Hey Hey it's Saturday on a Wednesday! [Archive]

Stevorooni

30-09-2009, 10:35 AM

So we've got 2 special reunion episodes of Hey Hey it's Saturday coming to our screens, with one airing tonight!

Will you be watching?

I used to like it as a kid, probably because I grew up in a regional area with 1 commerical TV station so there wasn't much else to watch, but I liked Red Faces, Phunny Photos and Plucka Duck. In its final years I think I grew out of it, the jokes weren't as funny and it all seemed just... tired.

I'll watch it tonight but I don't expect the format to have aged very well.
I'll keep count of cringes and facepalms.

Will YOU be watching? The rumour is that if the specials rate well then we could end up with the series coming back.

Kasplatza Red

30-09-2009, 10:43 AM

I would have, but I was working. D: Sucks.

Was it any good?

FX-GTZ

30-09-2009, 10:46 AM

It's better than watching Worlds Strictest Parents: have they changed?, tonight. And i grew up watching Hey hey its Saturday! with my dad, we loved everything on that show. So i'll definatly be watching it.

Stevorooni

30-09-2009, 10:47 AM

I would have, but I was working. D: Sucks.

Was it any good?

I'm not psychic, it's not on until tonight!!!! :p

Ad-Rock

30-09-2009, 10:54 AM

I may or may not watch it. Dickie Nee, the ostrich and red faces are what I remember most. I was pretty young when they cancelled it so I only remember snipits.

AranchineD

30-09-2009, 10:57 AM

It's going to be terrible, which is why I will be watching.

Blue

30-09-2009, 06:41 PM

It is.

[m]averick

30-09-2009, 06:44 PM

Trainwreck opening. You're right, this has aged horribly.

StorminNorman

30-09-2009, 06:49 PM

Used to watch the show when I was a kid, but it got less and less funny as I got older, and they lost any credibility they had left after the Reef thing.

Watchers

30-09-2009, 06:57 PM

They used the Alex Kidd death noise for the wrong answer in Celebrity Head. Nice. Also, that muffin puffin chick is hot.

[m]averick

30-09-2009, 06:59 PM

Celebrities must have been lining up to appear if that girl got a gig...

Stevorooni

30-09-2009, 07:12 PM

quick give me something witty to email in so they can read it on the show.

Maybe I can link to this thread!

Blue

30-09-2009, 07:14 PM

Used to watch the show when I was a kid, but it got less and less funny as I got older, and they lost any credibility they had left after the Reef thing."Reef thing"?

Darryl Somers is an awful host, that much was obvious after watching him on that Dancing With The Stars crap. Nixon has no personality, there's no actual 'Aussie talent' being "showcased", the voice-over and cartoon-based jokes are always late and unfunny, and the set design and production values are abysmal. Segments like Celebrity Heads are tedious and painful to watch.

There is no place for this show on Australian television. Variety shows are still a valid format, but this is not a good example.

Lazlow

30-09-2009, 07:16 PM

This is tremendous. A triumphant return!

AranchineD

30-09-2009, 07:21 PM

You people know jack shit, it's the same as it was before, celebrating its lameness loud and proud, it's great. :)

Stevorooni

30-09-2009, 07:23 PM

I'll admit it's got me laughing

Although John Blackman is just irritating me

Hyperblau

30-09-2009, 07:26 PM

I would probably watch it if Masterchef wasn't on at the same time. From what I've seen during the MC adds it looks pretty painful.

Lazlow

30-09-2009, 07:27 PM

Masterchef is painful.

[m]averick

30-09-2009, 07:30 PM

Masterchef is painful.

Yeah, Celebrity Masterchef was a mistake, judging by what I've seen so far. I just don't care what some D-grade celebrities can cook.

fishfishmonkeyhat

30-09-2009, 07:35 PM

Where the **** is Ozzie?

Hyperblau

30-09-2009, 07:36 PM

It's holding my interest at the moment, but it's certainly no where near as interesting as the proper series.

Saw Darryl boasting about facebook fans during a break...seriously?

Watchers

30-09-2009, 07:47 PM

Nixon has no personality,

Looks good, though.

Lazlow

30-09-2009, 07:50 PM

averick;1119886']Yeah, Celebrity Masterchef was a mistake, judging by what I've seen so far. I just don't care what some D-grade celebrities can cook.

Who were taking it way too seriously.

[m]averick

30-09-2009, 08:07 PM

Looks good, though.

She is absolutely mint.

Blue

30-09-2009, 09:29 PM

I would probably watch it if Masterchef wasn't on at the same time. From what I've seen during the MC adds it looks pretty painful.****, I didn't realise MC was on!

… Oh, wait, I've boycotted Masterchef ever since they ****ing jerked their entire audience last season by cheating all of the decent contestants and giving the victory to some hopeless, dumpy housewife who spent half of the season on fire, bathing in her own blood.

Dark Wader

30-09-2009, 09:47 PM

Ozzie is on next week!

I enjoyed it - it's still fun. All it was, all it needs to be, and it proved it still works. Maybe it was the nostalgia of the Saturday nights I spent growing up with it on in the background. . .but I'm down for it coming back.

PrattP

30-09-2009, 10:04 PM

This is tremendous. A triumphant return!

You people know jack shit, it's the same as it was before, celebrating its lameness loud and proud, it's great. :)

Felt the same way. Classic.:)

****, I didn't realise MC was on!

… Oh, wait, I've boycotted Masterchef ever since they ****ing jerked their entire audience last season by cheating all of the decent contestants and giving the victory to some hopeless, dumpy housewife who spent half of the season on fire, bathing in her own blood.

OH NO YOU DINT! Julie was awesome, so there.

Stevorooni

01-10-2009, 08:12 AM

I thought it was pretty good for a reunion show, but I was running on nostalgia fumes.

