Anti-Catholic Jokes on TV

[edwest2]

Comedy is about laughing. The words mean something. There are people who do Commentary and there are Comedians. I don’t think anyone has a right to denigrate another’s religion. It is a sign of respect to not joke about an individual person’s problems, the same should be true about making fun of the Catholic Church. Commentators can and do write articles that correctly criticize and inform people.

Finally, as Catholics, we need to respond to anti-Catholic comments by comedians because those watching may be encouraged to continue making such “jokes.” And also pray for those who make anti-Catholic comments.

God bless,
Ed

 

[Kitty_Chan]

While there are anti catholic jokes there are also anti God jokes, fundy jokes, preacher. priest, jokes, jewish jokes, its not just the catholic church to be realistic.

But the point like said of comedy is to be social commentary, comedy gets slammed more than movies, or tv and thats not fair. Dont forget America is a “free” country and people must be allowed to speak freely.

Please dont forget God is offensive to alot of people and there are those who would rather shut up Catholics, and Protestants, period. So while it may be good to protest Jay Leno, dont forget the precedent set. That whats good for the goose and christians can have letters written about them just the same.

The best way to handle Jay Leno, Dj’s. Comedians, Movies, TV is simple turn it off,
go to another channel,
dont buy tickets.

There is many choices to pick from in a free society.

And before Im flamed, Im NOT saying dont complain, just dont complain excessively, thats all Im suggesting. Too often the few complainers decide the main populations choices. Because advertisers are afraid of them, but we can end up with a bad situation that backfires someday.

 

[edwest2]

Don’t complain excessively? I think people should complain as often as necessary. Social commentators write editorials and others are columnists. Comedians, today, are being used to promote and denigrate certain ideas and groups of people. This is called propagandizing, not comedy.

God bless,
Ed

 

[Kitty_Chan]

Then Ed you shold be complaining about most tv and movies, books, and comedy. For some reason comedy gets attacked and the rest get a pass.

You are in control turn the station off or switch, dont go to the comedy club. But dont try to impose your ideals on the group as a whole via censorship.

Because censorship works in reverse too. The gay people should be allowed to marry and celebrate Eucherist in the church too. Its a stretch but if censorship is allowed unchecked then thats a result.

Even the Catholic League doesnt complain against everything, free speech needs to be protected. Because when there is no free speech then there is no free worship either.

There is more than just complaining, promote good alternatives.

 

[edwest2]

I’m not encouraging people to attack all comedy. My concern is comedians encouraging people to laugh while making an anti-Catholic comment. I have no problem with George Will and the many, many other commentators and editorial writers saying whatever they want as long as it’s accurate. Comedy “routines” by their nature fall under the heading of entertainment. I believe comedians overstep their bounds when they are used as replacements for columnists and editorial writers. When they do make jokes like this, they make being anti-Catholic agreeable, tolerable and funny. That’s my point. I’m not talking about anything else.

God bless,
Ed

 

[AngelicDoctor]

Leno’s comments may sting a bit but they are not entirely unwarranted. It’s sort of a comedian’s way of saying “this happened and it shouldn’t have”. There’s a lot worse out there, ever check out the Catholic League’s website? They do a great job of putting a light on anit-Catholicism in the media.

I grant you that point but I still think there is something sick about:
a.) people who use the horrendous experience of sexual abuse of children as appropriate for cheap jokes (and, these jokes are so cliche, that they are cheap and hacky).

b.) people who think jokes about sexual abuse are funny

You might say that Catholics deserve these jokes because many of our bishops fumbled and bumbled in a tragic way.

However, I think such jokes trivialize the victims…
and also victimize the majority of innocent priests. It is because of jokes like this that good heroic priests get spit at and heckled (and I personally know of many such priests with this experience).

Sure a comedian is free to make such jokes just as they can yuck it up about the Holocaust… but it leaves a nasty taste in my mouth, and I, as a Catholic, will write to stations and boycott their advertizers.

