British TV becoming difficult to watch

d0nutz

As much as I love comedy and panel shows on channel 4, and the BBC. Like Mock the week and 8 out of 10 cats. They seem to fit in an anti-christian message on every show. Jimmy Carr being the worst out of the lot. It seems to be the new cool thing to do, make fun of Jesus and anybody who loves him.

People could say watch something else, but apart from these moments (when they also mention some disgusting sex acts out of the blue, things I can't mention here, you'll vomit) it is funny. Is this going to get worse?

I can't even imagine the message it's giving to young people, with Christians always being portrayed as mentally ill and insane for having faith in God.

Has anyone else just had to turn it over during a show?

BrookieD

Sorry but you must be watching other channels not the Beeb or ITV. I watch nearly all TV on both Beeb and ITV and see nothing at all wrong with them. These shows are adult humor shows and if you dont like them dont watch them.

My son is 7 and he watches ITV and BBC all the time and has never so much as mentioned anti jesus messages. In fact being a non beliver in Jesus and god i get more annoyed with his school ramming relgion into him at every oppurtunity they get.

Still thats another matter.

Zombrex

d0nutz wrote: »

It seems to be the new cool thing to do, make fun of Jesus and anybody who loves him.

He's a comedian, what would you like him to make fun of?

smurfhousing

You have to make a decision donut.

I like Jonathan Ross. I used to watch and enjoy his show on BBC1. I even liked his humour, even when he was being crude.

But I am a Catholic. One cannot stand with one foot on each stool. One will fall. I can't claim to be devoted follower of Christ if I'm also watching these shows.

The only TV I watch now is the secular news (for a brief overview), and EWTN Catholic TV from time to time. I get most of my information from Catholic blogs and Zenit and Catholic Voice and other faithful Catholic newspapers. These provide the truth behind the media spin and distortions.

Once you give TV a break, you see how impure and anti-Christian it really is, and that is without outright mockery or criticism of the faith. You also find your life is better - you are freer and have more time to do worthwhile things, like prayer, reading, walking etc...

If I lived on my own, I wouldn't have a TV. Plus I'd not have to worry about TV licences.

wolfsbane

d0nutz wrote: »

As much as I love comedy and panel shows on channel 4, and the BBC. Like Mock the week and 8 out of 10 cats. They seem to fit in an anti-christian message on every show. Jimmy Carr being the worst out of the lot. It seems to be the new cool thing to do, make fun of Jesus and anybody who loves him.

People could say watch something else, but apart from these moments (when they also mention some disgusting sex acts out of the blue, things I can't mention here, you'll vomit) it is funny. Is this going to get worse?

I can't even imagine the message it's giving to young people, with Christians always being portrayed as mentally ill and insane for having faith in God.

Has anyone else just had to turn it over during a show?

Christians/Christianity are the soft touch. It's OK to ridicule them, to stereotype them as fools/insane/perverted. Human rights are for others. Serves these self-righteous prigs right. How dare they say those who do not love God and His Son are heading for hell!

I'm sure the comedians and the media that mock and ridicule Christ and His people think they are brave champions of free thought. But they are only cheap opportunists, school bullys grown up, glad to attack what will not strike back.

I'll be convinced of their integrity when they do the same with Mohammed and his followers.

I feel only pity for them, for they are led by the nose by an evil spirit they are not even aware of. Satan's unwitting tools. We need to pray for them, that God will open their eyes and grant them repentance and faith in the One they so easily blaspheme.
_________________________________________________________________
1 Timothy 1:13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Killer Pigeon

d0nutz wrote: »

As much as I love comedy and panel shows on channel 4, and the BBC. Like Mock the week and 8 out of 10 cats. They seem to fit in an anti-christian message on every show. Jimmy Carr being the worst out of the lot. It seems to be the new cool thing to do, make fun of Jesus and anybody who loves him.

