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Harry Connick Jr. Offended By Racially Insensitive Australian TV Skit
Filed under: Wacky, Tacky & True > Australiastic > Michael JacksonWhile appearing on a reunion special of Australian TV show Hey Hey It's Saturday, Harry Connick Jr. became offended by a skit of men performing in blackface (above).
The skit, which was a parody of the Jackson 5, called themselves the Jackson Jive, which was performed 20 years earlier on the show.
Harry, who was judging the performance, gave them a score of 0 out of 10.
Later, the shows host Daryl Somers could tell that the singer was offended and apologized. After the apology Connick, Jr. said:
“Thanks Daryl, and I just wanted to say on behalf of my country, I know it was done humorously, but we’ve spent so much time trying to not make black people look like buffoons, that when we see something like that, we take it really to heart. I know it was in good fun, and the last thing I want to do is take this show to a down level – because you know how much I love this show and this country – but I feel like I’m at home here, and if I knew that was going to be part of the show, I probably – I definitely wouldn’t have done it. Thank you for the opportunity, I’ve got to give it up because [I spoke to] Daryl at the break, and he said ‘Man, you need to speak up as an American – not as a white American or a black American, but as an American’. [I felt] I needed to say that, so thanks for giving me the opportunity, I appreciate it. You’re a good man for letting me do that.”
The skit was distasteful, tacky and too soon to be doing that kind of Jackson 5 "tribute".
I think the whole situation has been blown out of proportion and out of context.
Thank you to those people who have tried to explain why this skit was offensive. From reading these comments it not because of Michael Jackson, or the fact they did a very bad job of imitating the Jackson 5 (which kind of was the point) it was because they used black face paint/make up instead of brown.
I am Australian and to me the skit wasn’t offensive to me just bad taste and bad comedy, but for all the Americans, do not judge all of us because of one bad comedy skit, that was shown an iconic TV show on Australian TV.
For all of you making comments on different countries history and trying to make out that one country has worse history then the other is beside the point. Hey Hey had an American personality on their show and the skits offend him, Somer’s apologised as did the performers. The producers of the show have acknowledge this and will be making a point of making sure that not acts in the future are likely to offend any guest on the show.
One more thing for all those idiot Australian’s making comments about there being no slavery in Australian history, I suggest that you crack open a history book an learn how our country was built, (others might call it community service by criminals,) and if that doesn’t convince you other wise Google the word “blackbirding”.
No country is has an innocent history
Oh and another thing that AussieGuy1981 – 's comment reminded me of, is the guys who performed this skit only did it because it was a famous skit that won 30 years ago on the same show. They in no way though of it as being racist or offensive and have expressed as much in their apology.
Omg americans need to learn what a sense of humour is! Americans are reknowned for not being able to take 'the piss' out of themselves. The skit wasn't supposed to be racist or offensive. And to call Australian's rascist is abit hypocritical and offensive, considering the prejudices held towards african americans and latino's etc in the united states. You guys cannot take the high road over this issue considering the treatment your country has given people of coloured skin and still gives to this day. Just because your new president is an african american man doesn't mean you are the authority when it comes to judging issues of claimed rascism. Atleast Australia has the guts to apologise and right-the-wrongs of its indigenous natives for the treatment they've received. Americans learn to lighten up and take the mickey out of each other. You are all too serious!
I think people need to be a little less sensitive on the matter. What you need to understand is that Hey Hey's red faces is a skit segment where members of our community (not actors) come and give a 30 second skit for laughs. They do not have access to advance film/stage make up, and in order to get the required skin colouring they used boot polish or black paint. If white people cannot pretend to be black, then blacks can't pretend to be whites, men to women, adults to children. It wasn't intended to be racist. Although there are racists in Australia, they are no more racist towards people of different races, than eg. the mid-west americans are to their minority (or majority) groups. And what people seem to forget is that it was a reunion show, regrouping an act from 20 years ago. The concept of taking the piss of a cultural group isn't new, and taking the piss of the jacksons certainly isn't new. Harden the fuck up america - it's not like you are the only ones who have black people who have endured hardship.
Re: karencarpenter – undereducated? Australians are much smarter than Americans thankyou! Atl east our citizens are well informed and not lied to by the government!
they were trying to look silly and OTT, not make black people look bad. i dont think anyone in their right minds would think that was their intention.
Re: jenshep49 – I really like your post. You have understood that it is offensive to some cultures, and wanted to know why, which others haven't even tried to understand. They've simply dismissed it as a lack of a sense of humour.
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Re: silverruby_2000 – I think you mean the South, not the Mid-West.
Re: Serena!!!COLON!!! You Twats – Yes, thank you - i did mean south. I get confused where the south and mid regions start and finish…
you guys really do have something wrong with you if you think this is offensive! Funny, No! Offensive, NO! Take it for what it is, a skit! Start worrying about some real issues in the world and less about crap like this
hi! im also an australian and was watching that skit the night it aired. It's perfectly correct to think that it was racist, it was! and harry had every right to say what he did. good on him! it was a stupid idea and the fact that those channel 9 executives thought that in this day and age that this wouldn't offended they were completely ignorant!
