VMAs - Laughe d My Arse Off
Anyone watch this? The usual tripe was livened up by some classic comedy from Russell Brand.
Some uptight Americans have been reacting in typical manner, proving the stereotype that they lack a sense of humour and take themselves waaay too seriously.
Just a snippet of his side splitting salvos:
“Some people, I think they're called racists, say America is not ready for a black president, but I know America to be forward-thinking, because otherwise you wouldn’t have let that retarded cowboy fella be president for eight years. We were very impressed. We thought it was nice of you to let him have a go, because, in England, he wouldn't be trusted with a pair of scissors."
“One minute he’s having joyful, unprotected sex, the next minute he has to go to the Republican convention. Best safe-sex message of all time. Use a condom, or become a Republican. That boy is never going to have sex again.”
“I feel a bit bad that I keep talking about their chastity (the Jonas Brothers) and I’d like to take this opportunity to say no one ever have sex again. It’s a mad idea. What a way to spend an evening.”
Whether you find it funny or not is personal preference. However, I have been amazed by the hypocrisy and reaction to these comments. Many have acted like the Communists that they were brought up to despise. He poked fun at Bush (who hasn't) and succinctly told the truth: the guy is an imbecile.
Some said he was racist (and thus a hypocrite) but his "racist" comment was aimed at those who don't want a black president - ergo are racist.
Many have urged him to be banned - for daring to poke fun and express an opinion, especially on politics. Good job Bill Hicks, George Carlin and Lenny Bruce are dead then!
They said it is a disgrace for a non American to make fun of an American. This line of thought itself is pure comedy. You have to be American to pass comment. Hmmm. And the fact that whoever is voted in becomes the most powerful person in the world is irrelevant - no one but a US citizen can pass comment. Hmmm again.
Time to recall all those films and comedies poking fun at the English then! All those snooty, tea drinking, bowler hat wearing, toff voiced prudes. All the bad teeth stereotypes.
Some have said he insulted EVERY American. No he didn't. Out of 300 million, he took the piss out of a handful. And they deserved it. They also decreed that those who like him they have no sense of humour. Is this America - Land of the Free - or Nazi Germany?
And whether he is perceived to be funny, calling him ill educated when his words are being misconstrued undermines any such charges.
For years the US has tried to cultivate the image it is hip and that the UK is all uptight and has a loooooong history of mocking us yet once again, it shows to be the opposite and cannot take what it gives out and is unable to laugh at itself. Or even one or two of its people. Remember the fuss Borat kicked up?
And then others say the English wouldn't laugh if our statesmen were ridiculed. But the thing is, we do. King Ralph anyone? And then there's The Naked Gun - with the Queen caught in a sexual position. And we all laughed our arses off. Had a UK film depicted Reagan in a homosexual sex position then these same people would be demanding extradition to Guantanamo Bay. And as for Borat, we had him mocking us for a couple of years before he hit the USA. And again, we laughed and took it with a pinch of salt, recognising the startling truths along the way.
Thx Russell for one of the funniest nights of TV. "Retarded cowboy" and "pair of scissors" will live long in the memory.
