First, I'm not sure this belongs in the catagory (and I suspect a couple of people will suggest it doesn't belong on HC at all). If this is the wrong catagory, I apologize.

I got this email from the creators of Elfquest the other day. I post it here, with the hope that some people may also find this 'routine' also offensive, and send an email to G4TV.

I normally don't do this sort of thing. Anyone in the public eye is usually fair game for this sort of thing. However, Jack's wife was almost *never* in the spotlight.

I had the opportunity to meet both Kirbys a couple of times, and have heard many, many stories about them.

One thing that always came through. Both of them were kind, loving people who certainly deserved better treatment than this.

Jack would be outraged that someone would make that kind of suggestion about his wife. Roz would be upset because Jack would be upset.

And, for those of you who feel that I should "grow up" and not let this sort of thing bother me, well, you certainly are entitled to that. Won't change my feeling, or my posting this.

If you feel that perhaps an email to G4tv would be in order, please feel free.

Here's what I got:

"We saw this on G4TV (G4tv.com), a cable channel all about games and pop culture and the like. The shows are free-wheeling and irreverent, but for us this crossed the line.

You're receiving this because we simply wanted to make a noise about
this to everyone we know who might care. And who might then want to do
something.

Letter to XPlay:

We happened to catch your show today. We believe it's the Xplay
segment for Sunday, July 29 between 5 and 6 pm.

An actor ("Roger"?) in a gray wig spoofing Stan Lee said (to paraphrase) that he had b****d and s*******d Jack Kirby's wife.

We find this reprehensible, even in the spirit of caricature. Jack
and Roz Kirby were our deeply respected and cherished friends. They
were absolute royalty in the comics industry and among the kindest
most generous people we've ever known. Despite Jack's fame they were
not just pop icons, fodder for a smutty, unfunny comedy routine. They
were people, with many friends and family who miss them both very
much, and to whom a copy of this email is being sent."

To what ends are you attempting to reach with this?

What are you trying to get G4 to do exactly?

(side note: should be in Another Realm I would think)

[quote=StormX]To what ends are you attempting to reach with this?

What are you trying to get G4 to do exactly?

(side note: should be in Another Realm I would think)[/QUOTE

I would agree about shifting to Another Realm. I assume a Mod would have to do that?

I think that if G4 got enough emails (I don't know what enough is) they might reconsider this kind of sketch.

Wow, you know Richard and Wendy Pini? Awesome! I started Elfquest back in the day when they just released BW Comics! I still have the whole collection. Sorry, OT.

Aye, one will probably take care of that shortly I would assume.

Carry on then.

I was just gunna raise a stink if there was gunna be a suggestion about having the people responsible fired or something.

Not liking a particular brand of humor, but with recent media events, going after people too hardcore for being "funny" has gotten a lil outta hand.

If you've ever laughed at that kind of joke (and most people have) you have no grounds to complain. Lot's of things seem funny till it's about someone you know. But somebody is always a friend/concerned for the but of a joke no matter who it is. I've seen the bits on the show (It's X-play on G4 and they've done it multiple times over the last few years) and they are no worse than anything you see about celebrities or politicians on SNL or Mad TV.

Tarnish

I'm far too cynical (read old) to believe that any email flood will result in some poor writer from being fired from a show like that. It is possible that enough email will actually empower the guy.

However, I have one *real* hot button, and that's the treatment of old comic book pros by the media/publishers. It raises my hackles.

And, frankly, with someone like the Kirbys, they really *were* two of the most decent people you'd ever meet.

And whoever the Mod was that moved this, thanks!

If they're so decent, then they should probably understand the difference between when something is done in jest, and something is done with the intent to insult.

Guilty on all counts.

But, when its someone you know, it changes it, and sometimes you like someone well enough to want to do something.

That makes me inconsistant. Which, sadly, makes me human.

They are both, sadly dead.

As long as you are aware of it. We all have stuff we are inconsistant about. If this is yours at least be happy it's in being concerned about people. If you were calling for Boycotts and firings and public apologizes I'd feel, different, but nothing is wrong with letting them know how you feel. My personal hot button is attempts to bully companies into self censorship or conforming to the morals of a vocal group, which is why I feel the need to point out the things I do.

Hope all works out for you.

tarnish

I am a huge Kirby fan, though I never met Jack or Roz Kirby. I have, however, read extensively about what kind of people they were - the very best-hearted and giving. Personally, I have never watched X-Play but now I have been given a reason not to do so. I too would feel irate about seeing the Kirbys ridiculed in this fashion. That having been said, I don't really agree with the Pinis that there should be a letter-writing campaign in order to get the skit off the air.

We're stuck with this thing called freedom of expression. If we begin censoring away, it becomes harder and harder to draw the line where to stop. It's a slippery slope. Unfortunately, even jackanapes like those who are responsible for the awful Kirby skit are protected by the constitution. Let them be boorish. In the end, they still fail to take away even the smallest iota of the greatness of Jack and Roz Kirby.

I'd rather choose not to watch the show. That's the beauty of having the "off button." I realize that for those of us who actually knew the Kirbys it's a whole lot harder, so I can only speak for myself on this topic.

Good Lord, man!

This is turning into a reasoned and sane discussion!

Where's your head at?



I've always felt that censorship should always be an internal thing. One should have their own sense of what's right/fair/funny/open season and work with it.

Emailing (phoning, writing, whatever) is, in my mind, a way to help shape one's internal checks.

Your aboslutly right. I apologize. I'll make it better.
<ahem>
YOUS DON'T NOW WHAT U TALKING ABOOUT NOOOBS!!! FIRST AMNDMEND RIGHT GARENTEE THEY CAN SAY WHAT EVER THEY WANT YOU @#%^#!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU SHOULD SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

There ya go


Tarnish

I believe this is my cue for the "bite me fanboy" line...



"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Tarnish again."

Yes, yes I must!