I second that. Why can't people see that it was a joke? Even me, the one who does not understand British humor finds that as a joking manner. Whatever. Some people have to stop being so literal and have a sense of humor. It seems like whenever something is said that is funny, some people take it personally and make a fuss about it.

What a s****d thing to say...

stupid guy.... good that he got rid of.

I've got a question for all the G.P. Taylor apologists among you. If what he said was not intended to be offensive, why say it at all? He was trying to be incindiery, and it worked...I know a few choice phrases that will get a rise out of people too...only I have the good sense to couch them with a bit of credible deniability.

Why make the joke at all?

One. Harry's not gay. If he were fine and dandy, but he's not.

Secondly, the character from that idiotic show he was spouting about doesn't exactly scream like he's a figure for 'gays' anywhere. Some icon, is this someone we're supposed to emulate? The man calls t.v. crap compared to books (a nasty word if you ask me...you should censor than and not a ss which referst to a beast and not like crap which has one specific meaning) yet he goes around 'quoting' a so called popular television show that features a deplorable 'gay' character...I mean c'mon. There aren't enough gays on television (well American TV has too many, all of them badly stereotypical if not downright offensive) and the ones there are, are hardly examples of anything good. Yet here he is comparing Harry to one and this isn't supposed to be offensive? The remark as well as that idiotic character.

Mr. Taylor...don't do us any favors.

What's worse and it's something everyone seems to miss...I'd like to know how many people were offended that he would call Harry, because Harry being gay would be offensive to them...not because he was insulting gays or gay culture? Yeah, thanks for that too.

Bigotry is nasty, just because it isn't politically correct doesn't make it right. I'm well beyond trying to save the world or trying to change anyone's stupid mind...just thought you might have missed those tid bits.

It wasnt a joke, and it wasn't an insult. He was using pop culture to reach his audience. Much like someone using an anology from Monty Python, CSI, or Spongebob.

Quote:

Secondly, the character from that idiotic show he was spouting about doesn't exactly scream like he's a figure for 'gays' anywhere. Some icon, is this someone we're supposed to emulate? The man calls t.v. crap compared to books (a nasty word if you ask me...you should censor than and not a ss which referst to a beast and not like crap which has one specific meaning) yet he goes around 'quoting' a so called popular television show that features a deplorable 'gay' character...I mean c'mon. There aren't enough gays on television (well American TV has too many, all of them badly stereotypical if not downright offensive) and the ones there are, are hardly examples of anything good. Yet here he is comparing Harry to one and this isn't supposed to be offensive? The remark as well as that idiotic character.
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You've never seen the show. No, he's not supposed to be some Gay Icon. He's not supposed to be honored, and we're not supposed to emulate him. It's comedy that doesn't care, nor want to be, PC. They've transvestites on it, a kelptomaniac, Fat Fighters where the woman in charge is bigoted against Asians and other fat people (she's always put down somehow though), and a woman who vomits jam when she finds out that people Not Like Her made it.

Is it supposed to be "lets all get along"? No, of course not. It's comedy, it's brazen, they don't apologize for it and I don't think we should expect them to. They're practicing Freedom of Speech, which everyone is entitled to, but a majority of countries, people, and media outlets are trying to make everyone feel good, and that's not right either. Life is full of disappointments, offensiveness, and people who just don't care. Why should anyone expect people to go out of their way to not offend them? They shouldn't. I don't want people going out of their way to not offend me, and I won't go out of my way to not offend someone else. If you don't like what I have to say, don't listen, just as I won't listen to you if I don't like what you have to say.

This is actually quite a hilarious topic. Now while I agree that people shouldn't get offended easily, that it's stupid, these people have a responsibility to the students and their parents. While the guy may have meant no harm, the school officials have to think, "What's going to happen when the child goes home and says, 'Mommy and daddy, Mr. So and so called Harry Potter gay.'"? This is a classic between a rock and a hard place. I don't envy anyone's position in this. Maybe this wasn't the man's intention, fine. But when you have a responsibility you have to do stuff that might seem stupid in other's eyes. I personally don't feel as if calling characters gay and cursing is certainly the way to get through to children. NO ONE gives kids credit. You can get through to them on any level without resorting to tactics.

