John Safran's Race Relations

[Super Mario]

Race Relations airs on ABC1 at 9.30pm tonight.

[Super Mario]

Here is a trailer:
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[SOX]

Man I wish I still had my TV, been hanging to catch this show.

[dinopoke]

It'll probably be on ABC iView.

[SOX]

It'll probably be on ABC iView.

Then I'll have a look tomorrow at lunch :cool:

[9warbane]

Trailer looked great, I have high hope for this. Vs God was great, Speaking in Tongues not so much.

[AranchineD]

It's going to get torn to shred on ACA and TT tomorrow, which should be a hilarious sidenote to what's looking like a pretty awesome show.

[Araenel]

Trailer looked great, I have high hope for this. Vs God was great, Speaking in Tongues not so much.

Haha wow, I completely forgot abotu speaking in tongues, I think I only saw 1 or 2 episodes.

Looking forward to this though, looks great.

It's going to get torn to shred on ACA and TT tomorrow

By which you mean flounder about trying to drum up some fake hysteria and pander to the lowest common denominator?

[AranchineD]

By which you mean flounder about trying to drum up some fake hysteria and pander to the lowest common denominator?

Well considering I said ACA and TT I believe it was actually this that was implied. >_>

[StorminNorman]

It's going to get torn to shred on ACA and TT tomorrow, which should be a hilarious sidenote to what's looking like a pretty awesome show.

Actually that'll be the second episode, with Safran in blackface.

[AranchineD]

Actually that'll be the second episode, with Safran in blackface.

Oh no, they've already started going after his 'underpants sniffing' act as the most abhorrent thing that been on TV ever.


And if I hear a single person say that the episode showing Safran as a black man is 'racist' I'm just going to believe that society's past the point of redemption and I'm going to move to Russia.

[Lazlow]

He was on 7pm Project tonight, basically explaining the context of anything that would be seen as controversial.

[Dukotoja]

is it because i dont have my contacts in or is michiko smith hot?

[Spudzilla]

I'm already getting right into this. An average looking guy setting up an elaborate scheme to steal womens underpants really appeals to me.

[Dukotoja]

yeah its pretty funny how he gives them like 2 seconds from a mock interview and then goes off to steal their undies... faked or not

i really dont want to see his semen tho....

[TrinityJayOne]

That was hilarious! :D As always, Safran was entertaining throughout and the "oh Obama...yes we can, yes we can..." had me in stitches.

Can't wait for the next episode!

[AranchineD]

So what's it like in LA?

Well it's-

*cut*

Brilliant.

[BB2K]

I'll have to catch this on ABC iView, TBH I wasn't expecting it to be very good but if AranchineD approves, who am I to say no?

[AranchineD]

Apply that thinking to every part of your life and you'll be on easy street. :cool:

[AnTrAxX]

This was hilarious. Stealing panties, then getting the scientist to use her panties as well was classic.

Showing two men jacking off on national TV has pretty much lowered the bar. I won't be surprised when ACA or TT go off about that. Nevertheless, I'll definitely be watching next week.

[Second]

I didn't make it home in time, so I'm just gunna grab it elsewhere. :(

[aubergine]

I have to thank the media who published staged wowser pre-complaints about this show, because it's how I found out about it. The guy is our own television genius.

You have to wonder how some conservative group can be all outraged about a show that hasn't aired... Clearly they were told about it for deliberate marketing purposes. Hooray!

[Mike-Towns]

I loved Music Jamboree and VS God, but I thought this might he might have already jumped the shark.

Seems he hasn't, brilliant show.

[fearofthesky]

Loved it! First episode was less provocative than I thought it may be. Second should be much more so. As long as its still bloody funny.

The conservative/Christian backlash is going to be huge, make no mistake. But not about racism or anything, just about the masturbation...

But **** them.

Can't wait for the "blackface" episode.

[aubergine]

Expecting a lot of painful cringing from that one.

[Beinkasaurus Rex]

I didn't make it home in time, so I'm just gunna grab it elsewhere. :(

Stream off website etc


I thought it was average to be honest ;/ I'll still watch the series (note; I love Music Jamboree and Vs God, but who doesn't?) and hopefully things will pick up a bit =]

[Meg]

Watched most of it last night but missed the last few minutes due to having to fixing new printer (sister didn't select it to print her work). But what I seen was pretty good. Jellistinan (Jew and Palestinian merged) as a word is lol though sounds like a name of a lolly to me.

[buckstwits]

I thought the best bit was actually the preview for next week:

Safran (as black man): "Don't ****ing call us ***gers!"


Had me in stitches.

[JimmyKane]

Helluva show. I agree with Aran, the cut-off interviews were absolutely fantastic.

Do you think your heritage has influenced your music?

Oh wow. Wow, I think-

[texta]

I didn't find it that great. I think the show might work better if the ABC didn't flounder about trying to drum up some fake hysteria and pander to the lowest common denominator and meanwhile spoil half the jokes.

[aubergine]

I've still got Texta on ignore but I'm willing to bet he's turning his nose up.

Safran's comedy is quite sophisticated. On one level it's simply the way he's MADE this show, for example at one point he's flown overseas just to ask a woman (in Tonga?) if a guy is good looking or not. Her expressions are gold, especially in the last fraction of a second where the facade falls.

The concept of donating ethnically opposed sperm in a violently racist region is not only incredibly sophisticated prank comedy - it's got to be the most original yet somehow obvious thing I've heard in years, which is the heart of an exceptional joke - and of course with the opportunity for masses-pleasing taboo-breaker comedy, which uptight conservative twats would poo-poo as "lowest common denominator" in their best fearfulness-in-diguise-as-elitism squeal.