People could say watch something else, but apart from these moments (when they also mention some disgusting sex acts out of the blue, things I can't mention here, you'll vomit) it is funny. Is this going to get worse?

I can't even imagine the message it's giving to young people, with Christians always being portrayed as mentally ill and insane for having faith in God.

Has anyone else just had to turn it over during a show?

I'm sick of the angelus before the six-one news on RTÉ 1 - yet it's still on the TV and won't go away. It really does seem to fit the anti-reasoning message.

The point is that if the people want it it'll be there.

smurfhousing

Killer Pigeon wrote: »

I'm sick of the angelus before the six-one news on RTÉ 1 - yet it's still on the TV and won't go away. It really does seem to fit the anti-reasoning message.

The point is that if the people want it it'll be there.

It's already been dumbed down with only the bells ringing, but no direct visual relevance to Catholic Faith.

It's only a matter of time before it is removed altogether.

cleanup_aisle6

BrookieD wrote: »

Sorry but you must be watching other channels not the Beeb or ITV. I watch nearly all TV on both Beeb and ITV and see nothing at all wrong with them. These shows are adult humor shows and if you dont like them dont watch them.

My son is 7 and he watches ITV and BBC all the time and has never so much as mentioned anti jesus messages. In fact being a non beliver in Jesus and god i get more annoyed with his school ramming relgion into him at every oppurtunity they get.

Still thats another matter.

I'm sure if people on a tv panel show were mocking and insulting your loved ones, family and your children, you'd be offended. Get the picture, now?

Festus

Wicknight wrote: »

He's a comedian, what would you like him to make fun of?

Atheists!

Festus

Killer Pigeon wrote: »

I'm sick of the angelus before the six-one news on RTÉ 1 - yet it's still on the TV and won't go away. It really does seem to fit the anti-reasoning message.

The point is that if the people want it it'll be there.

1 minute.

one measly minute and you're sick of it.

60 seconds to contemplate something other than your self.

making a cup of tea takes longer

Killer Pigeon

Festus wrote: »

1 minute.

one measly minute and you're sick of it.

60 seconds to contemplate something other than your self.

making a cup of tea takes longer

That's not really the point I'm trying to make. If an majority of people want something on the television then it'll be there. I'm sure the OP could just switch to a different station if he/she doesn't want to watch material that is anti-Christian, just like I could switch to a different station or go make a cup of tea while the Angelus is on.

Killer Pigeon

Festus wrote: »

Atheists!

Why?

deadbloke

Just be thankful that we live in a society where people can say what they want (within reason) without being marginalised, tortured or executed. As you or I have the freedom to practice whatever faith we choose as long as it causes no harm to others, Jimmy Carr et al have the right to have a laugh at others expense.

Festus wrote: »

making a cup of tea takes longer

Sure that's what the ad breaks are for.

Festus

Killer Pigeon wrote: »

Why?

in the interests of fairness why not?

A Christian, a Jew, and an atheist are standing in line to be executed during the French Revolution.

The christian is first, and he lays down on the guillotine. Before the executioner pulls the lever he shouts, "My god will save me!". The lever is pulled, and the blade swooshes down, stopping just short of his neck. The executioner, believing a miracle of god has occurred, figures he can't kill this man, as so sets him free.

The Jew lays down on the guillotine. Like the christian, he shouts, "My god will save me!". The lever is pulled, the blade falls, and once again it stops just short of his neck. The executioner, again, believes god is on this man's side, and lets him go.

Finally, the atheist lays down on the guillotine. He examines the guillotine, finds a rock in the gears, and says to the executioner, "Well there's your problem..."

strobe

d0nutz wrote: »

As much as I love comedy and panel shows on channel 4, and the BBC. Like Mock the week and 8 out of 10 cats. They seem to fit in an anti-christian message on every show. Jimmy Carr being the worst out of the lot. It seems to be the new cool thing to do, make fun of Jesus and anybody who loves him.