HOWEVER! You americans can't turn around and say that you have completey banished racism in your country! there will always be stupid arseholes who make mistakes. Hate crimes are still such a common thing, here in australia and im sure still in america. so don't go calling us an uneducated bunch of racists, because that is not what we were.
Our countries are soo alike its ridciulous! and how is it only racist when australians do it? Robert Downy Jr. in Tropic thunder anyone? I just want you to think about the fact that had something like this happened over in america, you wouldn't appreciate people from some other country giving you shit for something you had no CONTROL over
For God's sake, saying that all Australians are racist because of this skit is racism in itself. I'm Australian, I don't watch this show, no one I know watches this show, and it's known for its b-grade sketches that no one watches (when it was on back in the day). I agree the skit is on the nose, and not funny at all.
I lived in Canada for a few years and heard, "is it true that you Australians are all racist?" a few times. MUCH more often I heard Canadians say, "effing Americans" or "God I hate Americans". If I had a dollar for every time I heard that, I'd be rich.
Not to mention the racism I heard from Americans in Alabama towards black people when I visited there.
Racism is everywhere, but not every person in a given nation is racist. Wake up, people. One racist skit doesn't mean an entire country is racist. And you are being racist by saying that white Australians are racist!
Interesting that for a "racist" nation that Melbourne has the highest populations of Greeks of any city in the world outside of Athens.
umm im Australian and i dont think that it was being racist or that they were trying to be racist at all it was done in fun and not as a racist act and to all the people who are saying that "many white Australians are notoriously racist" thats not the case at all. as i am a as u are calling it white Australian and i consider myself to not be a racist. and btw they are all highly educated medical professionals, and 4 out of the 5 come from ethnic backgrounds - 1 Lebanese and 3 Indians The guy who portrayed Michael is INDIAN! but that being said i still think well done to Harry Connick for standing up for what he believes in
Re: Easydoesit – We aren't all like that, i was horrified when i saw this but it's because i was eductated in why it was bad, my uni course covered the whole vaudville era.
We don't have the back ground with this kind of stuff like America does so i can understand why some poeple here in australia wouldn't think it was racist. NOT DEFENDING THE SKIT!!! I think it was horrible and the show should have never ever aired it. My friends all fight me over why i thought it was racist because they don't see it as being racist, it's not because they are racist it's just they don't know any better. Australia is a very multi cutural place and racism isn't tollerated here. The producers of the shows are idiots, but that is not how Australia is.
you Americans are hilarious. you are probably the most undereducated country in the world. do you even know anything about Australia? If you where asked to point it out on a map could you?
Have you ever heard about White Oppression. Guess what America did that. Not Australia. You still have racism, KKK etc. We have never had anything like that in Australia. We are a multi-cultural country. The guys made a stupid mistake. Did you know that the doctors who did that skit are of Indian and Lebanese culture??? Racism?? It was bad taste, maybe offensive to some I get that, but Racism. Get a grip.
I also want to add that, though i liked the majority of Canadians and Americans I met when i lived overseas, I had people ask me as an Australian whether I had a pet kangaroo; whether Australia had "separated from the rest of South Africa yet" (i.e. assuming Australia was part of Africa); and the "dingo ate my baby" joke again and again, which isn't cool. People seem to forget that, um, these comments/assumption are forms of racism in themselves.
Australian's have never heard of "blackface" but I agree, I don't like the idea of people painting their faces like that. None of my Aussie friends thought it was funny - we didn't even see it until it was posted all over the global media.
I don't agree with other Aussies on this board who have said, "this is our sense of humour! get over it!" The sketch wasn't funny. Yes, we do like to laugh at ourselves and others, but most Australians aren't racist. Hey Hey it's Saturday was canned back in the - what, 1980s? - because it wasn't funny. Just boring and lame.
First of all the opinions of America in this context are irrelevant. This program was supposed to be a reunion special that ran over two weeks for a show that has more history than any cheesy US sitcom. The act in question was performing a repeat of a performance done 20 years ago when these now Doctors were medical students. In Australia we do not have a rascial problem and don't want one either. So for all the Americans out their keep your 2 sense to yourself because we do not want ANY of the issues US have! Harry Connick Jr should be ashamed of himself for bring down an enjoyable light hearted show that in honesty Australian TV could have done without him!! And for any American who is willing to side with Connick you are a Hypocrite look at your own movies and TV shows before you start pointing the finger.
Re: Nat1212 – Funny that you claim Australia has absolutely no racism, yet every other Australian has said that their country has just as much racism as any other county, even America! There is racism everywhere, even in your country. No place is immune to it. I encounter it often in the UK and the US, and have seen it in every country I have visited.
I know it's immature for me to point out, but if you're going to criticise an entire nation's intelligence, try to make your argument at least partially grammatically correct. Why is it that the top universities in the world are all in either the US or UK? I bet it's because the US is full of idiots who can't locate Australia on a map!! I would never judge all Australians based on your pathetic comments or a skit on Australian TV that I found to be in bad taste.
