Quote: Jess Harper @ August 16 2009, 1:44 PM BSTEDIT:
One day, a small number of ignorant people might realise that black people don't want to be associated with gollywogs, whatever the context.
Admit it Jess, there are so many jokes in the black communities about white honkeys....and I should know my brother-in-laws black!!
Quote: andyroo @ August 16 2009, 6:23 PM BSTThis conversation didn't crop up in the Hitler's Lost His Jews thread which could be interpreted just as badly,
Don't try to drag me into this, honky.
Quote: Jess Harper @ August 15 2009, 9:39 PM BSTOne 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.
One day, white people might realise that black people don't want to be associated with Robertson's Jam, whatever the context.
Quote: Lee Henman @ August 16 2009, 5:43 PM BSTJane can you tell me what it is about the sketch that makes you uncomfortable? Regardless of whether or not you find it funny, what exactly is it that makes you cringe?
Hi Lee
To reiterate I only said it made me uncomfortable rather than to accuse anyone of racism or it being cringeworthy even. I do get your perspective on this. We know the topic is a can of worms and as someone else said, who's to decide if something is offensive? No-one ever agrees.
As you've asked for specifics though I'd say this bit probably:
"HE TAKES OUT A BLACK STOCKING MASK AND PULLS IT ON. IT HAS TWO WHITE CARDBOARD EYES AND A BIG STICK-ON MOUTH. HE TURNS TO THE AUDIENCE AND WAGGLES HIS HANDS."
It takes me back to some genuinely racist comedy/ behaviour from the 70s.
So in that sense it's partly a personal reaction for me. Whether I'm 'right' or 'wrong' the whole 'blacking up' for laughs in whatever context will always make me uncomfortable.
I'm happy to agree to disagree on this one though.
JP
ps I also have the same suspicions about someone on here. Maybe I should PM someone.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ August 16 2009, 5:48 PM BSTTo be fair we've all seen posts on this message board that are racist.
I agree with Dolly, don't worry about the racism in this sketch...
Quote: Morrace @ August 16 2009, 6:48 PM BSTOne day, white people might realise that black people don't want to be associated with Robertson's Jam, whatever the context.
Mmm jam.
Quote: Morrace @ August 16 2009, 6:48 PM BSTOne day, white people might realise that black people don't want to be associated with Robertson's Jam, whatever the context.
Yeah, Hartley's is much better. 
To clarify: I said the sketch made me uncomfortable because Al Jolson is a controversial figure associated with 'blacking-up'. I could have kept quiet, but I'm entitled to my opinion too.
I'm glad that Lee valued my opinion enough to explain the sketch. I'm happy that there was no intended racism, I never said there was. But we if don't challenge each other we end up being surrounded by 'yes men' who are only agreeing with each other to ensure they get good feedback on their material.
Lee, I'm not sure what you're planning on doing with the sketch, but I'd be interested in hearing the feedback you recieve from the industry.
Going to close this for a bit. Like, innit bruv.
P.S. Bye bye.
It is generally site policy to not go into details of bannings as they are considered to be a private matter between the website and the individual concerned. However, as a small number of members have requested confirmation, Jess Harper has been banned after accessing the website through proxy servers. In accordance with the message board rules, this is considered to be indicative of trolling and dealt with thusly.