Silly Season is here

[caddyman]

Do you remember when people generally had a sense of humour? I think I do, though it seems like a very long time ago. These days it seems that there is a sub group of society that simply sits in front of the TV or radio with a notebook and pen just waiting to be offended so that they can complain.

Now I’m not suggesting that people shouldn’t complain if they find something truly offensive, but I am beginning to think that there are people out there with artificially thin skins who are pre-offended and simply looking for an excuse to torpedo someone in the media. The latest example of the trend that peaked with the Ross/Brand issue last year is of course that other easy target, Jeremy Clarkson. On the last episode of the current season of Top Gear the team made spoof adverts for VW and he ended up with the tongue-in-cheek tagline of “Berlin to Warsaw on one tank”; war references sell, see.

Cue German outrage (oh dear, the same people who complained about Spitfire bitter as I recall) and the usual breast-beating from professional complainers.

Clearly there is nothing important happening in the world.

Comments

[pauln.livejournal.com]

Cf this article in the Grauniad, which is unfortunately an example of just the stereotype with which that worthy organ is parodied.


(edited for tryping...)

[bluesman.livejournal.com]

These people are worse in America, probably because there are so many more of the babies.

[failing-angel.livejournal.com]

As I recall, there were a large number of complaints from Poles. Not entirely sure where that places things - whether it means owt different.

I suppose there might be something to be said for the fact that these jokes have been going on for X long and it's time to aim for soemthing fresher.

Edit [Knew I forgot something]
Equally, I do wonder how much of this is noise generated by certain tabloids as an ongoing vendetta against the Beeb.