Ben Gracewood pulls out of his regular slot

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tchart

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#69161 4-Oct-2010 14:43

As reported by Stuff;

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv/4194441/Henry-quip-sparks-race-uproar

Good on you Ben! I always enjoy your slot but Im glad you stood up on this occasion, Pauls comments are disgraceful.

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#387702 4-Oct-2010 14:56

Well done Ben, back you here completely.

Whats even worse is TVNZs defence, apparently his comments are justified because there are lots of bigots too afraid to give them voice?!?!

I just made a BSA complaint, suggest others do the same here: http://www.bsa.govt.nz/complaints-intro.php

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Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

Finch

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#387708 4-Oct-2010 15:01

Was just going to make a thread about this, I know Ben is a member of Geekzone also.

Personally I dont see what the big deal is, Paul Henry seems to be a very intelligent man.

I agree with his comments, Anand Satyanand doesnt "look" like a new zealander to me. However in saying that, The changing face of NZ is infact multi cultural - Lots of people from all over the world coming here.

To me a "New Zealander", is somebody who is either white, maori or from the islands. Now im not saying I dont want people from other countries living here, just that somebody who is going to represent us on the world wide stage has to "look like a New Zealander"

Good on you Paul Henry.

Im prepared to get flamed :p

geekiegeek

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#387711 4-Oct-2010 15:04

I'm with Paul on this one. I may not fully agree with what he said but I do think he should be allowed to say what he wants. This is a free county last I looked. If you dont like what he says - switch off.

I also think that there probably are a lot of people who have wondered about having an Indian looking gent as the govener general and now everyone will get to hear how he was born here and is just as Kiwi as anyone else. So perhaps TVNZ are right in letting Paul ask the question and then let the debate sort it out afterwards.

Time to hop down off your PC high horse ay Ben - or have you never in your life said anything that others might find offensive?

raab

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#387713 4-Oct-2010 15:09

Agree with michael and geekiegeek, get over it.

langers1972

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#387714 4-Oct-2010 15:09

I think the guy is a prat and typical of journalism here in NZ, lazy and often inaccurate/ignorant.

Just what exactly does a Kiwi look/sound like, Fred Dagg?

geekiegeek

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#387715 4-Oct-2010 15:12

langers1972: I think the guy is a prat and typical of journalism here in NZ, lazy and often inaccurate/ignorant.

Just what exactly does a Kiwi look/sound like, Fred Dagg?

As opposed to journalism where? From what I have seen of countries like Australia, UK and the US they all seem pretty much of a muchness to me.

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Ben

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#387718 4-Oct-2010 15:16

Appreciate the feedback - all of it.

There is a difference between what people like to call "policitcal correctness gone mad" and outright racism. Racism allows people to dismiss others with zero regard to their skills, personality, beliefs, or anything other than the colour of their skin.

Paul's comments were a particularly egregious example of this. Aimed squarely at the colour of skin and the way someone sounds, with absolute disregard for his background and skills, let alone his birthplace and upbringing. I know it's hard for you guys that scream "PC GONE MAD" at anyone complaining against "free speech", but really, truly try to put yourself in another's shoes for 30 seconds.

Apart from that, feel free to bag me personally at your pleasure. Rather me than others with less advantage and ability to fight back.

langers1972

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#387720 4-Oct-2010 15:18

"As opposed to journalism where? From what I have seen of countries like Australia, UK and the US they all seem pretty much of a muchness to me."

I'm English and can categorically say you'd never hear anyone on a News/Current Affairs show say anything approaching what he said.

Even the Red top tabloids aren't as stupid as to be "prepared to say the things we quietly think but are scared to say out loud", mostly because the country isn't thinking it.

The guy is his own biggest fan and once you get to that stage it's curtains

CB_24

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#387722 4-Oct-2010 15:22

I personally thought that gadget segment of the show wasn't the greatest and rather boring anyway and was only made interesting having My Henry involved, he should just run it by himself.

Get over it!

mule

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#387723 4-Oct-2010 15:23

Ben: Appreciate the feedback - all of it.

There is a difference between what people like to call "policitcal correctness gone mad" and outright racism. Racism allows people to dismiss others with zero regard to their skills, personality, beliefs, or anything other than the colour of their skin.

Paul's comments were a particularly egregious example of this. Aimed squarely at the colour of skin and the way someone sounds, with absolute disregard for his background and skills, let alone his birthplace and upbringing. I know it's hard for you guys that scream "PC GONE MAD" at anyone complaining against "free speech", but really, truly try to put yourself in another's shoes for 30 seconds.

Apart from that, feel free to bag me personally at your pleasure. Rather me than others with less advantage and ability to fight back.

Well put Ben, I was probably swinging towards the freespeech camp, but you have made same valid points.

The big question that does come out of this for me is "so what does a New Zealander look like??"

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#387726 4-Oct-2010 15:28

Well done Ben, it shows you have the cobbles to stand up for what is right.

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#387727 4-Oct-2010 15:29

Nice one, Ben for taking a stand.

My favourite comment on Paul Henry is from medialawjournal http://www.medialawjournal.co.nz/?p=395
- I wonder when TVNZ is going to get a Breakfast presenter who looks and sounds like a journalist?

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#387729 4-Oct-2010 15:31

Good on you Ben for taking a stand in what you believe in.

Even better is it seems to have hit the right notes, making the front pages of Stuff and NZ Herald.

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#387732 4-Oct-2010 15:35

Well done and well said Ben !

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#387735 4-Oct-2010 15:36

Good Job Ben!

Obviously Paul is just trying to boost the flailing ratings of Breakfast by chucking in a few offset comments. Seemed to work well last time for them, but seriously 6.30am? I'm half asleep trying to dress myself before driving to work, won't and can't be bothered watching it!

And one other thing, why does he live separately from his family/wife? That's a bit strange? Possibly accused his wife of having a moustache accidentally?

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

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