I think what I'm trying to say is that you have to put yourself in everyone's position. The educators have a responsibility to the parents. This man has a responsibility to these children. Yeah, it's stupid that people get offended so easily, but we have to respect that people do just as much as we have to learn not to get easily offended. It's not really fair to get on people for feeling offended and not respect how they feel. Then expect them to understand how we feel.

Alright, I don't know the material but I am wondering is he really a Preist? I mean if he is the whole topic is a bit off color and for a Priest, ror did they mean Prat, maybe I got the whole thing wrong!

[QUOTE] Then he's just a hypocrite? Because he calls TV crap. Which ironically enough it is for the most part. I really don't like that word from now on when I say fish I mean crap. 'kay? Thanks.

So now you're apologizing for rude people? The world would be a better place if people went out of their way not to be rude. It's called manners. For the record that doesn't quash on SS...trust me...I offend people and I'm not even trying. I don't like what you have to say...it's all apologist, but I do want to listen...what then, Adorable? You're constantly apologizing is grating, no offense...the show is stupid...from what you've said, and you still can't give me a valid reason for the statement yet you defend it. Pop culture reference...the same pop culture he's deriding? Hypocrisy I say. LOL and you're right...all shows shouldn't be about everyone feeling all happy about themselves...honestly I don't know what TV you watch because except for Sesame Street I don't know any shows like that.

You weren't defending Terry Pratchett were you? And you were defending Ebay...*notices a pattern*

*glomps Adorable* We don't have to agree. But I agree with everything Tao-Kun said. *tackle glomps Tao-Kun*

[QUOTE=OtterySt.Catchpole] Actually, Ottery, it's a common speech technique. Whether or not you approve of pop culture or whatever, if you want people to listen you need to associate with something they'll know. Something that'll get their attention. Walking in and saying *Something Shocking* only works at the begining, every now and then you've got to say something that'll get your audience interested again.


I'm just trying to show people that there is more than the "OMG Hes SOOOOOOOOOOOOO Jealous of JK" or "Just for PR" for crying out loud, it's idiocy to believe that it's always that kind of situation.


I'm also not against manners, but when I'm allowed to get up and say my opinion, I don't want someone else jumping up and attacking me because I offend them. Even you admit to offending people unintenitonally, because you speak your mind. That's what I'm talking about. I'm not meaning going out of your way to be rude, I mean "I'm speaking my mind, I'm being nice about it, but this is me, so deal with it." Not, "Get outta my way you *derrogatory term here*".

I also meant the media in general. Society in general. Everything goes out of their way to be so politically correct that it's sickening. Then you come to America and discover that you can't say anything bad about minorities, but they can say what they want about themselves and you, and people don't have a sense of irony or satire or sarcasim and people are just too touchy.

An example of what this "Great Country" (US) has come to:
"OMG! Those whites Said Black! They cant say Black!"
"Um.....they're talking about black top."
"They still can't say Black! They have to call it asphalt"

Me: o.O

True. My dad works for the state and they're not supposed to say Black Top now. Honestly. Where will politcial correctness lead us if people don't stand up and say "Enough is Enough"

Then there was the teletubbie that got banned because of the word "faggot" (I think I spelt that right)......which is slang in Britain for either stick or cigarette. Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnddddd Where are teletubbies from? Yeah, Britian. Suck it up people, don't be over sensitive, otherwise I suppose it's okay for me to sue PETA for being offensive?





I know we don't have to agree, I'm just trying to explain myself more. If someone has a question about what I've said, I try to explain it better. I know I'll never satisfy everyone, but *shrugs* that's life.