There are dumb people everywhere. Yes, there are dumb Americans, but there are also dumb people in Australia. Don't act like you're on a high horse because you're not American. How many Americans do you personally know? How often have you been to America?…
…Come on people, aren't we above making horrible generalisations about an entire country of 300 million people? I have an American accent, but was born in the UK and have lived here for the majority of my life, and I'm sick of hearing the stereotypes. People assume I'm stupid and ignorant, just because I sound like a Yank. Some of the most intelligent people I know are American, which is why I defend the country when I see this horrible garbage spewed about them.
FYI – just thought everyone should no what racism actually means…..
Main Entry: rac•ism
Pronunciation: \ˈrā-ˌsi-zəm also -ˌshi-\
Function: noun
Date: 1933
1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
2 : racial prejudice or discrimination
— rac•ist \-sist also -shist\ noun or adjective
For clarification those people that are say “white Australians are notoriously racist” it is not a racist comment, it was a generalisation…The skit it’s self was not racist but it was offensive due to events in America’s history.
Nat1212 – as for you saying “ you Americans are hilarious. you are probably the most undereducated country in the world. do you even know anything about Australia? Have you ever heard about White Oppression. Guess what America did that. Not Australia.”
Goes to show undereducated you are. Have you ever opened a history book? We may not have had a “white oppression” but we did have the WHITE AUSTRALIA POLCIY, not to mention Aboriginals and islanders weren’t allowed to vote until the 1970’s after a referendum, and the NT is still not included in a referendum as a territory.
Re: Easydoesit – #2
ha you just offended over 21 million people with less than 10 words.
Americans have no right to criticise Australia for people a racist place, racism lies in all cultures, and im not saying that makes it ok, it doesnt, but the context of this skit was not meant to offend.
A group of doctors [NOT 'uneducated people'] of mixed ethnicity, only one of which caucasian, re-enacted a skit that was performed 20 years ago on the same show. Sure it was distastful, and i didn't find it funny, but their intention wasn't to offend.
'Blackface' and its history is not something that's known in Australia, they didn't have that kind of thing happening.
Please do NOT generalise this! How dare people say that Australia is an openly racist place. Are you kidding?! We have to be one of the most multi cultural countries. You people have got no idea. This skit is NOT a representation of Australia, it is a BAD decision made by producers. Before calling others ignorant, how about we assess what we're really trying to say.
as an australian we are just as shocked and feel that the skit was racist and extremely distasteful and inappropriate considering recent events with michael Jackson. There are many questions in circulation regarding how the skit got through the screening process to the actual show. I would also like to note that the Show in Question is a low rating show trying to make a comeback when nobody is watching. most australians are angry at the show and skits such as these as the reputation of our country is being affected by half wits, trying to make profit. Sorry on behalf of australians with any common sense and decency.
I'm a proud Australian, and I think it's a little unfair to impose generalisation unto an entire nation of people. One of the characteristics of my country is that it is multicultural- Australians have accepted and embraced this. I am of Italian descent, and one of my closest friends was born in Ethiopia. Condemning 'white Australians' as 'notoriously racist' is, for one, a complete exaggeration, as well as a fabrication of the truth. It may apply to the bogans (or 'white trash'), but it certainly does not to the majority of Australians. Nonetheless, I am both appalled and embarrassed by this skit, as well as extremely proud of Harry Connick Jr. for standing up for his own beliefs and the injustice of the issue.
I've seen more offensive skits on SNL.
How is it racist? Micheal was white??
AMERICA - harden the fuck up.
That's not racism. Seriously. Harden the fuck up you bunch of whingers.
Re: bectacular – the only reason why there are utes on the back of cars saying fuck off we're full is cause some australians are over the people who migrate here and complain about the country there are sooo many ethincs i've met who've complained about our country and we're just like if you hate it go back. that's where the ute thing comes from and the whole australian's being rasist. we're not as bad as you're making out! PS the blacks can be rasist too. Next time you watch a black rappers film clip count the white people. Where's the diversity there? Wake up americans seriously and stop being so fucking sensitve and bullying other countries!
Australia is not racist!!!
this was just 6 people, not a whole country!
i agree that the producers should have thought twice about allowing them on considering it is so soon since Michael passing, but it was in humour and is a reflection on australian comedy, not racism
Re: ISANTA – exactly!!! before you bag out a whole country do your research america!!
I didnt think anything of it.Australians often take the piss out of themselves, its part of our culture to do so, goes to show how comfortable we are with ourselves.i think it would different if their intent was to be malicious, and its funny out of the six of them, only one is Anglo-Celtic Australian.The rest are,Sri Lankan-Australian, Indian Australian, a Greek Australian, an Irish-Italian Australian and a Lebanese Australian. They are all Australian.
This just goes to show Hey Hey It's Saturday is as irrelevant today as it was 10 years ago when it was axed. I'm Australian and no, we are not all racists thank you, but like any country there always will be some fucktards who will think this is funny. Please don't tar us all with the same brush because you may not think it but that is a form of racism.
