Christians 'are easiest target for TV satire'

Electronic Telegraph ^ | 29/12/2003 | Tom Leonard, Media Editor

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

There is plenty of hypocrisy to go around, Christians don't have a monopoly on it. In fact if you assume that you have none, that is a pretty strong indication that you are wallowing in it.

If there is anything distinctively Christian about being accused of hypocrisy, it is the fact that Christians are taught that we should be careful about falling into it. It's in the Bible, in the words of Christ.

Leftists think that accusing a Republican of being "like Hitler" automatically defeats any arguement the Republican may have made. And atheists likewise tend to think that accusing a Christian of hypocrissy automatically shuts him up. Some places it might--but not on this forum.

[joesnuffy]

Just like in the Sudan...Christians are an easy mark because they don't seek vengeance for
for ugly remarks or outright lies against them...
They don't assassinate their critics or blow up buildings filled with people they don't like...or those who insult them
The social commentators haven't got the cajones to insult Muslims...regardless of what evils Muslims reek

[mplsconservative]

are you e.e. cummings? Why is it you trolls don't use capital letters? I guess you're allergic to capitalism and Christianity. Go back to your religion of peace mosque at DU and discover the values of blowing other people up for fun. You are the ultimate hypocrite.

[Viking2002]

The reason why the Vermin Left so afraid of offending Muslims is two-fold: 1) Islam is the antithesis of Christianity in many ways, and 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend'; and 2) they're too afraid that a Fundamentalist will send them a letter bomb if they dare to offend their almighty Allah.

Maybe if more Christians knocked off the 'turn the other cheek' behavior and loosened a few teeth, they'll start to practice all that 'tolerance and diversity' horsesh!t that they like to preach to the rest of us.

[longtermmemmory]

we only have two cheeks. Third time is becomes "money changer" time!

[yankeedame]

"Don't you just love it when the most dysfunctional collection of human beings on this entire planet purports to tell others how to live?"

The best response to these people is a great big horselaugh. They really reeeaaally hate that! Believe me...they really hate that and leaves them deflated.
==========================

True, but another very good tactic that doesn't anger them as it unnerves them is to say (and do) nothing.

1) They say "Blah..blah...blah..." Let them finish. Don't interrupt no matter how tempted.

2) Don't get angry, don't laugh at them; don't try for a smart retort. Just look at them. Do it in a vague cavalry-to-infantry attitude, keeping your expression as bland as possible. You know, eye lids somewhat closed, as if to say "Oh. I see." But don't say a word!

3) After a few seconds of watching them sweat you can either turn and walk away; or, if they start mouthing off again (and many do as a form of defense) I, myself, just wait till they come to the end of their spiel, go "hummm.." and then walk away.

It shakes them to the core every time.

[LiteKeeper]

INTREP - RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

[WackyKat]

Don't you just love it when the most dysfunctional collection of human beings on this entire planet purports to tell others how to live?

Politicians? Cops? Preachers?

[Kewlhand`tek]

gorzaloon,know anymore that one was pretty funny. Lets start a muzzy joke thread

[Paul Atreides]

So-called "entertainers."

[DonQ]

It's not so much anti-Christian attitudes that cause this lopsided result in what is evidently a count of humorous depictions - not depictions as villains (which might provide slightly different results).

For one thing, to be successful as a satire, it is necessary that the audience have a fairly good grasp of the "original" which is being satirized. American and European audiences know Christianity well, but might be baffled at what the joke is in a satire of something Islamic.

And another reason is that, frankly, there's reason to be afraid that just one Islamist will take sufficient umbrage at any unflattering depiction to do somebody harm (a la Salman Rushdie).

[chicagolady]

It reminds me of my dog, smelling buts.

[chicagolady]

You know what I think is Halarious? New Freepers who get ZOTTED!!

[HiTech RedNeck]

Gaze in the mirror and weep then.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Mr. Cosmic,

You're very very wrong. But hey. Welcome to Free Republic. May you have an enjoyable stay.


BG

[stands2reason]

...can you dig it?

[ChicagoHebrew]

You know, for all the jokes about how Jews like money, people forget we've been a non=prophet religion for 2500 years... bada bing!

Seriously, Christians are the biggest target for religious satire because wel... most people like to joke about themselves. Since most Americans are Christian, most satire is Christian-- just like most non-satire symbolism is Christian too (note how many movies have Christ-figures).

[wardaddy]

Bingo! from secularists of two religions that first come to mind.

[wardaddy]

You are quite right but still miss the point.

[Holly_P]

Is this another new rule?? First we have the new OPUS rule, and now we have this new 2nd or 3rd post rule? (sigh)...I never get these memos

You probably didn't know about the 60 days of double secret probation for newbies did you?

I finish mine in three more days, then I am going to start posting some threads!