Fairytale of New York, Faggot

I struggle to comprehend this latest victory for the woke brigade. Karen and her clerical team have worked overdrive to secure this latest triumph.

What a shame it is, first and foremost. The decision of BBC Radio 1 to refuse to play the Pogues Classic is surely one that will now be replicated across the land. The upsetting thing is, though, it is an absolute belter of a tune that everyone loves. For many, hearing that song is essentially when Christmas begins and ushers in beautiful melancholy of Christmas’ past.

Now, it has been banned.

The use of the word “Faggot” was considered too hot for Radio 1 to handle because of it’s sensitivity around sexuality and some other potentially misogynistic references.

I understand the decision. People love to be offended now and handing them Fairytale of New York on a plate will only give the infantry division of the Woke Brigade fuel.

And, what’s more, I respect the feelings of those upset by some of the lyrics to the Shane Magowan and Kirsty McColl duet. It probably isn’t very nice, if you are a gay person, to hear a derogatory work for homosexual echoing over the airwaves.

However, we as a society need to draw a line in the sand.

If we keep pandering to political correctness, then soon the very soul and fabric of arts and culture will be compromised. The risqué satirical text that you enjoy reading will be heavily redacted. The sitcom that made you laugh will be removed from the television listings. And the song that reminded you of loved ones and Christmas’ spent around the family table, will be consigned to the scrap heap.

Are we, as a society, richer for that?

I would argue that we are a lot poorer as a result. Poorer without the ability to laugh and without unfettered free speech.

Free speech is a democratic and civil right that has been secured through the actions of devout and enlightened advocates; people like John Locke, Nelson Mandela or Emily Pankhurst.

“Faggot” is just a word. So is “nigger”

They are not guns, they are not nooses, they are not acts of persecution or repression.

They are just words.

We, as the gatekeepers of our language, give them power. We weaponize them.

We give people who are filled with hatred and wish to persecute others the tools with which to do so. Nowadays, you don’t need tar and feathers or need to be a vigilante to persecute someone — you only need a keyboard and a grasp of the language.

Let us remove the power from these words. Let us say them out loud. Let us normalise them, not as words of hatred, more of common vernacular.

20 years ago, I might have been deeply offended to be called a “bastard” or a “fucker”. Now? My closest friends and family call me that regularly. It’s like a mark of affection, a badge of honour. The power has been removed from those words such, that, they mean nothing now really. About as much harm as being called a “ninny”.

Or, we continue down this path of woke appeasement and find the joy and mirth sucked out of all our interactions and culture.