Justifiably outraged faithful Catholics forget the effect that this is having on the lives of innocent priests (where they have now become a walking pedophile joke).

 

[AngelicDoctor]

Of course, I do realize that to be in persona Christi as a priest means that you will be mocked and spit at as he is… but we as faithful Catholics should at least back our good priests up now and then!

 

[AngelicDoctor]

By the way:

The writers for shows associated with the FOX network have displayed a strange exuberance in making priest pedophelia jokes.

Most TV shows are ****, but I do skim through channels here and there and have just casually noticed 3 shows on Fox that made explicit priest pedophile jokes (2 shows having little “dramatizations of a smiling priest predator”). The shows were:
The Battle at Home, Talk Show with Spike Ferenstein, and just last night–a show that I actually kinda like–House.

I have emailed FOX at least 2 times and never once received a response. These jokes have become so over-used that they resemble those old tired ethic stereotype jokes. Writers need to get some creativity.

They are probably so happy that this tragedy occurred. It make for such great comedy, that writers and audiences take a perverse delight in. Sick and astounding.

 

[Kitty_Chan]

I’m not encouraging people to attack all comedy. My concern is comedians encouraging people to laugh while making an anti-Catholic comment. I have no problem with George Will and the many, many other commentators and editorial writers saying whatever they want as long as it’s accurate. Comedy “routines” by their nature fall under the heading of entertainment. I believe comedians overstep their bounds when they are used as replacements for columnists and editorial writers. When they do make jokes like this, they make being anti-Catholic agreeable, tolerable and funny. That’s my point. I’m not talking about anything else.

God bless,
Ed

Not sure who George Will is but I can take a guess in context. Thats my point, comedy is targeted because it is social commentary that often hits close to home. Thats the point of comedy to comment on life whatever part of life comedians want to “pick” on. People like Bill Mahr are often mean spirited and say similar things but get a pass.

I wonder if its easier to pick on comedy because its seen as one person saying it. As opposed to writing a television cast and writers and producers. Problem is Hollywood promotes anti catholic and if something weirds/ scary etc happening its in a Catholic church because it offers good ambience and its easy to pick on christians, people always have, actually Jesus said to expect it.

But there is something grass roots for the common man about comedy, its generally for comedic value, not to push political agendas, perhaps thats the difference. And the audience to comedy wants to “not worry” about problems for a while, then return to life, I dont know. I know what you are saying believe me. But there will be a “price” for agressively going after speech which is what is happening thats all Im saying

 

[Kitty_Chan]

I’m not encouraging people to attack all comedy. My concern is comedians encouraging people to laugh while making an anti-Catholic comment. I have no problem with George Will and the many, many other commentators and editorial writers saying whatever they want as long as it’s accurate. Comedy “routines” by their nature fall under the heading of entertainment. I believe comedians overstep their bounds when they are used as replacements for columnists and editorial writers. When they do make jokes like this, they make being anti-Catholic agreeable, tolerable and funny. That’s my point. I’m not talking about anything else.

God bless,
Ed

Not sure who George Will is but I can take a guess in context. Thats my point, comedy is targeted because it is social commentary that often hits close to home. Thats the point of comedy to comment on life whatever part of life comedians want to “pick” on. People like Bill Mahr are often mean spirited and say similar things but get a pass.

I wonder if its easier to pick on comedy because its seen as one person saying it. As opposed to writing a television cast and writers and producers. Problem is Hollywood promotes anti catholic and if something weirds/ scary etc happening its in a Catholic church because it offers good ambience and its easy to pick on christians, people always have, actually Jesus said to expect it.

