Did Hey Hey undo all its good work in two minutes?

Clubwah says:

10:31pm | 07/10/09

I think you might have read a bit too much into that Tory. He was more bemused than shocked or upset, but he did have a point.
I don’t think it will actually be a scandal tomorrow - after all Hey Hey isn’t on the ABC.

Lee says:

10:36pm | 07/10/09

Nostalgia only gets you so far I suspect. Tuned in for a short time and it all seemed a lot harder than the first ‘reunion’.

Bec says:

10:41pm | 07/10/09

Can’t believe the producers of the show let this happen.
Australia, I quit.

d00bie says:

10:44pm | 07/10/09

i think daryl read your post… he just apologised…

Clubwah says:

10:46pm | 07/10/09

Okay maybe you have a point!

Alex says:

10:47pm | 07/10/09

I was over Hey Hey before it even started. I watched an hour of it last week and switched over to the ABC. Won’t bother with it this week.

Suchi2014 says:

10:49pm | 07/10/09

He was really shocked!! If he wouldn’t have gone on the show knowing about the skit then it was a shock for him. Inapropriate for 2009 !! Channel Nine should have thought about it more.

Grazerboy says:

10:50pm | 07/10/09

Get real folks… and get a sense of humour.

Janice says:

10:52pm | 07/10/09

well they just apologised on air to their major guest - major Fk UP- classic

wEMd says:

10:53pm | 07/10/09

What’s changed is that Australia is blindly following the USA and in doing some becoming so damn UPTIGHT that they can’t even laugh at something like that.

I want an apology from Harry for that appalling cover of the song he sang earlier.

Bob says:

10:55pm | 07/10/09

Grazerboy: why was the sketch funny?

@bbobrien says:

10:56pm | 07/10/09

It’s going to be big news tomorrow. I love that nobody beat you guys to The Punch.

Sarah says:

10:57pm | 07/10/09

Oh for god’s sake. It was satire! They showed the MJ guys 20 yrs ago and the MJ character was black… tonight he was white. Great work, I loved the skit. Oh that’s right, I forgot, we’re now a nation of softc0cks, when we say that a black person is black, we are being ‘racist,’ aren’t we?!?!?!!?!? *eye roll*

Daniel says:

10:57pm | 07/10/09

He quickly corrected himself, and Harry Connick did NOT say he wouldn’t have done the show.

He suggested that the sketch never would have happened.

It’s a shame that this incident is going to get the lion’s share of the attention.

Chris says:

10:58pm | 07/10/09

No

Battlecat says:

10:59pm | 07/10/09

out of touch with the times…isn’t that why they pulled this rubbish off in the first place?

Floyd says:

11:00pm | 07/10/09

It was in bad taste… but at least Daryl gave Harry the opportunity to speak his bit and apologised for it. That’s class.

Carl Joseph says:

11:01pm | 07/10/09

The segment was funny 20 years ago (and was also quite popular). You can almost excuse them thinking it would be a “nice” idea to bring them back into this reunion special.

I think the fact that they apologised for it live on air has a lot to say about the nature of Daryl, Harry, et. al. I’m happy that they recognised the potential for offence that act may cause and went out of their way to make what I believe was a sincere apology. Well done.

Paul says:

11:02pm | 07/10/09

Hmmm, while I can sort of see how he was offended, I also think people have become way too p-c. Why isn’t it sexist to dress up in Drag? Lighten up indeed. However, I can see this getting plenty of mileage tomorrow across newspapers, talkback and the old social media.

On a side note - show wasn’t as impressive tonight, might make the execs think twice. But personally, I hope it’s back. We need more Australian content desperately. No more crime shows thanks.

aj says:

11:02pm | 07/10/09

I really just think this was a bit of a faux pas, its something that was funny the first time and back then there wasn’t so much political correctness, micheal jackson was still alive and there wasn’t a well known american personality on the judging panel. I think the main problem was the boot licked faces, I could see how that could be taken as racially insensitive/offensive but I dont think there was any intention of this. My mum works with one of the guys who was in this skit and she said they were asked to come back so really if the egg is on anybodies face it would be the producers etc.

Steve says:

11:04pm | 07/10/09

How can a white person accurately portray the Jackson Five without wearing blackface?

krob24 says:

11:05pm | 07/10/09

I do understand completely how this could offend some people…. though personally, everyone should lighten up a bit. Was it intentionally meant to offend anyone? Of course not.
And this is why everyone in the world today has problems with each other.

Bec says:

11:07pm | 07/10/09

@ Sarah… We have black people in Australia too. Black face has a whole political connotation that is completely inappropriate anywhere. Is it okay to be racist as long as it is satire?
Would you find a “satirical” sketch about dying children funny? Oh yeah that’s right…THAT gets pulled off the air (conveniently forgetting it was the syrupy guilt tripping that was being satirised) But more racial intolerance is just SATIRE. I guess you’re into Holocaust jokes and ripping on teenagers who get raped too right?
Again, Australia, I quit.

John Robertson says:

11:09pm | 07/10/09

For Christ’s sake some Seppo is offended, who cares.
Robbo

Bruce says:

11:09pm | 07/10/09

Great show….much better than the american rubbish currently bombarding our television. Hopefully, the show will come back next year. As for Harry Connick, a storm in a tea cup. Until Harry made the point, I do not think anyone would have given a hoot. Political correctness gone mad again.

Grazerboy says:

11:10pm | 07/10/09

Bob. It’s called satire - taking off MJ, the glove, the change of shade, the 80s moves etc…  It wasn’t that funny I admit. Perhaps Daryl should apologise for that, however, he apologised for making a guest feel uncomfortable - fair enough. To feel we can’t touch these subjects, for we dare to derogate from the ‘social norms’ of the enlightened 21st Century, is pure falderal.
I stand by my original sentiment Bob. Get a sense of humour.

Simon says:

11:15pm | 07/10/09

I’m from the UK, just recently arrived in Melbourne, so I’ve got no background on ‘Hey Hey’, but from the moment the Jackson Jive guys came on I said to my Aussie flatmates, “That’s really not cool - that might’ve been funny 20 years ago, but that’s just racist now”.  I don’t think I’m particularly offended by non-PC stuff, but they crossed a line there because of the offence that the ‘Black and White Minstrel’ acts are viewed by all in hindsight (certainly in the UK).  Not surprised Harry Connick was taken aback and that they apologised at the end.  I think it soured what looked like a nice attempt at a comeback as my flatmates were clearly excited by a number of the ‘old favourite’ segments.

Daniel Lewis says:

11:20pm | 07/10/09

Call me a racist, but can we please get back to talking about Jo Beth Taylor’s dress?

Colleen says:

11:20pm | 07/10/09

Well, i enjoyed the show. It was overall a tame show. I can’t see how impersonating a black person looking like a black person can be offensive.I was keen to see all the moves and hear the music. Obviously the guys doing it are pretty dedicated to the Jacksons. They would have looked pretty stupid in their natural white state doing the same act- like kareoke at the local pub. After all they were there to win and entertain us. Black people are black, white are white. Its not a crime, just a fact of life, Noone said either is good or bad. Its a shame that the narrow-minded cant get past this. So the black, white, disabled, unemployed,sole parents, gays and any other “minority” group will continue to feel persecuted if looked at in the media,. Shame, we are not laughing at them, we are laughing with them because we are them,especially as far as far as comedy goes. But i’d love to hear and see anyone game enough to impersonate The Jacksons. Noone cares if Elvis is impersonated, and we still love it. Lighten up Harry and others, its not a racial issue but perhaps it’s still too soon after Michael Jackson’s death to impersonate him on national television. Remember these guys have been practicing his moves for 20 to 30 years (and donating their money to charity). they dont need the money, they just love The Jacksons, then and now.We have lots more to be concerned about.

Ashleigh says:

11:25pm | 07/10/09

I can smell a major scandal over the American media tomorrow when this segment will be picked up. It’ll make headlines, up in big bright lights for sure…

Channel 9 producers - what were you thinking? Not a smart way to get Hey Hey back on TV again. Shame

Stephen says:

11:29pm | 07/10/09

Close the door on your way out, Bec.