People could say watch something else, but apart from these moments (when they also mention some disgusting sex acts out of the blue, things I can't mention here, you'll vomit) it is funny. Is this going to get worse?

I can't even imagine the message it's giving to young people, with Christians always being portrayed as mentally ill and insane for having faith in God.

Has anyone else just had to turn it over during a show?

I watch Mock the Week most nights, they take a pop at pretty much everything. Christians, Muslims, Labour, Tories, celebrities, footballers, men, women, England, Scotland, etc. It's that kind of show. You might find the stuff poking fun at Christians offensive but I'm sure their are some Scottish people that find the jokes about Scots offensive. If you are willing to laugh at the jokes about others you can't really object when they make jokes about things related to you either.

strobe

wolfsbane wrote: »

I'll be convinced of their integrity when they do the same with Mohammed and his followers.

I take it you have never watched the shows mentioned then?

Ickle Magoo

strobe wrote: »

I watch Mock the Week most nights, they take a pop at pretty much everything. Christians, Muslims, Labour, Tories, celebrities, footballers, men, women, England, Scotland, etc. It's that kind of show. You might find the stuff poking fun at Christians offensive but I'm sure their are some Scottish people that find the jokes about Scots offensive. If you are willing to laugh at the jokes about others you can't really object when they make jokes about things related to you either.

Oh there are ALWAYS people that will find something to be offended at...

Complaining about the content in a channel you get to watch without having to pay for any of the licence fee is a bit rich anyway, isn't it?

cleanup_aisle6

strobe wrote: »

I take it you have never watched the shows mentioned then?

If you read my post again, you'll see I mentioned something other than insulting our lord. It's that language, and the perversion of sex, that I cant stand.

It may come as a surprise to you, but I find Jimmy Carr and Frankie Boyle talking about eating a bowl of semen, absolutely disgusting.

strobe

Sorry, cleanup are you d0nutz? Are you both anyone else in particular? It can get confusing relpying to you when you switch between your different accounts all the time..

antiskeptic

Wicknight wrote: »

He's a comedian, what would you like him to make fun of?

As Wolfbane said.. Mohammed

antiskeptic

Festus wrote: »

1 minute.

one measly minute and you're sick of it.

60 seconds to contemplate something other than your self.

making a cup of tea takes longer

Contemplating your self for a minute a day mightn't be altogether a bad idea..

Elbow

strobe wrote: »

I watch Mock the Week most nights, they take a pop at pretty much everything. Christians, Muslims, Labour, Tories, celebrities, footballers, men, women, England, Scotland, etc. It's that kind of show. You might find the stuff poking fun at Christians offensive but I'm sure their are some Scottish people that find the jokes about Scots offensive. If you are willing to laugh at the jokes about others you can't really object when they make jokes about things related to you either.

Agreed

I'm a firm believer in "if you don't like it don't watch it"

Comedians have always poked fun at different groups/religions/minorities etc and will say things that some people will find offensive but that a lot of people will find funny.

The OP mentioned Jimmy Carr as being one of the most offensive on TV at the moment however Jimmy Carr is also one of the most successful comedians on TV at the moment (8/10 cats, Distraction, appearing on Mock the Week, QI etc) although he may upset a minority, at the end of the day the BBC, Channel 4 or whichever station he's appearing on know that he'll draw viewers with his style of comedy

sensibleken

wolfsbane wrote: »

I'll be convinced of their integrity when they do the same with Mohammed and his followers.

Hi, I don't want to get much involved in this debate but this point comes up all the time when humour and religion comes up.

generally irish, british and american comedians will have a go at christianity more than islam is because its funnier. its a better source of comedy because we grew up with it and are much more familiar with it than islam, its not more to do with respect for one religion over another. this is also why islam gets mocked by muslim comedians, indians get mocked by indian comedians etc without them apearing being racist.

antiskeptic

sensibleken wrote: »

generally irish, british and american comedians will have a go at christianity more than islam is because its funnier. its a better source of comedy because we grew up with it and are much more familiar with it than islam, its not more to do with respect for one religion over another. this is also why islam gets mocked by muslim comedians, indians get mocked by indian comedians etc without them apearing being racist.

