Discriminatory Language Research Presented to the BBFC on 15th November 2010
Slesenger Research Research objectives
To understand the role of context and how it changes attitudes to discriminatory language / issues To establish the degree to which the public expect to be warned about potentially offensive language/behaviour/stereotyping in CA, ECI/ECA To understand spontaneous reactions to a number of discriminatory terms To explore what mitigates the impact of these words and how To understand the public’s response to the Video Recordings Act and their appreciation of the ‘E’ classification
2 Slesenger Research Recruitment Criteria
Group Discussions 2 hours 7/8 respondents All had personally watched a film either at the cinema or at home (DVD rental/purchase) at least once in the last two to three months Spread of occasional and more regular film viewers Even spread of parents of different ages of children and boys/girls All respondents were pre - placed with three relevant film/TV works All respondents completed a short questionnaire/diary about the material they had viewed Paired Depths 1-1 1/2 hours As for group discussions
3 Slesenger Research Sample and Methodology
9 x Group discussions
18-25 Single, working/students, BC1 Race Female Edgware 18-25 Single, working/students, C2D Sexuality Male Leeds 25-40 Children under 8 years Female Leeds Working, part-time and non, C2D Sexuality 25-40 Children under 8 years Male Scotland Working, BC1 Sexuality 25-40 Children 8-12 years Female Birmingham Working, part-time and non, BC1 Race 25-40 Children 8-12 years Male Pinner Working, C2D Disability 45-60 Children 12-18 years Female Scotland Working, part-time and non, BC1 Disability 45-60 Children 12-18 years Male Edgware Working, C2D Race 55+ Empty nesters/no children Mixed Birmingham BC1 Disability
4 Slesenger Research Sample and Methodology
5 x Paired depths I x Individual interview
Ethnic minority Younger Asian Female Birmingham Older Black Male Pinner
Family member of Disabled person Younger Physically disabled individual interview Female Pinner Older Mental disability pair Female Pinner
Sexuality Younger Gay couple/individuals Male Leeds Older Gay couple/individuals Female Scotland
5 Slesenger Research Headlines
The BBFC is mostly in line with public opinion regarding discriminatory language If anything respondents were more relaxed… The BBFC is right to look at this issue and include it in the Guidelines Racism is more of a concern than disability and sexuality Take care with CA….don’t be discriminatory or overly alarmist Those from specific minority groups recognise that they are a more sensitive audience but argue that the BBFC should classify films with the broader public in mind
6 Slesenger Research Who did we interview?
Slesenger Research The Respondents
Not a homogenous group, however more similarities than differences noted across the sample
Key variables: age/lifestage gender region specific sensitivities
8 Slesenger Research Age and Lifestage
Some trends observed:
Younger people were more in tune with BBFC’s analysis and responses Older people (especially men) seem more comfortable overall with discriminatory terms Having children aged 8-12 years forces many to consider the impact of language
I Ichallenge challenge my my older older kids kids – – why why areare you you using using it it and and do do you you know know whatwhat this this means?! means?! (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) HavingHaving kids kids does does change change your your attitudes. attitudes. I I usedused ‘mong’ ‘mong’ and and ‘spastic’ ‘spastic’ all all the the time, time, but but they are nasty and cruel so I don’t now. Kids they are nasty and cruel so I don’t now. Kids throwthrow these these words words around around but but they they don’t don’t understandunderstand (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
9 Slesenger Research Different generations
WeWe were were brought brought up up with with ‘going ‘going to to the the Paki shop’ and ‘getting a Chinky for tea’, WeWe didn’t didn’t mean mean them them in in a a derogatory derogatory Paki shop’ and ‘getting a Chinky for tea’, way and the kids tell their theythey were were the the words words of of our our generation generation way and the kids tell their (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) grandparentsgrandparents off off if if they they use use them them (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
TheThe older older generation generation are are more more racist. racist. YoungerYounger people people are are more more accepting accepting of of The older generation will say The older generation will say people,people, people people in in wheelchairs wheelchairs or or whatever whatever things like ‘I am going down things like ‘I am going down (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham) thethe Paki Paki shop’. shop’. It It is is not not an an offensiveoffensive word word to to them, them, it it is is just like slang just like slang (Female, 25-40, BC1, (Female, 25-40, BC1, My 80 year old mother said ‘she was Birmingham) My 80 year old mother said ‘she was Birmingham) lookinglooking for for a a nice nice nigger nigger brown brown carpet’! carpet’! (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
I Ihave have got got some some black black friends friends and and they they are are nice nice guys guys but but generally I hate them. If I am a racist I am a racist. I see generally I hate them. If I am a racist I am a racist. I see what’swhat’s coming coming into into this this country country and and taking taking all all the the benefits benefits and and suckingsucking us us dry dry and and our our country’s country’s in in a a right right mess mess because because of of the the immigration.immigration. And And they they are are nearly nearly all all black black so so that’s that’s the the reason reason (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
10 Slesenger Research Gender
Men seem to be more accepting of discriminatory language than women
Women are often the gatekeepers for bad language in the home and claim to hate hearing their children use words like ‘retard’ and ‘spastic’ more concerned about film classification in general, particularly around PG and 12A
I Ihave have used used retard retard – – ‘he’s ‘he’s such such a a retard retard man’man’ but but not not anymore, anymore, unacceptable unacceptable andand my my wife wife has has told told me me so so (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
MostMost words words are are used used in in a a jocular jocular way. way. You hear people in the pub and I’m guilty of using ‘poof,’ ‘gay’, You hear people in the pub and I’m guilty of using ‘poof,’ ‘gay’, youyou are are more more accepting, accepting, but but it’s it’s ‘faggot,’‘faggot,’ but but in in a a friendly friendly manner manner less okay on TV (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) less okay on TV (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland) 11 Slesenger Research Region
Observations not hard data…
South/LondonSouth/London Greater exposure and understanding of LeedsLeeds discriminatory words and issues
BirminghamBirmingham Particularly sensitive to racist language (esp. ‘Paki’)
ScotlandScotland Later adopters of ‘political correctness’ ‘Mong’ is a well used term amongst young people
12 Slesenger Research The depth interviews
In tune with the broader sample, but acknowledged a more personal perspective
Interestingly all respondents were able to separate their own feelings from broader classification issues Furthermore, many had a very pragmatic attitude to film classification: especially those who have come to terms with their differences The key learning is that sub-groups want to feel normalised and part of society: this has an impact on Consumer Advice in particular Language per se is not always the issue; language within bullying behaviour or violence is more problematic People from one group were often more sensitive to the needs of others eg. black men worrying about the word ‘Paki’ Comedy often but not always mitigates; can be left feeling discriminated against and uncomfortable – this is especially true of stand up comedy
13 Slesenger Research The depth interviews
Whilst those from specific groups understand that the BBFC must classify films according to the widest audience, it is worth noting the impact of specific words
“Arse bandit, turd burglar, shit stabber”: makes them feel dirty and dehumanised “Nonce” association between being gay and a paedophile GayGay men men “Sissy and pansy” emasculating and reminiscent of childhood bullying “Gay” – accept teenagers’ usage as being non discriminatory but dislike link between gay and It’s talking about the sexual act. That something negative It’sis what talking these about are, the and sexual these act. other That ones.is what It’s thesevery differentare, and tothese the otherterm To me, ‘pansy’ and To me, ‘pansy’ and forones. what It’s you very call differenta homosexual. to the termMy ‘sissy’ are both the ‘sissy’ are both the firstfor reaction what you is callthat a it homosexual. is none of your My same. They are same. They are fuckingfirst reaction business. is that I don’t it is nonego and of callyour comments not on our comments not on our peoplefucking ‘fanny business. pokers’. I don’t You go wouldn’t and call sexuality, but our I think that ‘shit stabber’ is just vulgar. And sexuality, but our peopleturn around ‘fanny and pokers’. do the You straight wouldn’t I think that ‘shit stabber’ is just vulgar. And weakness, our gender, ‘brown dick’. They are more offensive to me weakness, our gender, equivalentturn around because and dothere the is straight none. ‘brown dick’. They are more offensive to me our ability to be a man than ‘uphill gardener’ or ‘shirt lifter’. our ability to be a man Theseequivalent are about because the thereact but is theynone. than ‘uphill gardener’ or ‘shirt lifter’. (Male, gay, 20-35, Because they are talking about faeces and (Male, gay, 20-35, Thesemake are aboutit sound the sordid act but they Because they are talking about faeces and BC1, Leeds) make it sound sordid there is an association with being gay BC1, Leeds) (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) there(Male, is gay,an association 20-35, BC1, with Leeds) being gay (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) 14 Slesenger Research The depth interviews
Disliked seeing men discussing lesbians (Teachers) GayGay women women Sensitive about imitable behaviour Disliked Lesbo/Lezzer
I Ican’t can’t bear bear anything anything racial racial or or prejudice prejudice and and I I reallyreally dislike dislike ‘dyke’ ‘dyke’ and and obviously obviously ‘lesbo’ ‘lesbo’ (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland)
‘A‘A lezzer’ lezzer’ is is an an awful awful term, term, oneone I Ireally really dislike dislike and and find find offensive offensive ItIt is is a a stigma, stigma, we we are are just just human human beings, beings, it’s it’s (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, singling us out and there’s also aggression Scotland) singling us out and there’s also aggression Scotland) behindbehind it, it, the the way way it’s it’s said said to to you you (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland)
15 Slesenger Research The depth interviews
Accept peer to peer use of nigger and Paki, Asian women Asian women especially if comedic and protagonists are the Black men Black men same generation Asian women felt the word ‘Paki’ has become a generic term for non-white, non-black felt the word is more prevalent and widely used than ‘nigger’
‘Paki’‘Paki’ is is more more commonplace. commonplace. You You could could be be walkingwalking down down the the street street and and if if someone someone doesn’t doesn’t knowknow your your race, race, you you are are just just classed classed as as a a ‘Paki’ ‘Paki’ In real life it can happen where black (Female, 20-30, Asian, BC1, Birmingham) In real life it can happen where black (Female, 20-30, Asian, BC1, Birmingham) peoplepeople call call one one another another nigger, nigger, but but I I justjust don’t don’t like like the the word word and and I I wouldn’twouldn’t choose choose to to say say it it (Male,(Male, Black, Black, 18-25, 18-25, C2, C2, Pinner) Pinner)
ItIt annoys annoys me me that that the the word word ‘Paki’ ‘Paki’ is is used used for for anyone anyone whowho looks looks Asian Asian no no matter matter where where they they are are from from – – Bangladesh,Bangladesh, India India or or whatever. whatever. If If somebody somebody is is from from Pakistan, we would say Pakistani not Paki Pakistan, we would say Pakistani not Paki (Female,(Female, 20-30, 20-30, Asian, Asian, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
16 Slesenger Research The depth interviews
Concerns and anxieties revolve around bullying and Mothers of Mothers of imitability physically/physically/ like other mothers, keen to stamp out the growth of mentallymentally words like ‘retard’ and ‘spastic’ disableddisabled dislike the word ‘spazz’ as much as ‘spastic’ (unlike broader sample) Accept that these words are only a small part of the challenges their child will have to face
ThereThere is is a a line line where where you you can can tolerate tolerate things things even even thoughthough they they are are wrong wrong , ,and and that that is is okay, okay, it it doesn’t doesn’t crosscross the the line. line. It’s It’s self self directed directed – – (Gilmore (Gilmore Girls Girls clip) clip) (Mother(Mother of of mentally mentally disabled, disabled, 35-50, 35-50, BC1, BC1, Pinner) Pinner)
I Icorrect correct people people when when they they say say handicapped or spastic. I hate it, The word ‘spastic’ or ‘spazz’ handicapped or spastic. I hate it, The word ‘spastic’ or ‘spazz’ it turns my stomach. It is mostly should never be used. Using the it turns my stomach. It is mostly should never be used. Using the the older generation. I prefer word is mocking everyone who is the older generation. I prefer word is mocking everyone who is disability disability disableddisabled (Mother(Mother of of mentally mentally disabled, disabled, (Mother(Mother of of mentally mentally disabled, disabled, 35-50,35-50, BC1, BC1, Pinner) Pinner) 35-50,35-50, BC1, BC1, Pinner) Pinner)
17 Slesenger Research The BBFC and Discriminatory Language in Film
Slesenger Research Attitudes to Discriminatory Language in Film
Widespread interest in the BBFC looking at this issue
Recognised as being of concern: can be as offensive as ‘bad’ language; for many, the word ‘nigger’ is on a par with the strongest swear words has an impact on society as a whole; can both reflect and shape attitudes parents worry about imitable behaviour Widespread appreciation of the fact that the BBFC has incorporated discriminatory language into the Guidelines
Yes they are right to look at these Yes they are right to look at these Yes, definitely. It’s a big subject. We things.things. This This type type of of language language is is Yes, definitely. It’s a big subject. We frowned upon now livelive in in a a multi-racial multi-racial society society and and it’s it’s frowned upon now relevant for them to look at it (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds) relevant for them to look at it Male,Male, 45-60, 45-60, children children 12-18, 12-18, C2D C2D
19 Slesenger Research The BBFC
In line (mostly) with public opinion
If anything, respondents were more ‘relaxed’ than the BBFC: accept the realities of how people interact with each other; often calling each other ‘discriminatory’ terms often miss the odd word within the context of a film accept and understand mitigating factors quick to dismiss one off uses of discriminatory words lots of discussion about things getting ‘too PC’ (especially amongst older respondents)
20 Slesenger Research The Three Categories
Resonates most strongly with people RaceRace Greater consensus of opinion across the groups
A key area of concern DisabilityDisability Feel that society is aware of disability issues and also at an individual level, many do worry about offending disabled people
Some discussion about whether sexuality in film is a Sexuality Sexuality discriminatory issue, unless the work in question is strongly homophobic
21 Slesenger Research The Three Categories
Race resonates most strongly with people
More likely to be noticed in film: often because it is accompanied by violence or is the theme of a film the belief that everyone is affected by racism in the public arena; challenged and discussed Taps into deeper concerns and beliefs: people appreciate they cannot be outwardly racist however recognition that racism is alive and well within British society: • post 9/11 fears • concerns about immigration
• rise of far right AsAs a a people people I Ireally really thought thought that that we we havehave moved moved forward forward on on our our views views about racism. But what with the war about racism. But what with the war inin Afghanistan Afghanistan and and the the terrorist terrorist attacks, we seem to be going I think that racism is more worrying. attacks, we seem to be going I think that racism is more worrying. backwardsbackwards and and there there is is a a lot lot of of racial racial There There is is a a lot lot more more of of it it about about tension around (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) tension around (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham)Birmingham)
22 Slesenger Research Racism
WeWe are are the the understanding understanding generation generation but but there there isis a a concern concern that that it’s it’s going going back back the the other other way. way. ThereThere are are tensions tensions in in the the world, world, the the wars wars and and immigrationimmigration issues. issues. I Ithink think that that it it is is one one step step forwardforward and and two two steps steps back back at at the the moment moment (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham) It’sIt’s a a big big divide divide in in the the country country the the NationalNational Front Front are are getting getting lots lots of of supportsupport whether whether we we like like it it or or not not (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
I Ithink think that that 9/11 9/11 has has brought brought a a lot lot of of racism racism backback for for whatever whatever reason. reason. I Ithink think that that things things have got worse since then have got worse since then (Female,(Female, 20-30, 20-30, Asian, Asian, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
23 Slesenger Research Racism
Annoyed if they use retard, horrified Nigger and other racist words are Annoyed if they use retard, horrified Nigger and other racist words are ifif they they used used nigger nigger reallyreally offensive offensive and and I Idon’t don’t like like them them (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland)
RacialRacial discrimination discrimination has has been been Only ‘nigger’, other than that Only ‘nigger’, other than that massivemassive for for decades decades anything goes. We are desensitised anything goes. We are desensitised (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland) byby things things on on TV TV these these days days (Male,(Male, Black, Black, 18-25, 18-25, C2, C2, Pinner) Pinner)
WidelyWidely accepted accepted that that you you don’t don’t useuse the the word word ‘nigger’ ‘nigger’ Racist content often comes with (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) Racist content often comes with (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) violenceviolence and and verbal verbal abuse abuse (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
It’sIt’s around around all all the the time. time. There There are are more more minority people than disabled. And we ‘Paki‘Paki bastard’ bastard’ is is very very minority people than disabled. And we know more people from different strongstrong and and offensive offensive know more people from different countries than we know disabled (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland) countries than we know disabled (Male, 25-40, C2D, Pinner) (Male, 25-40, C2D, Pinner)
24 Slesenger Research The Three Categories
Disability : Bullying disabled people is the main area of concern
Genuine compassion for physically and mentally disabled people (especially amongst younger people) Respect for disabled people and their struggles can be undermined by language: esp. ‘retard’, ‘spastic’ and ‘mong’ mothers were particularly keen to stamp out this kind of language amongst their children
I just don’t think it’s nice to poke fun at I just don’t think it’s nice to poke fun at someone who might not be able to defend I think that disabled are more discriminated against someone who might not be able to defend I think that disabled are more discriminated against themselves. No-one likes to be laughed at or in the fact that you see so much now in the paper themselves. No-one likes to be laughed at or in the fact that you see so much now in the paper singled out for a reason that they have no where people have committed suicide because people singled out for a reason that they have no where people have committed suicide because people control over. So to call someone a ‘retard’, it’s in the street are victimising them purely because they control over. So to call someone a ‘retard’, it’s in the street are victimising them purely because they not so much that they are making fun of that are disabled. There’s so much of it these days. You not so much that they are making fun of that are disabled. There’s so much of it these days. You particular person, it’s more offensive to hear such horrible comments about people because particular person, it’s more offensive to hear such horrible comments about people because disabled people in general who are not they are disabled; they are threatened because they disabled people in general who are not they are disabled; they are threatened because they retarded. It’s like calling them ‘spazz’ are disabled. What’s become of us? retarded. It’s like calling them ‘spazz’ are disabled. What’s become of us? (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham)