Gavin Macleod says:

11:31pm | 07/10/09

the show is great…the red faces act was fairly poor but i think that ignoring America (this is Aus people) it was a bit of fun. Good on Daryll for making it right at the end - I think and hope that the show will return in some format as aussie variety is dead and needs a breath of fresh air…cheerio!

Nk says:

11:33pm | 07/10/09

Bec… why don’t just leave aus then? And take your retarded comments with you. “Australia I quit”? You idiot.

Alison says:

11:33pm | 07/10/09

If we’re going down that path what about the guy last week who covered himself in Vegemite? He made himself black didn’t he?? It may’ve been vegemite and not shoe polish but he was black so what’s the difference? And regarding Red Faces not being funny - it’s hardly ever been funny. It’s the cringe factor, with a cringe worthy laugh. It’s rarely hilarious.

Josh says:

11:36pm | 07/10/09

Bec, I agree, couldn’t believe it at all, absolutely horrible, and why is not being racists, being politically correct? For if that line has blurred then I’m with Bec, I want out.

Dave says:

11:37pm | 07/10/09

The racism and ignorance even in these comments alone makes me sick.

Carol says:

11:41pm | 07/10/09

Of course it was offensive and you can bet your booties it is not Black people who are defending this parody.
The history of boot-polishing faces and making Black people out to be a parody of stupidity and laughter goes back a long way and rides on the tail of the N-word era.
I’m not surprised that people think it is okay to put the boot polish back on and drag the patronising stereotype of the Black person - you’ve only got to listen in to conversations in pubs to hear how deeply ingrained the ‘just joking’ culture of racist jokes is in this ‘country’.

So what if these guys donates their money to charity, let’s see how well received it would be if the dollars were made from taking the pi** out of a disabled child or some other minority group.
Well spoken Harry.

Harry says:

11:44pm | 07/10/09

Damn it people, Black and White Minstrels originated as racist caricatures. It is offensive. Just because most Australian’s have little interaction with people who are normally considered, for want of a better word without descending into PC madness, black, except through the media doesn’t mean that people, of all colours, are not offended by it. There is only one context, one of no respect.

Homo Universalis says:

11:44pm | 07/10/09

Thanks to the timely nature of this story I am able to record this train wreck over here in the west. It’s gone from a show I couldn’t be paid to watch to something I can’t miss. Well, at least that part.

I may even be the first one to upload it on you tube. (Of course, I would never do such a thing. Copyright infringement is wrong and may be actionable.)

Somehow I don’t think Harry is going to avoid it being discussed in the US. If I don’t upload it, someone else will. Who knows? Maybe Daryl and Co. will make it onto the mainstream US media.

With the excitement of the Indian press and their accusations of institutionalized Australian racism, combined with the indignation of the Reverend Al Sharpton when he sees this clip, we may be getting a reputation ... again ..

Jerome says:

11:45pm | 07/10/09

of course this will be a major scandal in the morning.

the lead singer had his face painted white. so i guess he was being racist as well, towards anglos. or is it only possible to be racist towards blacks. i lose track these days.

J says:

11:47pm | 07/10/09

It was extremely racist… I can’t believe that they did it - I am so embarrassed to be an Australian. But this isn’t the first time Australians have been racist, is it? God I just hope the worldwide media doesn’t get hold of it! It was shocking and awful and in extremely bad taste - shame on you hey hey!

Chris says:

11:53pm | 07/10/09

What a disgrace. Are the people in Hey Hey stuck in the shameful White Australia days where minorities are easy game? Not Today Hey Hey.  You should apologise to the African community for that. Only a hardened racist wouldn’t be able to see how offensive that skit about the Jacksons was.  Those idiots who did the skit (and who were medical “professionals”) should be named and shamed. Good on Harry Connick for speaking out about it. I was a huge fan but don’t care if Hey Hey ever comes back now.

Daryl Carroll says:

11:56pm | 07/10/09

Black-face may be considered controversial…but is this just to draw attention away from the real controversy of the night …Black-wig ? word-up Jackie !

roscoe says:

12:02am | 08/10/09

it wasn’t just offensive tonight…..it was offensive 20 years ago too, its just that Australia is such an inherently racist backwater that no-one seemed to notice (or care).

cozy says:

12:03am | 08/10/09

Oh please.  get a life harry,  if they were sending up greeks in their traditional costume would that be racist.  How about chinese and a dragon costume.  harry you need to go back to the states and take your politically correct views with you. 

Peds says:

12:04am | 08/10/09

People need to get a grip… Most jokes are funny because they take the piss.. Irish jokes, slapstick, Paris Hilton jokes.. A simple skit which wasn’t funny.. Performed by well educated people who clearly admire MJ is being taken completely out of context… on any other day without Harry as a judge nobody would have even noticed… Get a grip the world has much bigger problems for us to worry about…

feline says:

12:11am | 08/10/09

Pity they invited Harry on or nowt woulda been said

Linda says:

12:12am | 08/10/09

I watched this tonight with about 10 friends from uni, 2 of which were African girls from Sudan and Kenya. They were interested to watch Hey Hey because of us talking about watching it as kids.

Well there was a very embarrassing silence when that skit came on apart from one guy who was laughing till he realized no one else was. I thought one of the girls was going to cry, seriously. After they left the rest of us were split into two camps. Those of us who thought it was disgraceful and racist, and those who thought it was old-fashioned but not really racist.

But one thing we all agreed on was the effect it had on the 2 African girls meant it should never have been shown. It was so embarrassing.I don’t know how many ppl on here go to uni, but there are a lot of African students nowday and it’s going to be weird seeing them tomorrow.

Daryl Carroll says:

12:13am | 08/10/09

...so white guys/girls should not imitate black people/performers (such as the Jacksons) to any degree ? Can we sing the lyrics ? (attempt to) Dance the moves ? Wear the clothes ? The sunglasses and glove ? The afro hairstyle/image they all chose ? Appear like them in every way… but not the colour of their skin…because they might be offended what ?...that you noticed ?...that it is part of who they are as performers and public figures ? Imitating the Jacksons without wigs or blackface surely would be far more of a pointed insult to their heritage. Harry Connick insulted Billy Joel by doing “Just the way you are” in white-face.

Josh says:

12:14am | 08/10/09

I’m with Bec. I was shocked from the moment it came on. Wearing that make-up is completely innapropriate because it mimics comedic acts from the days where the purpose was to make fun of black people as a race.

I get that they didn’t mean it in that way this time, and I feel really sorry for these guys now, but unfortunately the intention behind the joke really isn’t going to matter when it reminds people of times when black people were oppressed.

This is not going to bode well internationally.

Kaz says:

12:19am | 08/10/09

Australian people…Lighten Up (or is that too offensive or politically incorrect?) Can someone please be sure to let all those female impersonators to leave the country and not to grace themselves on my television set as I find it just too offensive.
Some people are so anal.

Pete says:

12:23am | 08/10/09

As a WASP, I am shocked and offended by that guy in pancake make-up.  Methinks sufferers of Vitiligo would also be deeply offended by this poor representation of the pigment challenged.  And what nerve Harry Connick Jr has to stand up there and only highlight the issue of discrimination against black people, not even slightly bewildered by the hurtful attack (disguised as humour) on pale faces.  Shame.

C says:

12:23am | 08/10/09

The ignorance about the humiliation black people have suffered in the past is unbelievable. Blackface performers stereotyped black people and were responsible for spreading a lot of evil, racist ideas and attitudes about them. It was something that was meant to put blacks down and only racists found it funny. Hey Hey allowed itself to be part of that. What a shame.

Debbie says:

12:25am | 08/10/09

I agree with Ped…..if the world was NOT so politically correct, we would all be the same as no attention would single out any particular group, race or creed…the world would be a much happier place. The skit was NOT derogatory to Afrian American’s….it was simply a sketch based on a world famous group…if anything, it’s complimentary to imitate in good humour. If anyone found it offensive, they probably have racial insecurity problems themselves!

Kevin says:

12:25am | 08/10/09

The kids at school last term dressed up as Aboriginies at a school play.
Does that mean they get detention this term?. Better not let them do a play on the President of the United States. That would get them into Barwon Prison.

