn't have noticed it equally much.
I don't live in USA so I can hear 'bad' words on tv so I know this.
Kids aren't dumb, even if people like you seem to think so "if we don't let them see/hear this, they'll never know what it means!", they'll notice that it's something special with theses words, and especially when the adults around them look really scared and worried when they utter them. And almost all kids will do exactly what you tell them not to do.
I think that this 'ban all the nasty words' crusade has failed and only created more of them.
A part of the success for South Park is that they use language not seen in other shows, and that the kids are evil (why are always kids portrayed good? Everyone who's visited/attended an elementary school the last decade knows better. Well except in "Kids" but that's on the same theme). Not saying that SP is bad, but I don't think it would have been as successful if there was alot of other shows similar to it in content.
ps. what's so radical about getting pregnant? All mothers have...
The seven words (Score:2)
of course motherfucker is redundant of fuck and piss and tit make no sense whatsoever, but go figure, those are the ones they came up with.
here's a solution if you don't want to bleep - just dangerouly them. As I recal, comedy central, which usually bleeps, let Johnny Dangerously play with all the "farging iceholes" and "cork-suckers" intact.
-Kahuna Burger
Change happens slowly (Score:2)
Tiny steps people. Take tiny steps.
Jailbrekr
Blame Canada is not that funny... (Score:2)
Thoughts?
Re:The irony of it all.... (Score:2)
Re:Thats what a bleeper is for (Score:3)
Now require... That's another question.
--
Thats what a bleeper is for (Score:4)
----
How Truly Ironic (Score:4)
I'd say they were sitting around farting, except that their heads are all up their *bleep*.
NOTE: I have censored myself to protect Slashdot's younger viewers from potentiall reading bad words like 'ass'.
The BLEEP is exactly wha is needed. (Score:4)
If the song gets aired but is self-censored, then a whole dimension of WHY it's great will be lost.
If they (ABC) omit the song because of it's content, then the mind-police win, and the uninformed viewer will miss the humor, and the point of the song (and SP as a cultural icon).
If they (ABC again) play the song unedited, they will torque-off many parents, religious groups and other purists, and make for a lot of bad publicity. While there is no such thing as bad publicity, there is advertiser retribution (see backlash against ABC after Ellen 'came out'), and ABC wouldn't do well if it's major advertisers suddenly stopped paying for ads, no?
The best, and last option is to play the song as it was written for the movie, but BLEEP it as necessary (if not more than necessary for comedic effect). This will keep the advertisers and the Falwells satiated since ABC will obviously "Think of the Children"
Using the BLEEP will expose what is considered to be profanity without actually showing what is considered profanity. Personally, I think that "Blame Canada" wouldn't make the point as well as "Don't say shit, say poo", or better yet the "Cartman's Mom is a
If an Oscar-worthy song has BLEEP after BLEEP, then maybe, just maybe, a few more people will take the time to think about what censorship is, and who is trying to protect whom from what.
Taking a Stance (Score:4)
How hypocritical are these people? Do they not see that by honoring South Park, either as a bastion of irreverent comedy, as a movie with exceptional lyrics and music, or most likey as a comercial success that refuses to be ignored, they are taking it for what it is. The one thing I have always liked has been the unwillingness of it's writers to back down from a subject or joke just because it wasn't PC. That's the whole damned point.
Honestly, if Trey had rewritten it to be anything other than MORE offencive, I would have been upset, and very shocked....
-Earthman
ABC is protecting American Families (Score:5)
When ABC and the Academy move to block words like "fart", anti-family groups (such as the majority of the Slashdot readership) are quick to lash out. What they don't realize that words like "fart", while they seem harmless, are in fact "gateway" words, or "stepping stone" words that eventually lead children to experiment with harder profanity, such as the other two words described in this article (the word that rhymes with "witch" and the word that rhymes with "luck.")
Pretty soon you end up with kids that have a real swearing problem, and they end up being labeled as cussards and reprobates. And eventually, those labels end up circling back to us, the parents, and it tells people that we're not doing a good job. Not only that, but kids with swearing problems often end up in a downward spiral that involves them with crime (theft, etc.) and other forms of social radicalism (homosexuality, pregnancy/abortion, liberalism, etc.)
What ABC is doing is attempting to protect children. And that's what it's all about. We must stop dirty language from reaching our children's ears. The students and "young'uns" here on Slashdot might ridicule this notion, but ask yourself, honestly: what good is profanity? What possible purpose does it serve? What good does it do when TV/movie characters unleash a torrent of obscenity in front of children? Ask yourself that before you moderate me down. Thanks.
There's a subtle difference here... (Score:5)
With SP the show or the movie, you are well informed of the upcoming profanity in the show. If you are a parent, you should be changing the channel at that point if you don't want your kids to watch it. You don't have to take them to the movie, and everything else. Again, there are plenty of disclaimers and they make sense here.
Take the Oscars broadcast; the average person does not know anything beyond the top 5 or 6 awards (movie, actors, supporting actors, etc), so they will NOT know that a song with profanity will be in the works. In addition, the Oscar broadcast has generally been PG, at work; making the entire 2+ hr broadcast a TV-M first means that it can't be aired until after 10pm, and second, they will lose viewers. They (ABC) have no choice to do *something* about Blame Canada.
That said, I would think that a better way for ABC to handle it is to drop the musical numbers for all songs, such that they don't have to worry about playing it, but not play any of the others, as to be fair. Rewriting the song to avoid censoring is IMO a bad choice, as that can ruin the effect of the song in the first place.