I don't think it would last if they brought it back as a full time series though, they'd have to refresh their material for one thing if they wanted new viewers, jokes that were old in the 90's just won't cut it.

and did John Blackman refer to the Wii as the "Wi2" with a "Mario Kit" when reading out the Plucka Duck prizes? GROAN

Looking forward to the next special still, while this one was just using the old segments they're apparently gonna have new stuff in the second one.

fishfishmonkeyhat

01-10-2009, 09:29 AM

Yeah I want that Wii 2!

Stevorooni

01-10-2009, 09:48 AM

It kicked arse in the ratings last night

Ad-Rock

01-10-2009, 10:12 AM

I enjoyed it surprisingly. Making fun of the fat guy in red faces and scaring the dog with Dickie was lol-worthy. Sure its low-brow humour, but its good low-brow humour.

Stevorooni

01-10-2009, 10:20 AM

They'll probably get some complaints about the dog seeing as it nearly fell off the desk and almost got smacked in the face with a flagpole

Azzaman

01-10-2009, 10:28 AM

Great show I'll be watching it next week. If it does get a new season I can see it going fine without Molly, but missing Red may be a problem.

Hey Hey, why did you ever leave?

PrattP

01-10-2009, 10:42 AM

It kicked arse in the ratings last night

I know. Thought Masterchef 1mill was big, it got 2.2mill.

They'll probably get some complaints about the dog seeing as it nearly fell off the desk and almost got smacked in the face with a flagpole

I'd agree. It looked really distressed too. :P

FrozenSoul80

01-10-2009, 10:57 AM

I'm disappointed that I don't have Channel 9 (there's a first). I would have loved to have watched this for nostalgias sake.

Darren

01-10-2009, 10:58 AM

A nostalgic viewing, and a somewhat guilty pleasure. It was as if the show and its team was brought out of stasis and put back on the air, but upgraded enough to include things like e-mail, Facebook and Twitter. It was exactly as I remembered it: daggy humour, occasionally awkward segments, yet still an entertaining watch. I'll be tuning in again next week, though I do hope it's not picked up for another series -- nostalgia specials are great, but I feel that a revived run is unlikely to survive in today's television climate, and its age will only show all the more.

Oh, and if that Vegemite kid hasn't already been approached by Kraft to be the face of its iSnack 2.0 relaunch, I'll buy a hat and eat it.

Stevorooni

01-10-2009, 11:00 AM

Eat your Scribblenauts rooster hat and it's a deal!

enrique

01-10-2009, 02:42 PM

Really enjoyed this, it was great to have the gang back together like old times. I think they should stick with just the two shows, it'll be more enjoyable then. Red faces, plucka, John Blackman :D, brought back a lot of memories.

can't wait to see ozzie on next week! and hopefully jackie mcdonald.

[m]averick

02-10-2009, 12:28 PM

I'm genuinely surprised at the positive comments it's receiving here, and in the media in general.

Lex

02-10-2009, 01:11 PM

truly, it was as shit as it ever was, I've just aged 10 years and realised it.

AranchineD

02-10-2009, 01:56 PM

Oh lighten up, cousins

Meg

02-10-2009, 05:37 PM

I watched most of it and thought it was ok. Lol'd a bit. Looking forward to seeing Ozzie next week, Ive still got a Ozzie plushie from when I was a baby or toddler. It's in the cupboard somewhere.

Lazlow

08-10-2009, 09:12 AM

So after reviving the Jackson Jive blackface group, I wouldn't expect to see Hey Hey ever again.

Though its hilarious reading the report on it on www.theguardian.co.uk (http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/lostinshowbiz/2009/oct/07/harry-connick-jr-blackface-jackson-jive), and seeing all the comments regarding Australia being racist/drunk/the land that time forgot. Apparently racism and alcoholism doesn't exist beyond our shores ;)

Though its a bit of a double standard that the world collectively shits a brick when they see a minstrel, but its acceptable for Dave Chappelle or Donald Faison to parade around in whiteface. Tit for tat I guess.

Meg

08-10-2009, 09:41 AM

Stevorooni

08-10-2009, 09:42 AM

When they first stepped out I thought "This will cause outrage" although a lot of is probably fake with people jumping on the bandwagon to feel morally superior.

Overall I thought this episode fell a little flat, last weeks was great but this one probably proved that it probably shouldn't come back full time. Maybe a once a year special or something wrapping up the year's events would be good.

Ad-Rock

08-10-2009, 09:50 AM

Maybe if they were referred to as "chocolateface" people wouldn't care so much.

Azzaman

08-10-2009, 10:20 AM

Harry Connick is a hypocritical douche. he's worn black make up in the past.

Was anyone offended by the indian guy in the white makeup? I'm raging over that, I feel culturally villified...

All this political correctness is a load of BS, I had a good laugh at the show last night and wouldn't mind it coming back, perhaps in a condensed format, maybe 1 - 1 and a half hours long.

AranchineD

08-10-2009, 10:29 AM

I mean, at worst they were just being a bit ignorant about it all, but there certainly wasn't any intention to cause offence or anything. Plus it has a completely different context from an Australian perspective.

Jay

08-10-2009, 10:30 AM

Oh lighten up, cousins

This quote from last week makes so much more sense now, Aran!

AranchineD

08-10-2009, 10:39 AM

Heh, well done Mr Jay.

Well done indeed.

Hyperblau

08-10-2009, 12:03 PM

Harry Connick is a hypocritical douche. he's worn black make up in the past.

Really?

buckstwits

08-10-2009, 12:14 PM

I'm assuming tracy grimshaw will be outraged by this tonight? or is it only stuff on the abc that outrages her??