But there is something grass roots for the common man about comedy, its generally for comedic value, not to push political agendas, perhaps thats the difference. And the audience to comedy wants to “not worry” about problems for a while, then return to life, I dont know. I know what you are saying believe me. But there will be a “price” for agressively going after speech which is what is happening thats all Im saying

 

[Kitty_Chan]

I’m not encouraging people to attack all comedy. My concern is comedians encouraging people to laugh while making an anti-Catholic comment. I have no problem with George Will and the many, many other commentators and editorial writers saying whatever they want as long as it’s accurate. Comedy “routines” by their nature fall under the heading of entertainment. I believe comedians overstep their bounds when they are used as replacements for columnists and editorial writers. When they do make jokes like this, they make being anti-Catholic agreeable, tolerable and funny. That’s my point. I’m not talking about anything else.

God bless,
Ed

Not sure who George Will is but I can take a guess in context. Thats my point, comedy is targeted because it is social commentary that often hits close to home. Thats the point of comedy to comment on life whatever part of life comedians want to “pick” on. People like Bill Mahr are often mean spirited and say similar things but get a pass.

I wonder if its easier to pick on comedy because its seen as one person saying it. As opposed to writing a television cast and writers and producers. Problem is Hollywood promotes anti catholic and if something weirds/ scary etc happening its in a Catholic church because it offers good ambience and its easy to pick on christians, people always have, actually Jesus said to expect it.

But there is something grass roots for the common man about comedy, its generally for comedic value, not to push political agendas, perhaps thats the difference. And the audience to comedy wants to “not worry” about problems for a while, then return to life, I dont know. I know what you are saying believe me. But there will be a “price” for agressively going after speech which is what is happening thats all Im saying

 

[Kitty_Chan]

I’m not encouraging people to attack all comedy. My concern is comedians encouraging people to laugh while making an anti-Catholic comment. I have no problem with George Will and the many, many other commentators and editorial writers saying whatever they want as long as it’s accurate. Comedy “routines” by their nature fall under the heading of entertainment. I believe comedians overstep their bounds when they are used as replacements for columnists and editorial writers. When they do make jokes like this, they make being anti-Catholic agreeable, tolerable and funny. That’s my point. I’m not talking about anything else.

God bless,
Ed

Not sure who George Will is but I can take a guess in context. Thats my point, comedy is targeted because it is social commentary that often hits close to home. Thats the point of comedy to comment on life whatever part of life comedians want to “pick” on. People like Bill Mahr are often mean spirited and say similar things but get a pass.

I wonder if its easier to pick on comedy because its seen as one person saying it. As opposed to writing a television cast and writers and producers. Problem is Hollywood promotes anti catholic and if something weirds/ scary etc happening its in a Catholic church because it offers good ambience and its easy to pick on christians, people always have, actually Jesus said to expect it.

But there is something grass roots for the common man about comedy, its generally for comedic value, not to push political agendas, perhaps thats the difference. And the audience to comedy wants to “not worry” about problems for a while, then return to life, I dont know. I know what you are saying believe me. But there will be a “price” for agressively going after speech which is what is happening thats all Im saying

 

[Kitty_Chan]

can the mods remove i think the last 3 posts, I do not like windows explorer 7 it locks up sometimes, sorry bout that

 

[AngelicDoctor]

While there are anti catholic jokes there are also anti God jokes, fundy jokes, preacher. priest, jokes, jewish jokes, its not just the catholic church to be realistic.

But the point like said of comedy is to be social commentary, comedy gets slammed more than movies, or tv and thats not fair. Dont forget America is a “free” country and people must be allowed to speak freely.

Please dont forget God is offensive to alot of people and there are those who would rather shut up Catholics, and Protestants, period. So while it may be good to protest Jay Leno, dont forget the precedent set. That whats good for the goose and christians can have letters written about them just the same.

This is all true, and I, at least, would never argue for censorship. I just think that it would be nice if Catholics stood up and said we reject this ignorance. By complaining to a TV station you are also exercising your freedom of expression just as the bigoted sit com writers are. The only difference is that their voice is the one that is being heard. Catholics should engage the culture and defend their church and their faith when it is unjustly or excessively slandered.
It is also interesting that while God might be offensive to many, how many major network TV shows have positive messages about God in them? (vs. the number that contain demeaning sex, violence, carnage, and specific anti-Catholicism). There are also Jewish jokes, but they tend to be good-natured and warm, they are typically not the Jewish stereotype slurs that were common among antisemitic nativists of past decades, for example. The “pedophile priest” motif is not just an innocent joke, it is a malicious and disturbing slur.