Thankfully those same idiots can be relied on to market the work while the real audience gets to appreciate the genius at play.

[AranchineD]

I didn't find it that great. I think the show might work better if the ABC didn't flounder about trying to drum up some fake hysteria and pander to the lowest common denominator and meanwhile spoil half the jokes.

Well it didn't spoil any jokes at all, just part of the set-up, the actual 'punchlines' weren't touched by a single outlet whatsoever.

[texta]

I dunno, my partner got a lot more enjoyment out of it because she didn't realise that he was going to sniff underpants until it happened, didn't know that the women had agreed to it and wasn't expecting him to wank to Barrack Obama. I'm not saying it was bad, it got a few laughs, but it did have a bit of a tryhard vibe to it (or did until I watched Hungrybeast. WTF? I didn't know the Socialist Alliance made tv.)

Though I will admit that even with the spoilers it was definitely a less see-through than Aub's hilarious attempt at a rebuttal.

[Zeph101]

I thought the best bit was actually the preview for next week:

Safran (as black man): "Don't ****ing call us ***gers!"


Had me in stitches.

I preferred it when he was speaking to a black man: "He's not black like us", and then seeing that strange expression the guy gave Safran.

[Readman]

**** you, aubergine, you pathetic bastard. WTF do you still have me on 'ignore', you ignoble excuse for a human being.

Icky has more personal credibility than you.

Geez texta ... why all the hate?!?

Am quoting this because I think aubergine deserves to see what you're saying about him where he can't see it.

[aubergine]

Geez texta ... why all the hate?!?

Am quoting this because I think aubergine deserves to see what you're saying about him where he can't see it.

Lol, my fault for baiting him.

[Sweating Bullets]

Stop trying to provoke a fight between them Readman with fake quotes.

[Watchers]

I suck

Indeed.





Sorry.:p

[Ad-Rock]

I just downloaded it and watched from ABC website.

Excellent tv, not as funny as I was hoping but it was very well made and very entertaining. I'll definately be watching next weeks ep.

[aubergine]

Stop trying to provoke a fight between them Readman with fake quotes.

Made me go back and uncover what texta actually wrote. Readman should handle ALL of texta's publicity from now on.

I'm looking forward to the DVD packaging for this series. I'm calling scratch n sniff card insert.

[Serenity]

I quite liked the pilot, disappointed it's only going to be an 8 parter. The blackface shall be very interesting to see.

[aubergine]

I think the previous series were only 6 eps.

[AranchineD]

Before people get carried away, how Safran dresses up next week is in no way whatsoever related to 'blackface'.

[Lazlow]

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/7765/posterblackface.jpg

[aubergine]

I'm more offended by that suit than that face.

[texta]

Before people get carried away, how Safran dresses up next week is in no way whatsoever related to 'blackface'.

The only complaints I've heard about this has been from people complaining that other people might complain about it.

[AranchineD]

So just like Hey Hey then.

[BB2K]

Just watched it. Will watch it next week :D

[texta]

Well that was the second most embarrassing half hour of tv I've ever watched (preceded only by the half hour immediately before).

[Lazlow]

you f***in' anti-semite!

[AranchineD]

I ****ED YOUR MOTHER

Episode was brilliant, haters can hate and such

[Lazlow]

Hatters gonna hat!

[Serenity]

How funny was that bit where he was working in the wiener stall?

[AranchineD]

Well it was funny up until those two white dudes rocked up. Then it was just...really awkward.

[aubergine]

I wussed out at the point he was about to rap with the Black Power guys.

But I taped it and will try again during daylight.

[Ad-Rock]

The most cringe-worthy episode of anything I have ever watched...

Still great television though!

[Jay]

The real question is: what would Harry Connick Jr say?

[AranchineD]

Heh, well, if he said anything at all it'd be pretty much confirmed he had no idea what he was getting offended about in the first place!

[BB2K]

He really did look ridiculous.

[Jay]

But not Ridikulous, right? Ah 30 Rock, how I love thee...

[Space_Monkey]

I don't think last nights episode of John Safran was particularly revealing in terms of telling us something new about racism but it did reinforce some older messages that it doesn't hurt to being reminded of.

I'm not a huge fan of the jackass and Borat style style stunts and this was more or less like a mini Borat.

Despite this I was entertained and had a few laughs. John Safran has a great sense of timing and structure and has crafted a very slick product.

Not amazing but better than anything else Australia has produced television wise, post Chaser.

EDIT: Also respect, John is a brave man to throw himself into these situations.

[JimmyKane]

Was definitely worse than the first episode, still good. It's too bad I had already seen previews of the "Hey man don't ****ing call us *******" scene. Lessened the impact...

Also showing the guy telling him "You're an inspiration etc" after his speech to the church was stupid. HUR HE DOESN'T KNOW HE'S NOT BLACK.

Besides that pretty great stuff.

[REQUIEM]

When the white bloke used the "N" word in the hotdog stand and the skinney wannabe black fella John S went out to confront him was the funniest peice of TV i had seen in a while. Lucky he didnt get bashed.

[Blue]

I didn't enjoy either of the first two episodes. There just isn't anything clever about what he's done in either of them.

[AranchineD]

Apart from everything he did in them.

[jawsy]

I'm going to side with Blue. Although I didn't completely hate the last episode I couldn't help but feel that he was going down more of the 'Harlem Choir' route than, you know, the 'I have something worth saying' route.

[JimmyKane]

I'm having trouble thinking of anything clever in the second episode. Still funny though.

[Saxby]

I'm looking forward to seeing him get nailed to a cross.

