Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: In the nicest possible way

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  • Geoff Lealand,

    One more time: a great Media 7 last night--Pam Corkery, James Griffin, Bill, Hastings and yourself..

    Would it be possible to take some of the students in my second year television course for an outing, to a taping of Media 7--in a couple of weeks, maybe? If so, how many could I squeeze in?

    Screen & Media Studies, U… • Since Oct 2007 • 2562 posts Report

  • Russell Brown,

    Would it be possible to take some of the students in my second year television course for an outing, to a taping of Media 7--in a couple of weeks, maybe?

    Of course. I'll email you about it.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report

  • Geoff Lealand,

    ..and if I could take the liberty. If Paul Litterick is about, could you email me as I can send you a bunch of photos of an American presence NZ cityscapes from 1985.

    Screen & Media Studies, U… • Since Oct 2007 • 2562 posts Report

  • Steve Barnes,

    but here it is on YouTube, in all its gay, gay glory:

    Not being picky or anything but shouldn't there be a link or something?
    ;-)

    Peria • Since Dec 2006 • 5521 posts Report

  • Geoff Lealand,

    ....'in' NZ cityscapes, that is

    (enough from me today)

    Screen & Media Studies, U… • Since Oct 2007 • 2562 posts Report

  • Russell Brown,

    Not being picky or anything but shouldn't there be a link or something?

    How odd. For some reason the little linky window in the embedded player isn't working.

    But here it is again.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report

  • Michael Holt,

    Well, as an exercise in making the gay community feel better, I'm sure its useful. I guess.

    But telling the anti-gay community "fuck you" is not really going to add any quality to a debate, discussion or effort to create any kind of understanding, is it?

    It would seem that the positions are totally entrenched now, and the only exchange from either side is abuse. Does that make either side better than the other?

    Auckland • Since Jan 2009 • 16 posts Report

  • Emma Hart,

    That's right, Michael, things were going swimmingly, and then the silly marginalised people screwed it up by being all angry. However will we get the calm understanding banjo-ramming homophobes to constructively engage with us now?

    Christchurch • Since Nov 2006 • 4651 posts Report

  • giovanni tiso,

    But telling the anti-gay community "fuck you" is not really going to add any quality to a debate, discussion or effort to create any kind of understanding, is it?

    We should be more understanding of homophobes. Yes.

    It would seem that the positions are totally entrenched now, and the only exchange from either side is abuse. Does that make either side better than the other?

    One side is already better than the other. And the other is going to die off soon - actuarial tables are the LGBT community's best friend. In the meantime, there's no harm in expressing one's feelings.

    Wellington • Since Jun 2007 • 7473 posts Report

  • Tim Hannah,

    This abuse has a catchy tune. That makes it much, much better than the other side.

    And really, all adding quality to debate and creating understanding and no saying "fuck you" makes Jack a dull boy.

    Wellington • Since Jan 2007 • 228 posts Report

  • FletcherB,

    MH, I see your point......

    But also, I think it has value in the "we're not going to take your abuse any more" message....

    It's not just to help gays feel better, it helps bolster the resolve of "the middle ground" who are neither gay, nor anti-gay, but maybe need a little nudging into rejecting or standing against the anti-gay.

    And it also helps those who are not (yet) hateful, but are bought up in families or parts of society that espouse those views, to see the bigotry for what it is, and that it's wrong.

    You dont have to be the target of all those "fuck-you"s unless you want to be, and maybe hearing how it makes others feel will help you not decide to stand there?

    West Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 893 posts Report

  • Craig Ranapia,

    But telling the anti-gay community "fuck you" is not really going to add any quality to a debate, discussion or effort to create any kind of understanding, is it?

    It would seem that the positions are totally entrenched now, and the only exchange from either side is abuse. Does that make either side better than the other?

    The funny thing is, Michael, you've got a point -- with the gay-marriage debate in the US (and polls suggesting that more and more people are seeing DADT for the dangerous farce it always was), there's ample evidence that when you lower your voice, and are willing to get all the way out of your comfort zone. Screeching at the converted has its limits.

    OTOH, and IMNSHO, a hearty "fuck you" is all someone like Jerry Fallwell -- who waited a seemly 24 hours to blame the 9/11 attacks on teh gayz as a magnet for God's lousy aim-- deserves. You compare me and my partner of 14 years to a child molester or someone who fucks animals, damn right I'm going to get pissed.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report

  • Michael Holt,

    I really enjoy your posts Emma. But the language of polemic has never, in my small reading of history, resulted in an outcome that moved forward without further damaging both sides (and often a lot of folk in the middle).

    I'm sympathetic, and agree with letting everyone live life their own way. I just don't see how saying "fuck you" to anyone does anything but add to the conflict... whether accompanied by silky a pop tune or a banjo.

    Auckland • Since Jan 2009 • 16 posts Report

  • Craig Ranapia,

    And the other is going to die off soon - actuarial tables are the LGBT community's best friend.

