Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:48 pm
(an update from the Daily Telegraph, London)
The BBC's decision to remove the word "faggot" from the classic Christmas song Fairytale of New York has roused the ire of Telegraph readers.
Music lovers of all political stripes and sexual orientations have posted messages on Telegraph.co.uk attacking the corporation's censorship of the re-released song by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl.
One reader, Andrew, who identifies himself as a gay man, said he found the decision "pathetic".
"Shouldn't they be calling it F****tale of New York?" he asked.
Indeed, there is widespread mystification at Radio 1's decision to remove the word "faggot" to avoid offending homosexuals, but to allow other insults in the notoriously invective-filled lyrics.
Bruce said he also wanted "arse" bleeped out: "I don't want the BBC thrusting bottoms in my face on Christmas morning."
Jimbo took a different line: "I'm a scumbag and I must say I'm very offended by the use of the word in that Christmas song. Please beep it out Mr Beep Beep C. Scumbags of the world unite!"
There was general consensus that this is another example of political correctness gone mad, that disease seen to be endemic in the national broadcaster.
But David Coulter pointed out that under the BBC's logic "mad" was in itself an offensive term. He proposes "Different State of Mental Stability" as an alternative, adding: "Its Madness Gone PC".
advertisementOther readers looked at the practicalities of song writing, pointing out that faggot had to remain as it is the only possible rhyme for the maggot in the preceding line.
PJW, another gay reader, wrote that he does not find the song offensive as it was written at a time when faggot was in common use and considered acceptable.
"To begin altering songs made long ago would mean bleeping out a lot of the music back catalogue," he wrote.
"However, if the song was made today and directed at homosexuals solely then I do think that would be a whole different story."
Indeed, the only support for the BBC in the dozens of comments received by the Telegraph came from the rather curmudgeonly-sounding Angerland, who urged the corporation to go further.
"Pogues, Slade, Wizzard, John Lennon, Band Aid, Wham Aaaaargh! Ban the whole bloody lot of 'em, says I. It is this tedious musical backdrop to the festive season that helps make it so unendurable."