[AranchineD]

Well, given that the whole episode was supposed to be about exploring how race doesn't matter in a relationship or whatever, Safran says it himself, and yet in every single scene he's pretty much set it up to show that race is pretty much the only thing people care about, even if they say otherwise, I just thought it was it was extremely clever how he had set everything up.

[Blue]

It wasn't clever, it wasn't edgy, and worst of all, it wasn't even funny in most parts. None of it was shocking, he didn't really DO anything with the concept, all he did was ask obvious questions to people in a journalistic style, and get predictable answers. He could have done the whole thing without the disguise, and garnered much the same response. It's not as if he infiltrated some hidden inner sanctum of black culture.

Not a patch on his earlier stuff.

[AranchineD]

If he wasn't 'black' he wouldn't have been taking part in the black speed dating, or been behind the counter at that fast food joint, etc.

And as I just said above, he asked questions like "DOES RACE REALLY MATTER" and such, and of course they answered "No." The irony being in that almost at the same time as they said that they were at a blacks-only dating event, or were a group of people congratulating him on 'getting rid of his whiteness', and such.

[Blue]

If he wasn't 'black' he wouldn't have been taking part in the black speed dating, or been behind the counter at that fast food joint, etc.

And as I just said above, he asked questions like "DOES RACE REALLY MATTER" and such, and of course they answered "No." The irony being in that almost at the same time as they said that they were at a blacks-only dating event, or were a group of people congratulating him on 'getting rid of his whiteness', and such.See, Sascha Baron Cohen's sketches on the Ali G show (Less so the movies) were effective at eliciting interesting responses from people. Rather than asking obvious, safe questions, he would ask confronting, awkward or misleading questions, using his disarming and much more convincing personas to get away with it, and in return would get some very brutally honest replies. The humour came not only from making his interviewees look foolish or placing them in embarrassing situations, but also from his wit and unerring commitment to the characters. Finally, there were surprising situations and locations. John Safran with a black face asking dull questions didn't give anywhere near the insight that, say, early Borat did, nor did it provide the laughs or cringes.

So that I'm not just picking on the second episode, I'll say that the first was even worse. Really, masturbating on camera to a photograph of Barack Obama isn't exactly what I'd call clever television, simply a poor attempt at shocking Tracy Grimshaw. He's done well at promoting the show though, that's for sure.

[texta]

I agree with Blue.

[Ali G]

I agree with Blue.
So do I. I read how everyone here was saying how funny the first episode was, so I went and watched it. I laughed about twice (and that was probably more a result of his delivery style than the actual content), the rest of the time I was just cringing.

[AranchineD]

See, Sascha Baron Cohen's sketches on the Ali G show (Less so the movies) were effective at eliciting interesting responses from people. Rather than asking obvious, safe questions, he would ask confronting, awkward or misleading questions, using his disarming and much more convincing personas to get away with it, and in return would get some very brutally honest replies. The humour came not only from making his interviewees look foolish or placing them in embarrassing situations, but also from his wit and unerring commitment to the characters. Finally, there were surprising situations and locations. John Safran with a black face asking dull questions didn't give anywhere near the insight that, say, early Borat did, nor did it provide the laughs or cringes.

So you're criticising the show for not being Borat, when it wasn't even trying to be in the first place?

Well not completely anyway, there's some 'shock' scenes obviously but the show was never about being comprised entirely of them. As I said above, Safran ends up making the people he interviews gives 'honest' answers anyway, it's just that they don't realise that they are.

It's all about the setting in which he interviews the people, if he was just talking to people on the side of the street, you'd have a point about it not really doing anything. But he doesn't; every single time he's interviewing someone he's at speed dating, etc., and the answers they give or how they describe themselves seem to completely contradict the location they're in or the action they're doing at the time. This is how Safran gets the real answers, and it's why I found it entertaining. He could have just pulled a Borat and completely embarrassed them right there and then, but to me Safran is a hell of a lot more subtle in essentially getting the same result, which I enjoy.

[texta]

But he doesn't; every single time he's interviewing someone he's at speed dating, etc., and the answers they give or how they describe themselves seem to completely contradict the location they're in or the action they're doing at the time.

I don't think that's the case at all. What he did was the equivalent of going to a speed dating event in Hobart and asking people if they'd date someone from Darwin and then a snide look at the camera "they say they'd date someone from Darwin, and yet there's only people from Hobart here" *meaningful look*.

That said if people don't think race is an issue or if they think interracial relationships are not controversial then they're idiots and John Safran exposing them is as incredibly as Hungry Beast running a story revealing that James Hardie is behind Asbestos deaths.

[AranchineD]

I don't think that's the case at all. What he did was the equivalent of going to a speed dating event in Hobart and asking people if they'd date someone from Darwin and then a snide look at the camera "they say they'd date someone from Darwin, and yet there's only people from Hobart here" *meaningful look*.

Really texta? THAT'S what you're going to go with?

If that comparison was even remotely similiar to what Safran did, and indeed had any relevancy to this topic in general, you might have had a point.

That said if people don't think race is an issue or if they think interracial relationships are not controversial then they're idiots and John Safran exposing them is as incredibly as Hungry Beast running a story revealing that James Hardie is behind Asbestos deaths.

The point you seem to be missing is that Safran is focusing more on how these kinds of traits are present throughout all races in general, his point really isn't just showing how individuals are idiots regarding this kind of thing.

So many other shows just explore how whitey secretly hates everything and leave it at that, Safran seems to be more exploring the 'it's just in human nature to have conflict amongst all races' line of thinking.

[Xanafalgue]

It's not as if he infiltrated some hidden inner sanctum of black culture.

Yes he did, didn't you see him in the kitchen at the hotdog stand? :p

I just watched Ep 1 & 2 on iView and I really enjoyed them. I hadn't even heard of John Safran before so I didn't know what to expect.