    Sigh... just let me put some Dusty on the stereo - Wishin' and Hopin' I think, because it would be damn nice if that was true but I've got my doubts.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report

  • giovanni tiso,

    Sigh... just let me put some Dusty on the stereo - Wishin' and Hopin' I think, because it would be damn nice if that was true but I've got my doubts.

    Take it away, Mr. Silver.

    (Not saying he's gospel, or that it's necessarily as easy as that, but broadly speaking I do think that on this time is a friend. A friend with benefits, even.)

    Wellington • Since Jun 2007 • 7473 posts Report

  • Emma Hart,

    But also, I think it has value in the "we're not going to take your abuse any more" message....

    It's not just to help gays feel better, it helps bolster the resolve of "the middle ground" who are neither gay, nor anti-gay, but maybe need a little nudging into rejecting or standing against the anti-gay.

    Indeed, most of the people who've picked this up off me, reposted it, told me how much they love it and how GOOD it makes them feel are straight.

    What you seem to be saying, Michael, is that the marginalised people must ALWAYS be calm and reasonable. That they're never allowed to talk about how angry they are in case they 'damage their cause by being angry'. (Am I quoting Derailing for Dummies now? Yes I am.)

    This is not all there is. But y'know, everything Fletcher said, and if it makes a few activists feel not quite so isolated, and more energised, then actually yes it has achieved something.

    Christchurch • Since Nov 2006 • 4651 posts Report

  • Angus Robertson,

    Her most recent effort is dedicated to Sarah Palin, working-class hero, and incorporates sycophantic "letters" from fans, real or imaginary. The actual Salon reader letters are here.

    For comparison to the Salon there is a good debate about the ongoing Sarah Palin is Evil hatefest phenomena at this feminist's site.

    Auckland • Since May 2007 • 984 posts Report

  • Michael Holt,

    Ah well there it is then Emma. I'd have thought of myself as being fairly reasonable in my views, not at all judgmental and I offered a comment only surrounding the value of telling someone "fuck you". In doing so, I seem to have attracted your ire. I'm sorry about that, but not in saying that I think abuse tends to lead to more abuse and further, it doesn't attract supporters in the main. I understand what others have said too, and am not in a position to disagree with anyone. But if you can take issue with me over a fairly reasonable comment in a place like this, then I can only say that this supports my earlier point... that you're already at war and the only person you'll agree with, is the person that agrees with you.

    Auckland • Since Jan 2009 • 16 posts Report

  • Craig Ranapia,

    The annoying thing about Paglia's One Woman Palin Fan Club is that there's a grain of a point in there -- I'd rather focus on her politics and record than her appearance. (You know, the same courtesy paid to Hillary Clinton.) Just as I have no water to carry for Ann Coulter, but have to wonder if internet trolls calling her a "cunt" or "ugly drag queen" who needs a good fucking (all while calling her a bigot, naturally) had any sense of irony at all.

    But I have to laugh at the born-again feminists on the rabid right though...

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report

  • Rik,

    Does Simon Pound really talk the way he does on Media7 or is that just his "TV presenter" voice? Very weird...other than that, great show last night.

    Even better - great weather for a MTB ride. I also am amazed at the technology every time I get on my latest bike with hydraulic disc brakes, full suspension, etc. They didn't make 'em like that when I was a lad!

    Since Jun 2007 • 130 posts Report

  • Just thinking,

    Lily Allens song raises the spirits of the oppressed other (being gay)and dismisses the validity of the attacks they experience.

    The limit to dialogue comes in around the time that one party wants the other party not to exist (rather than Lily wanting bigots to change their mind or grow a heart). Not all views are equal or valid.

    Putaringamotu • Since Apr 2009 • 1158 posts Report

  • giovanni tiso,

    In doing so, I seem to have attracted your ire.

    You appear to have a very broad definition of ire.

    Wellington • Since Jun 2007 • 7473 posts Report

  • Hilary Stace,

    Can I threadjack to advertise another media event? - a short but fascinating social history documentary about how urban design affects community.
    Marie Russell's short documentary "A place to stay" about Salisbury Garden Court, in Wadestown, Wellington, has its premier tomorrow, Saturday, 11 July, 11.30 am at the Paramount Theatre, Courtenay Place, gold coin entry.

    Wgtn • Since Jun 2008 • 3229 posts Report

  • Russell Brown,

    Indeed, most of the people who've picked this up off me, reposted it, told me how much they love it and how GOOD it makes them feel are straight.

    And why wouldn't they? Is anybody in that video not smiling?

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report

  • Russell Brown,

    But if you can take issue with me over a fairly reasonable comment in a place like this,

    Errm ... taking issue with other people's comments is encouraged here.

    then I can only say that this supports my earlier point... that you're already at war and the only person you'll agree with, is the person that agrees with you.

    You're not going to go all victim on us, are you Michael?

    I mean, "at war"? Do the people in that video look like they're at war?

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report

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