I did laugh this evening when I saw David Cameron's news item in which he swore - not once but TWICE - on a live radio interview. Channel 4 news reported Cameron as claiming, and I quote, that the general public were "pissed off" with politics, and then went on to comment on the use of Twitter. "Politicians need to watch what they say, too many Twitts might make a ****" - and that was that!
Now then - I doubt many people were really genuinely offended by these remarks, after all some of the most popular TV drama features far worse words and these programs are watched by millions. Movies feature some extremely blue language and yet we still pay and watch them - and enjoy them! The "F" word was downgraded by the BBFC and is now even allowed to appear in a PG rated film (I kid you not). And, let's face it, we all swear from time to time. How many of you have let out a little "sh*t" when you've stubbed your toe or burned your fingers on the hot coffee mug? Exactly!
So why then when David Cameron cracks a couple of amusing swear words, and not even terribly offensive ones at that, does everybody go off their rocker about it? Labour are no doubt going to squeeze as much mileage as they can out of this (they have already started- claiming that he "behaved inappropriately") and according to the SKY news report, complaints "flooded in". I can imagine two or three complaints flooding in but not thousands. Do we really care these days?
If you ask me, Cameron was dipping his toe into the water to behave like the rest of us - trying to appear like a "normal bloke" who uses normal language. Given the perceptions people have of these public figures and fueled by the opposition, this will no doubt backfire on him. But for me personally, Cameron has gone up in my estimation for being ballsy, honest, and just saying it like he saw it. If Cameron is guilty of anything it is simply this - he is quite possibly the first politician - EVER - to say something honest!
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
I heard that he had said a couple of swear-words, but didn't know what they were. I'd be surprised if they were a slip of the tongue, he is normally so controlled.
As you say Rick, normal every day words now, although I don't like to hear the "f" or "c" words said in public - on the TV or out in the street and I'm no prude.
I don't agree with allowing the "f" word, or other swear words, on children's programs or films, it will be much more used by kids then.
I really hope it doesn't make any difference to people's views of him - other than enhance them.
Roger
All I can say is FFS.......................
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
I do understand the need for politicians in general to re engage with the general public, I'm not so sure this is the best method.
The young are very good at repeating what outher so called role models do/say
and it would be very hard to reprimand a youth for swearing when one of the top figures of the opposition has done the same.
Its like Roger says youths will pick up on.
Sadly today foul launguage does take place, and we all hsave sworn in our lives im sure, but it has become part of some peoples every day sentences.
So i'm afraid D.C. went down in my estimations and had it been GB I would be saying exactly the same so its not a political thing.
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
certanly a twit t#at moment.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
I thought it was very funny and he made a good point about the danger of twitter for politicians as well.
I have frequently used the word **** as a substitute for twit and only a few years ago did I meet someone who thought it a 'true' swear word! Apparently that word is viewed diffferently in different parts of the country, its not a 'universal' swear word like some I could mention.
As for the 'pissed off' bit, well he was simply being honest, a really expressive word that conveyed exactly what he meant to say.
Keith - DC has never been 'up' in your estimations.....
I must also suggest that I suspect there was nothing calculated in this at all, DC was probably relaxed and in holiday mode. If there was any calculation at all I expect it would be that the public should be seeing their politicans as real people, as they really are, using normal words and expressions. Anyone 'offended' would either be some stuffed shirt or politically motivated, or they should get a life!
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
That level of swearing does not offend me, I can't be ar—ed to even comment on it.
But Rick asks "why is everyone off their rocker"
Not everybody is Rick. Just those on the other side of the playground. Had it been said by Brown, you would be the ones slaying him and the others would be saying what you are saying now. This schoolboy type of politics, we have to put up with today, from top to bottom is damaging this country beyond belief.
Don't you think its time to spit all your dummies out once and for all and get together at the same table and try to get this country on the right road for everyone, not just the few?
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Sid Pollitt
I cant wait to see that Channel 4 prog about the boy David and his normal chums like Boris, should be spiffing. I think the working title is When Lord Snooty met Boris.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
i think that boy dave did it all deliberately so that he looked like one of the chaps.
rather similar to william hague many years dressing up in a baseball cap, jeans and trainers and talking about drinking 15 pints of alcoholic beverage in a session.
totally embarrassing.
keith said earlier in the thread about setting an example to the nations youth.
Guest 670- Registered: 23 Apr 2008
- Posts: 573
Howrd, he is a first class role model for modern youth. Take your 'oppos' to a restaurant,drink yourself silly, promptly smash the place up and then return the following day to pay for the damage. I'm only glad that he and his riff raff didn't frequent any of my pubs.
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
At least the debate is a little more balanced.
Now barryw DC has never been UP in my estimations, but thats because hes mno diffrent to any other leader put forward by the party he will say owt just to gain power.
The only one I have a little time for now is IDS one of the poorest tory leaders, but he actually at times makes sense now!!
Sadly I had a lot of time for Hague, but he wsas a leader at the wrong time, and like HOWARD says made so many gaffs as leader he was never going to last.
But as a speaker he does inspire, and has done well to come back from the brink of disaster.
So barryw, its not about not liking tory leaders, as some have inspired after they have been leaders.
I cannot see a question time debate doing much as Marek/Howard says all it will do is see cheap political point scoring, and the general public will be even more switched off politics.
There has to be a better way,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,