25 Slesenger Research To what extent does the public agree with the BBFC’s decisions?
Slesenger Research Agreement with BBFC’s decisions
Mostly….spot on *
Works that prompted the most discussion and debate: Ashes to Ashes The Believer Cast Offs
* Please see Appendix for a full analysis of all the clips / films
27 Slesenger Research The BBFC’s Decisions
Disability clips
Level of agreement Mermaid Game Cloudy with a Chance Colour Me Perfect
Speed Racer Friends Gilmore Girls Rock Rivals Hancock Extras () Making of Kung Fu Flid ()
28 Slesenger Research The BBFC’s Decisions
Sexuality clips
Level of agreement The Two Ronnies Mean Girls Are You Being Served Love on the Side Modern Family Glee Midsomer Murders Hancock We are Mongrels Little Britain Ashes to Ashes () Teachers ()
29 Slesenger Research The BBFC’s Decisions
Sexuality films
Level of agreement Glee I love you Phillip Morris I now pronounce you Chuck & Larry * The Inbetweeners
*DVD’s were ‘15’
30 Slesenger Research The BBFC’s Decisions
Racism clips
Level of agreement The Dam Busters Jag Into the Arms of Strangers Outnumbered () Mork & Mindy Mo’Nique Borat Love and Hate Shifty Roy Chubby Brown This is England
31 Slesenger Research The BBFC’s Decisions
Disability films
Level of agreement Special people 12 Ben X 15 () Inside I’m Dancing 15 () Cast Offs 15 ()() The Inbetweeners 18 (But not for disability issues)
32 Slesenger Research The BBFC’s Decisions
Race films
Level of agreement Gran Torino Love and Hate The Believer ()
33 Slesenger Research What about discriminatory language itself? Which words have the potential to cause the most offense?
Slesenger Research Reactions to ‘discriminatory’ words
No one word exists in isolation
Two variables shaped the discussions:
35 Slesenger Research Changes in meaning over time
The meaning of certain words have evolved and changed over time
“Gay” as defined in the urban dictionary: “The dictionary definition is happy. However, this is archaic and few people use it any more except in the phrase ‘gay old time’ Homosexual, especially homosexual males but can be used for lesbians as well A generic insult. It can mean bad, stupid or whatever you want it to mean”
GayGay doesn’t doesn’t mean mean gay gay – – you’re you’re ‘Gay’ is the big one at the moment. gay sir – it just means rubbish. ‘Gay’ is the big one at the moment. gay sir – it just means rubbish. EverythingEverything is is so so ‘gay’. ‘gay’. If If they they don’t don’t IfIf you you don’t don’t like like it, it, it’s it’s gay gay like something, it’s ‘gay’. (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) like something, it’s ‘gay’. (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
36 Slesenger Research Changes in meaning over time
WeWe take take these these words words literally literally , ,how how we we understoodunderstood and and used used them, them, but but they they don’tdon’t agree agree with with the the meanings meanings – – they they putput RETARRRRD RETARRRRD all all over over Facebook Facebook (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
37 Slesenger Research Changes in meaning over time
“Nigger” can be re - claimed by young black people, (especially in music)
You do hear ‘nigger’ now in songs TheyThey can can use use it it themselves themselves and and call call You do hear ‘nigger’ now in songs it to each other. My lad has heard and lots of black people calling it to each other. My lad has heard and lots of black people calling themselves and friends nigger itit in in rapping rapping music music but but I Ihad had to to tell tell themselves and friends nigger (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) himhim that that while while it’s it’s ok ok for for them them to to (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) saysay it, it, you you can’t can’t say say it. it. It’s It’s offensiveoffensive (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham)Birmingham) SomeSome black black people people will will refer refer to to themselves themselves as as ‘nigger’.‘nigger’. I Ithink think it’s it’s a a race race thing, thing, and and about about belonging to the group, but if a white person or belonging to the group, but if a white person or someonesomeone outside outside the the group group use use it, it, it’s it’s offensive offensive (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
NiggerNigger has has now now come come back back in in a a jokey term. Black people saying I Iwork work beside beside a a black black guy guy who who uses uses the the jokey term. Black people saying expression ‘nigger’ a lot. Not with any ‘nigger’.‘nigger’. Also Also in in rap rap songs songs expression ‘nigger’ a lot. Not with any (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) malicemalice and and it’s it’s not not a a big big deal deal to to him him (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland)
38 Slesenger Research Reactions to ‘discriminatory’ words
Removing context enabled us to gauge spontaneous reactions to the words
Racist language has the potential to cause the most offence overall
There was a great deal of consistency across all the groups and depths when ranking the words
39 Slesenger Research Racist Language
MostMost offensive offensive
Paki Nigger Darkie Monkey/jungle bunny/ Pikey* Wog/golly wog Sambo Coon
CurrentCurrent NotNot current current Yid White trash Chink Gyppo Slant eye
Frog Chav Ginger LeastLeast offensive offensive *If known and understood 40 Slesenger Research “Nigger”
Has the potential to cause great offence:
Provokes an almost visceral response Has a historical context of racist abuse, slavery and white supremacy Mitigating factors are few and far between; peer to peer only
WhiteWhite supremacy supremacy and and stuff stuff like like that.that. The The entire entire history history of of the the subjugationsubjugation of of the the black black people. people. It It obviouslyobviously has has real real sensitivity sensitivity (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
It’sIt’s because because the the black black person person was was persecutedpersecuted by by the the white white man, man, that that is is wherewhere the the word word comes comes from. from. That That is is why why ItIt is is a a bit bit of of a a taboo. taboo. You You get get there is so much tension around the hauled over the coals if you say it there is so much tension around the hauled over the coals if you say it word, it is because of the slaves (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) word, it is because of the slaves (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
41 Slesenger Research “Paki”
Disliked and linked with violence and bullying for most
TheThe way way the the word word has has been been used used has has connotations of violence. Racially connotations of violence. Racially motivated violence still happens a lot I think that ‘Paki’ is worse motivated violence still happens a lot I think that ‘Paki’ is worse (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds) becausebecause it it is is used used more more (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham) I Isee see nothing nothing wrong wrong with with the the word word ‘Paki’ because to me that’s like ‘Paki’ because to me that’s like TheyThey are are proud proud to to be be called called Paki. Paki. callingcalling me me a a Brit Brit It’sIt’s like like saying saying Brummie Brummie isn’t isn’t it? it? (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham) (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
42 Slesenger Research “Coon”, “monkey”, “wog”, “sambo”, “jungle bunny”, “darkie”
Not current vernacular but could have potential to offend
‘Darkie’,‘Darkie’, I Icall call my my friend friend that that (Male, Black, 18-25, (Male, Black, 18-25, C2,C2, Pinner) Pinner) ‘Monkey’‘Monkey’ awful awful and and always always racist racist in in thisthis context. context. Same Same for for ‘Jungle ‘Jungle Bunny‘ Bunny‘ (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware)
‘Coon’,‘Coon’, very very offensive, offensive, similar similar to to PakiPaki and and Nigger. Nigger. You You can’t can’t use use it it withoutwithout being being racist, racist, though though you you don’tdon’t hear hear much much of of it it these these days days (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware)
43 Slesenger Research “Pikey”
Not well known across the sample but those who knew the term, recognised its potential to offend
It’sIt’s a a really really derogatory derogatory name name forfor a a gypsy. gypsy. If If you you were were talking talking toto a a gypsy gypsy and and called called them them a a pikeypikey they they would would stab stab you you (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham)Birmingham)
‘Gyppo’ was thought to be inherently less offensive but still not a nice term
Gyppo,Gyppo, abbreviation abbreviation for for Gypsy, Gypsy, it’s meant to be offensive it’s meant to be offensive (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware)
44 Slesenger Research “Yid”, “White trash”, “Chink”, “Slant Eye”
Not the nicest of terms but not automatically discriminatory or offensive
Chink.Chink. It’s It’s not not offensive, offensive, not not really. really. It’s It’s likelike calling calling someone someone from from Birmingham Birmingham aa Brummie Brummie (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham) (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham) They call themselves ‘Yids’. I have They call themselves ‘Yids’. I have aa lot lot of of Jewish Jewish friends friends who who call call themselvesthemselves the the Yid Yid Army Army (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
TheyThey are are less less violent; violent; they they don’t don’t have have violenceviolence associated associated with with them them (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
45 Slesenger Research “Chav”, “Ginger”, “Frog”
Not perceived to be inherently discriminatory; chav is perceived more about fashion than anything else
It’sIt’s not not based based on on race. race. It’s It’s just just based based on on a a person and the way that they dress. It’s about person and the way that they dress. It’s about youryour appearance appearance not not who who you you are are (Female,(Female, 20-30, 20-30, Asian, Asian, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
TheyThey choose choose to to look look like like that. that. Chav Chav is is just a collective term for different styles just a collective term for different styles (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
I Ithink think that that upping upping the the classification classification for for the the saying saying ChavChav is is like like a a world world gone gone mad. mad. If If you you looked looked at at thatthat you you would would need need to to look look at at everything everything like like modsmods or or rockers, rockers, Sloane Sloane Rangers Rangers in in the the 80’s 80’s (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
46 Slesenger Research Disability Language
MostMost offensive offensive
Retard Fucktard
Mong (Scotland) Mong (England)
Spastic Mongaloid Spazz CurrentCurrent NotNot current current
Schizo
Cripple Thlid/flid
LeastLeast offensive offensive Cretin/Moron/Dumb/Dimwit 47 Midget/Mental/Mentalist Slesenger Research “Retard”
Creeping back into young people’s vernacular as a peer to peer insult, but disliked by many (especially mothers)
TheThe word word ‘spastic’ ‘spastic’ is is a a terrible terrible word word andand I Ireally really dislike dislike it it and and retard’s retard’s the the same,same, find find it it hugely hugely offensive offensive (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland) WhereWhere I Iwork work there’s there’s all all sorts sorts of of age age groupsgroups and and the the younger younger age age group group use use that that wordword ‘spazz’ ‘spazz’ I Ihave have noticed. noticed. I Iwork work on on ReceptionReception and and people people go go by by and and shout shout to to one another and they also use that ‘retard’. one another and they also use that ‘retard’. And And I Ithink think they they are are terrible terrible words words (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
MyMy kids kids used used that that all all the the time. time. To To them them it’sit’s no no more more than than saying saying idiot. idiot. That’s That’s whatwhat they they actually actually mean. mean. They They are are taking the mick out of each other taking the mick out of each other (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
48 Slesenger Research “Spazz” “Spastic”
Spazz felt to be more current and less offensive than spastic, however a growing usage amongst young people is noted by mothers
‘Spazz’‘Spazz’ and and ‘spastic’ ‘spastic’ are are two two I Ithink think ‘spazz’ ‘spazz’ is is the the weaker weaker version version completelycompletely different different words. words. ‘Spazz’ ‘Spazz’ ofof ‘retard’. ‘retard’. And And it’s it’s a a bit bit more more jovial, jovial, isis just just a a throwaway throwaway word word I Iwould would say say that that ‘I ‘I am am such such a a spazz’ spazz’ (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, C2D, C2D, Pinner) Pinner) (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
YouYou don’t don’t hear hear kids kids saying saying I think ‘spazz’ is different to ‘spastic’,‘spastic’, it’s it’s more more from from our our I think ‘spazz’ is different to generation. I used to call my ‘spastic’,‘spastic’, not not as as strong strong and and not not generation. I used to call my directly linked to disability friendsfriends that that all all the the time time directly linked to disability (Female, 25-40, BC1, (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland) (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham)Birmingham)
49 Slesenger Research “Mong”
A very offensive and widely used term in Scotland, however felt to be almost obsolete in other parts of the country
‘Mong’‘Mong’ is is always always derogatory derogatory and and offensiveoffensive and and seems seems to to be be making making a a comeback. I slammed the breaks on comeback. I slammed the breaks on whenwhen I Iheard heard my my kids kids using using it, it, but but they they insistedinsisted they they didn’t didn’t mean mean anything anything by by it it (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
“Fucktard”
Not known, but instantly disliked due to link with the word ‘fuck’
50 Slesenger Research Sexuality Language
MostMost offensive offensive
Dyke Faggot Fag
Bent bastard Shirt lifter CurrentCurrent NotNot current current
(Dyke) Lezzer/lesbo Homo Bender Gay boy Slut Queer/Queen Bitch Batty Boy Gay (to mean rubbish) Poof/poofter Gay/lesbian LeastLeast offensive offensive Sissy/pansy
51 Slesenger Research “Dyke”
Provokes a polarised response but those with lesbian friends or who are lesbians recognise its potential to offend
ThatThat is is an an offensive offensive word word to to women women (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
WithWith ‘gay’ ‘gay’ and and ‘lesbian’, ‘lesbian’, they they call call themselvesthemselves that, that, but but ‘dyke’ ‘dyke’ is is so so offensive offensive (Mother(Mother of of mentally mentally disabled, disabled, 35-50, 35-50, BC1,BC1, Pinner) Pinner)
I Ireally really don’t don’t like like the the word word ‘dyke’ ‘dyke’ and and the the tone behind it and the way people say it tone behind it and the way people say it (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland)
52 Slesenger Research “Faggot” “Fag”
Likewise, faggot and fag (to a lesser extent) were felt to be more discriminatory than the word ‘gay’
GayGay people people would would definitely definitely not not callcall themselves themselves ‘faggot’ ‘faggot’ (Male, 25-40, C2D, Pinner) I Idon’t don’t like like fag fag and and faggot. faggot. They They (Male, 25-40, C2D, Pinner) are worse than gay are worse than gay (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
WithWith ‘lezzer’, ‘lezzer’, I Iknow know some some lesbians lesbians who who referrefer to to themselves themselves as as ‘lezzers’. ‘lezzers’. I Idon’t don’t knowknow many many gay gay men men who who would would run run aroundaround saying saying ‘I ‘I am am such such a a faggot!’ faggot!’ (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) BecauseBecause it’s it’s designed designed to to be be offensive, offensive, in in mymy mind. mind. Saying Saying ‘gay’ ‘gay’ is is not not being being offensive,offensive, but but ‘fag’ ‘fag’ is is slightly slightly derogatory derogatory (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
53 Slesenger Research “Poof” “Batty boy”
Seem to have inherent comedic value and respondents struggled to take these words seriously
‘Poof’‘Poof’ doesn’t doesn’t mean mean gay. gay. I Iwould would useuse it it to to slag slag off off his his golf golf shot shot or or thethe jumper jumper he he was was wearing. wearing. (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) ‘Batty‘Batty Boy’ Boy’ is is just just funny. funny. (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) Embarrassing to use. Just silly Embarrassing to use. Just silly (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
‘You‘You poof’ poof’ – – I’m I’m not not saying saying you’re you’re gay gay andand it’s it’s nothing nothing like like saying saying ‘you ‘you nigger’nigger’ (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
54 Slesenger Research “Pansy” “Sissy” “Shirt lifter”
Light hearted tone noted by respondents but gay men interviewed disliked these terms
They are more subtle… I call my TheyThey don’t don’t sound sound too too They are more subtle… I call my aggressive and it’s not directed brotherbrother half half these these words words aggressive and it’s not directed (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) towardstowards the the sexuality sexuality (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
“Slut”
Disliked by most women in particular but not felt to be discriminatory
