View Full Version : 2Fm Thailand Slur
finlma
19/09/2006, 9:08 PM
The coup in Thailand maybe welcomed there by the people and I think is probably good for the country.
I was listening to the radio in the car this evening on my way back from football and the 2FM female news reader at 7 began the news piece with: "Thailand, a country normally known for drugs and women.........".
This is a highly ignorant remark. It is similar to a news reader in another country starting a piece on Ireland with: "Ireland, a country normally known for potato eating drunks".
Where do I direct my complaints. Is there some sort of broadcasting commission? Ignorant comments like that have no place on Irish radio.
John83
19/09/2006, 9:36 PM
Is there some sort of broadcasting commission? Ignorant comments like that have no place on Irish radio.
http://www.bcc.ie/
BohsPartisan
19/09/2006, 9:45 PM
"Ireland, a country normally known for potato eating drunks".
I agree with you, except thats a pretty accurate picture of Ireland you're painting there.
Lionel Ritchie
20/09/2006, 10:06 AM
I think we should invent 2fm a few more to keep their coverage of world events even handed...
Canada -a country normally associated with with flip top headed beady eyed people...
Germany -a country normally associated with nazi volkswagon drivers p1ssing on each other...
France -a country normally associated with cheese eating surrender monkeys
Great Britain - a country noramlly associated with delusions of greatness and brutalisation of it's colonies.
Italy -a country normally associated with inventing tanks with thirteen reverse gears and losing wars to countries that don't have armies.
Strabane_Harp
20/09/2006, 10:07 AM
Ah its just good old fashioned family racism :rolleyes:
dahamsta
20/09/2006, 10:13 AM
You should of course also file a complaint directly with RTE (http://www.rte.ie/about/complaints.html).
Dodge
20/09/2006, 10:20 AM
In fairness if you asked 1000 people to name two things they think of when you say Thailand, I'dguess the vast majority would mention the sex and drig industries.
In fairness if you asked 1000 people to name two things they think of when you say Thailand, I'dguess the vast majority would mention the sex and drig industries.
That's hardly the point, though.
dahamsta
20/09/2006, 10:48 AM
Slight difference between the man on the street and a nation's broadcaster Dodge.
Dodge
20/09/2006, 12:23 PM
Of course they're wrong but "Thailand, a country normally known for drugs and women........." is a correct statement IMO. Says more about the public's ignorance but there you go.
Did not mean to sat it should be pushed by RTE though
I think this opens the debate as to what the point of 2FM is anyway. Isn't it just a state run commercial station? If it had to apply to renew its licence maybe they'd be a bit more careful with their "news"?
LeixlipRed
20/09/2006, 8:03 PM
Didn't hear that comment but on Q102 (rubbish of choice in my workplace) the girl reading the "news" didnt refer to it as a coup but rather as a coop. Some sort of chicken related violence going on in Thailand in Q102 land. Though they didn't really expand on it as they prefer to give a list of tabloid headlines rather than a news report
Of course they're wrong but "Thailand, a country normally known for drugs and women........." is a correct statement IMO. Says more about the public's ignorance but there you go.
What he said. What else is it generally known for?
It still may not make it right, but perhaps further evidence of how easy it is to offend people these days.
dahamsta
20/09/2006, 9:08 PM
I doubt anyone was offended by the comment, except perhaps any Thais that might be in the country. Midly surprised and somewhat disgusted that a national broadcaster thinks it's ok to voice the opinion of "the man on the street", perhaps, but not offended.
adam
Dr.Nightdub
20/09/2006, 10:29 PM
Betcha the RTE2 holiday programme, whatever it's called, would never start off a feature about Thailand with the same phrase.
They wouldn't, indeed. However I think some reactions are just a *little* bit ott to it.
It's not as though they are supporting the general opinion either, they are simply stating that it is there.
In fairness if you asked 1000 people to name two things they think of when you say Thailand
One of the things I would have said would have been bird 'flu!
...Some sort of chicken related violence going on in Thailand in Q102 land...
ah ha!
;)
cheifo
21/09/2006, 1:05 PM
I think its part of their David Brent style at attempting to be hip and down with the kids.Seems silly to have a statement like that on a news item.Curb your enthusiasm 2FM.
I think its part of their David Brent style at attempting to be hip and down with the kids.Seems silly to have a statement like that on a news item.Curb your enthusiasm 2FM.
I was a little surprised at the "female news reader" bit. I just assumed Cormac Battle would be standing in - seeing as he is single handedly running the station these days.
finlma
21/09/2006, 2:16 PM
It still may not make it right, but perhaps further evidence of how easy it is to offend people these days.
If you were in another country and you heard someone on the radio say something like that about Ireland you'd probably be offended.
I've been to Thailand and there's way more to that country than women and drugs.
