'Pushing back the boundaries of . . .'

[LewPaper]

A phrase often quoted to explain (or more often to justify) something that until that time was considered a bit OTT but I've seen quite often re-runs of programmes made 30, 40 years ago where they've bleeped out a word or two. That's REALLY pushing back the boundaries - censoring speech which all those years ago was thought harmless.

[Ethel]

Why was it harmless? What was the word?

In the 60s and 70s there was lots of bad language on many tv programmes. The Sweeney is a good example, and words were considered the norm then are considered offensive today - Love Thy Neighbour comes to mind.

And programmes originally shown after 9pm are often shown much earlier in the day when repeated, so the language may not be appropriate pre-watershed.

[LewPaper]

I've taken the watershed into consideration and these 'offensive' words bleeped even after 9pm. I can't remember any particular word off the top of my head, but they must've been pretty tame by today's standards or they wouldn't have given me this opinion.

I certainly take your point about Love Thy Neighbour and all the similar progs but my critique isn't about those.

I can't agree with you that in those days there were a lot of bad language. As in the progs mentioned above I think I can safely say I've a pretty good opinion as to what's offensive and in those areas all tightening up is to be applauded but the simple mild expletive after all this time is a bit much, especially when there's so much swearing in the shows meant only for adults.

I'm neither a prude nor an advocate of bad language but I think it demonstrates some sort of double standard.

[Ethel]

Without knowing the programme you allude to it is hard to comment.

[LewPaper]

Fair comment ethel, but I'm not so much commenting on any particular programme, but a trend. In actual fact, the final straw which drove me to post this was watching Monty Python last night.

[R1Geezer]

they are probably words that where used in TV at the time but today are found offensive. Probably slang terms for Coloureds. eg

Big-Bog (replace the B with N)
Hambo (replace the H with S)

you get the idea, these where often used in 70's cop shows and sit coms, especially Love thy Neighbour)

[mibn2cweus]

Anyone who is offended by such remarks should change the channel. Anyone who continues to watch and is delighted with such forms of 'entertainment' is either an impressionable child or an asswhole, imho.

That said, a snake is still a snake even if we manage to silence its hissing. Censorship only hides from us the true nature of the censored.

No one is subject to judgment or ridicule by virtue of their inherent nature. However what one chooses to believe or how one chooses to act should be subject to revision.

[LewPaper]

Thanks for your contribution R1Geezer, but I thought I'd already covered that in reply to an earlier comment.

And mibn2cweus, if I understood your comments I'd have liked to comment on them but simply put, I don't

Given that those offended have turned off are you then saying 'anyone who watches programmes in which there's doubtful material is an *******'?

We're all free to do what want - but within reason. These programmes 'what the Brits do abroad' etc. would be very tame were it not for the few who overstep the mark and to make 'good television' these scenes are included in generous amounts which gives the more impressionable that this is what you should do on holiday and so the irresponsibility spreads.

Get the idea?

[mibn2cweus]

LewPaper, My initial post was aimed specifically towards racially disparaging content as eluded to in the preceding post. I have a soft spot with regards to an arbitrary classification of people being put down solely because they are 'different', no less so when the difference in question is not one of choice but is simply an attribute one acquires at birth.

Perhaps I am myself guilty of a prejudice with regards to my lack of tolerance for that particular brand of ignorance. Nevertheless I stand by my previous evaluation of people who delight at the expense of unjust pain inflicted on another.

My apologies for digressing.

[LewPaper]

Thanks mibn2cweus, and I couldn't agree more. I was sure that's what you meant but not being 100% didn't think I should comment. You won't have realised this but being born an idiot, a complete moron does tend to make life a bit of an uphill struggle. I'm still trying to work out why I've only the one brother whilst my sister has two!

[mibn2cweus]

Coincidently I share your dilemma, plus an odd number of half-sisters . . . how's that supposed to add up? :o/