The Spirit of Conservatveness (Score:5)
All: In the beginning, God created the Earth...
Stan: Wait a minute, aren't you a Democrat, Kyle?
Kyle: Yeah, I think so
Stan: You're supposed to be liberal and support civil liberties!
Kyle: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press
Stan: (interrupting) That amendment sucks!
Cartman: Yeah, freedom of speech sucks!
Kyle: Don't you censor me, fat boy!
Cartman: Don't call me fat, buttfucker!
Kyle: Then don't belittle my freedom, you fucking fatass!
Cartman: God dammit, don't call me fat, you buttfucking sonofabitch!
[Pat Robertson decends from the sky]
Stan: Holy shit, it's Pat Robertson!
Cartman: What are you doing in South Park, Pat?
Pat Robertson: I come spreading conservative Christian values.
Kyle: Oh, fuck! I'm sorry, Pat!
PR: Fear not, a hurricane will kill you and all the homosexuals later. I am looking for a place called The Oscars.
Stan: We can take you to the Oscars, in fact, we're nominated!
[They start walking]
Cartman: Dude, this is gay.
Stan: Dude, don't say gay in front of Pat Robertson.
Cartman: Aw, fuck you.
[They all travel to LA, where Trey Parker is picketing at the Shrine Auditorium]
Stan: This is it, who are you looking for?
PR: Him! [points to Trey Parker]
Trey: So, we meet again, Pat Robertson.
PR: You are turning this country into a cestpool of homosexuals, liberals, and anti-Christian bigots!
Trey: And you have attacked the freedom on which this country is based!
PR: You have taken the Lord's name in vain for the last time.
Trey: My movies bring happiness to people around the world.
PR: I'm here to put an end to your blasphemy
Trey: This time we finish it. [stands] There can be only one.
Stan: Dude, this is pretty fucked up right here.
[Pat and Trey fight]
Kids: Go Trey! [Pat looks at them] Uh, go Pat!
[Pat and Trey fight more, Mortal Kombat style.]
Kyle: Oh my god! They killed Kenny!
Pat: Boys, help me put an end to him once and for all.
Trey: No, boys, help me, so that I can put an end to him.
Pat: God is watching you, boys. You know who to help.
Stan: I don't know what to do, dude. Who should we help?
Cartman: I say we help Trey Parker.
Kyle: Eh, you're just saying that because he made you famous.
Cartman: Hey! I don't need to take that kinda shit from a liberal.
Kyle: You're such a fat fuck, Cartman, that when you walk down the street people go God DAMMIT that kid's a BIG FAT FUCK.
Cartman: Oh yeah? Well listen up...
Stan: Wait, wait, just a second. Now we've got to think here. Now let's see. What would Brian Boitano do?
Cartman: Yeah. What would Brian Boitano do?
[Brian Boitano appears.]
Brian: Did someone say my name?
Cartman: Brian Boitano!
Kyle: What incredible irony!
Cartman: Yeah, it's Brian Boitano!
Brian: What's going on, kids?
Stan: Okay, Brian? Who would you help in a fight, Pat Robertson or Trey Parker?
Brian: Kids...you shouldn't think of things like that. The Oscars are the one time of year when we all try to get along, no matter what we believe in. This is the season just to be good to each other. Bi-eee!
[Brian skates away.]
Pat: You fuckin' liberal!
Trey: C'mere! Come on!
Stan: Hey, Pat! You have to understand that Trey is keeping the spirit of your religion alive by bringing humor and attention to the evils of Satan and Hell.
Kyle: Yeah. And Trey, you need to remember that if it weren't for Pat, You wouldn't have a Religious Right to make fun of!
Trey: You're right kids. I'm sorry, Pat.
Pat: No, no. It's me who should be sorry. I've been a right bastard. I'm sorry Parker.
Trey: Thank you boys.
Pat: Yeah, thank you boys. Come on, Parker, I'll buy you an Orange Smoothie.
Trey: oooo!
Stan: *whew* That sucked.
Kyle: Yeah, but just think. Today we actually met--we actually spoke--to _the_ Brian Boitano.
Stan: Yeah. And you know? I think I learned something today, it doesn't matter if you're Republican or Democratic or Liberal or Conservative. The Oscars still is about one very important thing:
Cartman: Yeah, ham.
Stan: No not ham, you fat fuck!
Cartman: Fuck you!
Stan: The Oscars are about something much more important.
Kyle: What?
Stan: Money.
Kyle: Ah.
Stan: Don't you see, Kyle? Money.
Kids: "Blame Canada, blame Canada, with all their beady little eyes..."
Jeff Sand
shroom@NOSPAMbradley.edu
Reagan Sucks (Score:5)
This reminds me of a stunt the Miami Herald pulled several years ago. One Sunday, they refused to run Berke Breathed's "Bloom County" comic strip because it contained the phrase "Reagan Sucks." To explain to readers why the comic was missing, a brief letter was put in is place explaining that the paper was not running the comic because it contained the phrase "Reagan Sucks" (that's right, they printed the phrase verbatim.)
Some time later, after several puzzled letters to the editor had been received, the Herald ran an editorial which again explained that the comic had been pulled because it contained the phrase "Reagan Sucks." Apparently, it simply did not dawn on them that they had used
Anyway, the last line of your post made me think of that. Let's see if a conservative moderator moderates this down simply because it has a subject line reading "Reagan Sucks."