55 Slesenger Research “Gay”
Not negatively framed: a factual description or means something entirely different (to young people)
I Iwould would never never correct correct people people who who said said ‘gay’‘gay’ and and ask ask them them to to say say ‘homosexual’.‘homosexual’. ‘Gay’ ‘Gay’ is is what what you you would would useuse IfIf you you call call a a gay gay person person ‘gay’ ‘gay’ they they would would (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds) notnot be be offended offended but but if if you you say say to to a a black black person,person, ‘hey ‘hey nigger’ nigger’ he he would would be be offended offended (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds) ‘Gay’‘Gay’ – – kids kids say say it it all all the the time time (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
I Idon’t don’t think think they they are are being being discriminatory. discriminatory. Because Because I Iwork work in in a a primary primary school, school, I Ithink think some some of of them them don’tdon’t even even know know the the full full meaning meaning of of the the word word that that theythey are are using. using. But But they they are are getting getting that that word word from from programs that they watch on TV or things that they programs that they watch on TV or things that they It’s a neutral word. It’s have heard, or things that they see. It’s OK to say It’s a neutral word. It’s have heard, or things that they see. It’s OK to say notnot offensive offensive and and can can thatthat things things are are ‘gay’ ‘gay’ mean one of two things (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) mean one of two things (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D,C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
56 Slesenger Research Sexuality: Cruder References
MostMost offensive offensive Turd burglar Arse bandit Visual and graphic association with faeces; derogatory Shit stabber Parents worry about imitable behaviour Brown dick
Fairly descriptive; parents worry about having to Rug/carpet muncher explain away Clam shucker Disliked but not widely used Fish/tuna breath Less aggressive than ‘male’ terms
Fudge packer Teenage nonsense Uphill gardener Easy to miss and dismiss Chutney ferret Comedic tone
LeastLeast offensive offensive
57 Slesenger Research “Arse bandit” “Shit stabber” “Turd burglar”
ArseArse bandit, bandit, shit shit stabber, stabber, fudge fudge ‘Arse Bandit’, ‘Shit Stabber’ and packer…. It is about what they do ‘Arse Bandit’, ‘Shit Stabber’ and packer…. It is about what they do ‘Bent‘Bent Bastard’ Bastard’ are are threatening threatening ratherrather than than what what person person they they are are and definitely high up (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) and definitely high up (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
KidsKids understand understand gay gay but but they they don’t don’t actually know what two men do. actually know what two men do. It’sIt’s about about sexuality… sexuality… you you can can visualise visualise With these words you would have With these words you would have itit and and it’s it’s too too much much information information toto explain explain what what they they are are doing doing (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds)
58 Slesenger Research Context, context, context: Key mitigating factors
Slesenger Research Mitigating the impact of the words
Genre
Storyline Audience
g on Nig M ger Protagonists Theme Paki rd Sp eta azz R Dyke se Ar it nd Pikey ba Tone Verbal vs. visual
Familiarity Purpose/intention
EvenEven thethe impactimpact ofof worstworst wordswords (Nigger(Nigger andand Paki)Paki) cancan bebe significantlysignificantly reducedreduced byby certaincertain ‘mitigators’‘mitigators’
60 Slesenger Research Genre: Comedy
Has the greatest potential to challenge and change the impact of a word
Changes the intention from offence to entertain Can force people to explore their own prejudices Audience can miss or dismiss the word itself in the joke Particularly powerful for self directed or peer to peer comments
However, people do not always get the joke! If this happens, one is left feeling the impact of the word: irony is not always appreciated, especially if the respondent is not familiar with the works (Borat and Ashes to Ashes are good examples of this)
61 Slesenger Research Genre: Comedy
YouYou take take it it all all with with a a pinch pinch of of saltsalt because because it it is is comedy comedy (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
TheThe comedy comedy element element of of Little Little Britain Britain takestakes away away any any offence offence (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South) It’sIt’s just just fun. fun. Comedians Comedians take take the the piss out of things. That’s what piss out of things. That’s what theythey do do (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) SomethingSomething Like Like Ali Ali G, G, that’s that’s fine fine as as itit can can be be made made to to be be funny funny (Male,(Male, Black, Black, 18-25, 18-25, C2, C2, Pinner) Pinner)
InIn comedy comedy it it is is okay okay and and it it isn’t isn’t meant to be offensive meant to be offensive It’s much more offensive when it’s (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware) It’s much more offensive when it’s seriousserious drama. drama. When When you you have have comedy,comedy, it’s it’s easier easier to to laugh laugh off off (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
HerHer context context is is comedy comedy and and you you expect expect to to hearhear that that kind kind of of language language (Mo’Nique) (Mo’Nique) (Male,(Male, Black, Black, 18-25, 18-25, C2, C2, Pinner) Pinner)
62 Slesenger Research Genre: Stand up Comedy
Viewers of stand up comedy have the most forgiving mindset overall:
Stand up comedians are known to push boundaries Viewing is often uncomfortable Traditionally sexist and racist humour However respondents feel that the audience has a choice to be there or not Often specific comedians (Roy Chubby Brown, Jimmy Carr) are not felt to be specifically racists as they insult so many different groups
I think that comedy should exist outside morality and I think that comedy should exist outside morality and ethics. Like some things are funny, even if they are ethics. Like some things are funny, even if they are in bad taste. Take for instance the Jonathan Ross, in bad taste. Take for instance the Jonathan Ross, Russell Brand thing. It was funny because it was Russell Brand thing. It was funny because it was comedy comedy (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds)
The whole point of comedy is that you get to say The whole point of comedy is that you get to say things that are indefensible….I am not a politician, I things that are indefensible….I am not a politician, I don’t have a manifesto. I don’t have to defend it. don’t have a manifesto. I don’t have to defend it. (Frankie Boyle interviewed in The Sunday Times (Frankie Boyle interviewed in The Sunday Times 14/11/10) 14/11/10) 63 Slesenger Research Genre: ‘Real’
At the other end of the spectrum, where the works feel very real and reflective of today’s society, concerns about discriminatory language are at their highest
Difficult for respondents to distance themselves from the events shown as believe it ‘could happen’ This is particularly true of contemporary British films such as Love and Hate and This is England Whereas the racism of Gran Torino and Mork & Mindy was easier to dismiss (American plus other mitigating factors)
ItIt was was the the conversation conversation between between the the two two men men (Teachers). What is it between lesbian women It’s quite recent (Love and Hate) (Teachers). What is it between lesbian women It’s quite recent (Love and Hate) and straight men, they have this ‘come and and it’s close to the way in which and straight men, they have this ‘come and and it’s close to the way in which have a night with me attitude’. It’s the sort of we really do live have a night with me attitude’. It’s the sort of we really do live realreal conversation conversation you’d you’d hear hear next next door door (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland) Leeds)Leeds)
64 Slesenger Research Genre: Historical
Historical works enable people to rationalise discriminatory behaviour and language
Language is deemed to be naturalistic and ‘real’ and therefore inherently less offensive The educational benefit of seeing how things have changed is also potentially relevant and respondents are keen for the works to reach as wide an audience as possible
ItIt doesn’t doesn’t make make it it acceptable acceptable but but that’s that’s howhow it it was was then then (Ashes (Ashes to to Ashes) Ashes) It makes a difference when it is a real (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland) It makes a difference when it is a real personperson and and not not a a drama. drama. They They are are tryingtrying to to explain explain what what it it was was like like to to go go throughthrough that that and and I Iwould would classify classify that that quite low (Into the Arms of Strangers) It’sIt’s a a representation representation of of the the times times and and that’s that’s quite low (Into the Arms of Strangers) how it was then. You’d expect that from (Male, 45-60, C2D, Edgware) how it was then. You’d expect that from (Male, 45-60, C2D, Edgware) HuntHunt (Ashes (Ashes to to Ashes) Ashes) (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
65 Slesenger Research Genre: Old Works
The racism of old works can be shocking, even in comedy
Whilst the issue prompted a great deal of discussion, respondents felt that the classification of old works needs to be assessed within the context of the era in question and the intent to actually offend the audience is also important Love Thy Neighbour was often discussed in the groups Interestingly modern works set in the past are not always understood in the same way: Ashes to Ashes can polarise respondents Consumer Advice has a role to play and ‘contains discriminatory references / terms’ was thought to be particularly useful in this respect
ItIt is is just just wrong, wrong, but but it it is is olden olden I Iwould would leave leave things things as as they they are are and and just just days, old fashioned, and no one be proud that we have moved on from it days, old fashioned, and no one be proud that we have moved on from it would do that now (Dam Busters) (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham) would do that now (Dam Busters) (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham) (Male,(Male, Black, Black, 18-25, 18-25, C2, C2, Pinner) Pinner)
66 Slesenger Research Genre: Puppetry
The clip ‘We are Mongrels’ provoked a lively debate about the impact of puppetry
Puppetry does mitigate but to varying degrees For many, the scene felt very real and the bullying tone and word ‘nonce’ was offensive – especially to the gay men interviewed
TwoTwo guys guys saying saying that that to to each each other other would would be be strong,strong, but but because because there there are are two two puppets puppets it it doesdoes tone tone it it down down (We (We are are Mongrels) Mongrels) (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
67 Slesenger Research Purpose and Intention
OfOf thethe word(s)word(s) used…used… OfOf thethe works…works… (clip)(clip) AtAt worst: worst: EducationalEducational (Glee) (Glee) protagonist deliberately sets protagonist deliberately sets ShowingShowing balance balance out to offend: out to offend: (Love(Love and and Hate) Hate) • could have chosen a less • could have chosen a less offensive word eg. Gay not Fag, offensive word eg. Gay not Fag, ToTo be be humorous humorous or or ironic ironic AsianAsian not not Paki Paki (Little Britain) • direct, bullying and discriminatory (Little Britain) • direct, bullying and discriminatory tone tone ToTo entertain entertain without without an an agenda agenda (I love you Phillip Morris?) AtAt best: best: (I love you Phillip Morris?) factualfactual and and objective objective OrOr to to make make a a comment comment about about an an important issue describingdescribing another’s another’s actions actions important issue (Jag)(Jag) BenBen X, X, Cast Cast Offs, Offs, Special People descriptivedescriptive (Into (Into Arms Arms of of Special People Strangers,Strangers, Kung Kung Fu Fu Flid) Flid)
68 Slesenger Research Purpose and Intention
ItIt is is not not there there to to cause cause offense offense (Dambuster) so it’s not offensive I would want my son to watch that film (Dambuster) so it’s not offensive I would want my son to watch that film (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds) (Gran(Gran Torino) Torino) so so I Iwouldn’t wouldn’t want want too too (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds) strongstrong a a rating rating or or too too strong strong a a message message onon the the back back to to stop stop other other parents parents lettingletting their their children children watch watch it it (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham) YesYes there there was was the the odd odd reference reference (I (I nownow Pronounce Pronounce You You Chuck Chuck and and Larry) Larry) butbut overall overall the the film film was was trying trying to to get get peoplepeople to to understand understand (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
TheThe intention intention (Borat (Borat clip) clip) is is to to get get youyou to to take take a a look look at at the the sort sort of of peoplepeople who who really really do do believe believe that that and to see how ridiculous it is and to see how ridiculous it is (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
69 Slesenger Research Purpose and Intention: Works
Ben X would be a good and important GranGran Torino Torino was was an an outstanding outstanding film film and and Ben X would be a good and important with good meaning. It should be made filmfilm for for younger younger teenagers teenagers to to watch watch as as with good meaning. It should be made there is a good and important message availableavailable for for more more people people to to see, see, so so I I there is a good and important message would lower the classification (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland) would lower the classification (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware)
TheThe moral moral of of the the story story (Gran (Gran Torino) Torino) If it is educational like with Into the outshines the violence and the If it is educational like with Into the outshines the violence and the ArmsArms of of Strangers Strangers then then that that could could languagelanguage was was necessary necessary for for the the story story affect the rating and be lower (Male, 45-60, C2D, Edgware) affect the rating and be lower (Male, 45-60, C2D, Edgware) (Male,(Male, Black, Black, 18-25, 18-25, C2, C2, Pinner) Pinner)
TheThe sort sort of of conversation conversation you you It is the intent of how it’s used. It may have down the pub, no It is the intent of how it’s used. It may have down the pub, no wasn’twasn’t malicious malicious and and it it is is clear clear that that malice intended (Teachers) it is wrong to use it (Jag) malice intended (Teachers) it is wrong to use it (Jag) (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland) (Male,(Male, Black, Black, 18-25, 18-25, C2, C2, Pinner) Pinner)
70 Slesenger Research Direction
Who was making the comment, to whom and how made a difference
At worst: directed at another person (who then showed the impact the word had on them) a discriminatory term to a person from that specific group eg ‘retard’ to a disabled person accompanied by swearing or violence repeated use of the word to the same person and within the same scene
At best: an aside and to no one in particular to self and of self reporting another’s behaviour
71 Slesenger Research Direct
ItIt would would have have been been a a lot lot more more offensive offensive (Hancock) if it had been direct to a person (Hancock) if it had been direct to a person (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
It’sIt’s terrible terrible when when it’s it’s a a direct direct insult insult toto someone someone disabled disabled (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) MyMy kids kids are are older older but but if if they they call call each each (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) otherother a a spazz spazz they they don’t don’t mean mean to to be be offensive.offensive. But But if if one one of of them them was was in in a a wheelchairwheelchair or or a a friend friend was was in in a a wheelchair wheelchair then they would mean it as offensive then they would mean it as offensive ItIt would would have have to to be be specifically specifically (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) derogatory and directed at somebody (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) derogatory and directed at somebody (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
ThatThat is is directed directed so so it it is is worse. worse. They They purposefully purposefully aimed aimed thethe word word at at her. her. It It is is a a lot lot stronger stronger than than say say ‘stupid ‘stupid bitch’ bitch’ becausebecause she she has has learning learning difficulties. difficulties. It It is is a a triple triple whammywhammy (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, C2D, C2D, Pinner) Pinner)
72 Slesenger Research Theme vs. One Off
ThemeTheme ‘One‘One off’off’ mentionmention On-goingOn-going and and constant constant EasierEasier to to miss miss and and dismiss dismiss LessLess about about language language and and EspeciallyEspecially regarding regarding moremore about about the the concept concept sexualitysexuality and and disability disability (often(often of of racism, racism, disability) disability) LessLess true true of of strong strong race race ResolutionResolution and and treatment treatment of of vs. words?words? thethe issues issues and and overall overall tone tone becomesbecomes key key
NoNo need need for for specific specific CA CA NeedNeed for for specific specific CA CA
73 Slesenger Research Theme vs. One Off
ThemeTheme ‘One‘One off’off’ mentionmention
The repetition makes it more real The repetition makes it more real because it was said a lot (Ashes to because it was said a lot (Ashes to Ashes clip). It’s the whole theme of Ashes clip). It’s the whole theme of That just went over my head, didn’t the episode That just went over my head, didn’t the episode take any notice of it (Hairspray) (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) take any notice of it (Hairspray) (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) (Male, 25-40, C2D, Pinner) (Male, 25-40, C2D, Pinner) vs. It’s different when it’s there a It’s different when it’s there a Bringing attention to it wouldn’t be a great lot, when it’s something that Bringing attention to it wouldn’t be a great lot, when it’s something that you take away with you idea. You hardly hear it (Charlie and the you take away with you idea. You hardly hear it (Charlie and the afterwards and when you think Chocolate Factory) afterwards and when you think Chocolate Factory) about the film, you remember it (Mother of Physically Disabled, 35-50, about the film, you remember it (Mother of Physically Disabled, 35-50, (Mixed, 55+, BC1, BC1, Pinner) (Mixed, 55+, BC1, BC1, Pinner) Birmingham) Birmingham)
I’ve seen that many, many times and If it’s the theme, not a one off I’ve seen that many, many times and If it’s the theme, not a one off never noticed anything (Charlie and the comment never noticed anything (Charlie and the comment Chocolate Factory) (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) Chocolate Factory) (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland)
I think that you draw a different I think that you draw a different line when it becomes a line when it becomes a significant element of the film significant element of the film (Mixed, 55+, BC1, (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
74 Slesenger Research The Protagonists
MostMost acceptable acceptable Peer to peer, reclaiming discriminatory terms (Mo’Nique, Shifty, Special People, Inside I’m Dancing)
Teenagers reframing meaning eg. ‘gay’ (and ‘retard’) (The Inbetweeners, Mean Girls’ trailer)
A group to an individual (Ashes to Ashes) Man to woman
Child to adult (or other children); worry about imitability, impact on society, resurgence of ‘old’ words like ‘retard’ and ‘spastic’
One race or religion to another, non-disabled to disabled
LeastLeast acceptable acceptable
75 Slesenger Research The Protagonists
TheThe fact fact that that it’s it’s a a child child (This (This is is England) England) who who hashas no no respect respect for for the the man man makes makes it it worse. worse. It It shows that he has been brought up in an shows that he has been brought up in an I think that men come across more environment with people like that I think that men come across more environment with people like that aggressively than women. It is aggressively than women. It is (Female,(Female, 20-30, 20-30, Asian, Asian, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham) justjust how how they they are, are, how how they they talk talk (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
BecauseBecause he he is is gay gay anyway anyway (Matt (Matt Lucas in Little Britain), he is It’s the same as Mo’Nique, he is Asian Lucas in Little Britain), he is It’s the same as Mo’Nique, he is Asian saying it about himself saying it about himself soso you you don’t don’t take take offence offence (Shifty) (Shifty) (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Male,(Male, Black, Black, 18-25, 18-25, C2, C2, Pinner) Pinner)
TheThe gang gang makes makes it it worse. worse. It It is is like like BecauseBecause he he is is disabled disabled and and he’s he’s talking talking what comedy does but the other way about it and it’s less offensive. He’s what comedy does but the other way about it and it’s less offensive. He’s round.round. And And the the racism racism being being instilled instilled accepted it, so him saying it is okay into the kid just makes it so much accepted it, so him saying it is okay into the kid just makes it so much (The(The Making Making of of Kung Kung Flu Flu Flid) Flid) worse (This is England) (Male, 25-40, C2D, Pinner) worse (This is England) (Male, 25-40, C2D, Pinner) (Male,(Male, Black, Black, 18-25, 18-25, C2, C2, Pinner) Pinner)
Horrible,Horrible, disgusting, disgusting, appalling, appalling, especiallyespecially with with the the child. child. That That makes makes it more shocking (This is England) it more shocking (This is England) (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware)
76 Slesenger Research Tone
As per previous research, tone can have an impact on discriminatory language and theme
The Believer’s relentless threat of violence and overall tension heightens the overall racist theme The way in which film ‘leaves’ respondents is also significant: Gran Torino, Love and Hate and Ben X deal with uncomfortable issues yet leave viewers on a ‘high’; the sense of discriminatory language is therefore lessened
TheThe racism racism wasn’t wasn’t so so strong. strong. I Ijust just didn’t didn’t feel feel it towards the end of the film it towards the end of the film (Female,(Female, 20-30, 20-30, Asian, Asian, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
77 Slesenger Research Challenge and resolution
The response to discriminatory language within the clips or films is another mitigator
The swift challenge of discriminatory language (Rock Rivals, Glee and Midsomer Murders) can lessen its impact: its potential to ‘educate’ can result in respondents feeling comfortable with a lower classification The overall storyline and moral message of the works can also mitigate discriminatory language and theme (I Now Pronounce you Chuck & Larry and Gran Torino)
SheShe was was challenged challenged and and it it was was wrong wrong what what she she did. did. The The challengechallenge is is very very important. important. They They need need to to show show that that it it is is wrong wrong toto use use those those words words and and it it is is repeated repeated at at least least twice twice (Rock (Rock Rivals) Rivals) (Mother(Mother of of mentally mentally disabled, disabled, 35-50, 35-50, BC1, BC1, Pinner) Pinner)
If racism is challenged you are more TheyThey are are showing showing that that it it is is not not right right to to use use If racism is challenged you are more it. They are agreeing that it’s not right to comfortablecomfortable with with it it it. They are agreeing that it’s not right to (Male, Black, 18-25, C2, Pinner) useuse that that word, word, showing showing they they don’t don’t approve approve (Male, Black, 18-25, C2, Pinner) (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham) 78 Slesenger Research Challenge and resolution
It’sIt’s not not racist racist because because their their reaction reaction negated it (Mork and Mindy clip). The negated it (Mork and Mindy clip). The horrorhorror they they showed showed to to the the words words said said (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
HeHe is is telling telling you you that that was was the the way way it it was was back back then then andand he’s he’s now now been been educated educated through through his his son. son. It’s It’s a a goodgood message. message. It It is is acceptable acceptable at at 12 12 as as they they should should bebe challenged challenged from from an an early early age. age. Using Using the the wrong wrong wordswords and and correcting correcting him him is is very very educational educational (Glee) (Glee) (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland)
He’s made to look stupid and pretty The fact that Ricky Gervais made He’s made to look stupid and pretty The fact that Ricky Gervais made immature.immature. The The challenge challenge comes comes back back with with aa face face like like he he was was shocked shocked was was proper PC name (Midsomer Murders) like a challenge (Extras) proper PC name (Midsomer Murders) like a challenge (Extras) (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland) (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, C2D, C2D, Pinner) Pinner)
It’sIt’s right right to to do do this this before before they they start start It’s not that bad (Are you Being school,school, so so you you can can educate educate them. them. They They It’s not that bad (Are you Being Served) because they are areare going going to to be be hearing hearing this this in in the the Served) because they are defending them playgroundplayground so so it’s it’s good good if if addressed addressed defending them (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Glee)(Glee) (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland)
79 Slesenger Research Familiarity
LanguageLanguage CharacterCharacter GenreGenre ImpactImpact reduced reduced by: by: CharacterCharacter is is playing playing to to ExpectExpect discriminatory discriminatory his or her role language (Roy Chubby ‘words I use’ his or her role language (Roy Chubby ‘words I use’ Brown) Little Britain; Borat Brown) AmericanAmerican words words Little Britain; Borat (Faggot) (Faggot) CharacterCharacter is is known known to to reclaimedreclaimed and and havehave a a sound sound moral moral reframedreframed words words centre:centre: Rachel in Friends UnfamiliarUnfamiliar words words Rachel in Friends engenderengender a a polarised polarised TroyTroy in in Midsomer Midsomer responseresponse MurdersMurders will be missed by will be missed by Villain within works kids Villain within works kids easy to dismiss will be picked up if easy to dismiss will be picked up if (Mike(Mike TV TV in in Charlie Charlie soundsound interesting interesting and the Chocolate enough (mums) and the Chocolate enough (mums) Factory)Factory)
80 Slesenger Research Familiarity It’sIt’s just just not not offensive, offensive, you you can’t can’t findfind anything anything in in that, that, and and you you knowknow Little Little Britain Britain (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland)Scotland)
I Idon’t don’t know know how how offensive offensive that that (Mork (Mork andand Mindy Mindy clip) clip) would would be be on on British British TV TV Adam Sandler (I Now Pronounce (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds) Adam Sandler (I Now Pronounce (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds) youyou Chuck Chuck and and Larry) Larry) – – you you can’t can’t taketake him him seriously seriously (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
PeoplePeople know know what what they they are are expecting expecting (Little(Little Britain). Britain). You You know know the the ToTo be be quite quite honest honest I Iam am ashamed ashamed to to characterscharacters and and the the type type of of things things that that saysay I Ihave have used used it it myself myself theythey are are capable capable of of (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham) (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
It is definitely extremely offensive, It is definitely extremely offensive, IfIf you you know know Mo’Nique Mo’Nique then then you you butbut you you accept accept it it because because it it is is Borat. Borat. know what to expect It is done in a comedic sense know what to expect It is done in a comedic sense (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware) (Male,(Male, Black, Black, 18-25, 18-25, C2, C2, Pinner) Pinner)
81 Slesenger Research Visual vs. Verbal
The visual reinforcement of discriminatory language heightens its impact; conversely individual words can become ‘throw away’ and missed
Colour Me Perfect; Dina’s fall reinforces the impact of the word ‘retard’ The word ‘spastic’ at U, whilst universally rejected, had more of an impact in Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs than the Mermaid Game the chicken’s jerky movements were disliked
It’sIt’s because because you you see see problems problems with with movement movement and and co- co- ordinationordination and and they they are are described described as as ‘spastic’. ‘spastic’. That That is is veryvery wrong wrong (Cloudy (Cloudy with with a a Chance Chance of of Meatballs) Meatballs) (Mother(Mother of of mentally mentally disabled, disabled, 35-50, 35-50, BC1, BC1, Pinner) Pinner)
YouYou don’t don’t see see him him calling calling someone someone a nigger (Jag clip), that does make It’sIt’s the the actions actions that that go go with with the the teasing teasing and and a nigger (Jag clip), that does make the bullying and adding the word makes it aa difference difference I Ithink think the bullying and adding the word makes it (Female, 25-40, BC1, worseworse (Colour (Colour me me Perfect) Perfect) (Female, 25-40, BC1, (Male, 25-40, C2D, Pinner) Birmingham)Birmingham) (Male, 25-40, C2D, Pinner)
82 Slesenger Research Audience
AnticipatedAnticipated viewerviewer forfor thethe worksworks ShowingShowing anan audienceaudience responseresponse Children,Children, teens teens or or adults: adults: CanCan have have an an impact: impact: raisesraises issues issues about about reducesreduces anxiety anxiety about about the the appropriatenessappropriateness and and wordword nigger nigger in in Mo’Nique Mo’Nique clip clip imitabilityimitability (black(black audience audience are are laughing) laughing) adultadult only only audience audience can can increasesincreases sense sense of of racism; racism; mitigatemitigate RoyRoy Chubby Chubby Brown Brown (audience (audience cheers ‘Paki’ comment) potentialpotential to to offend offend a a wide wide vs. vs. cheers ‘Paki’ comment) narrownarrow audience audience can can change change viewsviews
A black audience makes a difference and A black audience makes a difference and black people sometimes do talk like that black people sometimes do talk like that (Male, Black, 18-25, C2, Pinner) (Male, Black, 18-25, C2, Pinner) Young children at U, introducing them to Young children at U, introducing them to these words in a Disney film is not okay these words in a Disney film is not okay (Mermaid Discovery Game) (Mermaid Discovery Game) (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) I think they were applauding for the wrong reasons. (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) I think they were applauding for the wrong reasons. It makes a difference to me. You feel that they agree It makes a difference to me. You feel that they agree with him and it makes the racism stronger I think with him and it makes the racism stronger I think (Roy Chubby Brown) (Roy Chubby Brown) (Male, 45-60, C2D, Edgware) (Male, 45-60, C2D, Edgware)
83 Slesenger Research Consumer Advice: when is it needed and not needed?
Slesenger Research Consumer Advice
Overview
Respondents question the role of consumer advice and worry that anything that tries to take all aspects of a film into account will be too verbose and confusing Interestingly, respondents were fairly relaxed about one off usage of discriminatory language, often covered by ‘mild / strong language’ There is a real concern that highlighting sexuality and disability in consumer advice is discriminatory in itself. A generic, ‘contains discriminatory language/terms’ can suffice Race operates in a different way and requires more specific consumer advice eg. contains racist language/theme
85 Slesenger Research Consumer Advice
When is Consumer Advice needed and appreciated?
When racism is the theme of the film When there is repeated and aggressive use of discriminatory terms When it’s unexpected within the works or classification Old works and strong contemporary racist language When there’s a reason to lower a classification (eg. for educational purposes)
Particuarly relevant
86 Slesenger Research Consumer Advice
WhenWhen it it is is relevant relevant to to the the plot plot it it isn’t isn’t so so muchmuch of of an an issue. issue. Where Where it it is is gratuitous, gratuitous, it it isis very very relevant relevant to to have have advice advice (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware) I think that they have to make it clear if the I think that they have to make it clear if the themetheme is is around around racism racism so so people people can can make make a a decisiondecision whether whether they they want want to to watch watch it it or or not not (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham) YouYou can can discriminate discriminate against against someone someone withoutwithout being being racist. racist. It It can can be be on on the the basisbasis of of the the colour colour of of their their hair. hair. DiscriminatoryDiscriminatory is is all all encompassing encompassing (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
If the whole story is about racism like TheyThey should should say say racist racist language. language. If the whole story is about racism like The language is racist, he is a racist LoveLove and and Hate, Hate, it it needs needs to to be be mentioned mentioned The language is racist, he is a racist (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds) andand it it needs needs to to warn warn people people (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds) (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
ThereThere should should be be something something on on Ashes Ashes to to Ashes Ashes as as there’s there’s so much in it and it’s very strong language, even though so much in it and it’s very strong language, even though atat 15 15 you you may may know know most most of of that that (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland)
87 Slesenger Research Consumer Advice
When is Consumer Advice not needed and appreciated?
