Joe_Lalonde

Thank you! This is song is meant to be an instrumental but I will definitely keep your critique in mind for the next songs I post.

Thank you! This is song is meant to be an instrumental but I will definitely keep your critique in mind for the next songs I post.

You're implying that if a podcast isn't offensive then it will be bland and I don't feel like this is the case. I also feel like the podcast wouldn't necessarily be hindered by people thinking before they speak. In fact why shouldn't a person think before they say something? Ultimately, if someone's intention is to be offensive or voice an opinion that others may not agree with then they should go ahead and say whatever. But if the person isn't intending to be offensive then they should be aware of what they're saying. To me it all depends on what the intention is, I don't agree with Nazis but at least they own up to what they say, as opposed to my grandma who says "kike" a lot and doesn't realize that it's offensive. So in a way I agree with you about total freedom to say whatever and then choosing what you listen to after the fact. But if someone doesn't want to be offensive then it's their responsibility to not be offensive.

Frank, I'm not as upset as you probably think I am. I agree with a lot of what you said about how people load meaning onto words and how words can change. Also, in no way am I saying to ban words, I love the freedom podcasts have. What I would like to happen though, is that people be aware of what they are saying and whether or not they want that outcome. That doesn't mean don't say it, it just mean know that how you communicate can affect others in a way you may not know or be fully aware of. Also, I don't think it's inappropriate for me to quote Louis. I am a huge fan of Louis and his work. The reason I quoted him is because before he uses those words he thinks about it. And that's what's most important to me, meaning what you say and saying what you mean. Frank, I really don't think we have complete opposite stances, in fact, I think we share a lot of similar opinions. Also comedically speaking, I think there's a difference between complaining about the use of slurs because they are insensitive and complaining about the use of slurs because they're used for cheap laughs. It's easier to accept an insensitive word if it is attached to an original angle (for example Louis' n-word/nigger bit) but too often slurs are used for their shock value in tired perspectives. Personally, I find hack comedy way more offensive than any single word. Here's the Louis interview that I quoted from, it's definitely worth a read. http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=128343426

All Joel is saying is to think about what you say before you say it. Think about how the words you use could effect other people, also think about whether or not you are using the words correctly. How can an argument be gay? What gender is this argument and what evidence do you have that it is attracted to others of it's gender? Personally I don't think "mentally handicapped" is more appropriate that "retarded" they are both broad terms that try to label a whole spectrum of different disabilities. To me it would be better to be specific about what disability the individual has that way you aren't generalizing. Also, just because I'm not bothered by the word "retarded" (or any of it's various forms) doesn't mean that other people aren't. Why shouldn't you take other people into consideration? I don't think it's that difficult. When you use gay or retarded incorrectly it's at the expense of people who are consistently targeted, you aren't treading new ground or being clever. I think Louis CK said it best when talking about using "faggot" on stage. "If you're going to use nitro glycerin, read the warning label first" (I'm paraphrasing but it was something like that) Basically be aware of what the words you use mean, and what could happen if you use the words incorrectly.

This is really important to me, so if you have the time to listen then let me know, pants or mustard?

I know that all the submissions in the past have been comedic and I understand that Comedy Bang! Bang! probably isn't the best place for a sincere and heartfelt song like this one. But I spent a lot of time crafting this so I'd appreciate it if you gave it a listen. Thanks.

Jon Benjamin, Jon Glaser, Tim and/or Eric, and I always want more Bret Gelman.