Re: TaylorSwiftner –
Just so you know, they were not WHITE australians….The singer was a sri lanken man, there was also, indian, greek and lebanese men involved in the skit.
Re: Ins0mniac –
well said.
Australia is not America. We don't have your history. We're laid back and don't get offended so easily. Get over it. It was an old skit.
Why are people calling Australia racist?? This coming from one of the MOST racist countries in the world!! It is totally a case of major misunderstanding. I saw the clip but in no way saw it as racially motivated. Come on people, there are WAY more important things going on in the world than this!
May I just bring to everyones attention a little movie from last year called TROPIC THIUNDER! I may be wrong, but I do not recall any sort of furore when Robert Downey Jr portrayed an Australian, portraying a black man. Essentially the same thing. Or is it made better by the fact that it was written and performed by an American??? Also, As I just pointed out on one of the other comments the men who participated in the sketch were of multicultural backgrounds themselves. The Man who was "white" is actually Sri Lanken! Should white people then take offence because a black man has painted himself white????
Also on this same note….There is footage out there of Harry Connick playing a black preacher in some sort of skit…..Is he also not doing the same thing? Getting cheap laughs at the expence of the african american race?
I think everyone just needs to lighten up a little bit. There was no harm intended - perhaps it was poor taste, but is it really worthy of all this fuss, especially when there are MORE IMPORTANT things going on in the world!
only a racist would see this as racism. The skit was meant to take the piss out of someone, and just to let you know, the same skit by the same guys was done some 20 years ago. get a sense of humour about yourselves. and just to let you know 'Easydoesit', Australia is not an openly racist place. BOO-YA
Re: karencarpenter –
Most americans wouldnt know the first thing about Australia so to call us racist because of a simple skit on a comedy show is just ridiulous!! GET A LIFE!!
it was a reunion special! the whole point was to perform the most popular acts in the history of the show, and this was one of them! It wasn't racist, and if it wasn't for the new-found love of MJ since his death, this wouldn't even have made the local news here in Sydney.
and Australia is not a racist country. we are just alot more relaxed about our humour.
I am so offended about comments regarding Australia being a 'very openly racisit place' and such. I am fuming actually. I am angry because before Michael Jackson died he was known as a freak and a child molestor and now he has died he is praised as one of the greatest men!
Harry is a hypocrite as many years ago he was in a skit which not only mocked religon but where he was also dressed as a man of colour! so next time before you all back someone who stands up for the 'right thing' make sure you are backing someone who deserves it, because he is a downright wanker to be standing up for this today when 10 years ago it was ok for him to do it!? the skit wasn't supposed to be hurtful and it was performed by men of varying races so it was not their intention either.
The comments being made below are very rich, the way you Americans are judging our country as a whole for this one skit! if we judged America for everything one person did, racist or other, there wouldn't be much left unsaid!!!
im an australian and i find this fucking disgusting. but im also sick of all the americans reading this story, generalising this saying that "white australians are nortoriously racist" im a white australian and im not remotely racist! its only a small minority of people, like these wankers here who are openly racist, so quit badmouthing australia as a whole!
** A MESSAGE TO ALL AUSSIES **
Dont even bother trying to defend us, we know who we are… and they cant take that away from us!! if an American celebtrity wasnt on the show then this wouldnt have even made the news over there… dont give them the pleasure of our time!!!
It's sad that some people can be so over sensitive, the U.S has done some of the worlds worst injustices. Australia is no more racist than any other country but this "act" was obviously not done in the intention to mock the African American community. Clearly.
Honestly if you don't like it, change the channel but if you do live in the U.S you are most likely to switch on to something utterly more offensive and cheap.
They were in costume along with makeup, it was just a show.
ummmm What about Robert Downy Jr in Tropic Thunder? and he got an Academy Award nomination for it!
Australian are easy going and can take the mickey out of ourselves. We are not racist, we are such a multicultural society in Australia the italians call themselves Wogs, the aboriginals call themselves "abos". We arent as uptigh like most countries. When Steve Erwin died we made jokes about him and noone stuck up a stink. But when someone who is african american dies and we make up a skit about him because he is african american we cry up a strom… now THAT is racist.
Australia is a multicultral country. We all live and befriend people from many different places with different appearences that have come to live in this great country. We are not racist not one bit. We are laid back, relaxed and arent afraid to make fun of one another! To mebeing so protected and scared of anything that may be deemed racist is in fact being racist. Australias arent afraid to take the micky out of their asian or indian friends because we know we're all the same. Every human is equal and thats the way Australians see it! One day I hope Americans can follow.
Now as for the skit. The show was a renioun show. This exact skit was shown 20yrs ago and they just brought them back on to do it again. It was lame but not racist. Those offended by it need to lighten up. If Henry Connick hadnt been so negative towards the stunt we wouldnt be in this mess.