Azzaman

08-10-2009, 12:18 PM

Really?

yes, really (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooKaCbMvaZ0)

texta

08-10-2009, 12:41 PM

It's a overeaction to the Red Faces act imo.Political correctness has gone too far. Any intelligent person can see it was a parody to MJ and Jackson 5. If the makeup on the guys doing the Jackson 5 was a lighter colour I don't think there would be this reaction. LOL at the guy as MJ, now that was funny.Not really. It's the same act they did 20 years ago except with Michael now white, so to say it was just about parodying Michael is clearly false.

StorminNorman

08-10-2009, 12:47 PM

Irrelevant show proves its irrelevance by making jokes that weren't funny back when it was popular.

This is not news.

Stevorooni

08-10-2009, 01:35 PM

I think what's more important is that they've been racist against ducks for years, Plucka is a discriminatory interpretation of ducks and I will not stand for it!

Hyperblau

08-10-2009, 01:54 PM

yes, really (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooKaCbMvaZ0)
He's not wearing blackface at all.

The whole thing is an overreaction and to be honest the backlash against Harry Connick is the stupidest. I was watching when it happened and his initial responses seemed fairly light hearted and just stating the obvious. It's not like he stormed off the show calling everyone racists.

Stevorooni

08-10-2009, 02:04 PM

Well Kyle is back on the air now so give him a couple of days to say something silly and the news will probably have something else to be outraged about.

Azzaman

08-10-2009, 02:15 PM

He's not wearing blackface at all.

The whole thing is an overreaction and to be honest the backlash against Harry Connick is the stupidest. I was watching when it happened and his initial responses seemed fairly light hearted and just stating the obvious. It's not like he stormed off the show calling everyone racists.

Really? Damn, I was told it's the one (I can't use youtube at work) I have been assured it's out there. If that's not it I'll track it down tonight.

Hyperblau

08-10-2009, 02:25 PM

Really? Damn, I was told it's the one (I can't use youtube at work) I have been assured it's out there. If that's not it I'll track it down tonight.
He is doing a skit and acting like a clichéd black preacher, but he's not wearing blackface.

Lazlow

08-10-2009, 02:31 PM

This is getting nicely beaten up.

Harry Connick Jr. Clashes with Blackface Jackson Family on Aussie TV (http://www.movieline.com/2009/10/harry-connick-jr-clashes-with-blackface-jackson-family-on-aussie-tv.php)

Harry Connick Jr. Blows Up at Blackface Michael Jackson Impersonator (http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/popvox/archive/2009/10/07/harry-connick-jr-blows-up-at-black-face-michael-jackson-impersonator.aspx)

Personally I think this incident only serves to highlight an enormous double standard within entertainment.

Choabac

08-10-2009, 02:43 PM

Lazlow

08-10-2009, 02:59 PM

AranchineD

08-10-2009, 03:04 PM

I think it was wrong for them to allow the sketch to air.

I would not say it was racist, as that to me seems to imply intended discrimination, but it was racially insensitive. From speaking and listening to some international people (in person and on message boards), it is unfortunately clear Australia seems to have developed a reputation for being racially insensitive, and this just reinforces that.

It's not really racially insensitive in a purely Australian context at all, and that should be all to it.

Because if we're going by what's not really offensive in our culture, while interacting entirely within our own culture, but might be offensive to other cultures even though we're not intending to communicate with them, then shit, what's the point in anything?

Azzaman

08-10-2009, 03:05 PM

buckstwits

08-10-2009, 03:06 PM

Lazlow

08-10-2009, 03:07 PM

Indeed, whilst I believe this incident has been ridiculously beaten up, it shows that society is pretty selective as to which ethnicities we're allowed to lampoon.

Choabac

08-10-2009, 03:11 PM

The Jackson Jive sketch unfortunately ties itself into the Minstrel show and buffoon caricatures of black people. Yes, while that was originally an American thing, clearly the racial stereotypes are not limited to the States, but have spread globally.

Judging by the history of prejudice against Africans and their descendents, I could see why this offended a broad area of the international community.

or Robert Downey Jr's academy award nominated blackface in Tropic Thunder

He was parodying the portrayal of blackface, there is an important difference.

Just to go back to my comment on international perceptions of Australia. We're still looked upon more favourably than some other countries, such as Spain or Japan. But we can do better.

AranchineD

08-10-2009, 03:16 PM

Indeed, whilst I believe this incident has been ridiculously beaten up, it shows that society is pretty selective as to which ethnicities we're allowed to lampoon.

You could even make the argument that being afraid to lampoon black people is coming in some part from, quite ironically, the thinking of some people that "they" are inferior to the "rest of us" and won't understand or appreciate the farce or satire that would try to be conveyed.

texta

08-10-2009, 03:36 PM

I think it was wrong for them to allow the sketch to air.

I would not say it was racist, as that to me seems to imply intended discrimination, but it was racially insensitive. From speaking and listening to some international people (in person and on message boards), it is unfortunately clear Australia seems to have developed a reputation for being racially insensitive, and this just reinforces that.
Unfortunately I think you're right.

It's easy for us to sit back and explain to ourselves why it wasn't racist or how skits on Hey Hey don't represent Australia's culture generally, but I don't think that it's surprising how other parts of the world have reacted and irrespective of the truth in it, it clearly has a predictable negative impact on how Australia and Australians are perceived.

I guess the obvious solution is to put K Rudd on Fox and the BBC. A few 'Programmatic Specificity's and in due season the backwater redneck image will be well and truly gone.

Araenel

08-10-2009, 03:37 PM

What about the culturally insensitive Borat film that grossed $261.5 million internationally?

What of Dave Chappelle painting his skin white depicting a "white american" stereotype?

Or the Basil Fawlty's who continue to mock "Ze Germans"?

