Case studies: What happens when shock jocks go too far?

[Bluebear]

...Over the past 20 years, radio disc jockeys have become increasingly outrageous in what they say — and the stunts that they pull — in order to increase their ratings. In the wake of the Janet Jackson/FCC controversy, some have noticed the tenor of talk radio becoming more mean-spirited and bigoted, in lieu of the sexually explicit gags that are now a risky invitation to expensive FCC fines....

On the next few pages, we've pulled together some examples of DJs who crossed a line with their listeners — and suffered the consequences. The stories are emblematic of what a community can accomplish when it stands up together against offensive speech.
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In late January 2005, the morning disc jockeys at New York City's Hot 97 started spinning a new parody song about the tsunami victims in Southeast Asia to the tune of "We Are the World." The song, full of racial slurs and blatant mockeries of the victims was penned by producer Rick DelGado, and recorded by comedian and morning DJ, Todd Lynn and his co-host, Miss Jones.

Here's a sample of the offensive lyrics.

"... There were Africans drowning, little Chinamen swept away you could hear God laughing, 'Swim you bitches, swim' So now you're screwed, it's the tsunami you better run or kiss your ass away, go find your mommy I just saw her float by, a tree went through her head and now your children will be sold to child slavery ..."



Protestors brave the cold to stand up against Hot 97's "Tsunami Song" in January 2005.

MUCH MORE AT:

http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2005/thefirenexttime/special_casestudies.html
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TRANSCRIPT OF RADIO SHOW, "Wakeup crew, Philadelphia's Power 99 Radio"....

STAR: Ma'am, I don't know what the hell you're saying. Hang on a second. Let me try and get something straight here. The quick beads, like Venus and Serena Williams, that to advertise to -- to the white kids on television. This call has been outsourced to India?

STEENA: That's right.

STAR: Well, ma'am, what the eff would you know about an American white girl's -- uh, uh -- hair? And quick beads.

STEENA: Just to inform you, ma'am, we're a national chain services company. And we're just taking calls on the opposite...

STAR: Listen, bitch! Don't get slick with the mouth! Don't you get slick with me, bitch!

STEENA: Now if you continue to speak this language, I will disconnect the call.

STAR: Listen to me, you dirty rat eater. I'll come out there and choke the eff out of you.

(laughter)

STAR: You're a filthy rat eater. I'm calling about my American six year old white girl. How dare you outsource my call? Get off the line, bitch!

http://www.edrants.com/reluctant/001697.html

[Bluebear]

1. .

[Johonny]

2. I remember

in the first gulf war a local NY york DJ inserted Iraq for rock in a bunch of songs. I found it funny rather than offensive. I still think of "Keep on Iraqin' me Baby" everytime Bush talks to us about the war.

[Bluebear]

3. Is the India conversation above funny or offensive?

[Johonny]

4. Depends don't it

Some people are offensive on purpose. Being over the top mean spirited is a brand of humor. Thus funny and offensive are not mutually exclusive.

[Bluebear]

5. "little Chinamen swept away you could hear God laughing"

Sorry, I love parody and humor and that doesn't give me even a chuckle!