There are a number of folks out there
who feel the team name for the NFL's Washington Redskins is
culturally insensitive. Racist, even. Since the team has thus far
clung to their controversial mascot, some former FCC leaders are
proposing forcing their hands by trying to punish television
broadcasters who say or air its name.
In a letter to
Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt,
former Commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Nicholas Johnson, and
others contend that an indecency case could be made against
broadcasters who air the offensive name.“It is impermissible under law that the FCC would condone, or
that broadcasters would use, obscene pornographic language on live
television,” they write. “This medium uses government owned
airwaves in exchange for an understanding that it will promote the
public interest. Similarly, it is inappropriate for broadcasters to
use racial epithets as part of normal, everyday
reporting.” Never using the team’s name, they chastise broadcasters for
using a name that is equivalent to the “n-word.”
But networks can use the “n-word,” too, if they want to. It’s
the cultural pressure and consequences that stopped the use of such
language, not government demands or fines.
Follow this story and more at Reason 24/7.
If you have a story that would be of interest to Reason's
readers please let us know by emailing the 24/7 crew at
24_7@reason.com, or tweet us stories at @reason247.
0 σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου