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?)
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?)
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.Originally Posted by thethe
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.
jpx7 (06-03-2017)
Oh yea. I just mean his unapologetic HBO specials from 15-20 years ago would get harangued.
Dalyn (06-03-2017)
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.
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.
jpx7 (06-03-2017)
has Maher been charged with a crime?
"For there is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it." Amanda Gorman
"When Fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross"
jpx7 (06-05-2017)
I don't even think the Chapelle show would survive today.
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.
jpx7 (06-03-2017)
As goldy alludes, you need to parse your terms a bit better.
I've made it clear many times that I find these mad rushes to mob condemnation to fall somewhere between inane and chilling, and I particularly don't like or approve of the extent to which universities have allowed student groups to dictate the size and scope of open discourse (with the recent case at Evergreen State an especially sad and irony-tinged example).
Having said that: free speech is by no means "effectively being outlawed in this country", and to say so is simply alarmist. Yes, there's been hypercorrection in the public discourse vis-à-vis what we as a culture deem "permissible", but there are always going to be repercussions to saying stupid ****. It's not illegal—and it never should be—to call your boss a fat, donkey-f–cking turd-licker, but you probably shouldn't be surprised when she fires you, and you damn better not think she infringed on your rights by doing so.
Last edited by jpx7; 06-05-2017 at 07:05 PM.
"For all his tattooings he was on the whole a clean, comely looking cannibal."
Tapate50 (06-05-2017)
He's already caved. Figured he had the balls to stand up
Well that IS disappointing.
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.
I totally agree with this. I'm no fan of Maher—I've never found him funny, and I just don't really like his style—but I do think some of the speech-policing has gotten way out of hand, so I'm sympathetic to some extent. On the other hand, with a word like the n-bomb, maybe just, like, don't say it. In all but a few instances, it's probably not necessary to your point—even if your intention is not racist, even if your intention is explicitly anti-racist—so just consider whether it's really worth it.
"For all his tattooings he was on the whole a clean, comely looking cannibal."
BedellBrave (06-10-2017), Runnin (06-05-2017), Tapate50 (06-05-2017)
He actually didn't say the word in the way most people thing, he said "I'm a house-ni**er". It was regrettable.
FFF - BB, BB, 2B, HR, 2B, HR, 1B, BB, BB, 1B, BB, BB, HR
The only white person I'm willing to cut some slack on this is the late Flannery O'Connor. That was an awesome short-story.
Maybe a hip hop guy with over 20 years of homophobic slurs isn't the best to lecture someone for an insensitive joke.
AerchAngel (06-11-2017), jpx7 (06-11-2017), Oklahomahawk (06-11-2017)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote