You won’t see this Lady GaGa music clip on Video Hits

Ergh … anyone planning on watching that video should be advised to do so with the sound turned down.

Ten have probably made the “right” decision in classifying the clip M, but there reasons do disturb me, and make me wonder whether they actually have any idea what they are doing.

I mean, listing “fetish-like costumes” as one of the factors contributing to the M classification? That is just lunacy!? I saw only one dancer who was wearing anything which could be described as a “fetish-like costume”, but even then, it is almost completely irrelevant to the clips classification.

If you were going to list 100 contributing factors, then I would not be so bemused. But the way this has been reported suggests it is one of their primary concerns with the clip, which is incredibly stupid.

In my opinion, the only thing which makes this clip M rated is where the *cough* artist *cough* leans up against one guy whilst holding her legs up and parting them in front of another. IF Youtube’s shitty quality has not hindered my better judgment, I believe she is intended to appear naked in this scene, and IF that is the case, then her act of opening her legs in front of the other guy would warrant an M classification.

Other than that, the lyrics are ambiguous and the visuals (for the most part) are more sexy than they are directly sexual. I understand that combining the two increases the clip’s overall impact, but with the editing out of that one scene (and if you want to be overly caution, one or two equally fleeting similar ones), would ensure that the clip was well within the PG classification.

I don’t really care about this particular instance of over zealous self-censorship on Network Ten’s behalf, but I am concerned that it is yet another manifestation of a hyper sensitive culture which has been developing amongst that network’s censors lately.

This was first evident when they unnecessarily edited an oral sex scene which took place in the first episode of Californication’s second season, following ACMA’s dubious findings that they had breached the code in relation to the broadcast of a similar sex scene which took place in episode 10 of the show’s first season. However, this second scene was not only less explicit in terms of the camera angles etc, but it was also less than half the length of the original.

Then there was the case of them muting the word ‘cunt’ during the recent broadcast of an episode of Dexter. To save myself from having to explain all over again why such action was unnecessary, I will simply provide you with the letter I sent them at the time:

Dear Network Ten Classification Department,

I am writing to you in order to voice my disappointment and annoyance at your decision to mute to word ‘cunt’ during your broadcast of the third episode of Dexter season 2 on 23/02/09.

The program commenced broadcast at approximately 9:45 PM under an AV15+ classification, and as such omitting the language was completely unnecessary.

The code states that under the MA / AV classifications:

“The use of very course language must be appropriate to the storyline or program context and not overly frequent or impactful.”

I trust you will agree with me in saying that there are three major questions one must consider in determining what language is suitable for inclusion in an MA / AV rated program. These are:

1. Is the language appropriate to the storyline or program context?
2. In the language overly frequent?
3. Is the language overly impactful?

First up, I am sure we can safely say that a single use of the word ‘cunt’ cannot be regarded as overly frequent.

Nor can we say that its use was inappropriate in terms of the program’s storyline, due to the fact that omitting it caused a serious degradation to the overall quality of the program for the following reasons:

1. It confused most of the audience as to why Dexter had responded to Roger’s comments by stating “Don’t ever talk about my girlfriend in that way”.
2. It confused most of the audience as to why Dexter stabbed Roger so suddenly and with such anger and emotion, when he usually completes his kills in such a calm and methodical fashion.
3. It eliminated the key moment where Dexter’s commitment to his relationship with Rita was consolidated, at the end of an episode which had focused heavily on their relationship issues.
4. It eliminated the key moment where Roger’s extreme misogynistic tendencies truly came to light.

Therefore, it cannot be claimed that the word was not appropriate to the storyline or program context. This leaves only the question of whether or not the language was ‘overly impactful’.

Now, I trust you would agree with me that in the case of this scene, the factor which rendered this particular use of the word ‘cunt’ so impactful was the aggressive nature in which it was used.

However, there is clear evidence which suggests that ACMA would NOT deem this use of the word to be overly impactful for inclusion during an MA / AV rated program.

