TV shows and gay remarks

LegacyUser · 02-09-2011 4:53pm #1

Looking for a bit of advice here. I was flicking through channels last night and ended up watching Mrs. Brown's Boys on either RTE 1 or 2, can't remember which. The episode seemed to revolve around the fact that the protagonist's son is gay and how she was the last to find out. The lead character made a comment about the her son being gay by referring to homosexuality as "his illness". I'm not sure if I'm on my own, but I found this to be rather offensive. To be fair another character did protest that homosexuality isn't an illness but to be honest I still don't think that line should have been included. Is it just me or what does everyone else thing? Is it worth complaining to RTE about?

Sonics2k · 03-09-2011 9:16am

It's really not something to over-react to, it's a script of a TV show meant in a non-offensive manner.

Also let's not forget that Mrs Brown is infact played by a man Brendan O'Carroll.

L1011 · 03-09-2011 10:17am

If its faithful to the books, it is also 1972 or so. I've not managed to stomach ten seconds of the TV show to check though.

youngblood · 03-09-2011 10:48am

From what I can gather its most def firmly set in the present day
and Mrs Browns son is the Gayest of all the gays-bitchy,dramatic etc total stereotype.

I dont think its intentional, the man who plays him is actually gay, but the character is there as a stereotype for comedic purposes, its a pity really cos brendan o carroll couldve done something really good for gay characters on tv, yet just went for the easy route and depicted a total flamer

WonderWoman! · 03-09-2011 11:24am

Oh ffs get over it it's mrs browns boys , shes an elderly woman like most elderly people she doesn't understand it ,

People like you make my blood boil if people got so uptight about everything there'd be no comedy at all

If you can laugh at yourself you will be a much happier person , first you have to be truly comfortable in your own skin to laugh at yourself .
Life is to short to get anal over things

Azure_sky · 03-09-2011 1:06pm

WonderWoman! wrote: »

Life is to short to get anal over things

Must--resist---urge---:pac:

L.Jenkins · 03-09-2011 4:10pm

Azure_sky wrote: »

Must--resist---urge---:pac:

Left herself wide open for that one :P

WonderWoman! · 03-09-2011 4:12pm

ItsThatManAgain wrote: »

Left herself wide open for that one :P

about as open as you on a Saturday night

L.Jenkins · 03-09-2011 4:13pm

WonderWoman! wrote: »

about as open as you on a Saturday night

Just like AIB on a bank holiday :P

WonderWoman! · 03-09-2011 4:14pm

ItsThatManAgain wrote: »

Just like AIB on a bank holiday :P

seriously we're a bunch of filthy bitches now

plein de force · 03-09-2011 4:15pm

i'm far more offended that that show passes as comedy to some people

WonderWoman! · 03-09-2011 4:17pm

It's alright but a bit too "Irish" for me

L.Jenkins · 03-09-2011 4:20pm

WonderWoman! wrote: »

seriously we're a bunch of filthy bitches now

So you both are having a good time then

plein de force wrote: »

i'm far more offended that that show passes as comedy to some people

Most will laugh at pretty much anything, sadly! The toilet humour that passes for comedy today is unreal.

WonderWoman! · 03-09-2011 4:23pm

ItsThatManAgain wrote: »

So you both are having a good time then

only 35% of my week spent outside the house . what do you think?;)

L.Jenkins · 03-09-2011 4:27pm

You could go online and have your groceries home delivered :P That would keep you in longer!

WonderWoman! · 03-09-2011 4:30pm

ItsThatManAgain wrote: »

You could go online and have your groceries home delivered :P That would keep you in longer!

I think I'll pass I'm already in bits

L.Jenkins · 03-09-2011 4:32pm

Ha. I won't ask what you were at!

WonderWoman! · 03-09-2011 4:32pm

ItsThatManAgain wrote: »

Ha. I won't ask what you were at!

It's probably best you don't;)

L.Jenkins · 03-09-2011 4:34pm

Great to hear it's going well though!

WonderWoman! · 03-09-2011 4:36pm

anyhow back on Topic

Mrs Brown Is supposed to depict a stereotypical Irish "mammy" but If you ask me they need to be less stereotypical and hire some decent actors

L.Jenkins · 03-09-2011 4:37pm

Oh sure my mum is the same. No concept of transsexuality with the humour.

Azure_sky · 03-09-2011 6:56pm

plein de force wrote: »

i'm far more offended that that show passes as comedy to some people

On a serious note; I never watched/listened to that show but from what I gathered from this thread it seems Brendon is taking the piss out of the out of date conservatives if anything.

door · 03-09-2011 7:05pm

It is completely unacceptable to be making any jokes at the expense of gay people anymore. There was a time black people were the butt of jokes but would you see that any longer? The gollywog jokes, the minstrals? If it is done, it is done with absolute irony but making jokes about gay people, singling out a gay person for a few cheap laughs is not to be tolerated. Of course no talent Brendan O'Carroll has always relied on cheap jokes and RTE is run by old conservatives.

