Conservative Groups Denounce FCC Decision On Bono's Use of "F**k"

[Homerpalooza]

From the IMDB:

The heads of two leading conservative groups have asked the FCC to overturn a decision by its enforcement bureau that the use of the "f-word" on a national television show did not violate the FCC's indecency rules. The bureau ruled last month that the utterance of the words "f***ing brilliant" by Bono during the Golden Globes awards in January "may be crude and offensive, but, in the context presented here, did not describe sexual or excretory organs or activities," the FCC's guideline for indecency. However, the Rev. Donald E. Wildmon, head of the American Family Association, commented: "This ruling clearly opens the floodgates for general use of the 'f-word' in any TV show or radio program -- except in sexual situations." Separately Brent Bozell of the Parents Television Council commented that the ruling makes a "mockery of an organization charged with serving the public interest" and warned that it will result in expressions like "f**k you" being used "over the public airwaves, in front of millions of children."

 

[FallingStar]

Hmm, that's so stupid an argument.

 

[Sicy]

I read about this a couple weeks ago. I think they're over reacting, personally.

 

[oliveu2cm]

I don't see how his using it can open the floodgates for it being used on TV.

Aren't there more important issues to fockus on?

 

[U2Kitten]

Not again This just makes me want to say the F word, over and over again

 

[kellyahern]

I read about this a couple weeks ago. I think they're over reacting, personally.

I doubt knows or even cares about this. And when I saw the moment on TV, I thought it was kind of cute actually - he was so happy when they won

Btw, I love your new avatar Sicy

 

[Sicy]

And when I saw the moment on TV, I thought it was kind of cute actually - he was so happy when they won

Yknow, it just slipped out I bet.. because he was so happy. They need to just give the guy a break I mean what time was it on anyway .. late at night wasnt it?

Btw, I love your new avatar Sicy

Thanks Phuzzie made it for me

 

[Liesje]

What a waste of time. Personally, I don't like f-bombs, but in this case, how were they supposed to be able to censor a live broadcast? It's not like Bono's speech was a scripted TV show....

 

[TiaraGurl]

I agree with whoever said there are more important things to focus on in the world including buit not limited to-the current economic/politival situation in the US/ the 2004 election/AIDS/eradicating sexual assualt/abuse from the planet/desctruction of the environment etc

 

[adamswildhoney]

gah this is such a stupid arguement so what he said the f word, I am certain that there prolly wasnt alot of kids watching the program.

 

[Soul Always]

I hope this isn't too off topic, but I just wanted to say how nice it is to hear you talking about something that is controversial without berating each other, putting each other down and tearing each other apart. You should be proud interference people.

And, to put it back on topic, I too think they should just let it go now. It's water under the bridge. They've made a big enough noise about it. The next time something like this comes up people will know what to expect. They will know not to drop the f-bomb on public television. I think they've made an example-enough of Bono. But, to continue to rake him through the coals now is sort of unproductive.

 

[sue4u2]

This is fucking (adj) ridiculous. Someone should press charges aganist these guys for "beating a dead horse". Or better yet, get a job that keep's you busier. They have way too much time on their hands.

 

[sue4u2]

Just saw an commercial for U2 Go Home at Target stores.

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

...oh, my god, why are people still ranting about this? It happened in January. It's old news! Time for these conservative groups to move on.

First off, "open the floodgates"???? Um...hate to break it to these people, but the f-word has been in use for a long time now. It's not like Bono's the first guy to ever use it (besides, are these supposedly "holier-than-thou" conservative people trying to imply that they themselves have never used the f-word? 'Cause I highly doubt that).

Second, I dunno...I personally find the idea that they're willing to support censorship a lot more offensive than Bono saying the f-word on T.V., but....

Third, it's just a word. It's only offensive if you let it be. Their idea of what is "offensive" is going to be far different from what other people's ideas of what is "offensive". So who are they to become the almighty moral police and decide what people should and shouldn't say? Since when do they dictate what is and isn't appropriate language?

Sorry if I come off as rude or whatnot...it's just that groups like these really get my blood boiling. You're right, sue4u2, these people do have way too much time on their hands.

I doubt knows or even cares about this. And when I saw the moment on TV, I thought it was kind of cute actually - he was so happy when they won

. He meant absolutely NO offense whatsoever by saying that word on T.V. in the context he said it.

Besides, as you can tell by my sig, I certainly wasn't offended by it. .

Angela

 

[Keocmb]

I said this in another thread about this topic and I'll say it again...

I can't believe this is even an issue. I'm so glad we're not worrying about those smaller problems like homelessness and AIDS.

That is all.

 

[maude]

(Shouldn't this be in FYM?)