The only part I found a bit cringeworthy was when he was at the church and kind of failed.

[texta]

So many other shows just explore how whitey secretly hates everything and leave it at that, Safran seems to be more exploring the 'it's just in human nature to have conflict amongst all races' line of thinking.So explain how his first episode, where he sniffed all those underpants to prove that he's more attracted to racially different people fits into that argument?

[AranchineD]

Well not completely anyway, there's some 'shock' scenes obviously but the show was never about being comprised entirely of them.

5char

[JimmyKane]

I gotta say, Aran's convinced me. I think I'm gonna pay more attention to the show next week...

[AranchineD]

See, there you go, if I can talk out of my arse and have someone believe me then somewhere along the line I must have actually been onto something.

[Blue]

Really texta? THAT'S what you're going to go with?

If that comparison was even remotely similiar to what Safran did, and indeed had any relevancy to this topic in general, you might have had a point.



The point you seem to be missing is that Safran is focusing more on how these kinds of traits are present throughout all races in general, his point really isn't just showing how individuals are idiots regarding this kind of thing.

So many other shows just explore how whitey secretly hates everything and leave it at that, Safran seems to be more exploring the 'it's just in human nature to have conflict amongst all races' line of thinking.Relevance, not relevancy, indcidentally.

[Readman]

incidentally*

LOL, pwned!!!!11

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[Lex]

rofl.

[Blue]

incidentally*

LOL, pwned!!!!11

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http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3169/thedancingcatofmartinez.gifYeah, the worst time to make a typo is when correcting somebody, I know.

Your 'sig' annoys the shit out of me, incidentally.

[Readman]

I just blue myself!

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[Ali G]

there's some 'shock' scenes obviously but the show was never about being comprised entirely of them.
Yeah, not entirely. There's about 7 minutes of the first episode where it's not about either sniffing/stealing women's underwear or masturbating in a Palestinian/Israeli spermbank. Brilliant.

[AranchineD]

Relevance, not relevancy, indcidentally.

In the modern vernacular both function as attributive nouns, I don't know what point your make

[Blue]

In the modern vernacular both function as attributive nouns, I don't know what point your makeResearch the usage of both words, and work it out.

[AranchineD]

I would if I didn't reject a prescriptive perspective of English grammar.

Have fun with your 'should's though.

[Blue]

I would if I didn't reject a prescriptive perspective of English grammar.

Have fun with your 'should's though.Translation: I can't be bothered knowing which words to use in which circumstances, or what they even mean, so I end up saying shit like "relevancy" and "irregardless".

[Lazlow]

Classic Blue.

[Second]

Hello Mister Thompson.

[Readman]

Translation: I can't be bothered knowing which words to use in which circumstances, or what they even mean, so I end up saying shit like "relevancy" and "irregardless".

regardless*

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[Slippery]

unregardless...

[Jay]

disregardless, surely. :p

[AranchineD]

Translation: I can't be bothered knowing which words to use in which circumstances, or what they even mean, so I end up saying shit like "relevancy" and "irregardless".

Go research 'prescriptive' and 'descriptive' grammar.

Then you will truly know my position is disassailable.

[buckstwits]

irregardless is a perfectly cromulent word

[St@ckboy]

Your 'sig' annoys the shit out of me, incidentally.

Your disrespect for the dancing cat or Martinez brings shame and shallow refuge for your family.

Can't wait to see this weeks episode. The first 2 eps were pretty excellent, you never knew where he was heading with his rediculous tangents.

[Beinkasaurus Rex]

yall bunch of neckbeards

[AranchineD]

At least we can grow neckbeards, tubby

[Xanafalgue]

irregardless is a perfectly cromulent word

The only post in this thread that matters.

[Blue]

Alright, so … He's just been singing 'If I Were A Rich Man' for ten minutes now. As John just said, "I'm going to put an end to all this bullshit right now", and I won't be watching next week.

[Satanarchist]

"I want to make out with you in Anne Frank's attic."

My sides ache.

[texta]

I actually quite liked this week. I didn't laugh once (which is about the same with other episodes) but I don't think it was trying to be funny so much and actually for once had something to say.

[AranchineD]

Well, they blurred both his and that old guy's penises out. Disappointing.

[Watchers]

Well, they blurred both his and that old guy's penises out. Disappointing.

Penii.

[AranchineD]

I was going to type that but I couldn't bear another Blue thrashing.

[Ad-Rock]

Nice episode, not as cringe-worthy or as funny as the previous two, but still entertaining tv.

[Serenity]

I learnt a whole lot about foreskins, I can say that much.

[Dukotoja]

what did you learn exactly?

that foreskin puller sounds ****ing terrible. so glad im not jewish...

[Ad-Rock]

Yeah my dick receded like a turtle's head in that segment.

[Serenity]

what did you learn exactly?

that foreskin puller sounds ****ing terrible. so glad im not jewish...

How the foreskin works and stuff. I'm a girl, what do you expect me to know about penii?

[Dukotoja]

How the foreskin works and stuff. I'm a girl, what do you expect me to know about penii?

i figured most girls would have ample experience with penii...

well i guess that depends on the age of the girl...

[jawsy]

The opportunities for reply are so boundless that I can't even settle on one!

Edit: I hate you, Dukotoja.

[Serenity]

i figured most girls would have ample experience with penii...

well i guess that depends on the age of the girl...

I'm 19 and I'm inexperienced. Forgive me for not knowing an encyclopedia's worth of knowledge on the subject.



So. Good ep last night.

[jawsy]

Stop derailing the subject! We're talking about penis!

[Serenity]

Penis or penii?