One off or infrequent use of the word When other classification issues are deemed to be more important eg. sex, drugs, bullying If there are a number of mitigating factors Homosexual sex (should be treated the same as heterosexual sex) Disability as a theme When the title of the film and packaging conveys the theme (Special People, I Now Pronounce you Chuck & Larry, Kung Fu Flid)
88 Slesenger Research Consumer Advice Not Needed
YouYou can’t can’t write write about about homosexuals homosexuals – – that that feels feels uncomfortable uncomfortable and and wewe are are trying trying to to get get away away from from things things like like that. that. Nothing Nothing should should be be pointedpointed out, out, you you would would look look for for it it then then and and that that wouldn’t wouldn’t be be right right (Female,(Female, Mother Mother of of Physically Physically Disabled, Disabled, 35-50, 35-50, BC1, BC1, Pinner) Pinner)
‘One‘One use use of of discriminatory discriminatory language?’ language?’ – no it doesn’t need to say that – no it doesn’t need to say that Mork and Mindy doesn’t need (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) Mork and Mindy doesn’t need (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) anythinganything being being written written about about it. it. TheThe language language is is too too dated dated and and it it isn’t powerful like the word ‘nigger’ isn’t powerful like the word ‘nigger’ (Male,(Male, Black, Black, 18-25, 18-25, C2, C2, Pinner) Pinner)
You don’t want to talk about homophobic, You don’t want to talk about homophobic, it’sit’s uncomfortable uncomfortable bringing bringing it it up. up. You You wouldn’twouldn’t put put heterosexual heterosexual sex sex in in (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland)
89 Slesenger Research Consumer Advice
IfIf they they pointed pointed out out that that it it was was homosexual homosexual sex,sex, it it would would draw draw attention attention to to gay gay people. people. ItIt would would say say that that they they are are different different (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds)
WhenWhen I Iwas was at at school school there there were were a a lot lot of of spastic spastic children children aroundaround and and they they were were called called spazz spazz and and it it was was deeply deeply offensiveoffensive to to them them at at the the time. time. I Ijust just wonder wonder if if a a one one off off occurrence in a film is that important. There’s a danger occurrence in a film is that important. There’s a danger ofof making making it it more more important important by by highlighting highlighting it it (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
You don’t need it if it was Why say about disability theme? What’s You don’t need it if it was Why say about disability theme? What’s justjust the the one one scene scene thatthat got got to to do do with with anything? anything? (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Is it a thing to be ashamed of? It should (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Is it a thing to be ashamed of? It should Birmingham)Birmingham) bebe normal normal in in society society shouldn’t shouldn’t it? it? (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
90 Slesenger Research Consumer Advice
I would say discriminatory. I would never go down the homophobic I would say discriminatory. I would never go down the homophobic route. No matter what word that was in there, whether it was ‘nigger’ route. No matter what word that was in there, whether it was ‘nigger’ or ‘Paki’ or ‘gay’, they are all discriminatory. We don’t have to divvy or ‘Paki’ or ‘gay’, they are all discriminatory. We don’t have to divvy them up to say which is the most. They are all wrong. We shouldn’t them up to say which is the most. They are all wrong. We shouldn’t be using them or encouraging people to use them be using them or encouraging people to use them (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds)
No. People have fought for many years No. People have fought for many years to get the legal age of consent for sex If you start defining what sort of discrimination to get the legal age of consent for sex If you start defining what sort of discrimination equal. We can’t have different rules is in there, then people might say well we can’t equal. We can’t have different rules is in there, then people might say well we can’t when it comes to TV or anything else have racial discrimination, but homophobic when it comes to TV or anything else have racial discrimination, but homophobic (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) discrimination is fine. You would want them all (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) discrimination is fine. You would want them all to be classified together. If you decide that it is to be classified together. If you decide that it is discriminatory, then it’s all the same discriminatory, then it’s all the same (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) If it was the Shawshank Redemption and If it was the Shawshank Redemption and what’s his name gets raped by a man, you what’s his name gets raped by a man, you would expect it to say ‘rape scene.’ Not would expect it to say ‘rape scene.’ Not ‘gay rape scene’. You wouldn’t expect it I don’t find things offensive if they are in the ‘gay rape scene’. You wouldn’t expect it I don’t find things offensive if they are in the (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) context of the film. For example, calling someone (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) context of the film. For example, calling someone a ‘fag’ or a ‘queer’ doesn’t offend me in a film. a ‘fag’ or a ‘queer’ doesn’t offend me in a film. What does offend me is inequality. The What does offend me is inequality. The classification shouldn’t discriminate between You shouldn’t need to be warned about classification shouldn’t discriminate between You shouldn’t need to be warned about things that are gay and things that are straight gay sex or straight sex. It’s sex things that are gay and things that are straight gay sex or straight sex. It’s sex (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds) (Male, gay, 20-35, BC1, Leeds)
91 Slesenger Research Reaction to Specific Consumer Advice
RacistRacist theme theme OneOne use use of of discriminatory discriminatory languagelanguage StrongStrong and and racist racist language language ContainsContains discriminatory discriminatory language language ContainsContains discriminatory discriminatory language language (race)(race) (to(to cover cover issues issues around around sexuality sexuality andand disability) disability) DisabilityDisability references/language references/language RacistRacist language/behaviour/ language/behaviour/ RacistRacist terms terms and and attitudes attitudes stereotypingstereotyping ModerateModerate discriminatory discriminatory language language WarWar horror horror HomophobicHomophobic sex sex references references
92 Slesenger Research Extended Consumer Advice
Very little awareness of PBBFC and availability of extended consumer advice
Respondents accept that those bothering to seek out more information, will welcome more detailed and explicit consumer advice
MyMy husband husband checked checked that that recently recently because because mymy little little boy boy wanted wanted to to go go and and see see Kick Kick Ass. Ass. ItIt told told you you what what the the language language was was and and the the decisiondecision was was then then no no way! way! (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
93 Slesenger Research The Video Recordings Act and Exemptions
Slesenger Research Video Recordings Act
No awareness of ‘E’ classification on documentaries, music, education and sport DVDs
When prompted and discussed, provoked universal outrage: no understanding or appreciation of why these works are exempt undermines the classification of films of genuine interest and concern (especially to parents) call for BBFC classification, legally enforced, on these works
95 Slesenger Research Video Recordings Act
If they are available to the public I Ithink think that that is is really really bad, bad, especially especially with with If they are available to the public the music videos. They are getting thenthen they they should should be be classified classified the music videos. They are getting (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds) moremore pornographic pornographic all all the the time time (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds) (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham) (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham)
I Ithink think that that they they need need to to make make it it legally legally binding. If you buy a bottle of booze, WhatWhat so so they they would would classify classify a a racist racist film film binding. If you buy a bottle of booze, but not a racist documentary? There theythey challenge challenge you you so so why why not not on on this? this? but not a racist documentary? There (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham) mightmight be be more more of of an an effect effect watching watching a a (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham) documentarydocumentary because because it’s it’s real real (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
AllAll published published material material should should have have a a rating rating (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
WhyWhy classify classify films films and and not not all all this this Young people might think that some stuff?stuff? They They are are doing doing half half their their job job Young people might think that some (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds) ofof these these attitudes attitudes are are acceptable acceptable (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds) (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
It’sIt’s insane insane that that music music videos videos are are exempt. exempt. Just makes a mockery of it all Lyrics Lyrics can can have have violent violent or or rude rude language language Just makes a mockery of it all (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham) (Female, 18-25, BC1, South)
96 Slesenger Research Video Recordings Act
Why? Just to sell more of YouYou can’t can’t monitor monitor everything everything that that Why? Just to sell more of your kids are watching so you do them?them? I Idon’t don’t understand understand why why your kids are watching so you do (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) needneed classifications classifications (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
It’sIt’s wrong; wrong; it’s it’s still still a a film film (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) NoneNone of of us us knew knew that, that, that that means means the the (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) majoritymajority of of people people don’t don’t know know that that then then (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham) TheThe titles titles on on some some of of those those DVDDVD packs packs would would attract attract my my son and he would want to buy I would never in a million years have thought son and he would want to buy I would never in a million years have thought themthem thatthat my my kid kid could could come come home home with with something something (Female, 45 – 60, BC1. like that without me being there (Female, 45 – 60, BC1. like that without me being there Scotland))Scotland)) (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
YesYes you you can’t can’t buy buy fags fags or or fireworks fireworks under under a a certain certain age. age. Or Or alcoholalcohol so so why? why? You’re You’re supposed supposed to to protect protect your your kids. kids. Once Once they they areare over over 18 18 and and they they want want to to do do it it they they will will do do whatever whatever they they wantwant (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
97 Slesenger Research Conclusions and Recommendations
Slesenger Research Conclusions and Recommendations
The BBFC is felt to be ‘spot on’ in their focus and treatment of discriminatory language; race however emerges as the most worrying and complex sub group, disability is the next key area. Many do not see sexuality as an overtly discriminatory issue Moreover, there were only one or two occasions where the public disagreed with the BBFC’s classification If anything, the public is potentially more ‘relaxed’ than BBFC examiners and is quick to discuss a) whether a word is discriminatory or not and b) mitigating factors The most instinctively offensive words are – nigger, Paki, pikey (if aware of the term), retard, mong (Scotland) and spastic Dyke, arse bandit (and the likes), spazz, faggot and bent bastard are also deemed to be offensive Interestingly, there is a great deal of consensus across the groups: those interviewed from specific minority groups acknowledge their own sensitivities, but recognise the BBFC needs to classify with the wider public in mind 99 Slesenger Research Conclusions and Recommendations
Parents, once again, emerge as the most concerned group: when discussing drugs, sex and violence of part of the Guidelines Review (2008), parents worried about imitability at 12A and 15 when discussing discriminatory issues, concerns revolved around a younger age group, U, PG and 12A and the problem of imitable language and terms • by 15, parents feel that teens have been exposed to the discriminatory language and have the maturity (and education) to understand the issues Respondents feel that every generation has a greater awareness of discriminatory issues than the one before most parents (especially mothers) are gatekeepers of discriminatory language in the home and are keen to point out to young people their dislike of these terms
100 Slesenger Research Conclusions and Recommendations
Explicit Consumer Advice is recommended on works: that have a strong, discriminatory theme where discriminatory language appears several times where occasional usage of discriminatory language would be very unexpected However most agree that racism needs to be more overtly addressed than the other sub groups: sexuality and disability needs to be handled with care and a more generic ‘discriminatory’ language/behaviour/theme is likely to suffice
101 Slesenger Research When Does the BBFC Need to Pay Attention to Discriminatory Language?
When the works feel real and ‘close’ to viewers When discrimination is a theme and part of the tone When there is an obvious intention to offend When accompanied by bullying behaviour or violence When the language is directed at someone with the disability, race and sexual orientation being discussed Absence of mitigating factors Unresolved and unchallenged verbal attack or comment Poor fit with the work’s classification or audience When the language is repeated, dwelt on or changes the storyline When it feels gratuitous within the context of the works
102 Slesenger Research Thank you!
Slesenger Research Appendix Detailed Reactions to The Clips
Slesenger Research Race clips
Slesenger Research U: Dam Busters
Nigger (dog) Nigger (dog) ThisThis is is a a clip clip from from the the classic classic war drama the Dam Busters war drama the Dam Busters Provokes a great deal of discussion aboutabout the the RAF’s RAF’s plan plan to to use use bouncingbouncing bombs bombs at at the the end end of of However, after much deliberation accept that: World War II to destroy World War II to destroy the film reflects the period in which it was German dams. German dams. set there is no intention to offend TheThe Wing Wing Commander Commander enthusiasticallyenthusiastically greets greets his his pet pet society, fortunately, has moved on Labrador.Labrador. the theme of the film is not racist No need to lift classification
ButBut in in the the context context of of an an old old film, film, and and given given that it is not directed at anyone, it’s ok that it is not directed at anyone, it’s ok (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham) visual (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham)
ItIt wasn’t wasn’t meant meant to to be be a a racist racist slur slur then then andand the the word word should should make make no no differencedifference to to the the classification classification (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware)
106 Slesenger Research PG: Jag
NiggerNigger ThisThis is is a a clip clip from from a a long long running running American drama series about a group American drama series about a group Acceptable at PG: ofof legal legal Navy Navy officers officers who who investigate investigate thosethose accused accused of of crimes crimes in in the the military military discussing racial issues forces.forces. reported not direct use of the word This scene is a legal discussion. A This scene is a legal discussion. A challenged and acknowledged general has accused his black colleague general has accused his black colleague as being wrong ofof being being racist racist about about Koreans Koreans but but his his ownown attitudes attitudes towards towards black black people people are are beingbeing challenged. challenged. HeHe is is talking talking about about something something thatthat has has happened. happened. He He is is not not directlydirectly calling calling somebody somebody ‘nigger’ ‘nigger’ (Female, 20-30, Asian, (Female, 20-30, Asian, BC1,BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
ThereThere was was good good reason reason why why the the word ‘nigger’ was used and it is word ‘nigger’ was used and it is quitequite educational educational (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware)
107 Slesenger Research PG: Into the Arms of Strangers
Jew bastard ThisThis is is a a clip clip from from a a documentary documentary Jew bastard featuringfeaturing interviews interviews with with Jewish Jewish survivorssurvivors who, who, as as children, children, were were Historical and educational, transportedtransported from from Germany Germany and and acceptable at PG Austria to the UK at the start of Austria to the UK at the start of violence not shown but is World War II. World War II. reported
HereHere a a man man recalls recalls his his experience experience ofof life life as as a a child child just just before before he he left left Documentaries like this Germany.Germany. Documentaries like this needneed to to be be hard hard hitting hitting (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham) (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham)
It’sIt’s not not discriminatory. discriminatory. It’s It’s just just telling telling thethe story story of of what what happened happened to to him him (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
ThisThis is is about about racial racial hatred hatred and and using using thethe words words make make it it work work (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware)
108 Slesenger Research 12: Outnumbered
SpotSpot the the ‘Chav’ ‘Chav’ ThisThis scene scene is is from from the the popular popular BritishBritish TV TV comedy comedy drama drama Outnumbered, about a couple with Outnumbered, about a couple with three outspoken and challenging Not deemed to be racist in any three outspoken and challenging way: children.children. ‘Chav’ is not seen as a discriminatory term Here,Here, the the family family are are having having a a day day sightseeingsightseeing trip trip in in London. London. acceptable at PG
