Money for nothing PCified

[Gesslar]

You don't think it's appropriate for a particular group to take an otherwise incredibly offensive term and turn it around to mean something less derogatory? That seems like a perfectly valid defense mechanism to me. Take it, own it, and you can't be hurt by it. If I call my boyfriend a faggot, it's quite obvious within this context that I am NOT being offensive. Or rather, I am being obviously offensive to the point that it's just simply not.

I, personally, am opposed to revisionism. Let the song rest as it is. It's a fantastic song with good messages. Even if I hated the song, I am sure I would feel similarly about the desire to change it.

[khaltek]

That's right, folks, grow up and stop being so insulted that you're being degraded and find strength in the brainless hate directed towards you, especially when it leads to an entire spectrum of bigoted behaviour ranging from the "oh get over it" bullying at school to the "serves him right for being insulted" suicide!

[Gesslar]

Also, we're losing context in this thread and it is devolving just like the thread in the mentioned article. The term faggot was used tongue-in-cheek in the song. It is not devolution at -all- to use offensive words/topics in art in the way they were intended or in a way such as to twist it ironically/metaphorically/etc. I think it shows the mind of the artist and the art when such things are portrayed intelligently. There is plenty of material which I can't stomach, but would value regardless because of the artists' contribution.

[Lebeau]

Agreed. The song is actually belittling bigotry. Ironic that the lyrics refer to derogatory jealousy of another's success, calling the artists such, yet bemoaning that they get their "chicks for free." In the literal sense, it's contradictory and very well composed!

Oh, and Gesslar, I'm not opposed to its use at all, but rather intended to point out the double standard. I rather like your example! It's all about the context. However, I do remember in high school seeing my black JROTC instructor jumping on some black students for calling each other niggers. He corrected them in that it's not appropriate to ever be used, especially in a school environment. My whole point is mentioning that is that we are a long way from equality and PC is not the way to go. Unfortunately, there are a lot of idiots out the fostering bigotry either by its use, or by overreacting as with the censorship of Money for Nothing and Huck Finn.

Khaltek, I can see your point and where you're going with that. Bullying and suicide are tragic no matter how you look at it. Bullying is unacceptable, period. I was taught a long time ago to accept people for their individual talents and seek out different cultures. Diversity is a strength. But I think we can definitely agree that mindless hate is disgusting. We just disagree on the approach.

Again, sorry about the derailing of the thread, but it's kind of telling how intelligent, like-minded individuals can get into a heated discussion. I think we agree on the base point. So when you add self-serving bastards, politicians, and morons to the discussion, it can get WAY out of hand. Thus, the imposed censorship of a damn good song.

[Gesslar]

Originally posted by Lebeau
However, I do remember in high school seeing my black JROTC instructor jumping on some black students for calling each other niggers. He corrected them in that it's not appropriate to ever be used, especially in a school environment.

Time and place as well as audience is important.