Comments on: Former regional editor slams comedian over autism jibe

By: Andy Morris

Andy Morris — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 07:59:39 +0000

Unfortunately, Dave’s really doing more harm than good with this. Is he seriously suggesting that the word “autistic” should be off-limits for discussion?
I am on the autistic spectrum myself and the biggest problem is ignorance. If you’re not going to allow people to even use the word in any context without their being an outcry, then how are you going to encourage openness about mental disabilities, what it’s like to live with them and how such people should be regarded by society?
The word autistic, surely, applies as much to people like me who have Asperger’s Syndrome but function reasonably well in the world and those who have such a severe condition that they have little quality of life.
I say to people either: “I have Asperger’s” or “I am on the autistic spectrum” or just “I’m autistic”. I do many things that a “normal” person would find bizarre, but to me they make sense.
To me, Frankie Boyle’s comments come across as meaning “the response was one that seems to have its own logic”, and I don’t find them offensive. Whether they’re funny or not is a different debate.

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By: House Rules

House Rules — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:26:28 +0000

People who get outraged at jokes really are morons. Yes i’m talking to you Paul Durrant, Norwich.

“I have a brother who has Down’s and I would be just as livid if Boyle had a go at him.”

If Boyle walked up to your brother and said something to his face then by all means get livid but by saying it in his act, note the word ACT, he is not “having a go at him.”

Get some perspective in your life man.

Racist jokes can now fall foul of the “inciting racial hatred” law so yes, to answer your question, that is where you draw the line.

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By: Billy Badtaste

Billy Badtaste — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:57:33 +0000

It’s a good job Dave King isn’t in our newsroom. Sounds like he’d be reaching for his blog about 30 times every day.

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By: Observer

Observer — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:53:17 +0000

A bit of an overreaction by the editor. The joke as quoted doesn’t come over as shocking.

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By: JibberJabber

JibberJabber — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:14:10 +0000

Yep. Comedian makes joke. Shock.

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By: Paul Durrant

Paul Durrant — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:52:41 +0000

Dave King is an outstanding journalist and more importantly one of the most genuine people I know. I have a brother who has Down’s and I would be just as livid if Boyle had a go at him. So where do you draw the line? Is it OK to make a joke about Holocaust victims? Or is a racist taunt acceptable?

Dave is doing what all good journos should do – hold people to account, challenge, and spark debate.

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By: Curious

Curious — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:55:53 +0000

Well said Joanne.
Boyle’s a creepy comedian with a sinister smirk and the autism joke is one of his tamer efforts.
He has a page in one of the nationals – I forget which one – and it is full of contrived vitriolic drivel which presumably some people find amusing.
He swears a lot so I could say he suffers from Tourette’s syndrome but someone would probably object to that. Let’s not be petty.

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By: Joanne Tyson

Joanne Tyson — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:24:12 +0000

Sorry, Dave, I have two autistic children and I disagree with you. If Boyle had joked about any other condition you wouldn’t have blinked – you may even have laughed. But because the subject matter is close to your heart, you object. Comedians like Boyle do aim to shock but that is to be expected – don’t like, don’t listen. Having met the man, I know his stage persona is eons from his true self. Don’t make the mistake of trying to dilute our comedians – we are becoming a country of apologisers (BBC take note). I hope your event goes well and that Ross grows up to be a healthy happy lad – he`s lucky to have a dad so willing to fight his corner.

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