I was sort of half-watching it this week (read: TV on in the background while I was on the computer). Harry Connick Jr was one of the judges and there were 5 blokes that did the Jackson Jive which was a parody of the Jackson Five. One was supposed to be Michael Jackson and had his face painted white while the others had their faces painted black. Harry Connick Jr was disgusted with this and hence this made news worldwide. He talked about how they are in their country etc etc.
Now, the humour on this show is not my type of humour. I prefer the sarcastic and dry and politically incorrect stuff. This show just seemed to have a very 'meh' kind of humour...some things bring a smile but others you just couldn't give a shit about.
But, my point for this post is this: I did not find it racist (In fact, this was one I cracked a smile because these guys did it 20 years ago with Michael Jackson having a black face as well) Why is it racist when they are not intending to offend anyone? Just because Michael Jackson is now dead, does that mean it's wrong to crack jokes about him? We have a different sense of humour here down under which others don't seem to get. We love to take the piss out of people. Hell, we take the piss out of our own PM every week (see Rove Live).
And to those particular holier-than-thou Americans who seem to think they are past racism...give me a break. Hypocrisy is what it is. What about the movie 'White Chicks' where two African-American guys are dressed up as white girls...shouldn't that then be classified as 'racist' (and sexist) if this skit was? Shouldn't having the character Apu in the Simpsons be considered 'racist' given all the stereotypes associated with him?
And finally, here's what I found extremely funny about the Jackson Jive and the whole 'controversy'.
The guys that performed in the skit...the ones with their faces painted black and white...one was Indian-Australian, one Sri Lankan-Australian, one Italian-Australian, one Lebanese-Australian and one Greek-Australian.
Make what you wish of that!
On a side note: how did you guys stand this show even 20 years ago? I heard from a few friends how they used to love it. It's quite lame imho.
Until next time,
Cheers!!!
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