Kaz says:

12:25am | 08/10/09

well said Daryl, Ped and Cosy.

George says:

12:25am | 08/10/09

Hi Tory,

Just wanted to mention a story from earlier this week about Harry Connick Jnr having a go at HUGH JACKMAN for telling the dude in the audience to answer is mobile phone last week while on Broadway. Does Harry have something against Aussies at the moment? Harry that’s crap - you’d just get peed off and tell the media later and denounce the bloke, some star. And to think a bunch of blokes wearing black paint on their faces can be considered racist. Your just covering your but. It would be great fun to have seen Kevin Bloody Wilson on the same show with Harry Connick. Thing about KB Wilson is he can get away with it because he’s an Aussie and has more black friends than white. Maybe Harry needs to check out the Australian way and understand what it is like out west, we don’t have a racial problem until those PC wankers from the city/America come to town. Harry was a good bloke in my eyes until he started peddling this crap. Go HOME. Food for thought - (I hate BUSH by the way) but would Bush have got away with calling Kanye West a jack ass as fast as it went away for Barrack Obama? God help everyone in Australia cause your all gonna stuff it up if you don’t loosen up.

Matt says:

12:27am | 08/10/09

To anybody who considers the sketch pc gone made or simply satire you’re clearly ignorant of just what black face is and the historical and cultural
implications therein. Go wiki blackface and you’ll find this is neither taking the piss nor merely White men painting their faces it holds much greater underlying racist connotations that clearly the average aussie could neither care about or even be aware of.

Meho says:

12:28am | 08/10/09

The vegemite kid lathered it on his face.  I guess we should’ve been up in arms about that…

In seriousness.  It wasn’t meant to be offensive.  It was merely part of their costume.  They were white and they needed to be black to be the Jackson Five members.  I understand why people would be offended.  But really, there are much more important things to be getting upset about.  Maybe if they had done it intentionally trying to offend there would be just cause.  But there was no malicious intent involved anywhere in that skit.

I say bravo to Daryl.  He handled it well apologising to Harry.  Harry however could’ve accepted it in good grace, made a little explanation for those who didn’t understand the situation and left it at that.  There was no need to be in such a huff and say he wouldn’t have been on the show if he had know the skit would be on.  It sounded petty to me.  Yes I realise it is a somewhat serious matter, but a comment like that could’ve been left for a time when the cameras were no longer rolling.  I believe should he have done that, then the situation would have been defused.  Daryl said sorry.  Good on him!

jamesk says:

12:29am | 08/10/09

ha ha…this country’s hilarious!... Australia has a lot of catching up to do.

DJRTMUM says:

12:30am | 08/10/09

Loved the show, yes 2 mins of the show was bad taste, but the other 2 hours and 58 mins was great and fun.  Seriously it was such a small section, I agreed it was not a good moment but sorrys were made.  Leave it be

johno says:

12:30am | 08/10/09

lighten up it was not that bad ....geez

Jordan says:

12:31am | 08/10/09

I think that if they had used brown makeup instead of boot polish, it wouldn’t have been as bad… but then I’m not black.

To all the people saying it’s racist, that would depend on your definition. Is something racist when it’s intended to deride a race or when a race takes offence? or both?

I don’t think the act was meant to parody African Americans as a race. And if we have to consider anything that offends or makes uncomfortable wouldn’t that cover a lot of other things that aren’t currently considered racist?

I think it was in bad taste, but only because they performers were unaware they were offensive.

I am personally offended by a lot of rappers, both as people and performers. That doesn’t make them racist. or maybe it does?

roscoe says:

12:34am | 08/10/09

Um…dudes, hasnt anyone made the link here??? Black face/minstrel parody is a well known form of racism , not just some haha funny joke. Australia never ceases to amaze me with its ignorance, particularly when it comes to topics like this one. its not cause they were “impersonating” the jackson 5. If harry wasnt on the show people still would have “noticed”.
education is obviously required…look it up people…

Doug says:

12:37am | 08/10/09

Spot on Sarah @10:57.  Bec @ 11:07 ‘Black face has a whole political connotation that is completely inappropriate anywhere’.. according to who? Oh that’s right, you over-the-top do-gooders?  If you are trying to impersonate a black person, I cannot think of a better way.  And how is impersonating them ‘racist’. If they were trying to insinuate they shoot and rob people, that would be racist, but they were merely trying to look like them…..

Does Dave Chappell get labelled racist when he paints his face white?

I am glad the majority of people here are agreeing.  Although personally, I thought the MJ skit was absolutely annoyingly stupid…. why go to all the effort to prove what exactly?  Did they actually think they were funny?  What was the actual punch line - that MJ’s face was white? wow!  Idiots…

Alicia says:

12:37am | 08/10/09

Linda - it’s going to be weird for you to see African people tomorrow? Puh-lease. It’s not like you personally got up there painted your own face black. I don’t understand people being embarrassed by the actions of people they don’t know on TV. I couldn’t care less if an American thinks poorly of Australia because I had nothing to do with the skit.

I actually feel sorry for the performers, their skit went without trouble 20 years ago and they were asked to come back. They probably weren’t expecting this to happen, the producers should take any blame.

I understand that blackface was a very offensive thing in America but seriously, they weren’t out to hurt anyone. Why is it not acceptable for a white person to imitate a black person, but it’s the other way around it seems to be ok?

Anyway, I watched most of the show tonight and didn’t find it very entertaining, I was actually trying to find something to laugh at and trying to remember why I liked it so much as a kid.

Sam says:

12:39am | 08/10/09

I know I was a bit dumbfounded when I saw the skit and you could tell from watching that Harry Connick was too. Times have changed. America has its first black president in Barack Obama and the world recently lost one of it’s greatest entertainers with Michael Jacksons death. What was funny 20 years ago isn’t necessarily appropriate today.

Pete says:

12:39am | 08/10/09

I’m primarily annoyed that they decided to go with that act when they already knocked back my perfectly hilarious ‘Flied Lice’ sketch.  There’s no craftsmanship in blackface—it’s just boot polish.  Try sticky taping the corners of your eyes up for ten minutes.  And you think you can just go on eBay for a Fu Manchu outfit?  Think again.  But the one thing I think we can all agree on in this episode is that it will be great when the aliens get here, because then we’ll all have someone to rag on, no matter the colour of our skin.  Even the Mexicans.

Matt says:

12:43am | 08/10/09

Im sure saying this won’t make any further difference to those defending the skit but here we go. Blackface irrespective of whatever perceived intent or necessity to impersonate the jacksons is symbolically offensive to alot of people just the image itself has a mountain of negativity attached to it in the same way a swastika or other such symbol would. By just putting that on television the symbol itself despite the context is offensive and has no place on tv.

cozy says:

12:44am | 08/10/09

Some people are just not proud of their heritage and it shows.

It all boils down to if your not proud of who you are or where you came from you find everything offensive.  This is australia fella’s,  not america.  Get a life HARRY and take your views with you buddy. 
And boils down to to many Aussies with their heads so far up themselves they believe anything that’s funny is wrong.  “how dare we”

Signed,  One second generation Greek aussie with a sense of humour!

mark says:

12:47am | 08/10/09

hey hey it saturday ,is the best show around ,welcome back daryl.

DavidG says:

12:47am | 08/10/09

I have worked with indigenous people, and there is one rule - no matter how well you think you know your workmates, and no matter how they might joke with others, including me, about their own race or identity - never ever ever think for one moment you can say the same things back. Even traveling to remote parts of Australia I have found that it is important to listen and learn - and keep your trap shut unless invited to speak or get involved. There are two extremes - racism and the ‘enlightened liberals’ who believe they are the opposite, when in fact they are almost as bad through being extremely patronizing to people of non caucasian origin.

This blog seems to reflect this a bit, but the truth remains that Hey hey its Saturday started its downward spiral in 1985, and it has kept sliding. A bit like tonight’s show which opened with Jessica Mauboy and then gradually descended into a mess.  I noticed Molly left early - maybe he knew something was about to go wrong. Tonight’s two minutes of damage was embarrassing in the extreme and I agree with the prevailing view that it will be big news on Thursday morning for all the wrong reasons.

