https://www.nme.com/news/tv/terry-gilliam-black-lesbian-bbc-comedy-2350000#d9J6oQftMmx8BaWx.99
And this is where Terry jumps in...
John Cleese jumps in...
And this is where Terry jumps in...
John Cleese jumps in...
Terry Gilliam says "I tell the world now I’m a black lesbian" as he rants about diversity
- Thread starter Khanimus
- Start date
Jeez some old white people just aren't built for the modern world. Guess that's what happens when you're raised to believe everything can and should belong to people just like you.
You're playing on easy mode, buddy. You sure you want to up the difficulty THAT much?
I'm speaking to what it's like to grow up with white privilege. You don't necessarily think these possessive thoughts consciously, but your norms are shaped by your surroundings, so that seeing white people everywhere in everything just feels right.
If the BBC said it wouldn't consider pitches from white people, I may understand his point, but they're not.
It's also not the 70s, there are tons of BBC channels, more than enough that the oppressed middle class white men can still get stuff on the air I'm sure.
It's also not the 70s, there are tons of BBC channels, more than enough that the oppressed middle class white men can still get stuff on the air I'm sure.
Old people from any previous generation just aren't built for any modern period.
Let's just say in the future today's youth might end up hating gene splicers, and clones.
The main takeway from this, apart from the grumpy old white dude stuff obviously, is the fact that Gilliam feels sketch comedy is too diverse these days. Like, what is he even watching? In both a live circuit and televised sense sketch comedy is still mostly white, middle class, male, oxbridge folk. Like the reason the BBC commisoner is even making these comments is because of how laughably skewed the entire scene is.
For reference, I recently participated in the UK Student Comedy Festival, during the sketch portion there were around 40 performers from 9 universities, 2 were non-white, 2.
For reference, I recently participated in the UK Student Comedy Festival, during the sketch portion there were around 40 performers from 9 universities, 2 were non-white, 2.
I like the juxtaposition of both reactions. Shows how much people like Gilliam choose to play the victim.
We really don't have to go there. Monty Python has their lows, but have done so many bits that are pure class, and a huge part of comedy history. Just because someone says a stupid thing, we don't have to tear down whole careers.
I never want to become one of those old people, like who's moaning Doctor Who is now an actress.
I will love and accept all clones except my own. Young me wasn't that great.
He's a Polanski defender IIRC.
This is true
Nah, this is a habit of his. I love his work, and nothing will change that. He still comes off as an ass more often than not.
When you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression
Unfortunately have no idea whose quote this is.
I can understand where he's going with this.
Forcing diversity in a team won't make it better for whatever it's supposed to do. What makes a team work is the chemistry between the members.
The idea that the Monty Python could not have existed as they were today just because they were six whites dudes and therefore not diverse enough is quite iffy.
Encouraging diversity is good. Protecting diversity is good. Enforcing diversity just for the sake of diversity ? Not so good.
So... yeah... I get what he's saying. The form is fucked up though.
Forcing diversity in a team won't make it better for whatever it's supposed to do. What makes a team work is the chemistry between the members.
The idea that the Monty Python could not have existed as they were today just because they were six whites dudes and therefore not diverse enough is quite iffy.
Encouraging diversity is good. Protecting diversity is good. Enforcing diversity just for the sake of diversity ? Not so good.
So... yeah... I get what he's saying. The form is fucked up though.
I waver between Idle and Palin, in part whether I'm feeling more into someone who feels like he's performing *all* the time or someone who's just being a Thoroughly Nice Chap.
I think Jon Stewart said something along those lines, but he was probably not the first.
That's how I read it as well. Poorly worded, but there is some point to it. And Terry Gilliam should know to tread carefully with this subject.
Well, both of these guys are responding to the fact the new BBC head of comedy basically said he would never allow a show like Monty Python to be created today because they are "six Oxbridge white blokes." So, it kind if is the latter.
I got angry at Gilliam, but Cleese kinda made it better.
Gilliam comes off as a typical older person with fossilised views, and being unable to accept change or admit that his generation was less than less than perfect, he turns to ridicule, coming off like a scared old man.
Gilliam comes off as a typical older person with fossilised views, and being unable to accept change or admit that his generation was less than less than perfect, he turns to ridicule, coming off like a scared old man.
Not only is the "don't force diversity on me please" take so incredibly tired at this point, but in this case it doesn't even make any sense. Like how do you think sketch comedy works? Do you think they just randomly grab 6 people from different backgrounds and force them to write? This is about giving talented writers and performers who have historically not been given an ear in a chance to have a platform. Do you think they're running around stopping white dudes from forming groups? I actually don't get it.
It will probably not be the last, either. He's been the equivalent of an angry 70+ curmudgeon since the 80s, and though not without some cause with how much crap he's gone through with his movies, tact has never been his strong suit. I get the point he's trying to make with his statement, but 1) he picked close to the worst possible words to make it with and 2) Cleese said it so much damn better than he ever could.
Always thought Gilliam was the weakest of the Pythons, so no big loss for me.
Thanks for the chuckle though, Cleese.
Thanks for the chuckle though, Cleese.
I think his interpretation of what Shane Allen said is that a group of six white dudes akin to the Monty Pythons wouldn't be hired regardless of their talent as a group simply because they would be 6 white dudes and thus not diverse enough.
Basically, the idea that the BBC would avoid broadcasting a "better" comedy act for the sake of diversity.
He signed the Polanski petition and made some choice comments about #metoo.
He's been accused of sexual harrasment.