BBC Radio 1 ain’t fucking around when it comes to the word “faggot”. Radio 2, however, sings a different tune:
BBC Radio 1 has said it will stand by its ban on the word “faggot” from the Pogues’ 1987 Christmas hit Fairytale of New York to avoid offense.
…
The ban does not apply across the BBC. Radio 2 said it would be playing the full version of the track.
Listeners have had mixed reactions. While one gay fan described Radio 1’s ban as “offensive,” gay activist Peter Tatchell called Radio 2’s full play “shameful”.
Bah humbug!
jdixon
This is just ridiculous, Stop being so damned sensitive people. I would certainly not bo by Peter Tatchell, he’s a total looney.
hells kitchen guy
PC run amock. Tachtell’s a good guy, but he’s starting to seem like he’s got too much time on his hands.
praenomenal
Gah, I love that song, I admit when I hear the line in question for a split second I think about it. Actually I think it is good that it makes me pause, we should not hide from everything.
Ahhh Pouges.
John Santos
From Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairytale_of_New_York
“Although the song finished 1987 as the #48 song based on a single month’s sales, it was denied the Christmas #1 spot by the Pet Shop Boys’ cover of “Always on My Mind”. MacGowan commented on this in his typically forthright manner: ‘We were beaten by two queens and a drum machine.'”
If MacGowan could be that ignorant about another band, clearly the “faggot” comment was meant as homophobic, therefore I agree with the ban. Although BBC2 not using the censored version does not surprise me, considering they continue to employ anti-gay DJ’s.
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/tm_objectid=16756550&method=full&siteid=50082&headline=bbc-accused-over–negative-gay-attitudes–name_page.html
And Peter hits the nail on the head with this comment:
“It is shameful that BBC Radio 2 and other radio and TV stations are continuing to play the full version with the word faggot included. It shows that they don’t take homophobic language as seriously as racist language.”
Jason
I suspect the most likely reason for the inclusion of the word “faggot” is that it rhymes with “maggot”.
Puddy Katz
its a great song, play it as it is or sod off, you wanker