ItIt is is more more of of a a style, style, like like a a Sloane, Sloane, it’sit’s nothing nothing compared compared with with ‘Yid’ ‘Yid’ or or ‘Nigger’‘Nigger’ and and it it is is comedy comedy (Male, 45-60, C2D, Edgware) (Male, 45-60, C2D, Edgware)
I didn’t see any discrimination at I didn’t see any discrimination at all.all. For For me me it it is is about about yobs yobs (Male,(Male, Black, Black, 18-25, 18-25, C2, C2, Pinner) Pinner)
109 Slesenger Research 12: Mork & Mindy TacoTaco benders… benders… Spicks, Spicks, Nips, Nips, GooksGooks and and Bagel Bagel Breaths, Breaths, Krauts,Krauts, Polaks Polaks and and Jungle Jungle Bunnies ThisThis is is a a clip clip from from a a 1980’s 1980’s Bunnies AmericanAmerican TV TV comedy comedy series series about about anan alien alien living living on on Earth Earth with with a a femalefemale friend. friend. Prompts a lot of discussion, however deemed to be a (high) 12: A local residents group is meeting A local residents group is meeting comedic context toto discuss discuss ways ways to to clean clean up up their their challenged and dealt with town.town. old works
The way that you know that it’s not right The way that you know that it’s not right toto say say those those things things by by her her reaction reaction (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
I Ididn’t didn’t even even catch catch half half the the words words they they werewere saying, saying, it it was was so so fast fast (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds) (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds)
TheyThey were were offensive offensive words words but but not not done done inin an an offensive offensive way. way. It’s It’s not not offensive, offensive, justjust the the way way comedy comedy was was delivered delivered (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware) 110 Slesenger Research 15: Mo’Nique
NiggerNigger (repeatedly) (repeatedly) ThisThis is is a a clip clip from from a a live live stand stand upup comedy comedy show show from from black black USUS comedienne comedienne Mo’Nique Mo’Nique Absolutely fine at 15: peer to peer usage comedy mitigates offence (black) audiences’ response; not offended, know what to expect
IfIf the the audience audience was was white white and and the the stand stand up up comediennecomedienne was was white, white, they they would would say say that that it it was racist, but it’s ok because she was black was racist, but it’s ok because she was black andand the the audience audience was was black black too. too. It It doesn’t doesn’t meanmean that that it it is is necessarily necessarily right right but but it’s it’s fine fine (Female,(Female, 20-30, 20-30, Asian, Asian, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
ItIt is is comedy, comedy, black black to to black and it isn’t racist WeWe are are ok ok with with it it because because black and it isn’t racist they are ok with it (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, they are ok with it Edgware) (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, Edgware) C2D,C2D, Leeds) Leeds) 111 Slesenger Research 15: Borat
The running of the Jew… crush that This is a clip from the comedy The running of the Jew… crush that This is a clip from the comedy JewJew chick chick before before it it hatches… hatches… BoratBorat in in which which a a local local TV TV Problem;Problem; economic, economic, social social and and Jew Jew presenterpresenter (played (played by by well well known known performer Sasha Baron Cohen) performer Sasha Baron Cohen) Polarises respondents headsheads to to America America to to learn learn about about thethe American American way way of of life life for for the the Majority; acceptable at 15: benefitbenefit of of the the people people of of understand the humour and irony Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan. recognise that Baron Cohen himself is Jewish, therefore cannot be seriously Here, journalist Borat talks Here, journalist Borat talks racist enthusiasticallyenthusiastically about about a a local local ridiculous and fantastical humour custom.custom. Minority: want the classification raised to 18: do not know Baron Cohen is Jewish not familiar with Borat’s unique humour; do not find the scene funny left with a feeling of antisemitism often 50+, male respondents
112 Slesenger Research 15: Borat
NoNo it’s it’s not not really really offensive. offensive. He’sHe’s Jewish Jewish isn’t isn’t he? he? (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
HeHe is is making making fun fun of of people people who who would be prejudiced against him would be prejudiced against him (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
IfIf he he wasn’t wasn’t Jewish Jewish then then perhaps perhaps it’s it’s racist. racist. But But hehe is is taking taking the the mickey mickey out out of of antisemitism antisemitism really.really. It’s It’s like like ‘nigger’ ‘nigger’ and and the the black black lady lady (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
He is Jewish and it is comedy. It He is Jewish and it is comedy. It He is making fun of himself isis meant meant to to be be offensive, offensive, but but it it is is He is making fun of himself acceptably offensive andand it it is is so so funny funny acceptably offensive (Male, Black, 18-25, C2, Pinner) (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware) (Male, Black, 18-25, C2, Pinner)
113 Slesenger Research 15: Shifty
Stuck up Paki ThisThis is is a a clip clip from from a a British British urban urban Stuck up Paki thrillerthriller following following 24 24 hours hours in in the the life life of of a young drug dealer in London. a young drug dealer in London. Peer to peer usage of the word ‘Paki’ is acceptable at 15: Here,Here, the the main main character character is is talking talking some concern that he is withwith his his friend friend about about his his parents’ parents’ attempts to get him a job. disrespectful of older members attempts to get him a job. of the community, however still within 15 classification
HeHe is is just just calling calling it it as as he he sees sees it. it. HeHe is is one one (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds) (Male, 18-25 years, C2D, Leeds)
114 Slesenger Research 15: Shifty
It’sIt’s not not racist racist because because he he is is talking talking about about hishis own. own. And And he he is is a a Paki Paki himself himself really really (Female, 20-30, Asian, BC1, (Female, 20-30, Asian, BC1, Birmingham)Birmingham)
WhenWhen a a Paki Paki says says ‘Paki’, ‘Paki’, he he is is just just shortening shortening Pakistani.Pakistani. If If I Iwere were to to say say it, it, it it would would be be immediatelyimmediately racist. racist. The The way way that that we we are are talking talking aboutabout it it now now is is not not racist racist either either (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
115 Slesenger Research 18: Roy Chubby Brown
There’sThere’s your your paper paper This is a clip from a live stand money you fucking Paki This is a clip from a live stand money you fucking Paki upup show show from from Roy Roy Chubby Chubby bastardbastard Brown,Brown, a a well well know know white white British British ‘bad‘bad taste’ taste’ comedian comedian Definitely an 18: language in general racist comments audience’s response However, well known alternative comedian who is rude about many different groups Those who go to see him choose his brand of humour
ThisThis is is highly highly offensive offensive racism. racism. It It is is right right on the limit, but it is what he does on the limit, but it is what he does (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware)
116 Slesenger Research 18: Roy Chubby Brown
I Ido do and and I Idon’t don’t think think that that it it is is racist! racist! His His humour humour isis based based on on race race but but he he is is having having a a laugh. laugh. I Ihave have beenbeen to to see see him. him. He He does does make make a a lot lot of of racist racist commentscomments but but I Ijust just see see him him as as a a comedian comedian (Female, 20-30, Asian, BC1, Birmingham) (Female, 20-30, Asian, BC1, Birmingham)
HeHe is is not not just just racist. racist. He He is is derogatoryderogatory to to women women as as well well (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
WhatWhat he he says says is is outrageous outrageous but but you you makemake a a choice choice to to watch watch it it or or not not (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham) (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham)
117 Slesenger Research 18: This is England
You Paki bastard… filthy Paki This is a clip from a powerful British You Paki bastard… filthy Paki This is a clip from a powerful British bastard…bastard… Paki Paki (repeatedly) (repeatedly) dramadrama set set in in the the 1980’s, 1980’s, about about a a fuckingfucking Paki Paki cunt cunt youngyoung teen teen coming coming to to terms terms with with the the deathdeath of of his his father father and and who who joins joins a a Most definitely an 18: NationalistNationalist gang. gang. real and credible racism Here,Here, the the gang gang threatens threatens and and verbally verbally British; can and does happen assaults an Asian shopkeeper. assaults an Asian shopkeeper. threat of violence child being racist racist theme of clip and works
It was very strong, very in your face It was very strong, very in your face (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
It is very true to real life. They portray It is very true to real life. They portray itit like like it it has has happened happened to to real real people people (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
118 Slesenger Research Disability clips
Slesenger Research U: Mermaid Vanity Discovery Game (Cut for U)
Spastic piece of kelp Spastic piece of kelp ThisThis is is a a part part of of an an interactive interactive game game on on a a DVDDVD of of the the Disney Disney classic classic The The Little Little Even though self directed and as Mermaid.Mermaid. an ‘extra’, could be missed: In the game you answer questions to find decision to cut for U In the game you answer questions to find appreciated outout which which mermaid mermaid you you are are most most like. like. surprising and shocking for a U and Disney HereHere is is one one of of the the menus menus where where you you can can hearhear a a character character from from the the film film talking talking parents worry about aboutabout how how badly badly she she dances. dances. immitability
120 Slesenger Research U: Mermaid Vanity Discovery Game
KidsKids adore adore these these things. things. Why Why use use this this sort sort of of language? language? ItIt wouldn’t wouldn’t be be how how disabled disabled people people talk talk about about themselves themselves (Mother(Mother of of Physically Physically Disabled, Disabled, 35-50, 35-50, BC1, BC1, Pinner) Pinner)
TheyThey could could say say it it to to someone someone else else andand copy copy it. it. That’s That’s wrong wrong (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
AbsolutelyAbsolutely shocked. shocked. That’s That’s Disney! Disney! I I wouldn’twouldn’t want want to to teach teach young young children children that.that. It’s It’s not not appropriate appropriate and and being being self self directeddirected makes makes no no difference difference here here (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
121 Slesenger Research U: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
SpasticSpastic chicken chicken
Again, appreciate that this comment is easy to miss or may not be seen: however, the word ‘spastic’ is incongruent with a U classification the way in which the word is used to describe movement is particularly disliked the decision to cut is welcomed
HowHow do do they they think think they they can can do do that? that? I Iam am shockedshocked that that it’s it’s in in a a children’s children’s cartoon cartoon (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
It’sIt’s showing showing that that disabled disabled people people are are something something toto be be laughed laughed at at and and ridiculed. ridiculed. Awful Awful at at ‘U’ ‘U’ (Mother(Mother of of Physically Physically Disabled, Disabled, 35-50, 35-50, BC1, BC1, Pinner)Pinner)
122 Slesenger Research PG: Hairspray
PlasticPlastic little little spastic spastic ThisThis is is a a clip clip from from a a recent recent comedy comedy setset in in 1962 1962 in in Baltimore. Baltimore. Acceptable at PG: TraceyTracey and and her her best best friend friend dream dream of of dancingdancing on on a a popular popular TV TV show show aimed aimed said quickly and easy to miss atat teenagers teenagers but but are are being being kept kept off off (and had been missed) thethe show show by by the the nasty nasty Amber. Amber. impact undermined by link with ‘plastic’ positive message of the film overall throwaway, not said to her face
I Ididn’t didn’t even even hear hear that that it it was was so so fast fast (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
I’veI’ve watched watched that that with with both both my my kids kids andand I Ihave have never never picked picked that that up up (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
123 Slesenger Research PG: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
A retard could figure it out ThisThis is is a a modern modern live live action action A retard could figure it out adaptationadaptation of of the the classic classic children’s children’s Acceptable at PG: book Charlie and the Chocolate book Charlie and the Chocolate easy to miss and has been missed Factory.Factory. unpleasant character TheThe character character of of Mike Mike TV TV is is being being an American character saying an introducedintroduced and and talks talks about about how how he he ‘American’ word wonwon his his golden golden ticket. ticket. not directed at anyone
I Imust must admit admit that that I Ihave have got got that that and and have never noticed it have never noticed it (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
IfIf Charlie Charlie had had said said it it you you would would havehave noticed noticed him him more more but but he he was was a a horriblehorrible kid kid anyway anyway (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
124 Slesenger Research PG: Colour Me Perfect
Retard ThisThis is is a a clip clip from from a a drama drama about about a a Retard youngyoung woman woman with with learning learning difficultiesdifficulties who who is is being being treated treated by by a a doctordoctor with with a a revolutionary revolutionary cure. cure. The way in which Dina is bullied by the boys was of greater concern than DinaDina is is doing doing some some painting painting when when the word ‘retard’ some young men arrive. some young men arrive. Respondents assume that this is a one off use of the word (and also hope for a resolution), and accept this clip as a high PG
SoSo offensive. offensive. You You can’t can’t get get worse worse than than thatthat as as they they can’t can’t defend defend themselves themselves eithereither physically physically or or verbally. verbally. It’s It’s out out andand out out cowardice cowardice and and thuggery thuggery (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
125 Slesenger Research PG: Colour Me Perfect
ThatThat is is the the worst worst possible. possible. They They areare bullying bullying her her and and ridiculing ridiculing her her (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham)
ItIt was was a a direct direct insult insult and and it it was was meantmeant with with cruelty cruelty (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
It’sIt’s a a low low blow, blow, it’s it’s venomous venomous (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, C2D, C2D, Pinner) Pinner)
SheShe was was taking taking pride pride in in her her work work and and there was no need to ridicule her there was no need to ridicule her (Mother(Mother of of Physically Physically Disabled, Disabled, 35-50,35-50, BC1, BC1, Pinner) Pinner)
126 Slesenger Research PG: Speed Racer
RetardRetard ThisThis is is a a children’s children’s film film about about a a young young ladlad who who wants wants to to be be a a world world class class racer.racer. Speed of delivery and wider context of scene led to many missing the word Here,Here, one one of of his his school school friends, friends, Trixie, Trixie, isis being being teased teased by by another another girl girl Acceptable at PG: because she likes him. because she likes him. dealt with; consequence to the word protagonist is unlikely to be aspirational to children peer to peer and girl to girl anticipated to be one off
WouldWould a a seven seven year year old old have have realised realised thatthat it it was was offensive? offensive? It It would would probablyprobably be be missed missed (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
Unnecessary,Unnecessary, but but not not necessarilynecessarily offensive offensive (Mother(Mother of of Physically Physically Disabled, 35-50, BC1, Pinner) 127 Disabled, 35-50, BC1, Pinner) Slesenger Research 12: Friends
Total laundry spazz ThisThis is is from from an an episode episode of of the the Total laundry spazz sitcomsitcom Friends. Friends.
MainMain character, character, Rachel, Rachel, is is Potentially a PG not a 12, based on clip alone trying to do some laundry. trying to do some laundry. Self deprecating and humorous Well known character ‘Spazz’ is less offensive than ‘spastic’ and the word ‘laundry’ softens it further Easy to miss and not relevant to the scene American; more usage of the word than in UK
ItIt wasn’t wasn’t offensive offensive in in the the least. least. I Ididn’t didn’t noticenotice it. it. More More of of an an American American type type thing.thing. I Ialso also know know Rachel Rachel is is not not the the typetype of of person person who who would would be be horrible horrible (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
128 Slesenger Research 12: Friends
BecauseBecause she’s she’s calling calling it it of of herself. herself. It’sIt’s another another thing thing if if you you call call yourself yourself aa laundry laundry spaz spaz you’re you’re saying saying aren’t aren’t I I aa dickhead dickhead or or an an idiot idiot (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) UseUse of of ‘spaz’ ‘spaz’ putting putting it it up up to to a a 12 12 isis just just madness. madness. My My daughter daughter wouldn’twouldn’t notice notice that that at at all all (Male, 25-40, C2D, Pinner) (Male, 25-40, C2D, Pinner)
‘Spaz’‘Spaz’ is is an an Americanisim Americanisim and and it’s it’s comedy. It just means being an comedy. It just means being an idiotidiot nothing nothing related related to to spastic spastic (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, C2D, C2D, Pinner) Pinner)
NoNo offence. offence. It It is is comedy comedy and and self self directed. directed. She’s She’s not not takingtaking a a pop pop at at anyone anyone in in a a wheelchair wheelchair (Mother(Mother of of Physically Physically Disabled, Disabled, 35-50, 35-50, BC1, BC1, Pinner) Pinner)
129 Slesenger Research 12: Gilmore Girls
I’m a total retard ThisThis is is a a clip clip from from an an American American I’m a total retard TVTV drama drama series series about about a a young young girlgirl and and her her mum. mum. Acceptable at 12: directed at self Here, the character Rory, a Here, the character Rory, a no impact on the overall scene student,student, is is on on work work experience experience American word within an American show atat a a newspaper. newspaper. She She is is trying trying toto impress impress her her boyfriend’s boyfriend’s father,father, the the boss. boss.