[Second]

If you want more experience with penis, you should just talk to me. I'm an expert on the subject.

[drzaius]

i'm a urology trainee - competition over.

also - the bit in the anne frank house made me sick.

[AranchineD]

You don't understand drzaius.

Second makes steel mill workers jealous.

[Patdog]

I'm 19 and I'm inexperienced. Forgive me for not knowing an encyclopedia's worth of knowledge on the subject.



So. Good ep last night.

I'm a pretty good teacher btw.

[Blue]

Okay, Aran's right, you really should all stop saying "penii" instead of "penises".

[TrinityJayOne]

****, I missed it. Someone link me to an online viewy place.

[texta]

One of my friends did his LLM (masters in law) on circumcision. If you want to know everything you could possibly know about dicks, he's the one to ask.

[JimmyKane]

I was going to type that but I couldn't bear another Blue thrashing.

Shit attempt at a Blue burn. But I guess the rest of the thread makes up for it (1)

Pretty good ep, I think my laughs were self-forced, but it's fantastically entertaining. I love how he pointedly goes all over the world at the drop of a hat. It's like "If it's entertaining for you, I'm not going to give it a second thought. I'll travel to the ends of the earth in a second if it entertains you enough".

[drzaius]

One of my friends did his LLM (masters in law) on circumcision. If you want to know everything you could possibly know about dicks, he's the one to ask.

bollocks. i cut one off the other week. i know how they work.

[Blue]

I don't know how people can still have their children circumcised.

But that's a discussion for another day.

[texta]

It's not very common in Australia anymore but I've heard the US love that shit.

[JimmyKane]

So drzaius, do people get them cut off because they want them to look bigger? Herpes clusters? Conversions to Judaism? Why?

[drzaius]

penis or foreskin?

we pretty much only cut a penis off for cancer.

Children are mainly circumcised for cultural reasons.
Circumcision in adults is most commonly for phimosis (when the foreskin gets too tight to retract) or reccurent infection.

Interestingly, penile cancer is pretty much exclusive to uncircumcised men.

[Banjo Tooie]

Shit attempt at a Blue burn. But I guess the rest of the thread makes up for it (1)

How was it even an attempt at a "Blue Burn"?

[Blue]

How was it even an attempt at a "Blue Burn"?Trying to have a stab at me for being a grammar Nazi. Not so much an attempted burn, more an unnecessary and unprovoked, but fairly tame, shot at me. I'm not fussed.

[aubergine]

Interestingly, penile cancer is pretty much exclusive to uncircumcised men.

Well I'm glad there's some advantage to it. I'm pretty cut that part of me was cut off as a baby - you want as much penis as is available to you. Your own penis I mean. Not that I want your penis. Not lots of it, anyway.

[AranchineD]

Trying to have a stab at me for being a grammar Nazi.

*prescriptive grammar Nazi

[Blue]

*prescriptive grammar NaziAran, whether you care about it or not, there is right, and there is wrong.

[AranchineD]

Too bad the objects that can be attributed to either are constantly shifting and altering, making an absolute definition of each impossible for any person or group of people, no matter how large, to create.

[Blue]

Okay, follow me here. Take, for instance, your example of 'penii'. Now, no matter how many time you say it, no matter how many people say it, it will never be correct. Ever. People aren't allowed to just make shit up and label it a new standard? Aw. Too bad.

[TAT]

I don't know if this is relevant here, but the Hey Hey thread is long gone.
Saw this in the supermarket yesterday:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Devest8r/negrita.jpg

[Serenity]

Haha, that's epic.

[AranchineD]

Okay, follow me here. Take, for instance, your example of 'penii'. Now, no matter how many time you say it, no matter how many people say it, it will never be correct. Ever. People aren't allowed to just make shit up and label it a new standard? Aw. Too bad.

See, that's where you are wrong. If enough people said it, for people to believe you should say it, then it will be correct. It would soon be added to the dictionary. It would soon become entirely accepted by society as the proper plural term of 'penis'.

Try and guess the revolution I'm going to give to the world.

[Second]

Like ******?

[AranchineD]

And the promise of more ******s to come.

[JimmyKane]

Okay, follow me here. Take, for instance, your example of 'penii'. Now, no matter how many time you say it, no matter how many people say it, it will never be correct. Ever. People aren't allowed to just make shit up and label it a new standard? Aw. Too bad.

Read 1984.

[Readman]

Okay, follow me here. Take, for instance, your example of 'penii'. Now, no matter how many time you say it, no matter how many people say it, it will never be correct. Ever. People aren't allowed to just make shit up and label it a new standard? Aw. Too bad.

Hmm, yes, this explains why everyone still speaks ancient Anglo-Saxon.

[Blue]

Hmm, yes, this explains why everyone still speaks ancient Anglo-Saxon.That was one of many languages that influenced, and eventually formed, the English language.

There would be no point in making "penii" a word, because the correct word is already "penises". It results in things like people using the word 'infer', when they actually mean 'imply', which leads to confusion. At this point in time, we have a set, standard language, which varies very little across English-speaking countries. There is no reason to make up new words that mean the same thing as an existing word. It only leads to inconsistencies.

[Silverwolf]

At this point in time, we have a set, standard language, which varies very little across English-speaking countries

Hahahahahahahahahaha.

[TAT]

At this point in time, we have a set, standard language, which varies very little across English-speaking countries.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Devest8r/1162125327567.jpg

[Blue]

Dispute it. Go right ahead.

Shit, just go ****ing study it while you're at it.

I'm out.

[Silverwolf]

Dispute it. Go right ahead.

Shit, just go ****ing study it while you're at it.

I'm out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mother_Tongue_%28book%29
That's all I need to dispute it. Already done the study by reading it.

