« Go back a post || Return to G-A-Y homepage || Haul tail to next post »
02/11/2008
Audio: Lange will still wrap lips around 'fags'
Remember a few weeks back when we told you that Stern sidekick Artie Lange was planning on taping a PSA for the Human Rights Campaign wherein he disavowed usage of the word "fag"? At the time we were excited about it because it seemed like the comedian was turning over a new leaf, one that doesn't find sophomoric humor in a loaded word. However, as you will hear from this report that aired on today's Howard 100 News, Lange is deserving of no applause whatsoever:
(To put this in context: Artie said in a recent argument that he hopes "High Pitch Mike" dies of AIDS, which upset Stern regular George Takei. Artie had initially agreed to do the PSA because George had asked him to)
(Sorry, the audio cut off a few seconds early for some reason. Artie goes on to say that he's essentially considering the planned PSA to be a comedy bit for the show)
It's unfortunate, too, because Stern & Co. have some really good things to say about gay rights and gay marriage these day. Even though the show still operates from an "everyone is offended so nobody's offended" mentality and gays still get their share, Howard's an advocate for marriage equality and gay rights in general. George Takei is one of the show's favorite regular guests, whose appearances are universally celebrated by all involved with the show. The whole thing creates positive "teachable moments" for the Stern audience.
Artie, however, is getting a pass that doesn't need to be celebrated by anyone! His AIDS and "fag" jokes are childish, disturbing, and worst of all for a top-grossing comedian -- unfunny and lame. And we don't need someone like Artie recording public service announcements as a favor or as a goof. What the hell would be the point? It would be a heaping load of insincere bullshit coming from a show that proudly claims to reject the disingenuous.
**UPDATE, 2/12: On today's show (from which Artie was absent), Howard responded to the above audio clip by saying that he finds the word "fag" offensive. So perhaps this will be a catalyst in making Artie also see the light.
Your thoughts
comments powered by Disqus
