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We enjoy their company and laugh at their funny quips as we drive to work but are quick to lash out when they get it wrong. Last week Darren Scott was accused of racism; this week Gareth Cliff is being accused of sexism.
I’m sure you all know what Darren did. But if you haven’t heard, during an interview with Angela Larkan a humanitarian worker, Gareth Cliff said, “girls of 22 usually do nothing but lie on their backs with their legs open".
Gareth is denying that it’s a sexist remark; saying only sensitive people or actual whores would take offence. I think his defence is proof that he is sexist, but maybe that’s just me.
Darren at least admitted that he was wrong, even though he went on to say, “I don't see myself as a racist.” Okay, so maybe not everyone defines racism the same way...
It can’t be an easy job to fill three empty hours with funny, clever remarks. “How many intelligent things can you come up with in three hours,” Shaheema, our movies editor, asked.
And it’s true. I think what radio teaches us is that if you have to talk that much, somewhere along the line your true self and your weaknesses will be exposed. The proverb rings true: Listen twice before you speak once.
Does that mean we should cut them some slack? I don’t think we can. ‘The voice’ is a reflection of us as a society and that’s why we get so angry when they say stupid things.
* Other radio DJs who recently lost their jobs: Amor Vittone who claimed she was fired from Jacaranda because of the Joost issue; Kenny Maistry says he was fired from Metro FM because he is Indian.
Khaya FM DJ Bob Mabena made headlines when he was arrested for prostesting on Joburg's M1 highway during peak hour traffic, luckily he wasn't fired for it.
'Til next week,
I’m sure you all know what Darren did. But if you haven’t heard, during an interview with Angela Larkan a humanitarian worker, Gareth Cliff said, “girls of 22 usually do nothing but lie on their backs with their legs open".
Gareth is denying that it’s a sexist remark; saying only sensitive people or actual whores would take offence. I think his defence is proof that he is sexist, but maybe that’s just me.
Darren at least admitted that he was wrong, even though he went on to say, “I don't see myself as a racist.” Okay, so maybe not everyone defines racism the same way...
It can’t be an easy job to fill three empty hours with funny, clever remarks. “How many intelligent things can you come up with in three hours,” Shaheema, our movies editor, asked.
And it’s true. I think what radio teaches us is that if you have to talk that much, somewhere along the line your true self and your weaknesses will be exposed. The proverb rings true: Listen twice before you speak once.
Does that mean we should cut them some slack? I don’t think we can. ‘The voice’ is a reflection of us as a society and that’s why we get so angry when they say stupid things.
* Other radio DJs who recently lost their jobs: Amor Vittone who claimed she was fired from Jacaranda because of the Joost issue; Kenny Maistry says he was fired from Metro FM because he is Indian.
Khaya FM DJ Bob Mabena made headlines when he was arrested for prostesting on Joburg's M1 highway during peak hour traffic, luckily he wasn't fired for it.
'Til next week,