Let go of racism says:

12:48am | 08/10/09

Taking a stand against racism is not about being PC, it’s about decency.  Australia is already getting a reputation as a racist country around the world because we are not loud enough against racism. This show didn’t help it one bit.

James says:

12:51am | 08/10/09

Yes Matt.  They were just being racist.  YOU IDIOT.

Welcome to the 21st century.  It’s a lovely place.  Except there’s no spontaneous humour anymore.  It all has to be checked by Matt and the rest of the PC idiots.

Go dictionary “stupid” Matt.  How do you like them connotations?  Care and be aware, numb nuts…

Clair says:

12:51am | 08/10/09

Link to YouTube or the like please!

Coralie Davies says:

12:52am | 08/10/09

Oh Harry should get over it. The skit was a parody taking off the Jackson Five, not black people in general. Saturday Night Live in America has a long history of white actors performing in black face (but they’re professional and that’s okay?) and let’s not forget Robert Downey Jr in Tropic Thunder. Now that’s irony for you; An American playing an Australian playing a black person in black face and Harry gets his knickers in a twist over a Red Faces skit? Get over it. Grow up and Go home.

Bob says:

12:53am | 08/10/09

Grazerboy: no, that wasn’t satire. I think you mean parody.

One thing you and I (and most people) here agree on: the skit wasn’t funny. So not sure how having a sense of humour would help.

Pete, at 12:39am however is v funny.

Colleen says:

12:55am | 08/10/09

Was it supposed to be funny? Was the bike boy funny? Did it offend people recently affected by fires in Victoria? Was it a safe stunt to be showing on television? What if the children watched it? Maybe they will become fire bugs or ride bikes with no helmuts indoors. Enough said.

mr k says:

12:55am | 08/10/09

Wasnt Robert Downey Jr nominated for an oscar for going “blackface” in tropic thunder?

Bee says:

12:58am | 08/10/09

seriously..  who see’s colour now days really people!! gosh! you know the american president Barack… i cant care what colour he is.. he could be purple for all i care.  i liked him. these guys doing a skit i laughed! i love MJ.. and i didnt “see” the racism!! oh by the way has anyone seen “White Chicks” the movie.. ... was that offencive?? move on people we dont live in the past.. and it had nothing to do with white people dressing up as black.. have you seen michaels brothers… ?? get a grip people!! this is austalia!! the most multicultural place in the world! we are all the same.  those who are making a big deal outta this you need to look at your views..

roscoe says:

12:59am | 08/10/09

your right matt, it wont make any difference, Australia will remain to be the racist ignorant backwater that we desperately claim not to be. its just these “kill joy pc do gooders” that keep wrecking the fun. God forbid there may actually be REASONS for people to get offended!

DaveB says:

01:02am | 08/10/09

@Bec, I understand how you could feel that way, but don’t sweat those who don’t see what’s wrong with it.

They are either ignorant about the racist connotations of blackface through youth, lack of education, or lack of exposure to other cultures. Or, they know what blackface connotes and think it’s funny to mock blacks in this way, ie. racists. Instead of getting angry you can attempt to educate the ignorant, and ignore the racists. You’ll find the latter morons in every society.

It’s just the way it is. The ignorant are those who got their knickers in a twist when the Chaser featured dying kids in a skit, but won’t be able to see how this skit is offensive.

Anyway, are you seriously suprised the same network that makes money from Sam Newman’s antics doesn’t have the sensitivity to stop this kind of stuff going to air?

Matt says:

01:04am | 08/10/09

Lol at bee. Yeah multicultural Australia, hold a referendum on immigration next week and see how much we love diversity

Pete says:

01:10am | 08/10/09

I’m not racist.  I’m no placard waving hippie uni student either.  I’m all for equal rights.  As an employer, I wouldn’t discount anybody for a job based on race, gender or sexuality.  Equality is equality, but white guilt has gotten out of hand.  Who you are today and who you will be in the future has nothing to do with where you came from or the relatives that came before you.

I’m sick to death of walking on eggshells and having apologies offered in my name for something I never did, served up to people who never personally had it happen to them.  The only people who have no opportunities these days are the ones who do not want it.  When does it stop?  Where was the backlash when the Wayans did pancake face in ‘White Chicks’?

And before you all get riled up, consider this; without racial stereotypes in the entertainment industry, we would not have had two Oscar calibre performances from Fisher Stevens, playing an Indian man in Short Circuit and Short Circuit 2.  Think about THAT when you go to bed tonight.

Jade says:

01:20am | 08/10/09

Bec get of your head out of the clouds !!! Helllo putting black or white face paint on is not racists!!!  Why can we no longer comfortably call a black man ” a black man” Last time I looked the jackson 5 were black and this act was a tribute to them ! Black or white or whatever colour satire has been used by all races to have a laugh!
Is it also racists to say white man can’t jump !  PC has gone way to far people and this particular incident is by no means comparable to dying black children or ripping on teenagers that have been raped ! how dare you !!!

Linda says:

01:20am | 08/10/09

Alicia - I am only relating how I feel. You may feel differently. I know how the African girls felt about it even if I didn’t realize what was so wrong with it until my friend mentioned “blackface” and I started googling it.

As for you not understanding how people can be “embarrassed by the actions of people they don’t know on TV.” I mix with a lot of international students due to organizations I belong to so maybe I’m more sensitive to it than you. Television isn’t a direct mirror of society, but to new arrivals it can give some sort of a feel for the prevailing culture.

I want the international students I know to think of Australia the way I think of it - as an inclusive, tolerant, outwardly-looking and progressive nation. I don’t do this because I hate Australia, but because I love it.

  I understand that Hey Hey it’s Saturday is probably not the best example of that aspect of Australia though.

Jordan says:

01:20am | 08/10/09

I think it was more insensitive and offensive more than racist. It is insensitive because of the racist history of “blackface” but there was no intent by to performers to demean african americans like the original blackface performances.

It shouldn’t have been on, I don’t see how they could predict what will offend who…

Reality check for Australia says:

01:27am | 08/10/09

Dear Matt.
Australia became multicultural when white people set foot on Aboriginal land.
Now you can’t really complain when other ethnicities want to do it too. That would be really hypocritical. Multiculturalism -it’s the Australian way, Matt.

Matt says:

01:28am | 08/10/09

No need to read history books if you want to see what the world was like in the 50’s. Just turn on channel 9.

Jade says:

01:29am | 08/10/09

Your the one that needs educating Dave !!!!  Painting your bloody face black and imitating your favorite band is purely innocent and I think those that have an issue with this are the actual people that have a problem with people different from themself!!! Please enlighten us all on what you think a black face “connotes”???

Prabs says:

01:32am | 08/10/09

It isn’t rude, the same thing was done earlier in a less tasteful manner and won.. so what gives? It wasn’t even insulting them, was a somewhat ok tribute.

I’m ‘black’ and I have no problem with them and feel they should’ve won again! Harry Connick Jr should learn to not ruin the night with his sob story. “Speak as an American”... go have a hamburger and leave us alone

Coralie Davies says:

01:45am | 08/10/09

@Bec,

So where ya gonna go Honey? To America? Hope you get used to their humour.  Blackface is still used as a comedy device in Saturday Night Live for example. Lived in the States for 6 years until recently and used to see it on TV a lot. Please quit Australia and go pontificate over there along with Harry Connick Jr. Wonder if he’ll threaten to never go on SNL again unless they stop their blackface routines? Nope, don’t think so.

Sam says:

01:45am | 08/10/09

Well said Matt @ 01:04am. While Australia is a multicultural country, people are kidding themselves if they don’t believe racism is alive and well here.

It’s probably also worth mentioning that Harry Connick was born and raised in New Orleans, one of the many cities in the south that was well known for slavery and the poor treatment of negros. If I came from that kind of background I’d probably be offended too.

Sean says:

01:46am | 08/10/09

Well it’s on YouTube now,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmaF7Pys7OI

DaveB says:

01:56am | 08/10/09

heh, Coralie Davis and mr k both mention Robert Downey junior’s portrayal of a white man in blackface. It seems you miss part of the joke; he plays an Australian white man in blackface. The joke is that an Australian would have both the cultural insensitivity and naivety (the less generous might say the “racism” and “stupidity”) to seriously wear blackface in this day and age.