The OP didn't concern itself with Ireland and America. It concerned itself with Britain - with it's massive Muslim population. Wolfbane's point was that the comedians picked on what they clearly see as a soft target (who told his followers to turn the other cheek). I say 'clearly' due to the fact that they don't tend to make any fun of the slightly more problematic figure of Mohammed.

Which raise the whole issue of much of modern day comedy: based as it is on kicking those who can't kick back. Kinda cheap. Definitely cowardly.

sensibleken

antiskeptic wrote: »

The OP didn't concern itself with Ireland and America. It concerned itself with Britain - with it's massive Muslim population. Wolfbane's point was that the comedians picked on what they clearly see as a soft target (who told his followers to turn the other cheek). I say 'clearly' due to the fact that they don't tend to make any fun of the slightly more problematic figure of Mohammed.

Which raise the whole issue of much of modern day comedy: based as it is on kicking those who can't kick back. Kinda cheap. Definitely cowardly.

well British comedians do make fun of mohamed and islam, Shazia Mirza and Shappi Khorsandi spring to mind, and there from a muslim background. Carr (though i think he's a racist little prick) is from a christian background and will therefore target christianity. Its just making fun of which one your more familiar with.

I think you just see more of people having a go at christianity because theres more comedians from a christian background

antiskeptic

sensibleken wrote: »

well British comedians do make fun of mohamed and islam, Shazia Mirza and Shappi Khorsandi spring to mind, and there from a muslim background.

Comedians making fun of Mohammed himself? You got a link to any of this?

sensibleken

antiskeptic wrote: »

Comedians making fun of Mohammed himself? You got a link to any of this?

just stuff ive seen on telly. i might be able to dig out a youtube link later if one exists

antiskeptic

sensibleken wrote: »

just stuff ive seen on telly. i might be able to dig out a youtube link later if one exists

No need - it's only a small point. Somehow I just doubt that someone would do that - knowing what can happen to those who take the piss out of Mohammed.

lmaopml

I think it's healthy to be able to laugh with others and also at yourself at times.

It depends on the comedian; some of the standup comedians sound like they are scraping the barrel and flogging a dead horse when they whip out the religion angle, it can be overdone sometimes; and the particularly vulgar ones are just not really funny to me anyway..

..and then others seem to be able to make real life situations sound funny and not be ott insulting. I like Billy Connolly...

What about Monty Python?:pac:

RichTea

smurfhousing wrote: »

I get most of my information from Catholic blogs and Zenit and Catholic Voice and other faithful Catholic newspapers. These provide the truth behind the media spin and distortions.

May I ask how you arrived at the opinion that Catholic blogs and newspapers provide the 'truth'?

sensibleken

antiskeptic wrote: »

No need - it's only a small point. Somehow I just doubt that someone would do that - knowing what can happen to those who take the piss out of Mohammed.

undeniably. for a lot of people the point where a joke becomes offensive or racist is when someone else tells a joke about your group of people. Irishmen telling irish jokes, grand. English telling irish jokes, some will take offense. Jewish comedians have a long tradition of mocking jews but its dodgy territory for anyone else. There is a comedy tour called 'Allah made me funny' which i would like to check out

hivizman

sensibleken wrote: »

undeniably. for a lot of people the point where a joke becomes offensive or racist is when someone else tells a joke about your group of people. Irishmen telling irish jokes, grand. English telling irish jokes, some will take offense. Jewish comedians have a long tradition of mocking jews but its dodgy territory for anyone else. There is a comedy tour called 'Allah made me funny' which i would like to check out

Here's a link to "Allah Made Me Funny":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ3owg0jcxo

pts

I remember I was at a Dara O'Briain gig once where he answered the "why don't you make fun of Muslims question". He answer was "Muslims never made me get up early on Sunday mornings", of course it was funnier when he said it, you had to be there.

