British Comedy Guide

Racist comedian Page 3

Quote: Jess Harper @ August 15 2009, 9:39 PM BST

One day, white people might realise that black people don't want to be associated with gollywogs, whatever the context. But I'm not holding my breath.

I'm Welsh and would prefer not being associated with people who 'love' woolly animals, I'd much rather swap that for having an association with a famous cartoon character that brought happiness to lots of families. But I don't have a chip on my shoulder about it.

Anyway, referring to the oppressive masses as 'white people' disqualifies you from any kind of racist plea, and that's without even going down the road of asking why you think you of all people represent the entire African-origin people's opinion. Because you don't.

Anyway, I thought the sketch could be be smoother without the heckler. Maybe it could be something like this:

INT. COMEDY CLUB. NIGHT.

A COMEDIAN IS ONSTAGE, NEXT TO A SMALL TABLE WITH A BAG ON IT.

COMEDIAN:
...and Paddy says (BAD IRISH ACCENT) that's no potato, that's my penis!

THERE'S AN EMBARRASSING SILENCE. THE COMEDIAN CLEARS HIS THROAT.

COMEDIAN:
Didn't like that one eh? Never mind, you'll love this... (RUMMAGING IN BAG) Ladies and gentlemen, Mr Al Jolson.

HE TAKES OUT A BLACK STOCKING MASK AND PULLS IT ON. IT HAS TWO WHITE CARDBOARD EYES AND A BIG SMILING STICK-ON MOUTH. HE TURNS TO THE AUDIENCE AND WAGGLES HIS HANDS.

COMEDIAN:
Mammy!

DEADLY SILENCE GREETS THE COMEDIAN:

COMEDIAN:
Oh come on!

CUT TO A WIDER SHOT OF THE AUDIENCE. THEY'RE ALL WEARING IDENTICAL BLACK STOCKING MASKS. THEY ARE ALL FOLDING THEIR ARMS AND HAVE BIG ANGRY WHITE CARDBOARD EYES AND FROWNY STICK-ON MOUTHS (A FEW HAVE SHOCKED EYES AND MOUTHS).

END SKETCH

Hope you don't mind :)

I think the important thing to remember is who the joke is on. In the end this joke doesn't have a real target; it's just silly. I don't see it as about racism or race.

You could change the details of the characters in the sketch (as all the examples here prove) and it's still a silly gag.

Quote: Marc P @ August 16 2009, 1:40 AM BST

White people?

My mum's mixed race, so I guess that rules me out?

Quote: andyroo @ August 16 2009, 12:34 PM BST

I'm Welsh and would prefer not being associated with people who 'love' woolly animals, I'd much rather swap that for having an association with a famous cartoon character that brought happiness to lots of families.

Image

Solved.

Ah, but that's Shaun the Sheep. He's probably Irish....

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ August 16 2009, 1:06 PM BST

Ah, but that's Shaun the Sheep. He's probably Irish....

Nah, Shaun in the Anglicised spelling. In Irish it's spelled "Padraich".

Quote: Jess Harper @ August 16 2009, 12:57 PM BST
Image

Solved.

Racist

Quote: Kevin Murphy @ August 16 2009, 1:13 PM BST

Nah, Shaun in the Anglicised spelling. In Irish it's spelled "Padraich".

Or Sean?

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ August 16 2009, 1:20 PM BST

Or Sean?

Don't be ridiculous.

Quote: Jess Harper @ August 15 2009, 9:39 PM BST

One day, white people might realise that black people don't want to be associated with gollywogs, whatever the context. But I'm not holding my breath.

EDIT:

One day, a small number of ignorant people might realise that black people don't want to be associated with gollywogs, whatever the context.

Why do you think all 'black' people think the same way as you and why do you think you qualify to generalise their opinions? I wouldn't try and tell you what everyone who live on my street thought in one generalised comment let alone an entire denomination of humanity!

EDIT: During the Thatcher/Gollywog scandal, BBC Radio 2 had a call in discussion thing asking the public opinion on the matter. A well spoken middle aged lady called to say she thought that the Gollywog was no harm to anyone whatsoever, it was merely a cartoon character. Oh yes, and she was also black. So I think you may need to have another meeting with all the black people that you think you represent and discuss the words you are putting into their mouths before your spread any more divisive commentary.

Well Jess makes a very vaild point. I don't see how it really relates to the comments I initially made, so I hope it wasn't in relation to them.

Quote: Jess Harper @ August 16 2009, 12:57 PM BST
Image

Solved.

Up to your same tricks again I see!

Rolling eyes

Quote: andyroo @ August 16 2009, 1:51 PM BST

Why do you think all 'black' people think the same way as you and why do you think you qualify to generalise their opinions?

Normally I don't like to generalise. But on this occasion, I think I can.

Most black people do not want any association with the word gollywog.

Quote: random @ August 16 2009, 2:21 PM BST

Up to your same tricks again I see!

Rolling eyes

I was reminded of someone else too...

If you have worries, PM a mod! Try not to do it on thread... :)

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