At least for the first two, those are specifically serving as vehicles for parody. Where is the parody for putting on blackface and singing Jackson 5 songs? (although I haven't seen this particular instance)

Having said that, my foot will always come down on the side of "do whatever", but if you're going to do something that will ruffle feathers, and let's face it, things involving race/culture will ruffle feathers, you better have a strong and valid point to make in the process. Dressing up in blackface, or doing a sketch about lazy mexicans or something, just for the sake of it, doesn't get to hide behind a defence of parody/satire.

Allick

08-10-2009, 04:10 PM

I'm assuming tracy grimshaw will be outraged by this tonight? or is it only stuff on the abc that outrages her??

It was on channel 9 so Today Tonight will be outraged

Space_Monkey

08-10-2009, 04:27 PM

What about the culturally insensitive Borat film that grossed $261.5 million internationally?

What of Dave Chappelle painting his skin white depicting a "white american" stereotype?

Or the Basil Fawlty's who continue to mock "Ze Germans"?

As hypocritical as it sounds there are different standards for different races based on various historical contexts.

Germans and White Men from the States are more likely to take a bit of fun pokeing because they've been such jerks for a major part of history. Black people which have been the whipping boy for alot of history have less humour about that shit.

In my eyes it's kinda like the whole N word debate. Dressing up white men like Golliwogs really harks back to a time most black people would like to forget or at least move on from. Doing so brings back all that ill-feeling and hurt associated with that time. I don't blame them for being pissed off.

That said this is coming from a white, middle class, Arts Student. >_>

AranchineD

08-10-2009, 04:36 PM

Heh, the guy who was playing Michael Jackson was Indian. gg

Patdog

08-10-2009, 05:42 PM

Yeah but you can't deny it.

http://download.lardlad.com/sounds/season5/homerapu6.mp3

Azzaman

08-10-2009, 06:49 PM

He is doing a skit and acting like a clichéd black preacher, but he's not wearing blackface.

turns out my sources are wrong. They will get a right slapping tomorrow.

That said, someone I know raised a good point, would there be any controversy if it was Kamal on instead of Connick? He probably would've had a good laugh, given them a score around 8 or 9 and moved on. Plus chances are the yanks wouldn't have gone anywhere near this one.

Lazlow

08-10-2009, 06:52 PM

Germans and White Men from the States are more likely to take a bit of fun pokeing because they've been such jerks for a major part of history.

The Germans certainly aren't amused (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-454769/You-nation-Basil-Fawltys-mock-say-Germans.html)

If you believe that you're essentially condoning a mixed message, a hypocritical pattern of behaviour that will only further confuse people.

At least for the first two, those are specifically serving as vehicles for parody.

A parody can still be racially/culturally insensitive. Through Borat Cohen belittles Kazakhs, portraying them is bumbling fools and viciously anti-semitic. Even in making the film Cohen made a mockery of Romanian villagers and their lifestyle. Not everyone finds being the butt of the joke entirely amusing.

Araenel

08-10-2009, 07:05 PM

The Germans certainly aren't amused (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-454769/You-nation-Basil-Fawltys-mock-say-Germans.html)

If you believe that you're essentially condoning a mixed message, a hypocritical pattern of behaviour that will only further confuse people.

Only if people insist on viewing every single instance of offensive material as equally comparable as one another.

Nothing exists on an island, everything is extremely contextually sensitive.

A parody can still be racially/culturally insensitive. Through Borat Cohen belittles Kazakhs, portraying them is bumbling fools and viciously anti-semitic. Even in making the film Cohen made a mockery of Romanian villagers and their lifestyle. Not everyone finds being the butt of the joke entirely amusing.

Absolutely. However, in general the portrayal isn't to serve its own ends. Part of it was to represent how people, especially Americans, actually view places like Eastern Europe. The superficial "targets" may be offended, but there's still a broader point to be made of it all. I don't think dressing up in black face particularly serves anything except of itself (because it looks "wacky").

Lazlow

08-10-2009, 07:14 PM

Only if people insist on viewing every single instance of offensive material as equally comparable as one another.

And there it is; interpretation.

For example I wasn't particularly offended up the Chaser's Realistic Wish skit, but it got them taken off air. Hell I'm not offended by much at all, but I'm also a middle class white male and don't have to deal with prejudice on a consistent basis, hell not since being called a "white c***" in early high school.

People view Borat and his antics as satire because they are so outrageously over the top. But its also an extreme length to go to make a point, and is it even Cohen's genuine intention?

Stevorooni

08-10-2009, 07:37 PM

They should have used blakeface instead

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/Stevorooni/blackeface.jpg

D.C.

08-10-2009, 07:37 PM

What about the culturally insensitive Borat film that grossed $261.5 million internationally?
The original reaction in 'Hollywood' to that was particularly priceless given their subsquent moral outrage to Bruno and Cohen's treatment of gays.

As soon as he's parodying something they care about it's apparently reprehensible.

Araenel

08-10-2009, 07:55 PM

And there it is; interpretation.

For example I wasn't particularly offended up the Chaser's Realistic Wish skit, but it got them taken off air. Hell I'm not offended by much at all, but I'm also a middle class white male and don't have to deal with prejudice on a consistent basis, hell not since being called a "white c***" in early high school.

People view Borat and his antics as satire because they are so outrageously over the top. But its also an extreme length to go to make a point, and is it even Cohen's genuine intention?

Something isn't satire because it's "outrageously over the top" >_>

But like I've been trying to say, the full stop doesn't appear after interpretation. Intent, message, context and others are all part and parcel and cannot be ignored. That's why you can't necessarily say "well you interpreted it one way, I interpreted it another, so tough shit".

Lazlow

08-10-2009, 08:53 PM

But like I've been trying to say, the full stop doesn't appear after interpretation. Intent, message, context and others are all part and parcel and cannot be ignored. That's why you can't necessarily say "well you interpreted it one way, I interpreted it another, so tough shit".