If you were in another country and you heard someone on the radio say something like that about Ireland you'd probably be offended
Hinestly, I wouldn't. One of my favourite Simpsons' lines is Homer blagging his way backstage at a U2 concert pretendng to be "Potato Man!"
If all people think about when they think of Ireland is spuds and terrorists, thats their loss (and spare me the won't somebody think of the tourist industry" lark too - not that you were going to)
dahamsta
21/09/2006, 4:13 PM
The Simpsons is different again though; it's satirical, intentional, comedy. 2FM news is only comedy in the same way the Star is comedy. ;)
If you were in another country and you heard someone on the radio say something like that about Ireland you'd probably be offended.
I've been to Thailand and there's way more to that country than women and drugs.
I certainly wouldn't...but the point is if you were to stand at the glorious 'Millennium Spire' this morning and asked everybody going past about Thailand, what response will you get?
I would guess that that response would be close to the comment made by the broadcaster. Therefore you would be offended/bothered/complaining about a reasonably accurate statement.
Dr.Nightdub
22/09/2006, 3:29 PM
So you're basically arguing if the general population has a view based on ignorance, cliche and misconception, then the national broadcaster should reflect that view, dispense with the truth and base its reporting on ignorance, cliche and misconception?
I'm open to correction on this, but I would've thought that educating the public would be included somewhere under the general umbrella of "public service broadcasting".
Otherwise, they're just the Evening Herald with an aerial.
finlma
22/09/2006, 3:51 PM
but the point is if you were to stand at the glorious 'Millennium Spire' this morning and asked everybody going past about Thailand, what response will you get?
Thats not the point at all. Our national broadcaster shouldn't be making sweeping remarks and breeding ignorance.
dcfcsteve
23/09/2006, 1:28 PM
I certainly wouldn't...but the point is if you were to stand at the glorious 'Millennium Spire' this morning and asked everybody going past about Thailand, what response will you get?
Really ?? I strongly suspect you'd be wrong. The women bit possibly for a few blokes, but not foe the majority or for women, I'd strongly suspect. Probably more likely to say 'Lady Boys' than 'Women'. Also - Thailand is hardly a country famed for drugs in the way Columbia, Holland or Afghanistan, for example, would be.
If asked what they associated with Thailand, I bet Seamus and Maire Ni Average would be more likely to say things like 'Sunshine' and 'Beaches' than "women", and certainly "drugs". The only international reputation Thailand has for drugs is one of being outrageously strict on them.
2FM were just being tw@ts here. Pure and simple. What relevance did their personal biases towards Thailand have towards the story anyway ? If a country is more associated with drugs, then does that somehow disallow it form having a coup ?!?! :confused:
Vitruvian Man
26/09/2006, 11:13 AM
"Ireland, a country normally known for potato eating drunks".
I take offence at that remark.
I eat at least as much pasta and rice as potatoes.
Aberdonian Stu
26/09/2006, 11:50 AM
Given the time of the comment (7pm) I've a feeling this was part of Newsbeat which is an attempt at being hip and down with the kids.
That said it still shouldn't be the way you start a piece!
My gut would say it was a failed attempt at hipness for the show. It is the type of show where those facets could be included as it seems to be more light hearted but you shouldn't open a bulletin with that.
endabob1
26/09/2006, 12:00 PM
If it's a news buletin it's not supposed to be funny and someone whould point it out to RTE, News is News, Comedy is something other channels do.
Thailand is a stunning country with a rich heritage and history (the only country in SE Asia never to be colonised) feeding ignorant stereotypes is highly iresponsible, what next "In other news today, Roscommon 'A county normally known for 2 sheep being tied to tree being clasified as a leisure centre' ...."
Strabane_Harp
26/09/2006, 12:10 PM
I take offence at that remark.
I eat at least as much pasta and rice as potatoes.
bloody foreigner!!!!
Block G Raptor
09/10/2006, 3:15 PM
Didn't hear that comment but on Q102 (rubbish of choice in my workplace) the girl reading the "news" didnt refer to it as a coup but rather as a coop. Some sort of chicken related violence going on in Thailand in Q102 land. Though they didn't really expand on it as they prefer to give a list of tabloid headlines rather than a news report
I've yet to hear that woman give an error free news report she can hardly read
nearly drove off the road the other day when she said "there was a ground's well of opinion on" something or other
Jesus, you're easily shocked. May i suggest you give up driving..
i'd have associated the country more with paedos to be honest (gary glitter did more harm to thailand than 2 tsunamis)
BohsPartisan
09/10/2006, 3:47 PM
Was Gary Glitter not living in Vietnam?
did he not escape Thailand and flee to Vietnam?
I dunno
BohsPartisan
09/10/2006, 3:50 PM
Quite possible. The crimes he went on trial for took place in Vietnam anyway but its more than possible he was in Thailand before that.
the 12 th man
09/10/2006, 3:52 PM
did he not escape Thailand and flee to Vietnam?