I know I'm the voice of dissension here, but I agree with these "rabid, ultra conservatives" and can understand the concern over the FCC's ruling. It may come as some surprise, but not everyone, including myself feels the need to use or appreciates hearing the f-word, even from Bono's mouth. I feel that if the FCC allows it once it gives others free reign to use it whenever they like in the media and frankly, I don't want that to happen.

I don't think of words as just words. To me words are entrenched in meaning and can affect how one feels when hearing them. You need only take an elementary literary class to see that this is true. This is why some words are offensive and others not.

In saying this, I can understand why it seems a big deal over nothing (especially for those that use the word liberally and adore Bono) because it was a live show and Bono got over excited and let one slip. Honestly, I can understand how if one is used to using a sort of language day to day, one could find it difficult to remember not to use that sort of language when excited or upset. However, I still think that this sort of language should not be okayed for use in publicly broadcasted media for all ears to hear.

Also, I find it interesting that some here seem to be under the impression that if one is concerned about this issue it must be at the expense of all the other important issues in the world. Believe it or not, one can actually be involved in many important issues and find time to be concerned with the FCC's ruling.

I know many if not all here will disagree with me, but I hope you will allow me to have a differing opinion.

 

[flaming june]

This whole thing about "obscene" language is so hypocritical and dumb imo. Kids can see people pretending to kill people at any time of the day but they can't hear someone say "fucking". I just can't understand.

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

(Shouldn't this be in FYM?)

I know I'm the voice of dissension here, but I agree with these "rabid, ultra conservatives" and can understand the concern over the FCC's ruling. It may come as some surprise, but not everyone, including myself feels the need to use or appreciates hearing the f-word, even from Bono's mouth. I feel that if the FCC allows it once it gives others free reign to use it whenever they like in the media and frankly, I don't want that to happen.

But like I said before, the word has been used for a long time now. Heck, people were swearing long before T.V. was even a thought in anyone's mind. This word is nothing new, and Bono saying it will not "open the floodgates". People would still have swore either way.

Besides, if you hear someone swearing on T.V. and it offends you, just change the channel. Nobody said you had to watch that particular show.

Originally posted by maude
I don't think of words as just words. To me words are entrenched in meaning and can affect how one feels when hearing them. You need only take an elementary literary class to see that this is true. This is why some words are offensive and others not.

They only mean something to you and can only offend you if you let them. What may offend you may not offend me. You obviously find hearing the f-word often offensive, whereas I don't. I don't really give it a second thought. So why should I not be allowed to watch a show or a movie with swearing, or why should I have to watch a show that they've edited for swear words and stuff, just because there is someone out there who might find it offensive?

Originally posted by maude
In saying this, I can understand why it seems a big deal over nothing (especially for those that use the word liberally and adore Bono) because it was a live show and Bono got over excited and let one slip. Honestly, I can understand how if one is used to using a sort of language day to day, one could find it difficult to remember not to use that sort of language when excited or upset. However, I still think that this sort of language should not be okayed for use in publicly broadcasted media for all ears to hear.

But not all ears find this kind of language offensive, and so they shouldn't be stopped from hearing shows or songs or what have you that may have some swearing in them. Again I say, if it offends you personally, fine. Just change the station or channel.

Besides, practically every single person in this world has swore at one point and time, so to say that they find swearing offensive would be rather hypocritical, because they've swore themselves, so who are they to tell others not to swear?

If we don't hear swear words on T.V., we'll hear them in our own homes, or at school, or from friends, or someplace else. We can't get away from them.

Originally posted by maude
Also, I find it interesting that some here seem to be under the impression that if one is concerned about this issue it must be at the expense of all the other important issues in the world. Believe it or not, one can actually be involved in many important issues and find time to be concerned with the FCC's ruling.

We know that-you're absolutely right.

It's just that these particular groups always seem to make a big deal out of this issue only...and it's really much ado about nothing...and the family group in particular, you'd think instead of continuing their complaints about this issue (which, again, happened way back in January and should be a dead issue now), they'd focus on things that are more important.

Originally posted by maude
I know many if not all here will disagree with me, but I hope you will allow me to have a differing opinion.

Certainly. . And I do see what you're saying.

Angela

 

[Sicy]

(Shouldn't this be in FYM?)

I am not sure if this has been discussed yet in PLEBA and it's probably been discussed in FYM plenty so I didnt see the harm in keeping it here.

My opinion is its all about CONTEXT. It really depends on the way the word is used, to get a rise out of me. I mean if Bono came out and said "Whoever didnt vote for us are fucking assholes" well then I'd be offended but the fact that he used the word as an adjective, describing something 'fucking brilliant'. It doesnt bother me at all.

