Unicorns and Dirty words

[botias]

I was considering Photoshop filters and brushes and other effects and I realized--that if I had had Photoshop from ages 9-12 say, I would have made soooo much unicorn art. I would have been slapping horns and probably wings on everything. There would have been color everywhere too, misty circles and rainbow swirlies.

Also, did you know? The FCC rules about the eight words you cannot say on network television were inspired by George Carlin's 'Eight Words You Can't Say on Television' sketch, and not the other way around. Seems someone aired the sketch on the radio, which triggered a complaint. The FCC dutifully carried it as far as a lawsuit which they expected to lose and in fact did lose in a lower court, but won in the Supreme Court by one vote.

The FCC, unwilling to do any more work than necessary, at least during that particular administration, decided they were only required by the ruling to regulate those eight words as set forth by the Supreme Court ruling and no others.

ETA: the role of 'seven' will be played this evening by the number 'eight' (Ooops!)

Comments

[brunettepet.livejournal.com]

I had no idea about Carlin coming before the eight words were part of the FCC decision! My husband is going to crack up at that...no, he probably already knows.

[thedeadlyhook.livejournal.com]

Actually, it's the "seven words you can't say" on the Carlin record album I have in my collection somewhere (yes, on vinyl). I even recall the actual seven, if you're interested. (I kind of doubt they're the same as the current eight, since one of them was "shit," and another was "piss," both of which I've gotten used to hearing on TV, depending on time of day.)

[botias.livejournal.com]

eep! I meant to put in a disclaimer about my ignorance of the correct number of words. It seems that you can legally say and show _anything_ on network tv after 10 p.m. and I get the idea that the FCC does not pursue anything unless there is a complaint, so shows with a reputation for adult content can probably push the limits.

[botias.livejournal.com]

He will probably also tell you it is seven words. *blushes*

[thedeadlyhook.livejournal.com]

The after-10 rule makes sense for what I've seen - South Park and Nip/Tuck seem able to get away with "shit," but they're both after-ten shows. Then again, I remembered that one of the words was also "tits," which actually seems quaint now compared to when this rap was new, back in the '70s. Like he even says in the routine, it sounds like a cute nickname.

Aw, there's a transcript (http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/filthywords.html) of the actual album routine online. It's exactly as I remember it, although without Carlin's inflections, of course, not as funny. F**K of the MOUNTAIN!

[botias.livejournal.com]

Ah, but cable is another animal all together. That's why South Park/Comedy Central, and the Playboy Channel, etc., can show what they do. The laws are actually different because of how the programming is distributed. Networks do not take full advantage of the 'after 10' bit because they are perceived by sponsors as a single entity. If they played porn after 10 say, most big corporate sponsors would avoid all their programming so as not to be associated.

I must find a performance of it. :) I haven't heard it in like 17 years, I remember giggling about it in junior high.