The joke is on Australians (and method actors), not blacks haha.

Cantankerist says:

01:57am | 08/10/09

There are a lot of people on here who, as mentioned previously, either (a) don’t understand the implications of blackface, (b) are wilfully ignorant of those implications or (c) are perfectly aware and embrace it anyway. (c) is just flat-out racism, plain and simple. (b) should indicate that you should maybe do some research before banging on about ‘political correctness gone mad’ - “The Black And White Minstrel Show” was pulled off television in the 1970s, not this week.

For those in camp (a), please understand: blackface is NOT like female impersonation or many of the other ‘comparisons’ made here. Imagine that there had been a history of female impersonation in this country with an agenda of suggesting that (i) women were simple, (ii) women were unable to look after themselves, (iii) women were alcoholics and spendthrifts, (iv) women were easy… you get the picture, it would have been rampantly misogynist and any revival of it would be most unwelcome. And imagine that this old agenda had been the *mainstream* of female impersonation.

Now transfer that across to a racist framework, in a country with a pretty appalling record on race in many respects. Understand that someone painting their face white is not an ‘equivalent’, it’s not ‘tit for tat’ - or was there an 80-year-long campaign of stereotyping, offensiveness and ridicule against white people staged by black people in ‘whiteface’ presented for a predominantly and aggressively black majority population here? Must have missed it.

In the light of this stuff, saying you don’t see what’s wrong with ‘blackface’ in 2009 *boggles the freaking mind*. In its most prevalent form, blackface was almost the equivalent of an Aryan donning a big nose and doing an adorable “look at the miserly evil Jew” routine. Folks quoting Downey’s performance in ‘Tropic Thunder’ as if it was meant to be legitimate blackface should take another look at that performance, which is all about the inappropriateness of that character’s use of blackface, and the conflict between him and an *actual* black person. And the performance had to be as well-realised as Downey’s even to pull *that* off.

Call me crazy, but I don’t think Hey Hey’s appropriation of such conflict was quite as nuanced. It belonged in the “no, but we’ll do WHITEFACE too, so it’s even and nobody can complain!” - again, an utter misread of the implications and history of blackface. Red Faces contestants might not be expected to be across this stuff; Hey Hey producers sure should be.

Grant\\ says:

01:58am | 08/10/09

I don’t say this to boast or to be a bighead, but I earn over $250k per year, have 5 children and all of the associated costs of schooling, entertainment,  nutrition / sport / travel etc so I think I would be someone that networks would like to view their programs in terms of advertisers.  Let me say that I loved the last two Hey Hey shows, let me repeat that, ABSOLUTELY loved it and so did my family.  If you didn’t, fantastic, watch something else, no one holds a gun to yuor head saying you must watch channel 9 when daryl is on.  But please leave those alone who want to watch Daryl, Jackie, Red, Wilbur etc.  As far as the skit with the Jackson Jive, they were ordinary red faces contestants and to be totaly honest I had no idea of the possible damage this segment may have done until Harry C raised it in his segment.  when I heard what he had to say I agreed that it could have been construed this way and I am sure every decent aussie would have said, yep, sorry mate, no harm intended, we won’t do it again.  to make any more of this than that is just pure speculation trying to generate a headline.  15 minutes later no one remembers, please grow up and report the truth, don’t be a London tabloid or we will next be reading about Daryl landing on Mars and broadcasting live from there!!!!

If you hate Hey Hey, fine, watch something else or read a book but please leave those alone who do enjoy this form of entertainment, we are not hurting anyone, just having a laugh.

Luke says:

02:04am | 08/10/09

does this mean the vegemite kid from last week is racist as well??

Sean says:

02:14am | 08/10/09

Can’t believe people can be so sensitive over this.  It was a tribute to Michael Jackson for christ sake it wasn’t making black people into buffoons.  I wouldn’t take any offence if it was a black man wearing white face paint making a tribute to Patrick Swayze.

Bee says:

02:14am | 08/10/09

well i do…  i have friends of ever nationaliaty…

Raju says:

02:15am | 08/10/09

To those people who are defending the skit, has anyone ever ridiculed you? Has anyone ever made a laughing stock of you by putting you down for the way you look, your weight etc?  That is what the “Joke” was. It was mocking Black people for being black. That seemed to be the main point to their skit. They painted themselves black and behaved like clowns to deliberately belittle black people for the entertainment of White people.  I can sit with my skinny friends and make fat jokes all I like because I’m skinny. Would it be acceptable for me to do so in front of overweight people?  To televise that skit was at best, grossly insensitive. To insult their American guest was really unprofessional. I would like to see the return of this favourite show of mine, but clearly they need to lift their game. I hope this faux pas made them realise that most Australians have moved on from such insular attitudes.

James says:

02:15am | 08/10/09

Those saying rubbish about Australia being a racist back water need to take a look outside and pull your head out.

Racism occurs all over the world and as far as I’m concerned it is no more accepted or prevalent in Australia than it is in most other ‘multicultural’ countries that allow freedom of speech.

Inappropriate rubbish should be unacceptable everywhere.

Unfortunately black face painting to impersonate black people on TV is hardly rare.

Remember Sam Newman impersonating Nicky Winmar on The Footy Show?

Or the Turkish TV presenter who painted his face black to look like Obama?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/08/turkish-anchor-reports-on_n_184613.html

I don’t believe there was any malice in any of these cases, but they do cause great offense to some, and to broadcast them shows insensitivity on the part of the producers - especially Channel Nine - after the controversy that the Sam Newman impersonation caused, they should’ve learnt from it.

Cath W says:

02:23am | 08/10/09

Black skin is beautiful, I think the real problem is that trying to imitate it never quite comes off and it looks a shocker.  No one wants to be associated with the character that looks crap, and they did, and would have, unless they had a hollywood makeup team.  It’s just a visual trait and wasn’t being used to try and make people think negatively of all black people. I understand the negative history, but it’s not a symbol, it’s skin.  We all need to move on and see it as another beautiful human covering and leave the baggage behind now.

Rob says:

02:24am | 08/10/09

Get a grip! Political correctness gone berserk… comedy is comedy is comedy…..to me the satire is even more hilarious when people become morally outraged, indignant and violently offended…. i mean some guy rang up 3aw last week who was horrified the Amazing Jonathon belted some baby doll! This guy prob watches 5 hours of crime shows a week, with mutilated bodies littering each episode whilst his teenage son plays Grand Theft Auto in his bedroom… The repartee between the Hey Hey cast is a delight and there were plenty of hysterical moments tonight - as there was last week. Ozzie took ten or so min to warm up but was firing a few zingers as the night rolled on. Denise Drysdale, who was only given a few minutes in a late segment, showed why she is one the most naturally funniest live performers this country has produced. And finally kudos to John Blackman who linked everything beautifully, firing off one liners every few minutes is something very few are capable… just a fantastic show. If its the last i’m well satisfied. Three cheers for a magic show!!

danielle taylor says:

02:27am | 08/10/09

hellooo anyone remember al jolson? everyone is too pc these days its getting boring.i love hey hey

Muggaz says:

02:30am | 08/10/09

I am not even going to weigh into the racism debate - it’s stupid and the world has gone PC mad.

What I am going to comment on is the fact that some of you are so delusional that you think people in the states will care about some backwater country like Australia’s terestrial TV stations, and what may have happened on it - get a grip, this isn’t worth a soundbyte in the USA.

Davey jones says:

02:33am | 08/10/09

the act was on 20 years ago no one said nothing then so why start now .. would it be any different if a black man done that about white people i think not it was just a act on the show yes it might have been in bad taste but now way can you blame channel 9 nor Daryl . the return of the show was a great sucess and i do hope it returns for good

Jason says:

02:45am | 08/10/09

Oh get a life and liven up you painful catbum face killjoys! 
LET ME LAY IT OUT FOR YOU SIMPLY.  Firstly; The show was fun, I still have a smile on my face - didn’t know how much I missed seeing it until the last two weeks and was never a die hard fan. Thanks HeyHey and Jackie it was great you came back.  NOW, the “incident” - I didn’t even think anything of it again until Daryl handled it perfectly by inviting Harry to explain.  Not that most of us needed to have it explained - but given that he is American, a friend of Hey Hey and THIS WAS LIVE TELEVISION it was the right thing to do.  No big deal - he’s cool, and we’re all cool.  We don’t share the same sensitivities as all other countries and nor should we!  We don’t take ouselves too seriously and while respecting other people WE STILL LIKE TO POKE FUN AT OURSELVES and others.  If you want and need everything dumbed down, controlled and censored then move to Iran and leave us 2 million or so others to have a laugh.   Now for the more important issue - when is channel nine going to    listen to us all and bring this fantastic show  back.  Chook Lotto was such a laugh and Plucka as usual was a hoot - I don’t even know why I love this show but that I guess is part of it’s magic.
   

