Rosie's ching-chong comments

Rickypt · #1 12-15-2006, 02:21 PM

I don't believe this has been discussed yet.

For those not following, a few days ago, Rosie (on The View) was talking about all the hoopla over Danny DeVito's drunken appearance. She wondered aloud what it would sound like on Chinese news and proceeded to say something like "It would sound like ching chong, ching chong, Danny DeVito, ching chong, drunk, ching chong".

Many Asian-Americans have expressed anger over this and demanded an apology. After stalling a bit, Rosie has given a somewhat lukewarm apology. Many have said it is not enough, and have called on the television station to condemn the remarks.

I really don't know what I think about this one. My typical response is that if tons of people are offended by something, then there is a reason for that, even if I don't always "get it".

In this case, I'm trying to understand better why it is so offensive. I have a ton of French friends who are always making fun of what English sounds like to them (sounds like ruh, ruh, ruh, ruh, ruh). It is not like Rosie used a slur, or said anything nasty about Chinese people. She did a (somewhat dumb and lame) imitation of a language.

I live near Chinatown and hear Chinese every day. It sounds nothing like ching chong to me, so I think her imitation was stupid. But I don't find it racist or an ethnic slur (as has been claimed by some).

Finally, I am weary of people demanding apologies all the time. Apologies should be given when someone is truly sorry for their actions or words. They should mean something. Forcing an apology just means you "win" some kind of political fight, but really nothing is accomplished. My fellow gays are one of the worst groups at demanding apologies. Why not just put the energy into explaining why you are offended and doing some educating?

Any thoughts on this one?

DavidMn · #2 12-15-2006, 02:38 PM

She needs to shut her cakehole!

Phoenix · #3 12-15-2006, 02:41 PM

Stuff like this really pisses me off. Its like, some people are just looking for a reason to be offended. Rosie is a freekin comedean, and her intent was to be humerous, not to offend. Now, if it had malicious intent to it, that would be something else. but seriously, there are enough people in the world who GENUINLY ARE TRYING TO OFFEND!! People need to just reserve there anger and resentment for those people

DavidMn · #4 12-15-2006, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Stuff like this really pisses me off. Its like, some people are just looking for a reason to be offended. Rosie is a freekin comedean, and her intent was to be humerous, not to offend. Now, if it had malicious intent to it, that would be something else. but seriously, there are enough people in the world who GENUINLY ARE TRYING TO OFFEND!! People need to just reserve there anger and resentment for those people

Well, I look at it more from the point that I just find her EXTREMELY annoying more than offensive.

bikerchic · #5 12-15-2006, 02:54 PM

I love Rosie. The more annoying, the better.

DrummerDeanna · #6 12-15-2006, 03:13 PM

I want to know why THIS is being focused on when a few years ago Dave Chapelle did pretty much the exact same thing (although he was playing Rick James at the time

) Is it because of his role in comedy? The fact that people almost EXPECT him to be offensive?

I think it was in poor taste, but I also don't see how it was racially offensive, then again I'm not Chinese.

I also think people are totally looking for things to get on Rosie about. I mean seriously - she keeps getting nit-picked for her comments no this show and it's getting old.

Nixxxed · #7 12-15-2006, 03:16 PM

Never mind the fact that Rosie has used the term "Irish twins" on the show many times - and she's only been on it since September.

strandinthewind · #8 12-15-2006, 03:22 PM

Politically correct bullshiiitte --- are we that dumbed down

ELIUD · #9 12-15-2006, 03:26 PM

I'm so sick of people exercising their right to be offended by any slight off-color joke. Can't they just let things roll off their back for a f*cking change?

skcin · #10 12-15-2006, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

I want to know why THIS is being focused on when a few years ago Dave Chapelle did pretty much the exact same thing (although he was playing Rick James at the time

) Is it because of his role in comedy? The fact that people almost EXPECT him to be offensive?

No, it was OK because he was actually poking fun at Rick James.

I dunno how I feel. To be honest, when I first read what she had said - I gasped.

That was my first reaction. But a few moments later, I was more inclined to think it's not a big deal. Now I'm back to thinking that it kind of is.

It's really hard, if not impossible, lately to be PC, or appropriate, or whatever and not offend somebody. Shows like Chappelle and Family Guy explore this & point out stereotypes and make some of their characters rude or racist or just plain clueless. I think it's great that they put it out there, so we can explore our misconceptions & make us more aware of how we act & are perceived by others.

Whether or not she meant any offense, she should apologize, if only to appease the people that are pissed. Explain that you weren't trying to make fun of an entire race of people, say you're sorry to offend, and let it go.

The Irish twin remarks - is that really offensive to people? I thought it was so old & dated that most people didn't really know, or care, what it meant. Rosie's Irish, right? I guess she figures it's OK to say that - kind of like I tell Poish jokes & I'm part Polish. Of course, I don't get upset when anyone tells Polish jokes, even if they're not Polish. But then again, I'm not going to go around telling black jokes either.

ACK! I'm so confused.

PsychCat · #11 12-15-2006, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ELIUD

I'm so sick of people exercising their right to be offended by any slight off-color joke. Can't they just let things roll off their back for a f*cking change?

And wouldn't it be sweet to see Ms. Rosie lead THAT pack?? She brings this crap on herself and I hope she catches all kinds of hell for it. She's Ms. Uber-sensitive when it comes to all-things-gay so let her squirm awhile. Actually, the sad thing is is I don't think she "gets it", that what she did was offensive in the least. Meanwhile, you could have sworn Kelly Rippa was hangin' with the "god hates f**s" people.

Hey Rosie.... Hypocrite much??

Bless her heart... she's got issues on top of issues. I suppose that's my psych stuff coming into play. She's a very, very bitter person who is also a very, very angry person. Here's hoping she gets help somewhere.

strandinthewind · #12 12-15-2006, 03:44 PM

It is one thing to assert that Gay Aiken's hand was dirty from dirty gay sex, which clearly is what she meant when she puntuated her sentence with "hoooney." It is quite another to say ching chang chong is a vague reference to the Chinese media.

Personaly, I find neither offensive, though Ripka clearly was pissed and attacking Gay personally and Rosie was joking 100%.

SuzeQuze · #13 12-15-2006, 03:52 PM

My Mom saw Rosie in Vegas walking by. She said hi to her and Rosie responded, "Hi, how ya doin'?"

I can see why what she said was offensive but clearly she didn't mean any harm by it.

PsychCat · #14 12-15-2006, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

I can see why what she said was offensive but clearly she didn't mean any harm by it.

I believe that, too. It's just that she needs to learn that others do the same thing, ie "shut the pie-hole" and relax.
Bottom line... Rosie is one of those people that go through life looking for reasons to be offended and are very seldom disappointed.

mikeschmike · #15 12-15-2006, 04:06 PM

This world would be a better place if everybody wasn't so f*cking sensitive. Rosie and China included.