Opinion: Idol Judge's outburst - Too much censorship?
October 11th 2006 08:13
Idol judge, Kyle Sandilands created outrage once again.
A few weeks ago, Kyle called Idol contestant, Bobby Flynn, a “full mong”. I had heard the word before, but did not understand its meaning. After reading a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, I understood why it caused so much controversy.
‘Mong’ is an abbreviation of the word, “mongoloid” which has been used to describe people with Down syndrome.
Down Syndrome Association of Queensland president Anna Magnus demanded that Sandilands apologise for his comments. She claimed that parents of children with Down syndrome had been contacting her organisation with complaints.
Politicians were also deeply offended by the comments.
In defense, Kyle’s manager, Ryan Wellington, said that Sandilands did not mean the word as a derogatory term. He used it as a slang word and did not realise its history as an offensive word.
This brings up a critical question. Does Kyle deserve to be hit with this public cry? Is T.V. censorship over-exaggerated?
I understand that parents of disabled children may be offended, or at least wierded out by these comments, but Anna Magnus’ argument is based on the fact that Kyle’s comments were offensive and not suitable for a popular TV show that young people watch.
Before reading about it, I had no idea what the word “mong” meant. Not to sound vain (though I do love myself and think I am king of the world), I think I’m well-educated. Tell me, if I don’t understand what “mong” is, will the little teeny boppers who watch Idol? Most likely not, though there are exceptions.
My point is that I don’t see how he is setting a bad example. I do understand where the other side is coming from, but you can’t expect reality shows to be all pretty and pink. Where’s the reality in that?
Take care and peace out…
Kyle Sandilands: Australian Idol Judge (the big, ugly, nasty one)
A few weeks ago, Kyle called Idol contestant, Bobby Flynn, a “full mong”. I had heard the word before, but did not understand its meaning. After reading a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, I understood why it caused so much controversy.
‘Mong’ is an abbreviation of the word, “mongoloid” which has been used to describe people with Down syndrome.
Down Syndrome Association of Queensland president Anna Magnus demanded that Sandilands apologise for his comments. She claimed that parents of children with Down syndrome had been contacting her organisation with complaints.
Politicians were also deeply offended by the comments.
In defense, Kyle’s manager, Ryan Wellington, said that Sandilands did not mean the word as a derogatory term. He used it as a slang word and did not realise its history as an offensive word.
This brings up a critical question. Does Kyle deserve to be hit with this public cry? Is T.V. censorship over-exaggerated?
I understand that parents of disabled children may be offended, or at least wierded out by these comments, but Anna Magnus’ argument is based on the fact that Kyle’s comments were offensive and not suitable for a popular TV show that young people watch.
Before reading about it, I had no idea what the word “mong” meant. Not to sound vain (though I do love myself and think I am king of the world), I think I’m well-educated. Tell me, if I don’t understand what “mong” is, will the little teeny boppers who watch Idol? Most likely not, though there are exceptions.
My point is that I don’t see how he is setting a bad example. I do understand where the other side is coming from, but you can’t expect reality shows to be all pretty and pink. Where’s the reality in that?
Take care and peace out…
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Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Anonymous 2
Comment by Dan
He is working within the context of Australian Idol. He is a judge, and Bobby Flynn is a contestant. Naturaly, the act of talking down on someone (ortheperception of that) will happen because a judge is required to be critical towards a contestant.
Another thingsm that people fail to mention, is that Kyle didn't say he thinks Bobby is a 'mong' but rather said that other people either loveh im or think he's a 'mong'.
TEchnicaly he is not talking down because he is not expressing himself as above bobby.. Rather saying that other people might do so.
Comment by Anon
Dont you know of anyone that says someone else is shit or talks them down? Im sure uve been talked down to before, someone saying you were shit at something.
Or even perhaps you have done it to others, and then just referring it to as just a joke. Im just saying those jokes go too far and people start to feel uncomfortable.
I only write this comment for those who either are the bullies or the bullied. Like seriously, noone likes to be talked down. Like what if i said your blog was shit, how would you feel? how would you feel if i said u dont have a life because u spend allyour time bloggin this stuff everyday, how would you feel?(p.s not that i think your blog is shit, i think its excellent, ive never seen anything like this before and my friends from my school in Queensland think the same, your information is very updated and i find myself getting all my gossip from your blog).
I say you have to think about the other person's feelings before you ever say anything like this.
Anyways keep up the good work, on behalf of the girls at Gap State High Scool Queensland.
Comment by Dan
ON TOPIC:
Yes I understand what you mean. I definitely know the feeling of being talked down to. Not a very good feeling if I say so.
Like I said, Idol is a different context. And to be fair to Kyle, he is obviously playing up a predetermined role that has been filled by Dicko and Simon Cowell etc. It's just a part of the Idol format. And yes it sucks, I don't particularly like Kyle (well I don't like the character he plays on idol and on his radio show).
Comment by Anon
Yeah it isnt a very good feeling being talked down to, thats why i try my best to never talk anyone down even when i know its a joke, and i think all people should do so aswell.
I was reading your previous blogs and it says you just started skateboarding. My brother skateboards and im just getting into it but he wont teach me because he says im a slow learner. Any tips? Since were both starting off.
Ive noticed that you have written so many blogs but you havent quite written one introducing yourself with a proper picture of yourself. My friends and i would really like to see the man behind this creative informative art.
SHOW US YOUR PICTURE! (that was my friend hehehe)
From Jess
Comment by Dan
Check out my first ever blog entry. There's no picture or anything, but I do mention my background and my hopes and dreams, so to speak haha.
I'll tell you what... email me at dmi.x@2die4.com...
We can have a little chat about skateboarding, and you might be able to see a pic or two of me.
Take care and peace out...
Comment by Anon E Mouse