Mick says:

02:49am | 08/10/09

It seems to me that people try to read more into this incident than should be. I have some great friends who are Aboriginal and they thought the show great and they laughed at the sketch as it should have been taken.
They didn’t view it as a racial thing but more of a take off of the Jackson Five & Michael Jackson with a parody of their original moves etc.
If my good friends can view all this as it should be taken then why can’t we.
I think many people need to build a bridge and invite themselves and Harry to climb over it.

Rohan says:

02:53am | 08/10/09

Not trying to excuse what happened, but if it were “white” guys doing “white” guys would the same ruckus have occured?  Kind of strange, but I’ve seen black comedians doing similar stuff about blacks and even white, just don’t be white and do the same thing ... or you’ll be labelled a rascist.

Anyway, I’ve been living in Japan for quite a few years now and you should see the stuff they do about “white” people.  I wonder if people back home saw that, what would happen?

Lux says:

02:55am | 08/10/09

Hey Hey was always out of touch so it’s no surprise they let that group go to air, and almost humourous to watch the show fall flat on its face. An on air apology and their guest announcing he wouldn’t have appeared had he known? I hope their faces are red because watching their failure would have been the most entertaining the show has ever been.

Robbie Deans says:

03:01am | 08/10/09

Good evening, firstly as a black man I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people in this blog for defending my rights as a black person however I was not offended in any way in fact the only people who seem to be getting upset about this is “white people”. 10 years ago non of you would have said a word about this so why now? 10 years ago most of you maybe could have had a good laugh at this, I sure did. Stop thinking that we want you stop having a laugh at our expense because we are sure getting a good laugh out of you, and I’m also a good fan of the chaser on the ABC and they have taken the micky out of almost ever race and creed on the planet, so what!. Bec & Josh if you want to leave this great nation by all means go ahead because the problem is we have to many up-tight buggers like you here stuffing things up. Calm down Australia and laugh with the world stop trying to make it perfect, your making it worse.

Andrew jorgonson says:

03:09am | 08/10/09

And did Harry Connick boycott the recent Hollywood blockbuster movie Tropic Thunder because Robert Downey Jnr painted his face black and talked in his best Uncle Tom accent to portray an African American..

OR DID HE GO ALONG TO THE PREMIERE AND LAUGH HIS ARSE OFF WITH EVERYONE ELSE

The hypocrisy is pathetic

Cate says:

03:18am | 08/10/09

Is America really going to care?
Aust is no more racist than anywhere else in the world.
Everyone take a big breath and relax, as no offence was intended.

Ken says:

03:23am | 08/10/09

I liked the blackface routine, I thought it was well done. Harry Connick is a minstrel himself, he needs to go home. He put a downer on the whole show.

Al Jorgon says:

03:24am | 08/10/09

The American public were so outraged over Robert Downey’s blackface routine he was given an Academy award nomination.

Brett says:

03:49am | 08/10/09

I wish for once I could jump on the “I WAS OFFENDED!!” bandwagon.

I feel like I’m missing out. Maybe I’m just too chilled out….

susan says:

04:03am | 08/10/09

Maybe for Harry’s sake the Jackson Jive could have been all green. Soooo bored with these American “personalities” who simply do not know what the word irony or satire means. Jeez they’re thick. Most interviews with them are like grinding through cement. Particularly the “funny” ones. Could Harry perhaps look at Saturday Night Live at some stage and see the same thing? Perhaps that Robert Downey movie recently. Will he get huffy and puffy re these? Pathetic.

Steve T says:

04:36am | 08/10/09

This is absolutely disgusting. I am very fond of Australia and many Australians but I am very much NOT a fan of your casual racism, which seeps into everything.  These people should never work on TV again. Let us out here in the real world know when Australia is ready to join the 21st century. This wasn’t funny twenty years ago and it isn’t funny now.

Aussie says:

04:52am | 08/10/09

Harry Connick Jr shouldn’t had been on the show, if he thought that was a racist skit. He gives proof a typical American Stereo Type that everything has to be Racist in manor. Go Back to America Harry and get a sense of humor.

Matt says:

04:53am | 08/10/09

So… Who, then, finds Little Britain offensive?  I’m in a wheelchair because of an accident that wasn’t my fault.  I hate that people like me are parodied in that way.  Can I now expect all of you offended by the blackface to speak out against Little Britain & the ABC?  Or do you all find that “funny”?  I certainly don’t.

Liam says:

05:12am | 08/10/09

Australia is endemically racist.  It’s no surprise to me that Australians don’t even recognise that blacking your face up is racist.  There was absolutely no element of humour or comedy.  Someone should be fired for this incredibly stupid stunt.

Josh says:

06:37am | 08/10/09

Americans are just far too pretentious and precious. When are they ever going to learn to laugh at themselves? I thought it was very funny. Harry Connick Jr is a goose

Jen says:

06:47am | 08/10/09

What a gay comment Liam…You didn’t see a big bloody to-do when 2 black fellas from America dress up as “White Chicks” in the movie so named did you?  No…friggin Hollywood can spend millions on dressing up blacks to look white and no one gives a stuff.  Pull your head in.

Megan says:

06:53am | 08/10/09

Well, I found it amusing.  To me, what was more demeaning to black people was a WHITE man presuming to say what they find offensive. 

It’s white people presuming to do what is “best” for those they consider “inferior” that has caused some of the worst racism throughout the world.

Jack says:

06:56am | 08/10/09

Talk about ‘two faced’ Yanks…wasn’t the much revered Al Jolson a white man who painted his face black?...or in modern times has his memory been condemmed through political correctness..

Seventhgen Anglo Celt says:

07:00am | 08/10/09

Let me say I was well over Hey Hey when it finally left our screens.  Part of the reason for this was that a feature of that show always had a disconcerting element of thoughtlessness and lack of wit - especially the Red Faces bit ( i do not find watching people humiliate themselves to be funny)
But last night, I know for a fact that my family, who are made up of Anglo Australians, indigenous Australians and also Pacific island nationals were enthusiastically watching the program.
I cannot imagine what they would have been thinking when this “blackface” item appeared. 
It seems to me time and time over that my fellow Australians say and do very hurtful things when it comes to people who are indigenous or non Anglo Celtic.  And if one should be so brave as to challenge these thoughtless behaviours, they usually say “I’m not rascist, but…..”
It just isn’t good enough, it’s not funny and I am pleased that Harry Connick made the point.
I’d like some of these people to spend a day as a non white Australian and see how many times these hurtful things are said & done….

Moral Highground says:

07:06am | 08/10/09

THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!

Glen says:

07:07am | 08/10/09

PC has gone too far. This is simply a bit of fun. If an African American pained his face white and took the p*ss out of Harry Connick Jr no one would care less.

Rod says:

07:10am | 08/10/09

No apology was necessary. Why bow down to HCJ just because he was a tad offended. PC looks after the sooks of the world.

I was offended a poor dead frozen chook was used in a game. I want an apology.

Rodger the dodger says:

07:12am | 08/10/09

Forget HEY HEY and the offensive dated skit for the moment. Daryl has had a nose job.He looks like Pinnochio.Or am I dreaming.

christian banderas says:

07:16am | 08/10/09

harry go back to where you came from. here in australia we can take a joke and no we are not the us of a.

Ben Valentine says:

07:20am | 08/10/09

To all the people who consider Harry Connick Jr’s response as over the top, precious or whatever, you need a reality check. The concept of Black and White minstrels IS racist. From an Australian perspective, our broadcasters would not allow content that pokes fun of Aborigines as they once did (e.g. Ted Bullpit on Kingswood Country).