It frustrates me when all I see on the News is trivial things like this, especially when we have natural disaters devestating some regions.
australia is NOT a racist country and i am sick of tired of hearing about it, if i am not mistaken which country has the kkk…umm let me think AMERICA!!, and yes i will mention the white chicks movie maybe being a blonde caucasion female i found that offensive, dont brand a whole country racist when urs is any better
Re: karencarpenter – umm excuse me what a very uneducated comment to make
Re: Nonbreeder – You are such a fucking idiot "I agree with 38". That means there are two idiots. How you can see folks in blackface and limit your response to agreeing with someone who was trying to deflect the issue by pointing out what comedians on BET say about whites? I understand this took place in Australia where they have a completely different history of racial injustice against the people commonly referred to as "aborigines"(Way to long to go into). But white and black comedians pointing out the differences in the races in an act is way different than a performance in blackface in front of an American artist, for which he needs to disassociate himself from. Let me put it in terms an old queer like yourself can understand…there was once an episode of Designing Women where the stupid, shallow, insensitive character showed up at a benefit in blackface in Atlanta….you know how the rest of the story goes. Why don't you lift up a couple layers of fat, shift away the yeast forest, move your tiny cock, and find your balls and use them next time you post.
Re: LULU~* – why the whole country it was 5 ppl who did it, australia has always been known and rates as one of the most friendly countries in the world
Re: NedNedNed – well this was in australian and it does not have those connatations connected to it here, if HCJ wasn't on the show it would have never even been brought up as being racist in aus
Re: Sic – Re: Sic – i totally agree, african american actors can dress up as white female and act like blonde bimbos and it gets made into a movie and deemed comedy wth totally double standard
it's so funny that about a year again troipic thunder was made by an american playing an ausssie playing a black guy. or two black guys playing white tennage girl in white chicks.
before you judge my country look at yourself and australia is proud, loud and one thing im accually black and that did not offened at all because we are an expecting mulitcutral nation.
Re: Emster – The issue wasn't that they were making fun of Michael Jackson. Everyone makes fun of Michael Jackson. The issue was the way in which they chose to portray the Jacksons. They spread black shoe polish all over their faces.
as an australian, i would just like to say that even though i didn't think this skit was funny, i didn't think it was racist either. they were not imitating african american people full-stop, they were impersonating one particular african american. and i think it is more than fair to say that it is too soon to joke about michael jackson's death or any aspects of his life at all, it is a completely different thing to say that the skit was racist. the racial diversity of the men performing the skit should also attest to this. i think that all the people who are trying to make generalised comments about either country need to just look at themselves and realise how unintelligent they seem. i know some disgustingly racist australians, and have seen a few too many "fuck off we're full" bumper stickers. but at the same time, i have met several american teenagers through an exchange program with my school, two of whom were of african heritage, who told some disturbing stories about racism that they have experienced… CONTINUED NEXT
(FROM PREVIOUS) focus needs to be taken away from making sweeping generalisations about australian people and american people, and it needs to return to the actual skit. the intention was not a racist one, they were attempting to impersonate michael jackson and the jackson five, not to make reference to the awful use of "blackface" in the past. i think that it is necessary to distinguish between using "blackface" to mock and insult a race of people who have been subjected to terrible things over many generations, and between impersonating one particular individual.
Re: trakstar5 – omg it was not used to intentionally degrade anyone, do not attach a meaning to something that is irrelevant to australia we should not have to feel bad or guilty for something america did do people in the past,
I dont apologize for what has happened in my country. America has certain history and Australia has different history. Just because the whole "blackface" racism tag is unspeakable in the states does not give anyone the right to criticize another country for not having this history! Who in Australia was offended??? I live in a community that Aboriginals are a majority and I can happily say that no one I have spoken to are offended. And Perez…. too soon?? like you said, it was done 20 years ago!
Re: Emster – If you think Australia is completely void of racism, you are incredibly blind. There is racism everywhere, even in your country. The US is the most ethnically diverse country in the world, and Americans also can laugh at their Asian, African, Mexican, Indian, and Hispanic friends. Yes, there are areas where racial tension is still alive, but it's not a prevalent attitude in the entire country.
I did not think this was racist, I found it in bad taste, however. For it to have been racist, the men would have had to be intentionally offending people, which they weren't.
OK OK
I am australian. We are light hearted people. Can people not see that this was a light hearted skit on bloody red faces? People really need to calm the hell down. Lets not forget that MJ wasnt proud to be black,hes the one who bleached his kids and adopted white kids. We Australians arent for racism, watching it, I did not even think of racism and im sure other australians didnt either.
Re: cuteislandchild – really we almost wiped out a whole race wow thats news to me, whatever happened to the native americans? ooh wait didn't they almost get wiped out as well, jeesh if ur gonna say something about australia next time maybe think longer before u post something
Um, yeah, can someone please explain this to me? Like, how is this skit EXACTLY racist? I mean, c'mon, if they WERE racist, preeeeeeeeety sure they wouldn't PAINT there faces black and person MICHAEL JACKSONS song on tv. IT WAS A TRIBUTE (with a hint of comedy.) Althought, I personally wasn't a fan of it, I don't think that it deserved all this bad attention.
TaylorSwiftner"No surprise; many white Australians are notoriously racist "really?I heard that America is NOTORIOUSLY arrogant,self centered and feels the need to push their "American way" of thinking onto everyone.Hrmm funny that!Notoriously racist?come on!