I dunno
I think he was arrested in a Vietnamese airport boarding a plane for Thailand.
Block G Raptor
10/10/2006, 12:03 PM
Jesus, you're easily shocked. May i suggest you give up driving..Wasn't shocked I was peeing my self laughing
BohsPartisan
10/10/2006, 12:05 PM
Wasn't shocked I was peeing my self laughing
You're not Owen Heary are you? :D
finlma
10/10/2006, 3:35 PM
2FM's response for anyone interested:
Thank you for your e-mail about our coverage of the coup in Thailand.
I note your concerns and have raised the issues with the journalists involved.
The item referred to was produced by an experienced journalist with a particular interest in Thailand.
The phrase itself was taken from the website WWW.thailandguidebook.com. This is a site set up by young people in Thailand with the aim of informing the world about their country:...."the reason we are making this online guidebook is that we want to show people how beautiful Thailand really is. Most people think about Thailand as having only drugs and girls..."
The aim of NewsBeat on 2FM is to reach and interest what is a younger audience than those listening and watching RTÉ's other outlets. We have adopted a more relaxed approach but this does not imply any dumbing-down of RTÉ's journalistic standards.
Yours faithfully,
Vincent Delaney,
Editor 2FM News.
I looked at the website quoted above and true it does say: "Most people think about Thailand as having only drugs & girls." The next line is: "That's really NOT TRUE." which 2FM neglected to say of course :rolleyes:
dahamsta
10/10/2006, 3:59 PM
Jesus, talk about blatantly obvious spin, and bad spin at that. If you're replying to them, please tell them that I thought it was moronic response. Feel free to tell them they have the right to reply here. ;)
adam
osarusan
10/10/2006, 4:19 PM
Ireland - a country known for its potato-munching drunks and s###e football team............
Jesus, talk about blatantly obvious spin, and bad spin at that. If you're replying to them, please tell them that I thought it was moronic response. Feel free to tell them they have the right to reply here. ;)
adam
I have to agree. That must be one of the worst excuses I have ever seen. You wouldn't even get away with such a selected quote debating here. :eek:
You have to replay to that excuse as I can't wait to see what they say next. Remember RTE have to reply to you as its in their Charter... :D
dahamsta
10/10/2006, 5:32 PM
Given that pathetic excuse, I'd submit a complaint to the BCI (http://www.bci.ie/). It was obviously made up on the spot by a googling intern.
finlma
10/10/2006, 7:45 PM
Given that pathetic excuse, I'd submit a complaint to the BCI (http://www.bci.ie/). It was obviously made up on the spot by a googling intern.
I would if I had the time but I'm snowed under at the minute - barely time to look on here. There's a big form to fill in. Feel free to complain though - you know all the details.
dcfcsteve
17/10/2006, 4:04 PM
did he not escape Thailand and flee to Vietnam?
I dunno
Indeed you don't know.... :rolleyes:
It was Vietnam he was arrested, tried and imprisoned in - not Thailand.
But yet you say he did more damage to Thailand than 2 Tsunamis.....? :o
Statements like that do a lot more damage to your credibility than to Thailand's.
dcfcsteve
17/10/2006, 4:07 PM
Ireland - a country known for its potato-munching drunks and s###e football team............
Ireland - a country known for potato-eating drunks, religious warfare, and people of sub-normal intelligence.
But it's ok for me to say that - cuz some obscure website wrote it, though they then also said it wasn't true at all.....
:o
endabob1
17/10/2006, 4:17 PM
He moved to Vietnam having tried living in Spain & Cambodia (Where he was deported because he was 'a threat to the security of a country and to the national image of Cambodia') he was arrested in Saigon trying to board a flight to Thailand.
As far as I am aware he was never residing in Thailand. Incidentally I was in Vietnam in March after he was arrested and sentenced, there is a woman (Crazy Kim) in Nha Trang who runs a charity from a bar to help convict known foreign paedophiles who are in Vietnam and to give aid to kids affected.
It's called "Hands Off The Kids" and is worth dropping a few bob to if you ever happen to be in the area
dcfcsteve
17/10/2006, 4:23 PM
Incidentally I was in Vietnam in March after he was arrested and sentenced, there is a woman (Crazy Kim) in Nha Trang who runs a charity from a bar to help convict known foreign paedophiles who are in Vietnam and to give aid to kids affected.
It's called "Hands Off The Kids" and is worth dropping a few bob to if you ever happen to be in the area
What bar in Nha Trang is that based out of EndaBob ?
I bet she's Mama Han's sister or something...... :D
endabob1
17/10/2006, 4:35 PM
What bar in Nha Trang is that based out of EndaBob ?
I bet she's Mama Han's sister or something...... :D
I think the bar is also called Crazy Kims (It might be with a K for Krazy!) but that's from memory, I could chcek the guidebook at home. They had a picture of Glitter with a big line through his face and "Caught" written underneath it.
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