WonderWoman! · 03-09-2011 7:14pm

door wrote: »

It is completely unacceptable to be making any jokes at the expense of gay people anymore. There was a time black people were the butt of jokes but would you see that any longer? The gollywog jokes, the minstrals? If it is done, it is done with absolute irony but making jokes about gay people, singling out a gay person for a few cheap laughs is not to be tolerated. Of course no talent Brendan O'Carroll has always relied on cheap jokes and RTE is run by old conservatives.

Actually there are plenty of jokes made about black people and about white people so you my friend have no point there
there are jokes made about different races because they accept its just comedy why do people like you always look for a bandwagon to jump on just to shout homophobia or racism .
You don't wanna enjoy comedy then go be miserable , but don't except fun loving others to join you

Sonics2k · 03-09-2011 8:18pm

door wrote: »

It is completely unacceptable to be making any jokes at the expense of gay people anymore. There was a time black people were the butt of jokes but would you see that any longer? The gollywog jokes, the minstrals? If it is done, it is done with absolute irony but making jokes about gay people, singling out a gay person for a few cheap laughs is not to be tolerated. Of course no talent Brendan O'Carroll has always relied on cheap jokes and RTE is run by old conservatives.

If you really think Brendan O'Carroll of all people is homophobic, you should probably do some actual research before making an accusation.

Also one of the lead actor's is gay I know for sure, as are a number of others involved in the show (I believe it was one of the Writers).

In short. Grow up and stop looking for offence where it doesn't exist.

WonderWoman! · 03-09-2011 9:10pm

Sonics2k wrote: »

In short. Grow up and stop looking for offence where it doesn't exist.

Someone who reads my mind !!!!!!

baby and crumble · 03-09-2011 9:28pm

Actually I think it's probably more trying to make fun of people who think thing gay is an illness.

Same as Tommy Tiernan and most of his jokes about people with disabilities. If you listen, they're most making fun of people who call them stupid or whatever.

Now, I hate Mrs. Browns boys, just FYI.

unfortunately · 04-09-2011 8:57am

Hey OP, I think you can get a cream on prescription now for thin-skin.

The fact that you are questioning whether to complain or not suggests that is probably isn't that offensive. And if it is offensive so what? It is a comedy show (apparently) and the joke was made for laughs. He wasn't decreeing that it was a scientific fact that is absolutely true. As said before, the fact that this show was ever produced is probably the most offence thing about this situation.

And on a general note; who are these people who complain to broadcasters? I have never felt, watching a programme, that I should inform RTE or whoever that I found it distasteful or not. If I don't like something I turn over to the other side.

The only valid complaints should be about factual inaccuracies in the news or documentaries.

Sonics2k · 04-09-2011 9:00am

unfortunately wrote: »

And on a general note; who are these people who complain to broadcasters? I have never felt, watching a programme, that I should inform RTE or whoever that I found it distasteful or not. If I don't like something I turn over to the other side.

Oh I dunno. I was tempted to call in when I first saw Ryan Tubridy's face on my T.V. :pac:

WonderWoman! · 04-09-2011 11:43am

Sonics2k wrote: »

Oh I dunno. I was tempted to call in when I first saw Ryan Tubridy's face on my T.V. :pac:

Haha I was over loaded with urge then

Annasopra · 04-09-2011 11:57am

Folks - please argue the point and don't descend into personalized comments.

door · 07-09-2011 8:59pm

WonderWoman! wrote: »

Actually there are plenty of jokes made about black people and about white people so you my friend have no point there
there are jokes made about different races because they accept its just comedy u

First off, why the vicious attitude? and secondly, read my bit referring to irony before you comment please. You said because "they accept its just comedy". Yes, like I said, its ironic in that regard. However it depends on how it is portrayed. I saw the Brendan O'Carroll episode and that was not irony.

door · 07-09-2011 9:03pm

Sonics2k wrote: »

If you really think Brendan O'Carroll of all people is homophobic, you should probably do some actual research before making an accusation.

Also one of the lead actor's is gay I know for sure, as are a number of others involved in the show (I believe it was one of the Writers).

In short. Grow up and stop looking for offence where it doesn't exist.

You don't seem to understand when it comes to critical analysis that even if the writer doesn't mean to be homophobic it is still a form of homophobia. I never claimed Brendan O'Carroll was homophobic. Also, because an actor is gay on the show, so what? I know loads of fellow gay people who dont do anything to stand up for gay rights or know they are being treated as second class citizens. So many gay people I know follow the stereotype of being wimpy and allow to be treated like crap. That episode made me uncomfortable when I watched it with straight people who arent the most accepting. Things like that have to stop. You clearly have no education in political correctness so YOU grow up!

WonderWoman! · 07-09-2011 9:07pm

door wrote: »

First off, why the vicious attitude? and secondly, read my bit referring to irony before you comment please. You said because "they accept its just comedy". Yes, like I said, its ironic in that regard. However it depends on how it is portrayed. I saw the Brendan O'Carroll episode and that was not irony.