I base this on the findings of ACMA’s Investigation Report No. 2021. The report relates to a breach committed by the Nine Network in relation to the M classification awarded an episode of Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, titled ‘Secret Garden’.

The report found that the program was incorrectly classified M for a variety of language related breaches, including more than one use of the word ‘cunt’ in a fashion which ACMA themselves deemed to be “very aggressive” (see page 7 of Investigations Report No. 2021).

What’s more, ACMA’s media release concerning the breach stated in no uncertain terms “ACMA concluded that the program should have been classified MA (Mature Audience).” So there you have it. ACMA has already determined that programs containing “very aggressive” use of the word ‘cunt’ can be accommodated under the MA / AV classifications. (press release titled “ACMA finds that coarse language in Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares exceeded M classification guidelines”, released on 28 August 2008 and available on ACMA’s website)

Therefore, it appears that censoring the word ‘cunt’ during this particular episode of Dexter was not necessary, given that its use was appropriate to the storyline and not overly frequent or impactful.

I trust that your network will take my comments on board and refrain from partaking in any similar censorship in the future. Season 3 of Dexter contains similar use of very cause language, albeit in a less menacing sense, and I hope that I will be able to watch the full, proper version on Channel Ten.

Censorship is becoming ridiculous in music both on tv and radio, take rap music for example. Most references (whether subtle or not) to drugs, police, weapons, violence and sex are edited out and sometimes you wonder why they even bother playing the songs.

Take When I’m Gone by Eminem for example;
I turn around/Find a * on the ground/ * it/ put it to my brain/ screem god Shady/ and * it

*(gun/cock/pop)

As much as i dont like the song by LadyGaga, i don’t believe the language or the context of it warrants an M15+ rating. Its common in many video clips to see a sexy woman in the poses that were shown in this clip. What makes this the clip any more mature?

Another thing not particularly relevant but some people above were discussing TV censorship. I fail to see how people be so offended at swear words; if they are said in an overly aggressive manner that’s another story but a few f and c bombs every now and again won’t hurt anyone. Gordon Ramsay’s language does not warrant a MA15+ rating.

The current Underbelly series i really think it does warrant a MA15+ rating; mainly due to the violence/drugs and there’s quite a few sex scenes in there not that it offends me but the classification board should be more consistent. If a fraction of that sort of content was shown in a video game it would instantly be RCed.

What has the world of music coming to? You didn’t see this sort of crap in the ’80s and all the way through the early ’90s. Now you see sluts like the Pussycat Dolls, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, etc. performing sexual moves in their clips.

Lady GaGa should be ashamed of herself sending kids the wrong message, that erotic dancing is alright. 10 has the right to censor this video clip.

I’m just surprised that the video was the reason they banned it. That song is awful.

Also, my parents used to let me watch the Kenny Everett Show when I was a kid, and I turned out fine.

[twitches]

Meh, Channel 10 can show what they want :/ I can always change the channel if I don’t want to watch their crap (I can also go and see what Mr. Torrent has to offer too )

My goodness, what utter dross.

I would like to protect children from this kind of rubbish. Not because of the sex but because it’s mind-numbingly stupid. Both the song and the video are completely devoid of any redeeming features.

I saw a little girl dressed in this at the shopping centre during the easter break: http://j.bdbphotos.com/fashion/pictures/6L/23/13623_large.jpg

My guess would be 7 years old. Definitely no older than 10. *sigh*

Man I just watched it HQ and I think the real reason was because she made out with another woman.

Boo hoo, more immorality for you poor suffering hypocrites and bigots to gnash your teeth over. If you don’t want your kids to watch it, shut the damned tv off or turn the channel.

Anything of a offensive nature should be available in private. Why should I be subjected to such rubbish. Talking about pushing personal views onto people. Such hypocrites. Dont like censorship but feel its ok to subject people without permission.