But not every sees the intent/message/context. And even if they do, conveying it by pandering to a racist stereotype will still offend people.

Something isn't satire because it's "outrageously over the top" >_>

In this case Cohen played it so over the top as to discredit and ridicule bigotry itself.

Araenel

08-10-2009, 09:02 PM

Yessss, I haven't said anything to the contrary.

However I did say that at the very least, satire/parody has that to fall back on, despite the reaction.

Without it and you run into troubles.

Lazlow

08-10-2009, 09:07 PM

I think I missed an edit in one of your previous posts >_>

I'm done <_<

Araenel

08-10-2009, 09:10 PM

Sweet.

TAT

08-10-2009, 10:05 PM

So is this only an issue because HCJ spoke up?

Thought so.

TAT

09-10-2009, 03:51 AM

Oh, and any doubt that the Herald Sun wasn't just trolls trolling trolls was totally destroyed this morning with their article about the act, complete with a quote from KAMAHL:

I used to laugh along when I was a guest but deep down I was thinking "why are people so unkind"?

Astounding.

Azzaman

09-10-2009, 06:35 AM

TAT

09-10-2009, 07:28 AM

I see what you did there, Azzaman

Azzaman

09-10-2009, 08:22 AM

I bet this is going to end up all over the Tasmanian news :(

Second

09-10-2009, 08:42 AM

Wow. I think I'll just steal a post from someone else to show how I feel about this.

Wank (w'ank; n, adj.)

1. The stimulation of a males' penis by themselves or another person (usually a guy), using a method whereby the hand is wrapped around the urinary meatus and reciprocated rapidly to generate friction with the sensitive epidermis; often (but not always) resulting in orgasm and the ejaculation of a milky white substance called semen.
tenses: pr. wanking; past. wanked fut. wank, subj. wanks (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=tenses%3A%20pr.%20wanking%3B%20pas t.%20wanked%20fut.%20wank%2C%20subj.%20wanks)
2. A term used to decribe something which is unpleasant or annoying
3. Nonsense or bullshit; any verbal or textual information which is grossly inaccurate or nonsensical
4. An annoying or irritating person
5. A complicated and often chromatic (or amelodical) series of notes played on a guitar, usually electric
6. The US political system
7. The USA

I think one of those indicates that you know your wank.

Patdog

09-10-2009, 01:46 PM

I can say one thing about this mess; its not all black and white.

Azzaman

09-10-2009, 02:28 PM

I can say one thing about this mess; its not all black and white.

It don't matter if you're black or white.

Jay

09-10-2009, 02:44 PM

Actually, as this whole mess proves, it does.

texta

09-10-2009, 03:09 PM

The Crikey comic - First Dog on the Moon covered this issue today and it was brilliant. I'm not going to post it or a link to it because it contains the swears.

Second

09-10-2009, 03:18 PM

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

That's a funny comic. Love it.

Azzaman

09-10-2009, 03:28 PM

I can't believe Kamahl is considering legal action. What a crazy world we live in now.

I doubt the Hey Hey guys will want to come back after this, imagine a fresh lawsuit every few weeks. Man, this sucks.

igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!

09-10-2009, 03:35 PM

Kamahl will do anything for $$$ these days, I'd say he's just upset he didn't think of it first so he could make a bit of extra cash with his busking routine.

castr8or

09-10-2009, 03:42 PM

also as someone with dark skin, I think Kamahl is an oversensitive ****** :)

Mykle

09-10-2009, 04:11 PM

In the United States, painting yourself up like a black man is only offensive because it evokes memories of minstrels and Al Jolson. It doesnt have the same allusions to an Australian audience, and I doubt any of the performers, or many in the audience, understood why Americans would find it offensive. There was clearly no malicious intent. I, for one, dont want to start censoring our comedy to make sure it doesnt fall into American cultural potholes.

Having said all that, was it really a wise decision to then get an American to judge the skit? This whole mess is a mix of American hyper-sensitivity and Hey Hey's stupidity. Cue the media shitstorm, I guess.

Second

09-10-2009, 04:16 PM

I kinda forgot the show was even on, but now I've been reminded. I'll be watching next week.

Mykle

09-10-2009, 04:19 PM

Shorter version:

Shit, sorry America, this is meaningless to us, and in and of itself, it's inoffensive, but we didnt realise you find it offensive for your own exceptional reasons. I guess we'll stop showing it on Australian TV.
Signed
Australia (kangaroos etc...google it)

aubergine

09-10-2009, 07:53 PM

I never would have known this steaming turd of television had once again been extruded into the faces of television owners were it not for this terrific publicity stunt. The only way they could better it would have been to have Daryl Somers choke to death on screen, asphyxiating within his own lack of talent, wit and charisma.

Super Mario

09-10-2009, 09:05 PM

**** off sheep ****er

Azzaman

09-10-2009, 09:26 PM

I kinda forgot the show was even on, but now I've been reminded. I'll be watching next week.

no you won't, it was only back for 2 weeks ;)

Second

09-10-2009, 09:36 PM

Fml. :(

Super Mario

09-10-2009, 09:42 PM

They're airing both of them on Go! tomoz @ 6pm

bulkerking

10-10-2009, 08:07 AM

I hope the Americans aren't smart to look up The Chasers skits they will have a field day for years and years to come...
________
Genetically Modified Food (http://gmfoods.info/)

Stevorooni

10-10-2009, 09:08 AM

The American's reaction is disgraceful, acting like they've got a totally ****ing perfect record with racism.

Some lady on The View said "They don't treat their Aboriginies very well"

Well get ****ed lady, have a look in your own backyard first before you start judging others. TV may make it look like African Americans live in harmony with their white counterparts, but I'm pretty sure that African Americans are still subjected to racism there on a daily basis, especially down south.