[Blue]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mother_Tongue_%28book%29
That's all I need to dispute it. Already done the study by reading it.Ha. You've actually made me chuckle. Does that count as a 'lol'?

[Silverwolf]

You still haven't made a point and proved that you aren't talking out of your arse. =)

[Blue]

Communication is global, the English language is standardised, this isn't the ****ing middle-ages, blah blah blah.

I've written too many essays on this shit to be bothered arguing it with you guys, as it's ****ing boring, tedious crap. The fact is, however, that just because you disagree with my contention, it doesn't mean that you're right and I'm wrong.

[TAT]

Communication is global, the English language is standardised, this isn't the ****ing middle-ages, blah blah blah.

I've written too many essays on this shit to be bothered arguing it with you guys, as it's ****ing boring, tedious crap. The fact is, however, that just because you disagree with my contention, it doesn't mean that you're right and I'm wrong.
The sheer number of slang words specific to each Engish-speaking country proves your dumb arse wrong.

[Silverwolf]

Communication is global, the English language is standardised, this isn't the ****ing middle-ages, blah blah blah.

I've written too many essays on this shit to be bothered arguing it with you guys, as it's ****ing boring, tedious crap. The fact is, however, that just because you disagree with my contention, it doesn't mean that you're right and I'm wrong.

I'd take Bill Bryson's word over yours any day.

[REQUIEM]

The sheer number of slang words specific to each Engish-speaking country proves your dumb arse wrong.


Fk i NEVER agree with tat... blue what does that tell you.

[Blue]

The sheer number of slang words specific to each Engish-speaking country proves your dumb arse wrong.You seem to have misinterpreted my contention, or simply taken it out of context. I guess that's what happens when people try to shoehorn ****ing Bill Bryson into an argument. Anyway, I'm certain that Aran's having a nice chuckle to himself right now.

EDIT: One of these things is not like the other … Oh, hi UKG!

[TAT]

I'm out.
While we're "misinterpreting"...

[Blue]

"if it (English) were once refined to a certain standard, perhaps there might be ways found out to fix it forever, or at least 'til we are invaded and made a conquest by some other state … I see no absolute necessity why any language should be perpetually changing; for we find many examples to the contrary"

(Swift, Proposal for Correcting, Improving, and Ascertaining the English Tongue, 1712)

French institutions were successful at codifying their language; why should English adhere to a lower standard? Being a "prescriptive grammar Nazi" isn't about dialects or slang, as you're trying to make out. It is about asking the question "Why is this moron saying 'infer' when they actually mean 'imply'? Call me a grammar Nazi, but the fact is, that's just stupid."

Following on from that, I'd argue that the advent of new media means that standardisation, in any field, is more achievable than ever before. I believe that a move away from standardisation can only represent a lack of standards in our systems of education. If I want to learn karate, I'll study a discipline, rather than punching people however I feel like, and claiming it's the same thing.

[TAT]

Just... wow.

I'd pull out another reaction image but I seem to be overdoing that lately.

[Blue]

I've got the distinct feeling that I'm being trolled. Surely nobody could be as ignorant as you are, to the point that you completely disregard a perfectly valid and long-debated point of view being put forth by somebody who is responding with more than just links to Wikipedia or "reaction image[s]".

You can't win an argument by redefining the parameters to suit your own viewpoint, either, which you have both done at least once over the course of this discussion.

If actually wanted to discuss this with anyone, I could certainly find someone more appropriate. At the moment, you're coming across as just another internet retard. Maybe get some sleep.

[TAT]

You're argument is incorrect, i.e., wrong, because the phenomena Aran described is happening constantly. Just because you want the English language to stop evolving, or somehow think that it could, doesn't mean it will.

Just watch the latest episode of South Park, why don't you?

[texta]

This is like watching Down's syndrome wrestling.

[Readman]

Okay, follow me here. Take, for instance, your example of 'penii'. Now, no matter how many time you say it, no matter how many people say it, it will never be correct. Ever. People aren't allowed to just make shit up and label it a new standard? Aw. Too bad.

That was one of many languages that influenced, and eventually formed, the English language.

There would be no point in making "penii" a word, because the correct word is already "penises". It results in things like people using the word 'infer', when they actually mean 'imply', which leads to confusion. At this point in time, we have a set, standard language, which varies very little across English-speaking countries. There is no reason to make up new words that mean the same thing as an existing word. It only leads to inconsistencies.

I just blue myself!

French institutions were successful at codifying their language; why should English adhere to a lower standard? Being a "prescriptive grammar Nazi" isn't about dialects or slang, as you're trying to make out. It is about asking the question "Why is this moron saying 'infer' when they actually mean 'imply'? Call me a grammar Nazi, but the fact is, that's just stupid."

Holy ****, I just missed this one. Exhibit A in Blue shoots himself/herself/itself in their feet.

[Zan]

Jillian was her name
She was sweeter than aspartame
Her kisses reconfigured my DNA
And after that I never was the same

And I loved her even more
Than Marlon Brando loved souffle
She was gorgeous, she was charming
Yeah, she was perfect in every way

Except she was always using the word "infer"
When she obviously meant "imply"
And I know some guys would put up with that kind of thing
But frankly, I can't imagine why

And I told her, I said
"Hey! Are we playing horseshoes, honey?
No, I don't think we are!
You're close! (Close!)
But no cigar!"

[aubergine]

How about that John Saffran eh?

Have to catch up with the last two eps I taped.

[Serenity]

Thank you for trying to get this back on track, Aub. That was ridiculous.

[Readman]

Isn't the topic 'Blue has awful grammar while castigating others for their grammar'?