Is this an issue because people where offended OR is it an issue (to the Americans anyway) because and AMERICAN made a comment about it? how many times haave there been pictures,gags,spoofs,songs ect about MJ been made BY AMERICANS! and many have involved WHITE people dressings up as blacks,infact I believe Mad TV has a history of doing it.
If we're gonna get all "offended" then im fucking offended that you Yanks keep thinking Aussies walk around with kangaroos and koals in our citys!and that all we do is drink beer!im offended by the simpsons episode where they came here!lets make an issue out of this then! wheres my fucking appology?! atleast we appologised! (no idea why) its a fact that MJ had turned white and his bros where black FACT it wasnt meant to offend anyone!and anyone who has half a brain would realise that.
Perez you fat fuck, wadda u mean too soon for that kind of tribute, its never going to be a time when that kind of shit is Ok. Harry's right, they could have never done that shit here.
I dont see what the problem was. MJ was black, the dudes on the show dressed up as blacks for a laugh …. have you yanks heard of dry humor…
Aussie and proud, and not fucking racist either.
As a proud Australian i would just like to point out not all Ausralians are this racist. Most people are saying how Australians are openly racist, this is NOT TRUE. Majority of Australians are accepting of all people no matter what skin colour they have. I also want to point out that the Jackson Jive might not have been setting out to be racist or to insult anyone, but someone should have realised that this skit could have been taken the wrong way, if it was done 20 years ago someone should have relised maybe things have changed since then. Although it was not intended to be racist that was the way it was viewed by many people.
Unless you live in Australia u need to shut the fuck up!! Australia is like any other country there are racists people BUT majority couldn't care less. American's should talk you people are the most racist and homophobic people in the world!! Doesn't your country always have people getting in trouble for calling each other n*ggas or f*ggots?? Or is it acceptable because these people happen to be celebrities? Wake the fuck up… ur all so fucking ignorant!!! Unlike Americans, Australians know what is beyond our own country!! Ur all so quickl to use the race card.. in this country it's called taking the piss, it's all for a laugh no one meant any harm by it!! So fucking sad and pathetic, before pointing finger's at other countries why don't u fix urs first!! Fucking morons!!!
This was not an example of the true Australia. I do think that people that live in glass houses should not throw stones.
America's undying affection to the vision of multi-culturalism is not that hot.
Australians are no bigger racist then Americans…shame you all dont give equal right to gay men and women.
As for HARRY cONNICK jR BEING offened he is still going on Australian Idol…and did I not see him blacked up?
what you gotta understand is aussie's humour is so different, and it really did mean no offense. our way is just simple, and it just was what it was. to assume anything different would be giving us credit where it isn't warranted! its sort of really uncomplex, like those old movies that take the peace out of chinese men by playing a buck toothed man who says "fried rice". really considered improper now and a really dumb, offensive thing to do nowdays. hey hey is one of our most treasured memories as an aussie. it was a show full of kindhearted, gentle, simple, easygoing people. no, we definately aren't racist in that way. nothing had a hidden agenda. it just was what it was. some parts of the show seem really silly now. given the choice, i would have left that part out.
I am so disgusted to be Australian at this moment.
And to all the people who said "Yeah we already knew Australia is racist" it really isn't.
However, this skit does not do wonders to our already bad reputation of being a "racist" country.
Good on you Harry Connick Jr, I was thinking the exact same thing watching it.
Just because a group of five race offending men did this, does not mean we are all the same.
That is like saying all you American, or Brittish or whatever race/nationality you are are the same.
So please, take this into account. Not everyone down under is racist, just because a group of foolish men decided to do this, doesn't mean we all are.
Anyways, I have seen movies and videos on youtube etc that are offensive to Micheal Jackson. American movies and youtube videos in fact. This does not make this right, however, I think it is time for not only Australia, but the world, for a massive wake up call so we can all live freely as individuals.
Re: teenstar – you don't have to be disgusted :–) you and i didn't do anything wrong. the skit is now really innapropriate. it is not a total reflection of the show as a whole for us. im sure, if given the vote, aussies would agree this act is certainly not funny. i would also know that people would agree overwhelmingly that this is just stupid humour which really didn't mean anything else other than what it was. australia is always there to support other countries and races in need. come on people, move on now
…I'm so SORRY but reading the opinions about Racism on this site has made me VERY SAD!EVERYONE, has an opinion …..but simply by calling this skit racist, WE are being racist! by pointing out and arguing over what is and isn't racist, we are being racist towards these countries and these PEOPLE!
Please everyone, IT DOESN"T MATTER. these people didn't come out with intent to be racist not knowing about American history and it is very offensive to label these men racists! I can honestly say I see people as people, I'm not saying I've never said anything racist, BUT I do acknowledge my friends and others unique heritage, culture, etc and treating people equally comes down to not judging anyone at all by their culture or nationality! These days I honestly believe we have come along way!
When I watch this Skit I see how Americans could interpret the face painting as disrespectful to their African American community considering the history and progress they have made with racial equality. I also see that the Australian men were reinacting a Jackson 5 tribute and didn't realize they were insulting the African American community. I'm sure they now understand why it is offensive to paint your face black even for an innocent costume.