Sean says:

07:23am | 08/10/09

Nothing bad taste about it. Harry Connick Jr should piss off back to the states. They (Americans) have their style of humor we have our own. Take it exactly as it’s meant to be… funny.

Craig says:

07:25am | 08/10/09

Zero outta ten for Connick… what an uptight american hypocrite! Would an Aussie visiting the USA become all indignant and demand an apology if some reference was made to my “Fanny”? No we’d realise that we’re in a foreign country, where their terms of reference are different. We AREN’T America (can some Aussies be reminded of that too?), so who give a toss? Where’s his apology for that atrocious cover he sang?!

James says:

07:30am | 08/10/09

Calling the skit ‘satire’ is overly generous. It implies that the performers were making some sort of point, but by all accounts they were just taking the p__s, which is different. Their intention wasn’t to cause offence, but all that boot polish and identical costumes and wigs does is recreate a racial stereotype with no implied comedic meaning other than ‘don’t we look funny/stupid/whatever’.

The point people make about a black person wearing white make-up doesn’t cut the mustard because there is no negative history attached to it. For more than a hundred years white people with power have pigeonholed black people with no power in order to dehumanise them (last night the Jackson 5 were not Tito, Marlon, etc but the same ‘black’ man repeated 5 times) and maintain power over them.

The intent of the character in Tropic Thunder was to satirise the likes of Christian Bale who go to extremes to embody the character that they are supposed to play. A big deal is made out of this in the film and the other African American in the film is used to make the point that Downey Jnr’s character is an idiot. If someone went on Hey Hey last night dressed as Same Newman in blackface on the Footy Show then it would be satire; the whole point is intent and purpose – last night there was no intent at all, but when you dabble in racial stereotypes and have no purpose then you invariably in up with pie on your face.

The fact that Connick Jnr knew the history of blackface meant that he couldn’t not comment on it or be offended. Just because he’s in Australia doesn’t mean he has to renege on his values.

Gidgee says:

07:32am | 08/10/09

As long as (among so many other sneering episodes of like vein)  that ridiculous and insulting Yankee show “Hogan’s Heroes” is being shown on Australian Fox depicting all Germans as oafs and utter fools dear ol’ Harry Connick Jr proves himself to be a selective bigot…..

Chris says:

07:39am | 08/10/09

I’m sorry but other than Daryl bringing this up in the show would have anyone commented? Or is it because Harry Conick got offended everyone should jump on the band wagon. Had it not been brought up later in the show with an apology I could bet there would be no commentary on it today. Well done Hey Hey, hope you come back next year!

Stan Jarvis says:

07:40am | 08/10/09

Who gives a rats.  Was HKR best mates with a man blessed with immense talent yet tarnished by his own Frankenstein like transformation and sexual prediliction?  HKR is a fine example of America’s inability to laugh at itself.  Didn’t mind the bloke until I read of his little tanty this morning.  Hope the album sells in it’s dozens HKR, yawn! Well done HHIS, even my kids who had never seen the show in it’s hey day got some great laughs.

Penny says:

07:44am | 08/10/09

Of course no one in America does this sort of thing.  Saturday Night Live NEVER has white comedians doing parodies of black people.  And Justin Timberlake didn’t do a parody of Beyonce’s Single Ladies. 

Build a bridge and get over it.

Red Faces says:

07:44am | 08/10/09

Oh please. The segment is called Red Faces! Why is that, eh?

Taking the mickey out of the Jackson 5 is fair game.

Acts in poor taste are fair game.

You moaners have forgotten what Hey Hey was - is - all about. Laughing at each other and ourselves.

And Mr Connick,  kindly take a tuck. You’re in Australia now, and we are all adults here.

Todd says:

07:45am | 08/10/09

We might have to wait another 10 or 20 years before Hey Hey is back again

Steven says:

07:47am | 08/10/09

This is a cassical example of why the US has problems with racial tension etc..  Yes, a bunch of guys were on TV with thier faces painted black, it was funny however that is it nothing more.  Australia is not racist, it is just peoples excuse when things go wrong.  We are however racist we we allow people into this country that do not adhere to the laws and fail to fit into society.  Get over it people, lets focus on better things

Andrew says:

07:52am | 08/10/09

To everyone saying we’re racist grow the hell up, and take that titanium rod from your rear ends. People are far too precious these days yeah it probably wasnt in the best of taste but my god to label it as unbelieveably offensive is rediculous.

Twistie says:

07:52am | 08/10/09

As An Australian there is a point here not being made that I would like to make.    It’s very hard to deal with being called a racist in the media over and over again when RACISM has so far been defined so badly and/or unclearly. 

To me, Racism is treating someone in a derogatory, bigoted or negative manner due to their RACE.  It is making decisions to do or not to do someting based on the race of the people involved.  Don’t we want everyone to be treated with respect, with a sense of fun, with a sense of equality ?

Why are we always saying I can’t say or do that because he’s Black, Jewish, English, Irish, African, Russian etc etc.  is not THAT racism?

I am happy to be corrected, and responded to, but if so please explain WHY clearly - Tell me why it’s ok to treat people different because of thier race. 

It is with a sense of love of all people that we will grow going forward - not dragging negative, truly racist and negative feelings along with us.

Johnboy says:

07:55am | 08/10/09

reading a lot of comments here it seems that a lot of people are feeling sorry for themselves.  Its ok for a black to make fun at whites but not ok for whites to make fun at blacks.  People just need to stop being so up tight and laugh a little more.  The skit certainly was not trying to offend anyone, it was people just having some fun and that they did.  People’s get a life and have a laugh.  If you did the world would be a much better place.

Mike says:

07:58am | 08/10/09

It wasn’t funny, it was just stupid, like the rest of the show.  What if it was aimed at aboriginal people with white people blacking their faces up and stamping their feet and blowing down a long cardboard tube, would that be ‘funny’ ?  Don’t think so.  I’m a white guy and I didn’t really find it a joke, any perceived ‘race argument’ aside, it was tosh.  Harry Connick Jr was spot on and Darryl should get fired for being a complete fool.

I hope that another show on at the same time like The Apprentice smashes this tosh off the air, The Apprentice actually teaches people a bit about business and shows what success you can get if you work hard, this other show is just absolute rubbish and this proves it.

jipsee d says:

07:59am | 08/10/09

Have we nothing more newsworthy than this over-interpretation of a simply skit! If anyhting i lost whatever I had for Harry jr. ( what a precious little thing ). Hey Hey is not political, never was, never will be. It is spontaneous live and funny and apparently liked by a huge audience.

john says:

07:59am | 08/10/09

why make a big deal over it who cares , the show was great I hope they bring it back

Brian says:

08:01am | 08/10/09

It wasn’t racist at all. This country of ours is becoming too PC. Not to mention the fact that the same people were on the show doing the same act 20 years earlier! There was no racism or ill-intent meant by this skit, it was lighthearted yet very silly and unfunny. Oh and lets also not forget the fact that the guys who did this skit all came from multicultural backgrounds. I’m a gay man and years ago when I was a teenager and Hey Hey was on and I knew I was gay, there was so many comments on Hey Hey that would be considered to be “homophobic”, but I just used to sit back and have a laugh. Society today is becoming too bandaged and people just need to sit back and have a laugh at themselves. And just some advice for Harry Connick Jnr - LAY OFF THE BOTOX!

Jackie says:

08:01am | 08/10/09

People say this country isn’t racist however with “skits” like this you can definitely see through the ignorance of Australia. I can’t believe this was on TV and I definitely can’t believe that there are so many aussies questioning whether Harry was taken it a bit too seriously. Australia definitely needs to become a lot more PC and stop defending or finding blatent racism funny.  A lot of other countries have changed so why can’t Australia??!! Do they realise how the rest of the world percieves them??

peter says:

08:02am | 08/10/09

Get a life. Jackson spent 30 years plus trying to look white, and did an awful job of it.

Cruella says:

08:03am | 08/10/09

As suspected Somers is still stuck in the hey hey era. Times have changed Daryl or didn’t notice? No fool like an old one. It’s a sensitive issue and more so since Michael Jackson passed, what on earth were they thinking?