 

[verte76]

I personally don't see the big deal here. It's beating a dead horse. They're still complaining about the f-word in January? As I recall the incident took place at night, and it was a Hollywood setting. I have bigger gripes with the Hollywood set than the use of certain words that I first heard in school. I agree with Sicy, it's context.

 

[EWM]

Right, so he said "fucking". In my opinion, not that big of a deal. He was excited, it was a live broadcast (hard to edit that out, y'know, when it's happening live), and if I'm remembering correctly, he's said it before on live television (back in the nineties)and nothing happened then. The age group that the FCC is concerned about wasn't any different back then than it is now.

That's just my opinion there on the whole matter. What really bothers me is that the FCC is worrying about this careless use of "fuck" when, well, last time I checked, people on MTV were saying things like "ass" and "bitch" without anyone complaining - and not just on live television either.

And what about the amount of sex, violence, and other crap that's on regular cable television? Is the FCC concerned about that at all?

 

[verte76]

Good point EWM. I find all of the violence and sex on TV much more objectionable than I do the single use of the "f-word" on a Hollywood show at night after the kiddies are in bed. I'm a practicing Catholic and I have friends at church who are raising kids so it's not like I don't know how hard it is to teach your kids morals or I don't care about this. I do. I'm just saying I think these people have their priorities messed up.

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

My dad and I were talking about this-another thing to take into consideration: there was a reverend, Donald Wildman, from the American Family Association, who, back during the controversy with that Ryan White kid, felt that AIDS was punishment for homosexuals.

Now, I dunno, personally I find that a heck of a lot more offensive-homosexuals in particular would find that awfully offensive-than someone saying the f-word on T.V.

But hey, if he can say that...

Angela

 

[verte76]

My dad and I were talking about this-another thing to take into consideration: there was a reverend, Donald Wildman, from the American Family Association, who, back during the controversy with that Ryan White kid, felt that AIDS was punishment for homosexuals.

Now, I dunno, personally I find that a heck of a lot more offensive-homosexuals in particular would find that awfully offensive-than someone saying the f-word on T.V.

But hey, if he can say that...

Angela

I agree, Angela. Wildman is from Mississippi, and his group has alot of power here in Alabama. They're a far-right-wing pressure group, and their name is a misnomer. I don't like these people at all.

 

[LCK]

'fuck' to me is not a particularly offensive word, its just a crude euphemism for sex and has no real potential to harm. A newspaper journalist here in Toronto pointed out the arbitrariness of censorship in noting that in a particular article where someone had been called a 'fucking ******'- the article was censored like this: f_____ ******. Now, she pointed out, which word is more offensive? The 'n' word of course with its racist hurtfulness! Conservatives like those attacking Bono only seem judgmental and illogical to me when they focus on such trivialities. Bono has done more for this planet than I can put into words. I admire him tremendously and, as both a man and a muscian, I think Bono is fucking brilliant!

 

[Sue DeNym]

It's silly that the FCC is so up in arms about this. Granted, it's not the most polite thing to say, and I'm no fan of such words; when I heard it, I kind of snorted and muttered, "Nice language, Bono!" But the culture Bono is from is a bit more, shall we say, colourful in their language than we Americans are used to, and it really should be taken in that context.

The FCC are overreacting. What's done is done, it can't be taken back. I don't think it's going to "open the floodgates"; in fact, that word gets extremely tiresome if used over and over again, such as in movies like Casino. I just think it's time to move on; there'll be another "scandal" to get up in arms over next week.

 

[Liesje]

It's silly that the FCC is so up in arms about this. Granted, it's not the most polite thing to say, and I'm no fan of such words; when I heard it, I kind of snorted and muttered, "Nice language, Bono!" But the culture Bono is from is a bit more, shall we say, colourful in their language than we Americans are used to, and it really should be taken in that context.

THAT is exactly what I've been thinking. I don't like the work fuck because it is a crude and derogatory sexual term and if you're going to say it, you should really mean it in that way, otherwise, pick a different word. But it's not THAT big of a deal to me. Also, the FCC needs to remember the context in which the word was used: Bono was giving a speech, not acting out a script, so they didn't have in writing what he was going to say when.

 

[verte76]

Yes, it's a cultural thing. In Ireland it's just not that big a deal. Here it is........but he's from there, not here.

 

[sue4u2]

Hey seems they want to continue to make a issue of it, so let them carry on. They are not going to like it very much when the freedom of speach picketers show up in front of their headquaters with their "FUCK YOU" signs. They're bringing it on themselves. They just can't accept the fact they lost that round. The issue should be dead but they just won't let it rest. Sore loosers.

 

[verte76]

Hey sue let's picket.