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I completely do not understand "cancel culture"

6 replies

Breadcat24 · 01/01/2026 13:00

While I can very much understand why some people who have come out with sexist, racist and otherwise offensive behaviour become very unpopular when this comes to light ( I never found Little Britain or Eurotrash particularly amusing), I am bewildered by the double standards that seem to be rife.
Take the TV guide today
On the buses
Mrs Brown's Boys
Carry On films
These are all apparently fine?

I would rather in some ways they played everything and people made their own mind up as to whether they should switch off because they were personally offended by content.
Who decides?

OP posts:
PersephoneParlormaid · 01/01/2026 13:14

OTB and CO were of their time, and I watch them with that in mind, but MBB? That’s current, and is atrocious.

WongKarWaiMe · 01/01/2026 13:17

I suppose the difference is that On the Buses is old and reflects the attitude of the times, so it is seen as more okay than someone who is showing a problematic attitude right now, but I'm with you in thinking nothing should be cancelled, and people should be able to make their own minds up.

DoNotDerange · 01/01/2026 13:43

I’ve only ever seen brief clips of MBB, but other than the fact that it isn’t funny, or didn’t seem so to me, what would be it be ‘cancelled’ for?

WongKarWaiMe · 01/01/2026 13:45

DoNotDerange · 01/01/2026 13:43

I’ve only ever seen brief clips of MBB, but other than the fact that it isn’t funny, or didn’t seem so to me, what would be it be ‘cancelled’ for?

All I can think of is that it's a man playing a woman, which won't go down well in some circles.

Buscobel · 01/01/2026 14:06

There are a number of programmes that reflect the norms of the time they were produced; times which are very different now. Some current programmes, set in earlier times, usually have disclaimer about the attitudes of the time they were set in, like Grantchester for example.

No rationale for Mrs Brown’s Boys. It’s just not remotely amusing. I don’t know of a single person who watches it or regards it with anything other than disgust, yet it keeps going, year after year.

Breadcat24 · 01/01/2026 14:10

@DoNotDerange There have been racist jokes in it in the past, while singing a Kanye West song was enough to cancel John Torode from an off air event.
The criteria seems profoundly inconsistent.
That is what I am asking about here not whether individuals/ shows should be dropped
But from my point of view -yes a man dressing up as an Irish Mammy is awful in itself, so I turn it over

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