Viscious attitude is because I am tired of people like you trying to rip the fun out of everything .

As for arguing I can't be bothered wasting time on you because lord knows how you'll find some way to call me a racist or something :rolleyes:

door · 07-09-2011 9:08pm

WonderWoman! wrote: »

Viscious attitude is because I am tired of people like you trying to rip the fun out of everything .

As for arguing I can't be bothered wasting time on you because lord knows how you'll find some way to call me a racist or something :rolleyes:

Mrs Browns Boys Fun? Dear Jesus! *face palm*

WonderWoman! · 07-09-2011 9:14pm

Not mrs browns boys - your sorts prey on anything like a vulture waiting to suck the fun out by shouting discrimination at anything remotely controversial

door · 07-09-2011 9:22pm

WonderWoman! wrote: »

Not mrs browns boys - your sorts prey on anything like a vulture waiting to suck the fun out by shouting discrimination at anything remotely controversial

My sort? You dont know anything about me! I stand up for gay rights. I live in a world where gay people are treated like ****. Maybe everything is sunshine and blue skies for you but I understand the depths of what causes blatant homophobia in society. I understand irony and I can enjoy Politically incorrect humour when I know its ironic but I saw no irony in this isolated incident. So get off your high horse and stop your campaign of hatred against everybody you dont agree with.

WonderWoman! · 07-09-2011 9:27pm

Having been thrashed about when I first came out I do know homophobia actually but I'm not even bothered anymore
Bottom line is IMHO you just can't take a joke !

I'm not even going to continue this argument

Sonics2k · 07-09-2011 9:29pm

door wrote: »

You don't seem to understand when it comes to critical analysis that even if the writer doesn't mean to be homophobic it is still a form of homophobia. I never claimed Brendan O'Carroll was homophobic. Also, because an actor is gay on the show, so what? I know loads of fellow gay people who dont do anything to stand up for gay rights or know they are being treated as second class citizens. So many gay people I know follow the stereotype of being wimpy and allow to be treated like crap. That episode made me uncomfortable when I watched it with straight people who arent the most accepting. Things like that have to stop. You clearly have no education in political correctness so YOU grow up!

You question my political correctness, whilst complaining about a tiny comment on a T.V. show. What about free speech?

How about this m'dear.
Do you not find it odd that you appear to be the only one making a big deal out of this comment, whilst the rest of this forum are in agreement it was a harmless joke.

Here's a great way to get over being treated like a second-class citizen. Stop making a big deal out of tiny matter that were never intended to be offensive.

Considering the one major issue the LGBT community is really being treated as second class citizen on is certain inheritance, adoption and marriage rights.
Why not focus our attention on that matter and get it sorted before worrying about a joke on a bloody RTE T.V. show.

The single biggest problem with controversy, is people who cause controversy when there is none.

Christ I know Jews who can take Holocaust jokes, and you get offended by a comment Brenden O'Carroll makes while wearing full drag.

Just because you did not like it or find it funny, does not mean it was homophobic.

Sonics2k · 07-09-2011 9:30pm

door wrote: »

My sort? You dont know anything about me! I stand up for gay rights. I live in a world where gay people are treated like ****. Maybe everything is sunshine and blue skies for you but I understand the depths of what causes blatant homophobia in society. I understand irony and I can enjoy Politically incorrect humour when I know its ironic but I saw no irony in this isolated incident. So get off your high horse and stop your campaign of hatred against everybody you dont agree with.

door wrote: »

So get off your high horse and stop your campaign of hatred against everybody you dont agree with.

Ironic post is wonderfully ironic.

door · 07-09-2011 9:56pm

Sonics2k wrote: »

Ironic post is wonderfully ironic.

We could go around in circles all day with our own different point of views. Just accept that people can see the world a whole lot differently. Like 'mango salsa' said, "don't descend into personalized comments". I issued my point of view and received attacks. Now just grow up and let that be the end of it!

KnifeWRENCH · 07-09-2011 10:31pm

door wrote: »

My sort? You dont know anything about me! I stand up for gay rights. I live in a world where gay people are treated like ****. Maybe everything is sunshine and blue skies for you but I understand the depths of what causes blatant homophobia in society.

Gay people are treated like **** in places like Iran and Saudi Arabia. If you think gay people are treated like **** over here (I'm sure some are but I'm talking in general) then you need to develop a thicker skin for yourself.
And do you honestly think blatant homophobia in society is caused by the likes of silly jokes in sitcoms? I really don't think you understand these "depths" at all tbh.

door wrote: »

We could go around in circles all day with our own different point of views. Just accept that people can see the world a whole lot differently. Like 'mango salsa' said, "don't descend into personalized comments". I issued my point of view and received attacks. Now just grow up and let that be the end of it!

Heh, you rebuke someone for descending into personal comments and then tell them to grow up. The ironing is delicious.

Annasopra · 07-09-2011 10:47pm

Locking this now as my warning above was not heeded

TV shows and gay remarks

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