MrPudding

sensibleken wrote: »

Carr (though i think he's a racist little prick) is from a christian background and will therefore target christianity. Its just making fun of which one your more familiar with.

Carr makes fun of islam in his live shows. He is very restrained on TV, probably for the very good reason that he want to keep working. In his live shows, where he has more (or perhaps all) editorial and production power, he says pretty much what he wants. He will make fun of anything and anyone. He makes a point towards the end of his show to see just how far he can go.

sensibleken wrote: »

I think you just see more of people having a go at christianity because theres more comedians from a christian background

I think this is probably pretty close to the reason. very few non-jewish comedian make jewish jokes.

Actually, I just remembered a segment from "Live form the Apollo" where Paddy Kielty made a joke along the lines of how he liked muslims because they had taken the heat of the Irish in the UK. He then went onto to do a comparison of terrorist technique and how terrorist acts were better if you survived perpetrating them.

Personally I think there is a lot of fear from the editorial and management side of the entertainment industry. It is not inconceivable that an editor or producer who allowed material offensive to muslins to be broadcast, knowing as we do now how severe the reaction can be, could be help legally culpable for damage or injury that resulted from the broadcast. I would not be surprised if a lot of the decisions not to broadcast or publish material deemed to be offensive to muslims were taken on advisement from legal counsel.

MrP

Fighting Irish

hivizman wrote: »

Here's a link to "Allah Made Me Funny":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ3owg0jcxo

i don't find that funny at all, only because it's not funny :pac:

getz

if a person is sure of his/her faith, why would it bother them what anyone else says ?only those who feel unsecure in their faith would be expected to react

cleanup_aisle6

getz wrote: »

if a person is sure of his/her faith, why would it bother them what anyone else says ?only those who feel unsecure in their faith would be expected to react

Not at all getz. Like the example I used before if people kept insulting and mocking your family, or loved ones. You would find that offensive. Also, i wasn't just them insulting our lord that I found it difficult to watch. It's the constant disgusting things they suggest about sex, it really is awful. I gave an example on my last post. I'm not going to repeat t again.

getz

cleanup_aisle6 wrote: »

Not at all getz. Like the example I used before if people kept insulting and mocking your family, or loved ones. You would find that offensive. Also, i wasn't just them insulting our lord that I found it difficult to watch. It's the constant disgusting things they suggest about sex, it really is awful. I gave an example on my last post. I'm not going to repeat t again.

there is nothing done or said on TV that does not upset one religion or another,from the religions who believe it is a sin to watch TV to the religion who believes it OK to kill you if you insult their prophet,i admire your belief ,but the days when the churches did control the masses are long gone,as long as it doesent breach your countries laws you have to except it,if there is something on i dont like ,i dont watch it,but i will not condemn it ,i believe religious morals are a very personal thing,and not one to impose on others

johnfás

getz wrote: »

there is nothing done or said on TV that does not upset one religion or another,from the religions who believe it is a sin to watch TV to the religion who believes it OK to kill you if you insult their prophet,i admire your belief ,but the days when the churches did control the masses are long gone,as long as it doesent breach your countries laws you have to except it,if there is something on i dont like ,i dont watch it,but i will not condemn it ,i believe religious morals are a very personal thing,and not one to impose on others

Why always talk in extremes? I don't think many posters on this thread have suggested that anyone is seeking to legally limit what can be said on television. However, that does not mean that they cannot have an opinion on what they perceive to be a declining or offensive standard which prevails on television. It isn't about imposing values on anybody.

Corkfeen

smurfhousing wrote: »

You have to make a decision donut.

I like Jonathan Ross. I used to watch and enjoy his show on BBC1. I even liked his humour, even when he was being crude.

But I am a Catholic. One cannot stand with one foot on each stool. One will fall. I can't claim to be devoted follower of Christ if I'm also watching these shows.