It seems that nobody in the media has anything intelligent to say on the matter, it's just one big circle jerk of moral superiority and fake outrage.

JC Henderson

10-10-2009, 09:13 AM

I think an even better comparison for the yanks to have a good hard look at themselves would be their treatment of the native indians. We learnt everything about treating natives from the fine example set in the states.

texta

10-10-2009, 09:27 AM

So is this only an issue because HCJ spoke up?

Thought so.

Yeah but I don't think you can really fault his behavior on this. Given the American attitude to this kind of show if he hadn't said anything then he would have been in a whole lot of shit back home. As an American it's pretty clear that being on good terms with the USA would be a much bigger concern than what people on the other side of the world think.

And regarding Mykle's comments I agree with your sentiment but at the same time I think that from a US perspective the argument that something that they find clearly racist is okay in our country is a pretty weak argument. "we understand you do things differently but in South Africa apartheid works for us".

Mykle

10-10-2009, 10:31 AM

tau

10-10-2009, 11:01 AM

There's an instance (or dungeon) in World of Warcraft called Shadowfang Keep. It features a white man with worgen slaves. Worgens are black and drop watermelons and chicken and worgen spelt backwards is negrow. I demand a public apology and the immediate removal of this instance from the game.

igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!

10-10-2009, 11:04 AM

But apartheid is inherently racist - dressing up as someone from another race isnt, or Chris Lilley would be in serious trouble for Jonah, Ricky Wong etc. Like, if they had gone the full 'blackface', like big lips and saying 'oh lordy massa' and all that stuff, I could see a clear link, but as far as I can see, they just dressed up like the Jackson five, with afros and black paint i.e. there was nothing malicious about the actual costumes. Specifically to Americans, that's offensive - to Australians, it's dress-up time. It got retarded when they invited an American judge to watch it.

Exactly this, ever seen a white person go to a dress up party as a black person? It's hilarious. It seemed like the real crux of the joke was that 20 years ago when these guys were on the show they were all painted black, now one of them was painted white.

TAT

10-10-2009, 11:05 AM

As an American it's pretty clear that being on good terms with the USA would be a much bigger concern than what people on the other side of the world think.
He got caught doing the same thing a few years ago in a skit for MadTV, so of course he had to speak up or risk looking like a hypocrite.

Wait

sausage

10-10-2009, 11:15 AM

Jesus was right you know; he who is without sin cast the first stone.

buckstwits

10-10-2009, 11:23 AM

Super Mario

10-10-2009, 11:48 AM

fPNiEKcka_w
They're just rambling buffoons!

Stevorooni

10-10-2009, 12:05 PM

fPNiEKcka_w
They're just rambling buffoons!

Now I've seen the video their comments seem a little more sensible, the original news article obviously picked out all the specific bits that would get me mad when taken out of context.

I still don't like their comments on how we treat Aboriginies but at least they realise that we don't have this history with blackface so our reaction is different to theirs.

sausage

10-10-2009, 12:13 PM

This is the same Whoopi Goldberg that attended the same party that her partner at the time, Ted Danson, turned up blackfaced.

Instafail.

Super Mario

10-10-2009, 12:22 PM

I <3 Sam Malone
http://www.nerve.com/CS/blogs/scanner/samm.jpg

Super Mario

10-10-2009, 12:23 PM

That photo has just inspired me to get myself a beer.

igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!

10-10-2009, 12:33 PM

Your post inspired me to have a glass of beer, cheers Super Mario

Mike-Towns

10-10-2009, 12:38 PM

texta

10-10-2009, 12:40 PM

But apartheid is inherently racist - dressing up as someone from another race isnt, or Chris Lilley would be in serious trouble for Jonah, Ricky Wong etc. Like, if they had gone the full 'blackface', like big lips and saying 'oh lordy massa' and all that stuff, I could see a clear link, but as far as I can see, they just dressed up like the Jackson five, with afros and black paint i.e. there was nothing malicious about the actual costumes. Specifically to Americans, that's offensive - to Australians, it's dress-up time. It got retarded when they invited an American judge to watch it.Whether it's actually racist is irrelevant. The point is that the argument that you concede that something is racist if you do it in one country but not in another isn't going to convince people in the country where it is racist that it's okay.

He got caught doing the same thing a few years ago in a skit for MadTV, so of course he had to speak up or risk looking like a hypocrite.That was pretty different.

Mike-Towns

10-10-2009, 12:45 PM

If Hey Hey! ever comes back, i'll go on Red Faces when there's an American judge. My act will be my parody of the American redneck (dressed is a singlet with jeans and a trucker hat) talking about how much I hate 'naygers' 'mooslams' and 'ohbarma'.

AranchineD

10-10-2009, 12:51 PM

Whether it's actually racist is irrelevant. The point is that the argument that you concede that something is racist if you do it in one country but not in another isn't going to convince people in the country where it is racist that it's okay.

Do you think it's okay to take photographs of people, or talk about people after they've died, or work on Sundays, or eat meat from an animal that hasn't been killed in a very specific method as dictated by religious law?

I went into this before, we do so many things that other cultures would find absolutely abhorrent, yet we have no hesitation in doing it. Why is a partial-blackface performance such a big issue when we already do so many other things which really have no offensive connotations in our society?

Hide & Reason

10-10-2009, 01:10 PM

I'd like to thank the US media for their usual tip-top job of smug cultural arbitration, and Channel Nine for being indisputably Australia's worst television network.