[Serenity]

I have an idea, let's take all the Blue baiting to one thread. To be frank, it's quite annoying. I know it's funny for some people but it really is littering legit threads with absolute shit.

[Readman]

He started it. :(

[Serenity]

I know, but this topic is for John Safran.

K that's enough backseat modding for me.

[Lex]

How's the thread being ruined at all? I hate this shit, the argument will die out and the thread will still be here. People need to let shit run its course.

[Serenity]

You have a point.

[AranchineD]

This thread is magnificent and I couldn't have imagined it going any better. And all because I used the wrong words and I didn't want to admit it.

(For the record Blue I can disprove your entire argument by showing that in the Canadian dialect, as one example of many, they avoided the shift of the u vowel into the dipthong 'aʊ' for some word constructions, which is why they continue to say 'aboot' and such. English is standardised to some degree, of course, but certainly not to the degree that you are claiming.)

[REQUIEM]

I've got the distinct feeling that I'm being trolled. Surely nobody could be as ignorant as you are,

What in here.... NEVER.

[Xanafalgue]

Watching the latest spisode now. Meh.

[Xanafalgue]

It was very boring.

[AranchineD]

Well that's your opinion, you can think that if you wish and I'll respect your perspective.

[Xanafalgue]

And Blue is an argumentative little shit.

[Silverwolf]

I've got the distinct feeling that I'm being trolled

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
Took long enough =)

[texta]

This thread is magnificent and I couldn't have imagined it going any better. And all because I used the wrong words and I didn't want to admit it.

(For the record Blue I can disprove your entire argument by showing that in the Canadian dialect, as one example of many, they avoided the shift of the u vowel into the dipthong 'aʊ' for some word constructions, which is why they continue to say 'aboot' and such. English is standardised to some degree, of course, but certainly not to the degree that you are claiming.)

Probably the easier way would be with something like this:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/27/2725051.htm

[Blue]

And Blue is an argumentative little shit.**** your mother.

[Readman]

Wow, you even managed not to screw up the singular/plurals in that sentence, I'm impressed Blue!

[Silverwolf]

Wow, you even managed not to screw up the singular/plurals in that sentence, I'm impressed Blue!

Our little Blue is growing up :')

[Blue]

Wow, you even managed not to screw up the singular/plurals in that sentence, I'm impressed Blue!Direct me to any post that I've ever done that in.

Thank you for no longer posting that horrible 'sig', too.

[Readman]

It's in this thread. I posted it above.

In a post in which you were talking about the importance of a prescriptive English grammar and in a thread where you had been arguing that English cannot or should not evolve, you use the word 'they' as a singular pronoun. What is more amusing is that it is pretty clear that you don't realise how much you shot yourself in the foot by doing so.

Let me be quite clear, because I'm pretty sure you don't understand. This whole thread - as I said above - you've been arguing that English grammar either cannot or should not change because of usage changes.

Now, the word 'they' is a plural pronoun. In English grammar, it has no other role. Historically, it was not a singular pronoun. It came increasingly into common use as a singular pronoun in order to function as gender neutral replacement for 'he', which is presumably where you picked it up. So, by using it as a singular pronoun, you have either (a) shown that you're ignorant of how plurals work in English or (b) completely undermined the point that you were trying to make.

You can see this pretty clearly by looking at the verb in that clause. If you were genuinely using 'they' as a singular pronoun, then you'd say 'means' rather than 'mean'. If you want, I can explain that grammatical rule to you as well.

You also just ended a sentence with a preposition, but I won't go into that.

[Lazlow]

You also just ended a sentence with a preposition, but I won't go into that.

You know that guy in whose camper they... I mean, that guy off in whose camper they were whacking?

[Readman]

I'm actually not sure if that counts. 'Off' isn't being used as a preposition, it's being used as part of a phrasal verb. I admit I am clueless as to the rule in this situation, but I can't see why a phrasal verb would violate the 'no prepositions at the end of a sentence' rule.

But, yeah, it's a dumb rule and shows why codifying English is a bad idea.

[Vindik8or]

That is the kind of English up with which I will not put!

[Blue]

No, no. As I said, you've already tried to alter the parameters of this 'argument'. Not once have I mentioned any grammatical rules, such as the ones you've mentioned, during this discussion. I have not talked about grammar, I have not talked about spelling. The discussion is about laziness leading to the creation of new, superfluous, words. Don't take my words out of context, in an effort to prove me wrong on a point that I never argued to begin with. Cheers.


Another thought: Arguably, dictionaries do seek to codify the words of the English language, if not its rules.

Obviously, I use the term 'they' rather than 'he/she'. I believe this will become, or has become, a standard usage of the word, and for good reason. As far as ending a sentence with a preposition goes, yeah, I'm pretty sure that rule is just about done with now. I would argue that the removal of that rule could be considered a part of codification, but really, can I be bothered? I'll just present the idea, and leave it there.

[Readman]

No, no. As I said, you've already tried to alter the parameters of this 'argument'. Not once have I mentioned any grammatical rules, such as the ones you've mentioned, during this discussion. I have not talked about grammar, I have not talked about spelling. The discussion is about laziness leading to the creation of new, superfluous, words. Don't take my words out of context, in an effort to prove me wrong on a point that I never argued to begin with. Cheers.

Earlier Blue quote:

Okay, follow me here. Take, for instance, your example of 'penii'. Now, no matter how many time you say it, no matter how many people say it, it will never be correct. Ever. People aren't allowed to just make shit up and label it a new standard? Aw. Too bad.

[Blue]

Earlier Blue quote:0_0

...

... And?