I hope people read my opinion and think about some of the disrespectful things you are saying about these once allied countries, if you are truly up for Racial EQUALITY you will stop abusing each other!
GEESH EVERYONE ON HERE IS A RACIST IF YOU REALLY READ EVERYONE'S COMMENTS ! NO ONE'S PERFECT ! AND YES AMERICANS ( INCLUDING MYSELF ) DO TEND TO TAKE STUFF OUT OF IT'S CONTEXT MOST OF THE TIME. BUT THE SKIT WASN'T RACIST , BUT IT ALSO WASN'T HUMEROUS !
Re: Easydoesit – i find it rather offensive that you think australia in general, all 22 million of us, is an "openly racist place".
i have a few questions for you:
1. have you even been to australia? and
2. do you assume this from just 1 source?
oh, and FYI harry c jr did a similar sketch on mad tv a few years ago.
pot calling the kettle black perhaps?
I'm an Australian and I would just like to say these things:
1. I feel that it was distasteful and clearly offensive,
2. Good on HC Jr for saying what he did, and
3. I apologise to those who found it offensive and distasteful.
However,
1. You cannot assume that all of Australia is racist based off this one skit, I find this personally offensive as I've lived in Australia most of my life and have not met one single racist person, and
2. I love how Americans can dish this stuff out - constant stereotyping of an African American on film and tv - yet they can't take any.
This stuff will always happen, it did 20 years ago, and it has again. But unless everyone stops blaming each other, the racism will never end.
I have to raise the one question no one has so far dared to ask… What's with Harry's comment "We've spent so much time trying to not make black people look like buffoons". Wow!!!! If anything is racist to me, it's that (And I adore the guy… he had me as soon as starred in Will and Grace).
Get a life guys, or come to Australia and just chill out. By the sounds of it, a few of you need it. Perez, you included.
You're right, in hindsight that skit probably wasn't in the best of taste, but I watched the show, and never once did the thought of racism enter my mind. Guess that's one of the things that makes us Aussies such great people. The majority of us (at least, the majority of Hey Hey viewers) are not brainwashed by PC or extremist views.
Tropic Thunder, anyone?
Re: *MJ4life –
At least we Aussies had a break from the devastating news (and I'll refrain myself here from bringing the US into a lot of that) and scripted US reality crap we see on a daily basis. Lighten up sweetheart. Oh, sorry, is that racist??? You have to be soooooooooo careful nowadays.
Re: jenshep49 –
Get a fucking life sweetheart. And laugh. Sounds like you seriously need to.
Re: shouldacoulda – didn't I just say that the damn skit wasn't racist ? damn some people are just plain idiots . ! believe me I dont watch half the crap that comes on tv here . Im just bringing up stuff that people dont wanna hear . EVERYONE'S A RACIST ONE WAY OR ANOTHER ! Hell im sometimes racist towards my own race cause people do and say dumb shit ! !
Re: bethlouisemackenzie – I thank you for acutally showing that the skit was distasteful and and both an American (Me) and an Aussie(you) can agree on that !
Ok, look at the front and centre of this skit, a dark coloured man acting as MJ (rest his soul). Amazing that nobody saw that.
Mate, have any of you who are spouting shit about "Australia being racist" actually been here? Or are u judging our whole country over what 5 losers threw together on a show that was once popular eons ago?
If that is the case, then why dont we do that here yea? Lets put it in reverse. Lets judge Americans on all the cop shows they show us here, on Jerry Springer which we also get, on George Bush and his amazing way with words.
To all the Aussies that are jumping to our defense, look around us guys. We live in the best country in the world, and these fuckwitts dont represent our country.
OH btw, we dont call ourselves white Australians. We are not Americans, who differenciate in that way, we just call ourselves Australians. And for fucks sake, as tasteless as this skit was, they were not flying Americas flag behind it, it wasnt targetted or based towards African Americans. They werent performing for you either or as an attack towards African Americans.
*cont..*
* cont from previous *.
And you idiots need to concentrate when someones speaking. Harry Connick Jr said "We've spent so much time trying to not make black people look like buffoons". Wow, i had no idea it 'took so much effort'. tosser.
You can try to box us into the racism stereotype as much as you want, us Aussies know it isnt true.
BTW ive been to to America and was shocked and disgusted discover you guys sell ammo and bullets at Target, everyone asked me about the outback and roos and why i dont speak like Steve Urwin (RIP).
COULD NOT WAIT TO GET BACK DOWN UNDER WHERE TRUE AUSSIES DONT SEE IN BLACK AND WHITE. I AM BLOODY PROUD TO BE AUSTRALIAN
I'm English, I now live in Australia. I think it's fair to say that Australia is slightly behind compared to the UK and America when it comes to being PC. I don't think it's fair to depict all australians as racist, just that too many of the people here are. Being a 'Pomme' is something i hate being identified as! I know for a fact that the brits don't call australians names. we only know them for tv show neighbours
what harry connick jr says about 'trying to not make black people look like buffoons' is racist in itself! he is saying that black people look stupid and that is why political correctness is necessary. and he has also done a blackface skit before on Saturday Night Live!! talk about a HYPOCRITE!!! im not trying to defentd the skit because i DO agree that it was racist and tasteless, but he is hardly one to talk. It just shows how racist society still is, although we like to think differently.