Nice chorus-of-one, America. Nice cynical barrel-scraping, Nine (you haven't even changed the jokes).

castr8or

10-10-2009, 01:38 PM

ok now maybe i'm crazy, but i see 'blackface' on american skit shows ALL the time...

eg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akB8gfCMTDg

Theres no difference other than the level of funny and execution:P Both are 'blackface', in america, i guess its more subtle now though

Super Mario

10-10-2009, 02:02 PM

http://images.theage.com.au/ftage/ffximage/saffranblk_wideweb__470x310,2.jpg
Can't wait for John Safran's new show!
http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/hey-hey-abc-denies-skit-is-racist/2009/10/09/1255019643698.html

igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!

10-10-2009, 02:14 PM

In the episode, Safran travels to Barack Obama's home town of Chicago. After make-up artists transform him from white Jew to black brother, Safran meets two members of a militant, blacks-only organisation, attempts some hip-hop freestyling in a packed nightclub, and gets into arguments about racism at a speed-dating night for blacks.

Cannot wait to see this

texta

10-10-2009, 02:16 PM

Do you think it's okay to take photographs of people, or talk about people after they've died, or work on Sundays, or eat meat from an animal that hasn't been killed in a very specific method as dictated by religious law?I think that if you do something that someone else considers offensive then you shouldn't be surprised that they find it offensive.

I went into this before, we do so many things that other cultures would find absolutely abhorrent, yet we have no hesitation in doing it. Why is a partial-blackface performance such a big issue when we already do so many other things which really have no offensive connotations in our society?I think it's a big issue for fairly commercial reasons. It's something that is trivial in nature but everyone can have an opinion on and it's got enough complexities that there's a lot of scope for debate (eg racist/not racist, Australia vs America, celebrities etc).

AranchineD

10-10-2009, 02:46 PM

I think that if you do something that someone else considers offensive then you shouldn't be surprised that they find it offensive.

Perhaps, but my point was more whether that makes us intolerant and insensitive just doing those things I listed in normal, day to day life, while we're not interacting directly with the people who find it offensive?

/backslash

10-10-2009, 02:49 PM

Was there only meant to be 2 episodes before this racism stuff started?

Seriously sucks how America can always make something out of nothing

Super Mario

10-10-2009, 02:59 PM

Actually I think it was Channel 7 who originally beat it up.

Mykle

10-10-2009, 03:03 PM

Whether it's actually racist is irrelevant. The point is that the argument that you concede that something is racist if you do it in one country but not in another isn't going to convince people in the country where it is racist that it's okay.

It was an inherently un-racist act, done without racist intent, to an audience who wouldnt reasonably associate it with a racist sentiment. Nobody is disputing that Americans found this legitimately offensive - I'm just saying that they shouldnt have, because on deeper examination, it clearly isnt.

Indeed, they wouldnt have even seen it if Harry Connick Jr wasnt involved.

Like I said: American hyper-sensitivity and Channel Nine's stupidity.

Theiffy

10-10-2009, 03:31 PM

So i finally saw this skit and i can see how it would offend Americans from a cultural perspective. Like many others, i knew very little about the historical meaning behind Blackface and pantomime culture in the US so i didn't really get it until i looked it up.

Were a little ignorant maybe, but i don't feel that it was made in malicious intent.

I do feel people ARE overreacting to what seems like a cultural misunderstanding, but having said that i can certainly think of worse which the Americans didn't really give a shit about.

texta

10-10-2009, 09:55 PM

It was an inherently un-racist act, done without racist intent, to an audience who wouldnt reasonably associate it with a racist sentiment. Nobody is disputing that Americans found this legitimately offensive - I'm just saying that they shouldnt have, because on deeper examination, it clearly isnt.

Indeed, they wouldnt have even seen it if Harry Connick Jr wasnt involved.

Like I said: American hyper-sensitivity and Channel Nine's stupidity.I think that the performers were fairly clearly aiming to impersonate the minstrel look to a degree. The look they've gone with is too similar to that and too dissimilar to the Jackson 5 for it to be merely coincidence.

I agree that they didn't have a racist intent but the minstrel look is inherently racist.

JimmyKane

10-10-2009, 10:01 PM

Remember the Micallef sketch where he was gonna do the Al Jolson bit and he called it off because it was racist? Good times.

What Theiffy said.

fishfishmonkeyhat

11-10-2009, 12:08 AM

Thanks for the great international press Hey Hey, it makes it all worth it.

Blue

11-10-2009, 02:40 AM

Ozzy Ostrich is a dated stereotype that demeans gays.

Jay

11-10-2009, 03:03 AM

I thought he demeaned emos...shit sorry...emus.

You might say 'Oh..stretch!', but I really think that.

castr8or

11-10-2009, 03:10 AM

Ozzy Ostrich is a dated stereotype that demeans gays.

don't you mean Molly?

hhhheeeeeeeyyyyyyyyooooooooooooohhhhhh

Blue

11-10-2009, 04:15 AM

Hey Hey has always been a racist programme. Remember that puppet they used to have, 'Ozzy Auschwitz'?

TAT

11-10-2009, 06:13 AM

This is the same Whoopi Goldberg that attended the same party that her partner at the time, Ted Danson, turned up blackfaced.

Instafail.
Yes, the same Whoopi Goldberg that fronted the Oscars in full white-faced Queen Elizabeth I getup.

I KNOW, RITE

aubergine

11-10-2009, 10:04 PM

http://images.theage.com.au/ftage/ffximage/saffranblk_wideweb__470x310,2.jpg

Can I just request that people stop quoting texta and posting pictures of him, as it circumvents the ignore list filter I have in place.

fishfishmonkeyhat

11-10-2009, 10:53 PM

Pretty sure you can't.

aubergine

12-10-2009, 01:07 AM

But I am offended by it, and that is what matters, not whether the thing itself is inherently or reasonably offensive.