It’sIt’s an an American American thing. thing. It It is is totally totally okay okay (Mother(Mother of of Physically Physically Disabled, Disabled, 35-50, 35-50, BC1, Pinner) BC1, Pinner)
130 Slesenger Research 12: Rock Rivals
YouYou spazz… spazz… so so do do not not need need thatthat disabled disabled vote vote
WeWe say say it it all all the the time time where where wewe come come from from ThisThis is is a a spoof spoof comedy comedy drama drama aboutabout a a talent talent show show like like the the X X FactorFactor or or Pop Pop Idol. Idol. Offensive and shocking However, acceptable at 12: Here,Here, the the character character Angel, Angel, an an AmericanAmerican contestant contestant who who is is challenged doingdoing well, well, is is being being filmed filmed while while shown to be disapproved of by co – sheshe meets meets her her fans. fans. presenter and wider audience character is not a hero she is American (and therefore may have different attitudes) ‘spazz’ and not ‘spastic’
ItIt makes makes her her look look really really bad bad and and ignorant,ignorant, and and it it was was challenged challenged (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
131 Slesenger Research 12: Rock Rivals
TotallyTotally unacceptable. unacceptable. She She meant meant it it to to be be nasty nasty (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
ThatThat was was somebody somebody that that was was in in a a wheelchair. wheelchair. So So it it was was meant meant to to take take the the mickey mickey out out of of thethe fact fact that that they they were were disabled disabled (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
132 Slesenger Research 15: Extras
Acceptable at 15, based on clip, could even be a 12 Not deemed to be offensive to disabled people if anything, exposes people’s ignorance gently educational funny (especially for disabled respondents)
ThatThat would would happen happen in in real real life, life, it it is is okayokay and and I Idon’t don’t find find it it offensive. offensive. It It isis just just human human nature nature and and it it is is educativeeducative (Mother(Mother of of Physically Physically Disabled, Disabled, 35-50,35-50, BC1, BC1, Pinner) Pinner)
133 Slesenger Research 15: Extras
TheThe way way it it was was in in context, context, it it was was all all put put over, no I didn’t find it offensive over, no I didn’t find it offensive (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
I Ithink think it it does does demonstrate demonstrate that that most most people people are are uncomfortableuncomfortable and and when when you you get get something something like like cerebralcerebral palsy palsy they they do do think think the the person’s person’s dumb dumb becausebecause they they are are shaking shaking (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
ItIt shows shows ignorance ignorance and and that’s that’s what what it’sit’s telling telling you. you. It It is is sending sending quite quite a a positivepositive message message (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland) (Female, 45-60, BC1, Scotland)
134 Slesenger Research 18: The Making of Kung Fu Flid
I’mI’m the the Kung Kung Fu Fu Flid Flid ThisThis is is a a DVD DVD extra extra for for a a low low budgetbudget British British martial martial arts arts film. film. Totally acceptable, could even be a PG: self directed TheThe main main actor actor and and director director claiming the word for himself talktalk about about the the journey journey they they havehave gone gone through through trying trying to to get get protagonist is clearly comfortable theirtheir film film made made and and the the actor actor with the term talkstalks about about why why he he thought thought peoplepeople wouldn’t wouldn’t let let him him star star in in an action film. an action film. ItIt was was fine fine because because he he was was talking talking aboutabout himself himself (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
WhatWhat you’re you’re saying saying to to yourself yourself is is you’ve you’ve got got thethe short short arms, arms, you you can can hardly hardly hide hide that. that. So So hehe doesn’t doesn’t try try to, to, he’s he’s open open about about it. it. So So it’s it’s okok to to say. say. I Isuppose suppose in in that that context context if if you’re you’re aa nigger nigger you you can can call call yourself yourself a a nigger nigger (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
135 Slesenger Research Sexuality clips
Slesenger Research PG: The Two Ronnies
QueerQueer nose nose and and ThisThis is is from from the the end end of of an an old old throatthroat specialist specialist BritishBritish TV TV comedy. comedy.
TheThe comedians comedians are are telling telling a a Acceptable at PG; not discriminatory: seriesseries of of jokes jokes in in the the style style of of affectionate humour newsreaders. newsreaders. old fashioned word
Don’tDon’t find find it it offensive offensive in in the the least. least. In In factfact ‘queer’ ‘queer’ could could have have no no sexual sexual innuendo or reference innuendo or reference (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland)Scotland)
137 Slesenger Research PG: The Two Ronnies
ItIt is is not not offensive offensive at at all. all. It It is is an an oldold fashioned fashioned word word from from the the 50’s 50’s (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
MakingMaking a a pun pun out out of of it it does does softensoften it it somehow somehow (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
Fine,Fine, not not offensive, offensive, I Iwould would be be surprisedsurprised if if a a gay gay person person found found thatthat offensive offensive (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
138 Slesenger Research PG: Mean Girls
ThisThis is is a a short short trailer trailer for for an an American teen drama about American teen drama about That’sThat’s so so gay gay HighHigh School. School.
ThreeThree girls girls talk talk about about the the names names they use to describe friends who Acceptable given teen usage of the they use to describe friends who word ‘gay’ theythey don’t don’t really really like like not discriminatory in any way
That’sThat’s all all okay okay at at PG. PG. It’s It’s teen teen girls girls at at school.school. It’s It’s pretty pretty harmless harmless (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland)
139 Slesenger Research PG: Mean Girls
KidsKids say say ‘gay’ ‘gay’ all all the the time time –– I Isay say it it as as well well (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) (Female, 18-25, BC1, South)
Today,Today, it it means means more more ‘annoying’ ‘annoying’ ItIt means means something something totally totally different different thanthan ‘homosexual’ ‘homosexual’ (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds) (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
ExactlyExactly what what I Iwas was describing, describing, a a wordword for for ‘silly’ ‘silly’ or or ‘stupid’ ‘stupid’ (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland)
140 Slesenger Research PG: Are You Being Served, Extras
PoofPoof ThisThis is is a a documentary documentary about about the the show Are You Being Served show Are You Being Served Acceptable at PG: whichwhich was was very very popular popular in in the the documentary 1970’s1970’s and and 1980’s. 1980’s. not a discriminatory term nowadays InIn it it a a performer performer and and the the writers writers positive outcome talk about the views of TV talk about the views of TV comedy executivesexecutives when when they they saw saw the the characterscharacters for for the the first first time. time.
AreAre you you Being Being Served? Served? NoNo problem problem with with that. that. That’s That’s just just the the way way peoplepeople were were back back then then – – ‘get ‘get rid rid of of the the gay gay guy’ – a reflection of the times guy’ – a reflection of the times (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland)
141 Slesenger Research PG: Are You Being Served
It’sIt’s not not a a word word that that is is used used nowadays nowadays (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
IfIf people people really really wanted wanted to to offend offend gay gay peoplepeople they they would would use use another another word word (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) (Female, 18-25, BC1, South)
TheyThey are are quoting quoting and and sticking sticking up up for for him.him. Slating Slating the the guy guy who’d who’d used used it it (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland)
142 Slesenger Research 12: Love on the Side
Lesbian…Lesbian… muff muff diver… diver… carpet carpet muncher… clam shucker… women This is a documentary about the muncher… clam shucker… women This is a documentary about the who wear sensible shoes CanadianCanadian romantic romantic comedy. comedy. who wear sensible shoes Language is quite strong but there are LindaLinda is is at at a a party party talking talking about about mitigating factors: thethe music. music. humour woman in control, she is using the words to mock him unfamiliar, could be missed by younger audience On balance, a high 12
I Idon’t don’t think think that that kids kids would would knowknow these these words words or or even even noticenotice them them really really (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
Shocked!Shocked! My My chin chin would would hit hit the the ground ground if if my my 1212 year year old old used used that. that. Very Very graphic, graphic, you’re you’re notnot going going to to find find those those words words in in a a dictionary! dictionary! (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
143 Slesenger Research 12: Love on the Side
I Iwouldn’t wouldn’t imagine imagine 12 12 year year olds olds would would knowknow that that and and it it isn’t isn’t appropriate appropriate for for them.them. They They would would be be asking asking questions questions NoNo that’s that’s more more sex sex references references than than (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland) discrimination.discrimination. She She is is not not the the one one beingbeing discriminated discriminated against. against. She She is is thethe one one using using the the words words (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
It’sIt’s a a bad bad example example for for kids; kids; it’s it’s the the opposite opposite of of thethe Glee Glee thing. thing. The The words words have have been been said said and and therethere is is no no come come back. back. Watching Watching that, that, if if a a kid kid didn’tdidn’t know know better, better, they they would would think think it’s it’s OK OK to to call lesbians any of those things They are graphic words. You call lesbians any of those things They are graphic words. You (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds) cancan explain explain lesbian lesbian to to a a child child butbut not not these these words words (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds)
AndAnd the the woman woman that that was was using using those those words words was was in in defensedefense of of KD KD Lang, Lang, and and of of lesbians. lesbians. It It was was not not used used aggressively.aggressively. If If it it was was an an aggressive aggressive tone, tone, it it would would have have beenbeen different. different. If If it it was was him him saying saying it, it, it it would would have have been been snide,snide, an an attack. attack. Then Then that that would would have have been been offensive offensive (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
144 Slesenger Research 12: Modern Family
IfIf I I was was in in a a gay gay bar… bar… would would you you check check ThisThis is is a a scene scene from from an an American American meme out… out… sitcomsitcom released released on on DVD DVD about about modern family life. modern family life. Humorous
AA couple couple are are in in the the kitchen kitchen when when Not discriminatory in any way one of their fathers comes in. one of their fathers comes in. Should not be classified differently from He wants to know their opinion He wants to know their opinion heterosexual flirting onon whether whether he he is is attractive. attractive.
I Ithink think that that should should be be a a PG. PG. There There is is nothing offensive about that nothing offensive about that (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
145 Slesenger Research 12: Modern Family
ThereThere was was nothing nothing offensive offensive in in there there (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
I Iwouldn’t wouldn’t even even give give it it a a PG. PG. There There was was nothing nothing rude, rude, nothingnothing derogatory. derogatory. If If that that was was a a man man asking asking two two womenwomen what what they they thought thought of of him him out out of of 10, 10, I Iwouldn’t wouldn’t thinkthink anything anything of of it. it. So So to to me, me, it’s it’s the the equivalent equivalent (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
NoNo offense offense at at all. all. It’s It’s the the dad’s dad’s awkwardnessawkwardness (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland) It’sIt’s a a lifestyle lifestyle choice, choice, not not derogatory derogatory oror insulting, insulting, more more factual. factual. No No real real mentionmention and and could could be be missed missed (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
146 Slesenger Research 12: Midsomer Murders
ThisThis is is a a scene scene from from a a popular popular ArseArse bandit bandit BritishBritish crime crime drama, drama, Midsomer Midsomer Murders.Murders. Unexpected within the context of Midsomer Murders Detectives Troy and Barnaby are Detectives Troy and Barnaby are However, remains at 12: discussingdiscussing a a case case where where someonesomeone was was killed killed for for seeing seeing a a challenged, Troy is ridiculed couplecouple having having sex. sex. one off mention audience; not young people/children
That’sThat’s shocking! shocking! Totally Totally unexpected. unexpected. ThisThis is is his his view view and and it it is is discriminatory,discriminatory, though though he he is is put put right right (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland)
OutOut of of the the blue, blue, a a touch touch surprised. surprised. CouldCould be be overlooked overlooked though though (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
147 Slesenger Research 12: Midsomer Murders
HeHe does does get get into into trouble trouble for for saying saying it it andand anyway, anyway, kids kids won’t won’t be be watching watching it it (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
HeHe told told him him that that he he was was wrong wrong so so if if That’s fine. It’s been dealt with. He kidskids are are watching, watching, because because he he has has That’s fine. It’s been dealt with. He jumped in, they will know that it is hashas reprimanded reprimanded him him for for using using the the jumped in, they will know that it is term. He almost made him look stupid wrongwrong to to say say things things like like that that term. He almost made him look stupid (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) forfor using using a a derogatory derogatory term. term. That That (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) makesmakes it it better better (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
ItIt would would probably probably be be missed missed if if a a young young person person waswas watching watching and and I’m I’m not not sure sure young young people people wouldwould want want to to watch watch this this anyway? anyway? (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland)
148 Slesenger Research 12/12A: Hancock
HomoHomo ThisThis is is a a scene scene from from Hancock, Hancock, a a blockbusterblockbuster sci-fi sci-fi thriller thriller starring starring Will Will Mitigated by: Smith.Smith. comic and tongue in cheek HeHe plays plays a a superhero superhero who who has has a a bad bad less familiar, American word reputation. reputation. non-directed light - hearted within context of the HeHe is is talking talking to to a a man man who who is is trying trying scene; arguing toto help help him him clean clean up up his his image. image. homo is not an inherently offensive word Many had seen this film and had missed the word Acceptable at 12/12A
ForFor me, me, it’s it’s too too American American to to be be offensive offensive (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
149 Slesenger Research 12/12A: Hancock
I don’t think that it’s offensive. I don’t think that it’s offensive. It’sIt’s not not bad bad at at all. all. Just Just a a bit bit of of It’sIt’s not not said said in in an an aggressive aggressive way way swearing (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) swearing (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
HomoHomo is is not not a a strong strong word word or or a a I Idon’t don’t think think that that kids kids would would pick pick word that gets used a lot up on that word word that gets used a lot up on that word (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds) (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
NotNot offensive. offensive. I’ve I’ve seen seen that that so so many many timestimes and and it’s it’s never never dawned dawned on on me. me. Inoffensive,Inoffensive, just just homo, homo, not not homophobic homophobic (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
150 Slesenger Research 15: We Are Mongrels
GayGay Elderflower Elderflower tea… tea… ThisThis is is a a comedy comedy aimed aimed at at teenagers teenagers TameTame Little Little Nonce Nonce andand young young adults. adults. Bullying tone and theme of clip and TheThe lead lead characters characters are are puppets. puppets. aggressive use of the word ‘gay’ is a concern HereHere one one fox fox is is challenged challenged by by his his brotherbrother about about his his lifestyle. lifestyle. Puppetry does mitigate, however the scene feels quite real 15, not lower, is felt to be an acceptable classification
It’sIt’s not not nice nice because because he he uses uses the the wordword ‘nonce’ ‘nonce’ in in it. it. Nonce Nonce is is like like aa pervert, pervert, like like a a paedophile paedophile (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
ItIt was was angry angry and and he he was was bullyingbullying him him so so it it was was offensive offensive (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds)
151 Slesenger Research 15: We Are Mongrels
ItIt was was strong strong language language and and I Iwouldn’t wouldn’t It’sIt’s aggressive aggressive directed directed language language want my children to say ‘nonce’ and if it was there throughout it want my children to say ‘nonce’ and if it was there throughout it (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds) wouldwould be be a a concern concern (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland)
There are words in there that I didn’t like. Nonce is a paedophile, There are words in there that I didn’t like. Nonce is a paedophile, isn’tisn’t it? it? He He is is being being referred referred to to as as gay gay all all the the way way through, through, then then he he labelslabels him him a a nonce nonce as as well. well. If If you you are are being being super super sensitive, sensitive, then then youyou wouldn’t wouldn’t want want that. that. There There is is a a big big thing thing at at the the moment moment about about allall gay gay men men being being paedophiles paedophiles and and all all paedophiles paedophiles being being gay gay men, men, whichwhich obviously obviously isn’t isn’t true. true. But But you you wouldn’t wouldn’t want want to to reinforce reinforce that that (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