 

[AngelicDoctor]

By the way, you can always turn off your TV, but, like it or not, TV is part of our shared culture and Catholics have every right to express themselves in the public square so as to help shape that culture.

If TV perpetuates falsities about our Catholic faith (such as the idea that all priests are pedophiles) then that effects the way others see the Catholic church/faith… that becomes a hindrance to evangelization and furthering the kingdom of God. That is why Catholics have had educational campaigns against films like DaVinci Code or the bogus Jesus Tomb archaeological program. Those in the know can just shrug it off as stupid… but it becomes part of the image that the Church has among the common man.

SO, even if you turn off your TV or swear off the trash pop culture that we live in, you would not be wrong to lobby for the truth.

 

[edwest2]

What we learn, as Catholics, at our schools, in our Chruches, and at seminars needs to be taken into our everyday lives. Our lives as Catholics, needs to be lived 7 days a week. It needs to be made manifest in the outside world. If we are the salt of the earth but the salt loses its savor, then what? It will be thrown out and men will trample it underfoot.

Each television program needs to be viewed on its own merits, but the majority, almost all, comedians are anti-God and certainly anti-Christian. They revel in profanity, sex jokes and jokes about violence. By their fruit you shall know them.

So whenever you see a comedian making anti-Catholic jokes, contact the TV station, contact the advertisers, and even write to the comedian. These people are our neighbors, and should be told what we think politely and out of concern. The fact is, they live in a world where being anti-Catholic is OK.

God bless,
Ed

 

[Kitty_Chan]

This is all true, and I, at least, would never argue for censorship. I just think that it would be nice if Catholics stood up and said we reject this ignorance. By complaining to a TV station you are also exercising your freedom of expression just as the bigoted sit com writers are. The only difference is that their voice is the one that is being heard. Catholics should engage the culture and defend their church and their faith when it is unjustly or excessively slandered.
It is also interesting that while God might be offensive to many, how many major network TV shows have positive messages about God in them? (vs. the number that contain demeaning sex, violence, carnage, and specific anti-Catholicism). There are also Jewish jokes, but they tend to be good-natured and warm, they are typically not the Jewish stereotype slurs that were common among antisemitic nativists of past decades, for example. The “pedophile priest” motif is not just an innocent joke, it is a malicious and disturbing slur.

Oh thanks someone understands there is a “danger” of censorship, its a fine line. Im not catholic btw but would still defend the same, I think the Catholic League is good> Ive heard the guy debate and hes good and especially honest which is really good.

Mind you on the jewish jokes I dont think youve seen Borat, The Jewish jokes were more offensive than anything else in that film. But then I found the guys is Jewish so I dont know maybe hes going over the top to prove a point.

It would be nice to laugh with people rather than at them. But this world is not run by the Lord, red britches has his filthy hands in it for now. So we have to take the good and bad as it were.

While we need to complain, we need to do it constructively and not on bandwagons. Those of faith are rejected if they appear grandstanding or unreasonable, we all need to be constructinve and intelligent. The “world” is still looking to those of faith to be upstanding so the “world” can have Hope, Even if they wont admit needing it.

And to remember if “the world” is calling out catholics, jews, protestants on something then theyve noticed us. satan loves to have highlighted Gods children messing up. Sooo, If we all gave them nothing to say then they would have no material, right??

 

[davy39]

I am 67 years old, and I have heard priest-nun so called jokes since I was in grade school. But instead of being whispered from person to person, they are spread very quickly by the mass media. I believe it will get worse as time goes on. Every time a priest molestation case comes to lite, you can see the media licking their chops and moving in for the kill. It’s very hard to hear this day after day, and still try to be forgiving and charitible to these people. I wonder how many active Catholics this whole mess has cost the Church.