Fact: in texas black people are still turned away from restaurants just for being black
Fact: There is an ENOURMOUS homeless black population in seattle
Fact: I know this coz i have EXPERIENCED this
Fact; Australians have very tough skin ANYTHING is on the table
Fact: Americans need to harden up
Fact: Australians LOVE making fun of Americans
Fact: Australian culture is more similar to British culture in terms of humour
Fact : The guy from Fox news knows NOTHING about Australian culture
Fact: More than half of these guys weren't even white Australians
Fact: This skit was for an AUSTRALIAN AUDIENCE ONLY!!!
Fact: We don't care about American sensitivity on an AUSTRALIAN TV SHOW!!! Our shows are never good enough for you remember?
oh and
See Australia DOES have it's own culture that is NOT american.
FACT: The world doesn't revolve around America….you guys do NOT control the world and everything that goes on in it. Nobody cares about your problems or you screw ups as a country in fact we all love to make fun of them. We will not tip toe around your sensitivities. It is Australian culture to make fun of people's weaknesses. It's a thing we like to call 'the tall poppy syndrome'. We love it
yRe: Easydoesit – yeah but at least it's equal racism we may dish it out but we take it just as much!
Re: cmednc – America should drop an Atomic Bomb on Australia ! haha you see we shut Japan up right ?
Re: cmednc – Idiot. I have eaten many meals in Texas with black people. We weren't turned away once. If that ever happened in Texas, the place would be shut down in a second. You want to make fun of Americans? Well they want to make fun of you for being so ignorant about the entire nation. Texas may be a bit backwards in places, but it's not due to racism, mostly religion. Would I believe you if you said homosexuals were turned away from restaurants in Texas? Yes. Blacks? No.
Yes, there's a huge homeless population in every major city. I live in Edinburgh and they're all over the place here. There's a ton of them in Australia, also. What is your point?
By the way, Fox News is the fucking laughing stock of American news channels. Do your research. Americans are not represented by that crap.
Way to stereotype an entire country, asshole. You make Australians sound like ignorant American-hating twats. All of the Australians I've ever met have been lovely people and I'm sorry they have to live in the same place as you.
but…. isn't he pretty though?…grins
Re: Serena!!!COLON!!! You Twats – yeah and i can take it too….. hooray! hey i used to live in edinburgh you do have a MASSIVE homeless population there….except apparently some guy on the grassmarket actually lives in an apartment on the grassmarket and is quite rich….and that girl that begs on the grassmarket near cowgate i have my doubts…..
Did you read my post? I said Australians like to 'make fun' of American's….you know 'jest' 'humour' I never said i hated Americans……you totally twisted my words. *big frowny face* YOu know like you guys make fun of Australians by saying that's not a knife THIS is a knife….that's what i meant! Read my post! I have heaps of American friends I've been there before! And done lots of travelling! But Australians seriously would never mean anything bad by this! We're not evil we just like to point out people's faults and laugh at each other…..oh and by the way making a personal attack on someone you've never met is not very nice. You don't know me at all! What a poor excuse for a rebuttal that was especially seeing as you didn't even read my post properly.
Hate americans my ass.
lol how many black people are actually that black…idk the comedy didnt really bother me it was just fuckin LAME not funny at all and completly played out i dont mind black jokes hell i gotta couple of my own but they might have took it to far and why did they have to fuck with the jackson 5
nothing was ever to funny about them and people are still extra sensitive with anything to do with MJ
Re: *MJ4life – hehehehe if we had oil i'm sure they wouldn't hesitate! lol!
whats the big deal. the jackson five were black. If a black group would have done this to a white boy band it would have been five. If we want races to be treated equal then lets start!
Re: Sic – no one said anything when robert downey jr. dressed up as a black guy in tropic thunder either, but this is totally different. not only was it not funny but its also disrespectful not just to blacks but to the jackson family as well.
Re: cmednc – I dont get your joke though .. ?
Re: cmednc – I mean really having Australia being blown off the entire map wouldn't hurt anyone much seeing how everyone forgot it was even there . then you have racist aussie's so that gives us more of a reason to just end them all . !
Re: cmednc – yea cuz ur shows suck ass
Re: The Cre8ive 1 – wtf? u dont see things as black and white??? they're painted black and white so what r u talkin about?
Thank you Nana , Cat_Lady, etc for noticing Harry's poor choice of words. I hope he truly doesn't believe that it's through his efforts and not their own that black Americans do not look like baffoons.
I also hope the performers were unfamiliar with the history of the blackface portrayal of blacks.
I'm not sure why this turned into a discussion about how Australia is full of racism, Americans are geographically ignorant and self centered. Those kinds of generalizations only contribute to the lack of understanding between cultures.