His idea is ok.. the way he expressed it was sorta innapropriate for these times. >.> Although, when I was 12 or so, I had no clue what "gay" meant other than it being happy. Kids these days may now things at earlier ages... G_G I think he could have used another way to express his opinion though. I do like that show though! Little Britian is Hecklariously F00ny. So I understood it when I read what it said. Some others may not know the show... *nods*

adorable_lil_thing you said it all perfectly! People bend over backwards to be politically correct, and humor is losing it's bite. Satire, and irony are dying arts.

Not a fan of little britain, however there is a time and a place for jokes like that and although referencing a popular tv show, perhaps that wasn't the most appropriate thing to say.

But then the real factor of course is how old the children are.

I don't even wanna read this anymore! Its just going round in circles!

I wish people would read more. It Wasn't a joke. He was implementing a common Speech Giving Tool.

And, the people (I will no longer call them children as everyone seems to be envisioning 8 year olds or younger) he was addressing were between the ages of 12 and 14. Who would have seen the show.


YAY Gany. Opinions and no attacks, but rather on the verge of suggestions *huggles you* I love you.


And Thank You Peony. It's nice to know that someone agrees with me and, more importantly, is understanding what I'm saying. *huggles you too*

Because it was a reference that the teens would recognise. Speakers giving talks to teens tend to quote pop culture to relate to them, it makes them sit up and actually listen rather than fall asleep.

The show doesn't do that and neither does he. The character is PROUD of being the only gay and wises it to stay that way.

14 year olds are only a year younger than me. I've been watching 18's since I was 10. Nowadays kids have a tendency to watch programmes like that. I have to agree with Emz on this one, this is over-reacting.

I've read shadowmancer and it is actually a good book. He is a good writer and I believe that he was just saying it as a joke. I know some people take a stab at HP, but a priest? I don't think so. Personally.

He's just jealous of JK Rowling like any other author

That is not the right way when talking to kids, Period, and in the beginning I said that is not about HP, but the way he approached the kids, if for some of you it was a joke then good I RESPECT your opinion, but to me it wasn’t funny to talk to kids like that, and I agree with what the staff did, and I hope they (staff) don’t apologize to him, because to ME he was wrong.

Maybe if the "kids" were 8 or younger. By the time they're 12 to "of age" (or the age where one is seen as an adult), the ONLY people who should still be telling their children what's inappropriate should be the parents. It is not within the school's jurisdiction to tell people what they can and cannot hear.

If the school is that concerned about it, then they should have reviewed G.P. Taylor Before inviting him to speak to the students. They could have said "don't say boogey, bum, fart, or gay". Appearantly they didn't because when schools request speakers would either agree to the terms or refuse the invitation. If they didn't care what was said before the 'incident' and only cared because the kids were actually excited about something, then the school needs to get their priorities in order.

Frankly, in my opinion, there was nothing wrong with what he said. But that may be because I live in Florida and that stuff is said so often I'm used to it by now. But when he says his villians are scarier than HP's, I'm going to have to agree with him on that one!

that fag! thats the stupidest thing ever i read this i was like wtf!

In no way what so ever is it appriopriate to speak to a child like that.

How can you say that the teachers has no responsibility over the kids, the parents trust their kids to the teachers, then why send your kids to school.
Gosh I think you are totally wrong in that, the teachers are like a second family for any kid, they spend practically 6 to 7 hours or more in school, so teachers are also responsible about what the students hear and learn in school.

Sadly when you invite someone for a conference, you cannot predict what this person is going to say, apparently he was a priest and maybe that was the wrong impression that the people who invited him got from him, obviously they made a mistake and the best way to correct this mistake was to escort this guy out of school.

And now please respect my OPINION!!!
I won't change my view just because you think he didn't do anything wrong.
So it is pointless for you to reply to my comment.

*snorts* flaming is bad.. umkay.
>.>

This is the age of kids that watch shows like "south park". You never know.. the kids may have even used the same reference to little britian while they all talked. Kids are innocent little angels these days. *nods*

I understand why they had him expelled. Lawsuits can kill. They are just looking out for their interests.