/backslash

01-05-2010, 01:53 AM

*bump*

Anybody been watching the 2nd reunion season? I kept on missing the episodes (because its on friggin Wednesday!) & tuned in right at the end so I had to download them from somewhere - didn't have much choice since its not like they're repeating it. I'm still finding the show pretty enjoyable to watch mainly because it makes me feel young again seeing the original cast & cartoonist & Plucka.

That Sally in the band playing the violin is hot too :D Very nice to look at & the cartoonist did an appropriate reaction with a cartoon of a guy with his eyes popping out. Plus she's really good at using the violin too and apparently next week they're going to give her a solo performance I think

Filthy Old Drunk

01-05-2010, 07:02 AM

It reminds me of my childhood, but those are not fond memories. There were countless times when something better was on on another channel, but we were forced to watch Hey Hey because Dad liked it. I've watched about fifteen minutes total of the new season and it's just the same as it was back in the day which is a bad thing. People are watching the show for nostalgia reasons, not because it's good (which is why, thank god, viewers are slowly dropping off). Terrible guests, bad humour.

Stevorooni

01-05-2010, 08:41 AM

I think I'm over it already, I remembered to watch last week but just ended up leaving it on in the background while I tidied up the house, only paying attention for plucka duck and red faces

Natrak

01-05-2010, 10:10 AM

I think I'm over it already, I remembered to watch last week but just ended up leaving it on in the background while I tidied up the house, only paying attention for plucka duck and red faces

I think that's pretty much how most people used to watch Hey, Hey anyway. Switch it on, do something else and pay attention when something interesting is on. Dunno what that says about the show. :P

oogi2000

01-05-2010, 10:40 AM

Only in Australia would we have a show called Hey Hey It's Saturday on a Wednesday. :|

NiB

01-05-2010, 01:44 PM

Show is horriblely dated, there's no room in prime time for shows of this ilk anymore (at least with Summers involved anyway) not even the hotness/girlnextdoorness of Livinia Nixon can save it

/backslash

01-05-2010, 01:55 PM

only paying attention for plucka duck and red faces
That's what I used to do in the past but now I'm actually sitting through it & watching the whole thing. Sure its not all great entertainment yet when I compare it to all the other crud on tv during that time it just seems so much better (perhaps I've been deprived of decent entertainment for so long I've forgotten what it was meant to be like :p)

Downloaded the 2nd 2009 reunion special last night & watched it - that's one I had a hard time sitting through. Skipped past a fair bit of stuff

TAT

01-05-2010, 01:55 PM

I'd Hey Hey her Saturday

/backslash

01-05-2010, 02:01 PM

Who's that other hot looking girl that was sort of a co-host? Looks like she's in her 20s

edit: twas Suze Raymond

fishfishmonkeyhat

01-05-2010, 02:46 PM

It's on Wednesdays.

REQUIEM

01-05-2010, 08:52 PM

Only in Australia would we have a show called Hey Hey It's Saturday on a Wednesday. :|

Just to prolong the stereo type of how the world views Australia.

Thats not a Knife!

oogi2000

02-05-2010, 10:51 AM

Just to prolong the stereo type of how the world views Australia.

Thats not a Knife!

OMG! They ride kangaroos and have giant ducks!

[m]averick

02-05-2010, 02:13 PM

I think that's pretty much how most people used to watch Hey, Hey anyway. Switch it on, do something else and pay attention when something interesting is on. Dunno what that says about the show. :P

Which is exactly why it isnt working on Wednesday (outside of the two reunion episodes and the premiere of the new season). On Wednesday night it's up against solid programming (Spicks and Specks, The Pacific, Masterchef, CSI) and it cant compete against that. It would work as light entertainment on Saturday night where people can do other things, such as sit around with mates and drink and just tune in and out as necessary.

There has to be room in the Australian TV schedule for a variety program such as Rove or Hey, Hey, just not sure if Hey, Hey is currently the right vehicle in the right timeslot.

It's very nostalgic, which was good for awhile, as everyone was reminiscently catching up with an old mate they hadnt seen for ten years, but now, everyone's remembering exactly why they've stopped hanging out. They havent changed one single thing (unless you count technology gags about twitter and facebook as new).

/backslash

02-05-2010, 02:47 PM

I heard the reason is because its easier for them to get hold of popular bands & because more people watch tv on a Wednesday. Think I'd rather either have a double episode on Saturday or just pre-record it & show it then

Also Celebrity Heads really should be taken out, its like watching kids in a classroom "Am I male?" "Am I a sports star?" how is that entertaining? Fake Chicken Lottery should also be taken out. It does need some new stuff yet they could wreck the whole show instantly if its not done right

/backslash

06-05-2010, 12:16 AM

Watched tonight's episode, think I'm over it now. I was pretty bored for the whole duration :( Seeing 3 severely overweight people made me think I was watching "The Biggest Loser" and god, Red Faces was truly terrible although I suppose it was on track with its other performances (the guy who burps, yeah, that's a great idea for an act). How many people are actually auditioning? 3?

[m]averick

06-05-2010, 05:58 PM

Completely forgot it was on last night. From what I can tell, it's hemorrhaging viewers badly.

NiB

06-05-2010, 06:20 PM

averick;1201795']Completely forgot it was on last night. From what I can tell, it's hemorrhaging viewers badly.

Ratings back that up, it's getting destroyed everywhere except Melbourne (and even there it's still being beaten)

To bad 9 ordered like 20+ eps this year.

It worked for Good News Week, but that was only because of the writers strike. Most shows finish for a reason and Hey Hey's time was done

Filthy Old Drunk

06-05-2010, 06:21 PM

It still pulled 1.2m which is 1.2m more than what it should have. It can't compete with MasterChef though.

Ratings back that up, it's getting destroyed everywhere except Melbourne (and even there it's still being beaten)

It rated well in Syd too, but elsewhere it's dead.