"Penii" is a fake word, not a new grammatical rule. I … Did you even read the segment you bolded? Your post actually reinforces what I was saying. You seem to be blinded by the assumptions I told you that you were making.

I think we might be done here. You're trying to argue something that just isn't there. Just let it go.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

0_0

...

... And?

"Penii" is a fake word, not a new grammatical rule. I … Did you even read the segment you bolded? Your post actually reinforces what I was saying. You seem to be blinded by the assumptions I told you that you were making.

I think we might be done here. You're trying to argue something that just isn't there. Just let it go.

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2111/45/6/1349881352/n1349881352_246988_9758.jpg

[Joel]

HAHAHA holy shit, best burn I have seen on these forums in a long, long time.

[Silverwolf]

I love this thread.

[Readman]

0_0

...

... And?

"Penii" is a fake word, not a new grammatical rule. I … Did you even read the segment you bolded? Your post actually reinforces what I was saying. You seem to be blinded by the assumptions I told you that you were making.

I think we might be done here. You're trying to argue something that just isn't there. Just let it go.

Holy Christ. You are as dumb as a bag of doorknobs. You were talking about how to correctly pluralise a noun. That is a grammatical question.

Edit: even if you were correct (which you're not), what on earth is the basis for saying that it's OK for grammar to change base on popular usage, but not vocabulary?

[Saxby]

This show is just awkwardly awful. It's kinda hard to watch.

[Silverwolf]

This show is just awkwardly awful. It's kinda hard to watch.

Sup sexby =)

[Zan]

This show is just awkwardly awful. It's kinda hard to watch.

This thread is certainly keeping in the spirit of the show. :s

I like the 10% of the show where Safran is trying to make a point, the rest I pretty much agree with you.

[Xanafalgue]

**** your mother.

I'm assuming the **** says "LOVE".

[Saxby]

Sup sexby =)

SUP SEXAHWOLF. Been a long time. I've been console gaming...

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Safran is too much of a jew these days, all he ever talks about is how ****ing jewish he is

[Silverwolf]

Safran is too much of a jew these days, all he ever talks about is how ****ing jewish he is

Subtle plot to take over australia.

[JimmyKane]

****in jew

[Zeph101]

Safran is too much of a jew these days, all he ever talks about is how ****ing jewish he is

And with good reason, seems he connects the reasons on why he's so ****ed up clearly on his Jewish upbringing. I love those flashback scenes with the Rabbi tying that... thing around his wrist.

[Ad-Rock]

Last nights episode was excellent. Funny and cringe-worthy. I think the reactions of other people to John's deadpan deliveries really make this show work.

[AranchineD]

Crap, didn't get a chance to watch it. Episode summay plox

[Readman]

*please

[texta]

*pease

[AranchineD]

*pease and tank you (cobined into 1 mega epic wort)

[JimmyKane]

Was more cringeworthy than OHHHHHHHBAMA.

[Joel]

Latest episode was so, so, so much better than the first three. More episodes like that plz

[JimmyKane]

I actually didn't like last night's episode so much. I mean, his obsession with his ex was pretty funny and I laughed my ass off at the Michael Moore thing. The thing where he had the picture of the Eurasian ex's mother was pretty good too. But the initial mother-kissing section was pretty boring except for his ex's reactions. Went on for too long as well.

I just realised I'm nitpicking. There're a lot of things I liked about last night's episode. But it just...wasn't as entertaining, I dunno. It was missing that...

SOMETHING

[V²]

This show is not as good as 30 Rock

[AranchineD]

I disagree, 30 Rock is a very good show, but Mortal Kombat is a much better.

[V²]

I'm really happy for you, I'm gonna let you finish, but Donkey Kong was the best game OF ALL TIME!

[AranchineD]

You know what YOU SUCK

[V²]

you knoe how Texta posted that info in the other thread?
i've worked out his phone number, want to parnk call him at 0300?

[AranchineD]

Yeah sure, I got nothing better to do then. Oh man, this is goign to be one awesome parnk!

[V²]

how do i use spoiler tags so i can secretly use them to communicate our terrosit schemes?

[Serenity]

...Are you sober? :p

[AranchineD]

Oh, you just typp and and you get spoielr tags , that way we can scheme in pivate.

[V²]

...Are you sober? :p

You are asking a recovering alocholic is he is sober? :(
oh

[The Reznor]

I hope you all realise that Safran became a national hero on TV tonight.

At last someone had the balls to well and truly **** with that David Irving tosspot. The entire human race owes him thanks.

It's only a pity that Irving wasn't made to sleep on barb wire mattresses and choke down sawdust loaf for a period of months or years before the first whiff of poisonous gas reached his lungs.

And it's also a pity the scumbag didn't die.

[Ad-Rock]

That was probably the best episode so far.

[JimmyKane]

I agree. It was an awesome moment when his dad confessed. He couldn't contain his excitement :D

[Ad-Rock]

Ha ha ha!

That **** has some serious issues!

[aubergine]

Had this even finished airing yet? I saw it on DVD today.

Was disappointed that the packaging was standard DVD case instead of the interesting packaging of the previous two series.

[Ad-Rock]

On DVD already!?

It looks like next week will be the last episode

[JimmyKane]

Yeah. It's drying up a bit.

[Australian Ninja]

I've bought two of the DVD already. One for me and one for my brother. Easily Safran's most unwatchable show yet! Brilliant.

The commentaries on all the episodes are good listening, and there is about 90 mins of extra stuff I have not watched yet

[St@ckboy]

Watched the latest episode on iView the other day. Easily the most insane yet. The final ep looks to be pretty interesting too.

[Ad-Rock]

Final episode was pretty intense!

Safran is a nut job.

Excellent series overall - not as funny as J.S. vs God but it was great tv.