The only TV I watch now is the secular news (for a brief overview), and EWTN Catholic TV from time to time. I get most of my information from Catholic blogs and Zenit and Catholic Voice and other faithful Catholic newspapers. These provide the truth behind the media spin and distortions.

Once you give TV a break, you see how impure and anti-Christian it really is, and that is without outright mockery or criticism of the faith. You also find your life is better - you are freer and have more time to do worthwhile things, like prayer, reading, walking etc...

If I lived on my own, I wouldn't have a TV. Plus I'd not have to worry about TV licences.

By limiting your media outlets, you are in effect limiting the capacity of your mind and capabilities. Limiting yourself to one version of the news is no better and I assume you probably ignore books that could be deemed anti catholic. The catholic blogs and newspapers have a tendency to either exaggerate and misinform in my personal opinion.

wolfsbane

strobe wrote: »

I take it you have never watched the shows mentioned then?

Only in passing - so I agree I might have missed Mohammed being ridiculed. If you care to give the references, I'll be glad to look them up.
___________________________________________________________________
Matthew 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. 28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.

moonboy52

Some people in this country are so backwards and naive.

The shows mentioned are so funny. Tongue-in-cheek anyone?

The sooner we evolve and get rid of this religion nonsense the better for all mankind!

It certainly is a good time to live in, where freedom of speech takes precedence over religious dogma. (at least in the U.K anyway as here we are still behind the times in many ways)

Fanny Cradock

I suggest you read the charter

moonboy52

My apologies Fanny.

I have read the charter.

Schorpio

I'm sorry, but I don't see why, instead of watching and complaining about these shows, people just don't stop watching them if they're offended by them. There has always been and will always be things on television that are offensive to someone or other.

I'm a fairly religious person, but I can still laugh at myself and I don't care if someone pokes fun at my beliefs. There are a lot worse things that I could be doing. I don't think that finding a joke about my religion funny is the most heinous of crimes.

Rowley Birkin QC

smurfhousing wrote: »

It's already been dumbed down with only the bells ringing, but no direct visual relevance to Catholic Faith.

It's only a matter of time before it is removed altogether.

With any luck it will be sooner rather than later. It has absolutely no place on the national broadcaster.

moonboy52

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

With any luck it will be sooner rather than later. It has absolutely no place on the national broadcaster.

+1

mehfesto

I dont think it's hard to watch at all - or shouldn't be for anyone, really.

I mean if you can't handle TV and what it outputs, why would you bother to sit down and watch it. If I was that easily offended, I'd just avoid it.

I used to be a male nurse, back then I couldn't watch any medical programs without seeing a gay stereotype, or them being subservient to all around them. I just got annoyed and switched over - there's LOADSA channels. I can pick and choose what to watch and what to enjoy. It's a big, big world out there.1

johnfás

mehfesto wrote: »

I dont think it's hard to watch at all - or shouldn't be for anyone, really.

I mean if you can't handle TV and what it outputs, why would you bother to sit down and watch it. If I was that easily offended, I'd just avoid it.

I used to be a male nurse, back then I couldn't watch any medical programs without seeing a gay stereotype, or them being subservient to all around them. I just got annoyed and switched over - there's LOADSA channels. I can pick and choose what to watch and what to enjoy. It's a big, big world out there.1

Again, I don't think that anybody on this thread has suggested otherwise. Nobody has suggested that certain programming should be banned from the television. Posters are simply airing their own opinion as to what is shown on television.

Greaney

Going off on a slight tangent, I go to Greenbelt every year (Christian, non denominational Arts festival, that even non-believers turn up to) and the amount of comedians that are believing Christians is remarkable. All British so far. Nice to see them turn up on comedy programmes on TV (not offensive, not foul mouthed, but not sacharine, dumbed down or unchallaging either).

It's remarkable actually. They're usually the more eccentric ones. And sometimes they even talk about sex by gum!!;)