Maher

[Hawk]

I actually thought he nailed that joke.

Ben Sasse‏
@BenSasse
3. Here’s what I wish I’d been quick enough to say in the moment: “Hold up, why would you think it’s OK to use that word?...
(3of4?)

[thethe]

Really a shame that free speech is effectively being outlawed in this country.

[Dalyn]

Really a shame that free speech is effectively being outlawed in this country.

The consequences are often grossly unreasonable. As a working writer, it's rather scary. Editing has perhaps never been more important. Neither, for that matter, has been the desire and the aptitude to cross the line EFFECTIVELY.

[bravesnumberone]

The greatest ever, George Carlin, would have never survived in today's climate.

[Krgrecw]

The greatest ever, George Carlin, would have never survived in today's climate.

I don't even think the Chapelle show would survive today.

[thethe]

Does anone actually support these tactics used today to silence people? When does it cross a line then?

[Dalyn]

The greatest ever, George Carlin, would have never survived in today's climate.

Carlin could've performed solely for the religious right and still managed to be hilarious and successful. In all seriousness, most of the comedians I know have several "clean" sets they can use for any gigs they book that require it, and they figure out how to keep it funny. It's definitely doable.

[Dalyn]

Does anone actually support these tactics used today to silence people? When does it cross a line then?

A lot of people do. The right used it for decades (and still do), and when those silenced regained their voice, some of them started yelling. I can understand that. I'm still hoping it's just the overcorrection needed to eventually balance such a warped system.

[bravesnumberone]

Carlin could've performed solely for the religious right and still managed to be hilarious and successful. In all seriousness, most of the comedians I know have several "clean" sets they can use for any gigs they book that require it, and they figure out how to keep it funny. It's definitely doable.

Oh yea. I just mean his unapologetic HBO specials from 15-20 years ago would get harangued.

[mqt]

I don't really care, but I'm ultimately not going to pick "let the white guy say the n-word" be the hill I choose to die on. Maybe just don't say it.

[mqt]

The greatest ever, George Carlin, would have never survived in today's climate.

This might be a bold take, but I'm willing to accept less edgy humor if it means we're more progressive regarding racial issues than we were in the 70s.

[mqt]

By the way, lol at HBO's tweet condemning Maher and pledging to scrub the phrase from reruns. It's not like his show is live.

[Oklahomahawk]

First let me say that I'm not "in favor of" ANYBODY using that word, but I really hope he doesn't apologize for it and I really do hope he addresses it in the way I believe he will. I too and absolutely fed up with the politically correct p*ssfied condition of American society and I believe Maher will "light into" those PC wastes of space to a point where they'll wish he would use that word 1000 times every week in exchange for stopping the hammering he's going to give them.

Just my opinion though.

[bravesnumberone]

By the way, lol at HBO's tweet condemning Maher and pledging to scrub the phrase from reruns. It's not like his show is live.

I must have missed it when HBO condemned its shows like The Wire, The Sopranos, etc. using offensive language. Bill Maher is an ass and the joke wasn't necessary at all but is he a racist? Can anyone take anything in context these days? Or is it a race to be the morally superior being on social media? Pretty sure Maher himself went on a rant about this a couple months ago.

[goldfly]

By the way, lol at HBO's tweet condemning Maher and pledging to scrub the phrase from reruns. It's not like his show is live.

that first showing is live i believe

[AerchAngel]

Only think I can say is.....

meh

Doesn't bother me. Tone and context is what troubles us. If it were a KKK or Supremacist or even Not.My.President Donald Chump, then I would be offended because they would use tone and intent.

[Krgrecw]

First let me say that I'm not "in favor of" ANYBODY using that word, but I really hope he doesn't apologize for it and I really do hope he addresses it in the way I believe he will. I too and absolutely fed up with the politically correct p*ssfied condition of American society and I believe Maher will "light into" those PC wastes of space to a point where they'll wish he would use that word 1000 times every week in exchange for stopping the hammering he's going to give them.

Just my opinion though.

He's already caved. Figured he had the balls to stand up

[Oklahomahawk]

He's already caved. Figured he had the balls to stand up

Well that IS disappointing.

[BedellBrave]

Didn't see/hear the Maher comment. Anyone with a link?

This Sasse tweet seems reasonable to me:

"...The history of the n-word is an attack on universal human dignity. It’s therefore an attack on the American Creed. Don't use it.”

I hated hearing it growing up and still do. Glad I don't hear it as much. Can people say it? Sure. Should they? I don't think so. Hey, but that's just one old white guy's opinion.

[goldfly]

Really a shame that free speech is effectively being outlawed in this country.

has Maher been charged with a crime?