TheThe aggressive aggressive context context does does change change things, things, eveneven though though they they are are puppets, puppets, it it is is directed. directed. If it’s a dad storming into his son’s ‘You nonce’ is an aggressive way of saying If it’s a dad storming into his son’s ‘You nonce’ is an aggressive way of saying room and saying whatcha gay this ‘you‘you gay’ gay’ – – linked linked to to paedophilia paedophilia and and prisons prisons room and saying whatcha gay this (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) andand whatcha whatcha gay gay that, that, then then that that is is (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) different.different. It It separates separates it it for for me me if if it’sit’s puppets puppets and and being being comedy comedy (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds) BecauseBecause they they are are puppets puppets it it distances it a bit distances it a bit (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South) 152 Slesenger Research 15: Little Britain
FullFull of of gays… gays… no no place place for for an an out out gay gay man… man… the the homophobes homophobes werewere very very homophobic… homophobic… they’re they’re bum bum chums…sliding chums…sliding down down some some pole…pole… lezzing lezzing it it up… up… mad mad for for muff… muff… bit bit poofy… poofy… teaming teaming with with todger…todger… jizzem jizzem gamboree gamboree
ThisThis is is a a sketch sketch from from a a popular popular Crude, hilarious, ‘gay’ references but BritishBritish comedy comedy show. show. acceptable at 15: not aggressive, self directed Here the characters are on Here the characters are on no homophobic intent (Matt Lucas holiday and Dafydd meets holiday and Dafydd meets is known to be gay) someonesomeone he he knows knows from from home. home. familiar character and catchphrases
It’sIt’s supposed supposed to to be be like like that. that. It’s It’s the the characters,characters, the the gay gay scene. scene. It’s It’s friendly, friendly, creativecreative and and not not aggressive. aggressive. Good Good humouredhumoured (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
153 Slesenger Research 15: Little Britain
ItIt is is said said in in a a comedy comedy way. way. It It is is notnot to to offend offend anyone, anyone, it it is is to to make make everybodyeverybody laugh laugh (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds)
It’sIt’s the the comedy. comedy. It’s It’s tongue tongue in in cheek. cheek. Like Like thethe woman woman from from Love Love on on the the Side. Side. It’s It’s done done inin an an affectionate affectionate way; way; you you are are on on the the same same side.side. Myfanwy Myfanwy was was using using the the terms terms affectionatelyaffectionately (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
154 Slesenger Research 15: Ashes to Ashes
AllAll they they exchanged exchanged were were bodily bodily fluids… fluids… shit shit stabbing… stabbing… poofs… poofs… aa fairy, fairy, queen, queen, fudge fudge packing packing ponce… ponce… bum bum boy… boy… arse arse bandit… bandit… woofter.woofter. S Sweaty,weaty, masculine masculine sex… sex… cock cock he he sucks sucks
Felt to be a very high 15, for many, an 18: bullying and aggressive tone views are challenged but not changed relentlessly crude group of men versus one woman 1980’s context does not always mitigate
There’sThere’s a a lot lot of of homophobic homophobic terms terms in in thatthat and and it’s it’s quite quite aggressive aggressive (Gay(Gay female, female, 35-45, 35-45, C2, C2, Scotland) Scotland)
More violent use of ‘poofter’ and ‘shit More violent use of ‘poofter’ and ‘shit stabber’.stabber’. There There is is so so much much homophobichomophobic language language and and he’s he’s not not jokingjoking (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland) 155 Slesenger Research 15: Ashes to Ashes
It’sIt’s linking linking gay gay people people with with I didn’t get that it was supposed committing crimes I didn’t get that it was supposed committing crimes to be ironic and funny (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) to be ironic and funny (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
IfIf you you had had watched watched it it back back in in the the 80’s 80’s it it would would havehave been been fine. fine. That’s That’s how how it it was. was. Now Now it’s it’s notnot acceptable. acceptable. They They are are policemen policemen and and they they areare saying saying it it aggressively aggressively (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
ItIt was was the the way way that that they they were were going on about it when she was going on about it when she was I Iwould would have have put put that that as as an an 18. 18. There There tryingtrying to to defend defend him him is some strong language in there (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) is some strong language in there (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
156 Slesenger Research 15: Teachers
WearsWears comfortable comfortable ThisThis is is a a clip clip from from a a British British TV TV shoes…shoes… she’s she’s a a lezzer lezzer dramadrama series series called called Teachers Teachers aboutabout staff staff at at a a comprehensive comprehensive Potentially a 12, not felt to be offensive or school.school. homophobic however, lesbians interviewed disliked Here,Here, two two men men are are talking talking about about a a this clip and the way in which men femalefemale member member of of staff. staff. dismissed lesbians as ‘lezzers’
It was not very offensive. They It was not very offensive. They werewere just just colloquialisms colloquialisms (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South)
No,No, it it was was purely purely factual. factual. She She is is a a lezzer.lezzer. There There are are a a few few clichés clichés andand stereotypes, stereotypes, but but nothing nothing offensiveoffensive (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
SubtlySubtly spoken, spoken, calm, calm, relaxed relaxed and and nono aggression. aggression. He’s He’s known known for for beingbeing a a bit bit dim dim too too (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
157 Slesenger Research Detailed Reactions to the Films: Race
Acceptable at 15 (minority, 12A) Grand Torino Grand Torino Broader storyline subsumes racist issues, no need for (15) (15) specific Consumer Advice ‘Strong language and violence’
Acceptable at 15 LoveLove and and Hate Hate Thought to be an excellent, well balanced, real film (15)(15) with educational value for teen audience Mixed views on the need to reference racist theme in Consumer Advice
A high 15, often 18 due to overall tone and tension relentless violence and aggression unhappy ending TheThe Believer Believer real and contemporary issues (15)(15) strong language Need for Consumer Advice ‘Racist theme’
158 Slesenger Research Gran Torino
TheThe racism racism wasn’t wasn’t so so strong. strong. I Ijust just didn’t didn’t feel feel it towards the end of the film it towards the end of the film (Female,(Female, 20-30, 20-30, Asian, Asian, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
It didn’t feel like racism towards the It didn’t feel like racism towards the endend of of the the film, film, it it just just felt felt like like banter banter (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
I Ithink think that that it it had had a a racist racist theme theme but but it it wasn’twasn’t racist. racist. He He was was on on their their side side eveneven if if he he had had racist racist views views (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham) (Female, 25-40, BC1, Birmingham)
AnAn outstanding outstanding film film with with good good meaning. meaning. The The moral moral of of the the story story outweighs outweighs the the violenceviolence (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware)
159 Slesenger Research Love and Hate
ItIt was was much much more more powerful powerful than than Gran Gran Torino,Torino, much much more more true true to to life life (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
AA lot lot of of 15 15 year year olds olds could could learn learn somethingsomething from from this this film film so so they they should should bebe able able to to see see it it (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
AA total total reality reality film. film. True True of of Bradford Bradford (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware)
ItIt is is good good for for teenagers teenagers to to watch watch and and has has goodgood educational educational content content (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware)
160 Slesenger Research The Believer
HeHe wanted wanted to to kill kill a a Jew Jew basically. basically. There There was was so so much hatred towards the Jews and he was much hatred towards the Jews and he was portrayingportraying terrorism terrorism as as well well (Female,(Female, 20-30, 20-30, Asian, Asian, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
ItIt should should have have said said something something like like ‘contains‘contains scenes scenes of of strong strong racial racial abuse’abuse’ or or something something like like that that (Male,(Male, 18-25 18-25 years, years, C2D, C2D, Leeds) Leeds)
Yes,Yes, it it should should say say something something about about racism racism becausebecause it’s it’s so so scary. scary. It’s It’s strong strong violence,violence, language language and and racism racism (Male,(Male, 45-60, 45-60, C2D, C2D, Edgware) Edgware)
161 Slesenger Research Detailed Reactions to the Films: Disability
Acceptable at 12 Special People Special People Educational and endearing (12) (12) ‘Disability theme’; Consumer Advice rejected
Acceptable, potentially 12/12A for some InsideInside I’m I’m DancingDancing Peer to peer, self directed language deemed appropriate (15)(15) Disability not relevant to Consumer Advice
162 Slesenger Research Special People
WeighingWeighing up up the the sex sex references references and and languagelanguage I Iwould would say say 12 12 (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
WhyWhy would would you you have have disability disability theme? theme? NotNot necessary necessary at at all all (Mother(Mother of of physically physically disabled, disabled, 35-50, 35-50, BC1,BC1, Pinner) Pinner)
ThereThere is is no no strong strong language language or or explicit explicit scenes.scenes. 12 12 seems seems about about right right (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
YouYou can can read read about about the the film film and and I Iwould would feelfeel uncomfortable uncomfortable saying saying disability. disability. We We areare trying trying to to get get away away from from things things like like thatthat (Male,(Male, 25-40, 25-40, C2D, C2D, Pinner) Pinner)
163 Slesenger Research Inside I’m Dancing
HadHad excellent excellent issues issues towards towards prejudice prejudice andand disability disability (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
ContentContent seemed seemed more more appropriate appropriate for for 15, 15, but but it’s it’s real real and and betweenbetween the the friends friends and and the the language language is is all all self self – – directed. directed. VisiblyVisibly moving moving and and educational educational (Mother(Mother of of physically physically disabled, disabled, 35-50, 35-50, BC1, BC1, Pinner) Pinner)
BothBoth my my 12 12 and and 13 13 year year old old children children enjoyedenjoyed this this film film and and were were visibly visibly moved moved at the end at the end (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
164 Slesenger Research Detailed Reactions to the Films: Disability
Mostly acceptable, however minority call for 18 Cast Offs Cast Offs classification due to sex references (15) (15) Peer to peer language is acceptable
Acceptable at 15, minority felt it could be 12/12A (wider message) Ben X Ben X (15) Key issue is bullying and this could be mentioned in (15) Consumer Advice (as bullying but not discriminatory behaviour)
165 Slesenger Research Cast Off
I Ithought thought that that was was excellent excellent and and showed showed disabled disabled people people justjust like like everyone everyone else. else. They They can can be be just just as as mean mean and and cruel like we all can. No different cruel like we all can. No different (Mother(Mother of of physically physically disabled, disabled, 35-50, 35-50, BC1, BC1, Pinner) Pinner)
The point of that film was to show that’s The point of that film was to show that’s thethe way way they’d they’d been been made made by by the the way way they’dthey’d been been treated treated by by other other people people (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
I Idon’t don’t look look at at people people as as disabled disabled because because I Ithink think we we are are all all disableddisabled in in some some shape shape or or form. form. I Ijust just think think it it was was nice nice to to seesee they they are are equally equally as as messed messed up up as as the the rest rest of of us us are. are. ButBut I Idon’t don’t use use that that sort sort of of language; language; my my kids kids don’t don’t use use that that sortsort of of language language to to each each other. other. They They wouldn’t wouldn’t dream dream of of speaking to their friends like that so I think disabled or speaking to their friends like that so I think disabled or abledabled didn’t didn’t make make any any difference difference (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
166 Slesenger Research Ben X
ThereThere was was no no bad bad language, language, but but perhaps perhaps disturbing scenes of bullying and mild disturbing scenes of bullying and mild drugdrug use. use. Good Good message, message, relevant relevant and and educational.educational. I Icould could sit sit down down with with my my son son andand watch watch this. this. More More kids kids use use video video gamesgames for for escapism escapism these these days days (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland) I Iwould would say say 15 15 because because of of the the bullying bullying he he went through. It was quite harrowing in went through. It was quite harrowing in thethe first first half half even even though though the the last last part part was was veryvery uplifting uplifting (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
ThisThis film film would would have have a a positive positive impact impact on on teenagersteenagers with with regards regards to to bullying, bullying, suicide suicide andand autism autism (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
BullyingBullying and and the the drugs drugs scene scene in in the the park park werewere quite quite shocking. shocking. It It was was horrible horrible with with repeatedrepeated use use of of the the word word ‘retard’ ‘retard’ (Female,(Female, 45-60, 45-60, BC1, BC1, Scotland) Scotland)
167 Slesenger Research Detailed Reactions to the Films: Disability
A definite 18 because of the ‘frequent, crude, strong sex references’ The The Disabled character never spontaneously mentioned, Inbetweeners Inbetweeners when prompted (18) (18) not discriminated against unpleasant character
168 Slesenger Research The Inbetweeners
18.18. Absolutely Absolutely awful awful but but teenagers teenagers willwill love love it it (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham) (Mixed, 55+, BC1, Birmingham)
TheThe fact fact that that the the boy boy was was in in a a wheelchairwheelchair was was a a side side issue, issue, they they didn’tdidn’t like like him him when when he he was was normal normal (Mixed,(Mixed, 55+, 55+, BC1, BC1, Birmingham) Birmingham)
I Idon’t don’t think think that that wheelchair wheelchair usersusers would would be be offended offended (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds) (Female, 25-40, CD2, Leeds)
169 Slesenger Research Detailed Reactions to the Films: Sexuality
Acceptable Some strong language but resolved and a GleeGlee positive outcome (12)(12) ‘Contains discriminatory language and behaviour’ acceptable given wider audience (likely to be younger than 12)
II now now PronouncePronounce Acceptable at 12/15 given overall positive outcome youyou Chuck Chuck & & At 12, ‘contains discriminatory language and behaviour’ LarryLarry is welcomed (12/15)(12/15)
170 Slesenger Research Glee
It dealt with the issue in a very It dealt with the issue in a very The word ‘retard’ was used sensitivesensitive way way and and I Idon’t don’t think think that that gay gay The word ‘retard’ was used people would be offended at all by it defensivelydefensively not not in in an an offensive offensive way way people would be offended at all by it (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) (Female,(Female, 18-25, 18-25, BC1, BC1, South) South) (Female, 18-25, BC1, South)
Yeah,Yeah, a a 12. 12. He He used used the the word word aggressively, aggressively, but but all all the the words were kept within that scene, the words ‘retard’ words were kept within that scene, the words ‘retard’ andand ‘faggy’. ‘faggy’. But But they they were were dealt dealt with with straight straight away away by by thethe dad. dad. He He said said that that both both words words were were not not appropriate. appropriate. SoSo maybe maybe it it should should even even be be a a PG, PG, because because if if you you are are talkingtalking about about the the whole whole show, show, morally morally it’s it’s very very good good (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
I thought this was really good. ReallyReally excellent excellent message message and and he he I thought this was really good. used the word in anger and was EducationalEducational and and can can be be used used to to used the word in anger and was explain to children challenged.challenged. Very Very good good explain to children (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) (Gay female, 35-45, C2, Scotland) (Male, 25-40, BC1, Scotland) (Gay female, 35-45, C2, Scotland)
171 Slesenger Research I now Pronounce you Chuck and Larry Quotes
MyMy little little boy boy loved loved it. it. He He watched watched it it loads loads andand over over and and over over again. again. He He didn’t didn’t pick pick up up on anything being offensive on anything being offensive (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
ItIt wasn’t wasn’t offensive, offensive, it it was was funny funny (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
172 Slesenger Research Detailed Reactions to the Films: Sexuality
Mostly acceptable at 15, however older male II Love Love You You respondents in particular, struggled with the content at PhillipPhillip Morris Morris times (15)(15) ‘Strong sex and language’ is acceptable Consumer Advice – strong views expressed on overtly discussing homosexual sex
TheThe Peer to peer, playground ‘gay’ references are accepted InbetweenersInbetweeners However, linking homosexual teacher with paedophilia (18)(18) is an issue for gay male respondents
173 Slesenger Research The Inbetweeners
TheThe male male paedophile paedophile teacher teacher – – thatthat was was unacceptable unacceptable (Female, 18-25, BC1, South) (Female, 18-25, BC1, South)
TheThe only only bit bit that that is is in in there there that that is is offensiveoffensive to to me me is is there there is is a a paedophilepaedophile in in there there and and he he is is a a gay gay bloke.bloke. That That is is stereotyping stereotyping (Male,(Male, gay, gay, 20-35, 20-35, BC1, BC1, Leeds) Leeds)
It’sIt’s not not offensive offensive when when they they are are sayingsaying it it amongst amongst themselves themselves (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
It’sIt’s how how teenagers teenagers talk talk these these days days (Female,(Female, 25-40, 25-40, CD2, CD2, Leeds) Leeds)
174 Slesenger Research