Lexi says:

08:05am | 08/10/09

A 20 year old skit, on a 30 something year old show.  Of course it’s out of touch and that is why this show isn’t a regular on TV any more.

Whether you think it was racist or the reaction is precious, you probably won’t say “it was funny”.  I watched online this morning and couldn’t stifle the yawn. 

Next…

Bobbie says:

08:06am | 08/10/09

I was offended by Harry Connick, next time Hey, Hey get Michael Buble on, at least he has a sense of humour.

shar says:

08:10am | 08/10/09

I knew it would all end in tears.Hey Hey was a disaster then and its a disaster now.I have watched neither of the shows. I would hope that Australia had moved on from the pre computer age. I stand corrected.

rob says:

08:13am | 08/10/09

If Sinatra impersonator Harry “Comic” Jr painted his face strange colours then he might just be mildly entertaining - to very young children. What a load of precious nonsense!

Wendy says:

08:14am | 08/10/09

The way the world is today and the way the world has changed I truely can understand that it would offend…Personally I thought the act was in bad taste anyway…It’s good to have a laugh but not at the expense of other people…Hey Hey was a great show back 20yrs or so ago..things have changed,people have changed….Harry Connick Jr’s song ” I love you just the way you are” didn’t come over all that great,noone can sing it like Billy Joel….oh sorry…did I offend…

Paul says:

08:14am | 08/10/09

Well if nothing else this arguement only goes to prove that in todays world only white english speaking christian people can be branded racist, every other colour ,creed, and religion in the world can be biased, but this is ok because of their colour creed or race has at some time in the last few millenia been “targeted” by white english speaking christians, get a life the lot of you, if you don’t like something dont whinge change the bloody channel or walk away, not everone is going to agree, and to think so only proves your lack of intelligence.

Gordo says:

08:16am | 08/10/09

Will a lot of you get over yourselves. This is not racism, this is not offensive and Harry Connick Junior is an absolute goose. We are Australian and we have a sense of humour. They were fantastic and at the same time hopeless, but that is what Hey Hey was about. If by some of the comments you people are making, then dont watch, go away, get a life but most all it is time for all australians to stand up to you people who want to call EVERYTHING racist or what ever you want to call it. It is comedy and I bet you people being negative are the people I cant stand to be around and again I call all Australians to start making a stand about this stupidity.

Rachel says:

08:16am | 08/10/09

My question is did Harry know about this act before he started his performances because quite frankly he was rubbish!  I put it down to jetlag, a fight with the wife, being in Australia etc but perhaps the Jackson Jive was his excuse…...

just me again says:

08:17am | 08/10/09

i watched, i laughed , i enjoyed,....on the other hand Harry watched , didnt laugh, didnt enjoy…...the wonderful host Darryl, apologised for his guest not being comfortable,  well done, to Hey Hey producers,  Mr Sommers, Mr Connick, and the Dr’s of the Jackson Jives. we need to laugh, we need to cry, we need to love , we need to live,......we need each others opinions

Pee-Off says:

08:18am | 08/10/09

Get over it.. Who gives a toss .. if you don’t like it. Change the channel..!!! and get a life..

funny man says:

08:18am | 08/10/09

Some one raised a very interesting point. Elvis impersonators! How would the Americans react the same way if a black man painted his face white to impersonate Elvis? We have all become to ticky ticky touch wood. That said, remember reading how the Americans treated the African Americans many years ago. I recall reading that during WWII there was seperatism in the Army, Air Force and Navy in US, so maybe they are trying too hard undo the wrongs that was in their country for hundreds of years. Grow up, it was comedy! OK, old outdated and probably not as funny now as it was 20 years ago, but seriously, take a long hard look at yourselves Australia and let’s not lose our world renound sense of humor.

You've got to be kidding says:

08:19am | 08/10/09

Oh for crying out loud. Political correctness has gone mad. All this because Connick (who is struggling to stir a cup of coffee anywhere he goes) found it offensive. I have friends who have walked through the middle of LA with afro wigs on and no-one had a problem with that. The capitulation of Sommers and Channel 9 was more embarrassing as far as I am concerned.

Andrew says:

08:19am | 08/10/09

Spot on Grant, I also loved the show. Yes some people will be offended by the skit, and yes Harry was deeply offended. But to apologise live on air, and give Harry the chance to say what he thought was class. Also remember Harry did say that he could see how it would be humorous in another country. Whether its right or wrong is ultimately up to each individual. At the end of the day, if your not happy about it, dont watch the show if it offended you that much.
Besides as previously mentioned, Dave Chappelle paints his face white, Robert Downey Jnr painted his face black for tropic Thunder, move on.
I thought the past 2 shows were fantastic.

Richo says:

08:20am | 08/10/09

Lighten up people, oops

shabangabang says:

08:21am | 08/10/09

This was a replica the skit they performed 20 years ago. Had the skit been deemed racist when first performed do you think they would have re-invited them back on? I doubt it.
So what has happened; have our standars been raised or has the PC brigade taken over the way we live? Either way, take me back to 1989 when things were simple, and comedy was comedy, without racial connotations.

Worker says:

08:23am | 08/10/09

Apparently the number of responses to the skit have about 80-90% claiming it was just harmless fun, the other 10-20% claiming it was racist. I am glad I am not part of the vocal minority.

Mark says:

08:23am | 08/10/09

Oh….come on Australia!!!! It’s time to stand up and not just be another state of America. Why do we even bother having Americans on our TV shows? We have the best entertainers right here in Australia. It was funny 20 years ago and it was even funnier last night. Americans need to pull there heads out of there backsides and see the funny side of life. What’s wrong with taking the piss out of a freaky family like the Jacksons!!!!!!!

Andrew says:

08:23am | 08/10/09

Well Said Robbie Deans!!!! Sound like a top bloke!!!

Anthony says:

08:25am | 08/10/09

I cannot beleive that this has got as much reaction as it did. I dont think people would feel this way if MJ had not have died recently. The same could be said of the fanatics who dress and mimic MJ now and who are making money from his tragedy…no one is saying that is bad taste. I am also dumbfounded why Harry Connick Jnr who has been on the show 5 times can act like he had no clue as to what the segment “Red Faces” was. To give the act a 0 suggests he was the wrong person to be put int he judges chair as he clearly had no clue that the segment was meant to show ridiculous out of the ordinary acts. We all too need to remember that the Hey Hey reunion shows were about Nostalgia whichis why they brought back some of the previous “Red Faces” performers to perform. Personally I found the Jackson Five segment not that funny, but not because of the fact that they were dressed as black men. As far as I am concerned they were playing dress up, much like the poor saps in Sydney who came dressed as their favourite fruit… .Enough said…..

Enad says:

08:26am | 08/10/09

I don’t know how that was seen to be overly offensive. I don’t think it’s great, but I don’t think all the dark-skinned people in the world who saw it all cried at once. The skit wasn’t making fun of them; and I reckon Harry Connick Jr took it harder and made a bigger scene of it all than any black person ever would. We like black people here. We’re just not like Americans- Blowing stuff completely out of proportion. Girls.
@Bec (Australia, I quit) You can’t quit, You’re fired b***h

Charles says:

08:26am | 08/10/09

In only a matter of hours, this post rates #3 all time for the number of comments received - behind only the Fieding’s story on fighting climate change and the post on Kyle Sandilands.

Like Kyle, Daryl & the Hey, Hey team need to be delivered a wake up message.  The times they are a changing (note that Mary Travers is no longer with us), values have changed and the determination of appropriate behaviour has thankfully moved forward.  The train is leaving the platform & if you can’t keep up with the times by agreeing to the rules of behaviiour on the train, then get off before your thrown off.

Alison says:

08:26am | 08/10/09

I watched Hey Hey with the family like many other Australians.  However, this skit was neither funny nor clever.  An absolute embarrassment to Australia.  Harry Connick Jnr was right to be angry and say what he said.  Our humour is more intelligent, more clever and more sophisticated than that.

Chris says:

08:27am | 08/10/09

My God, I’m ashamed to be Austalian at this point. Not because of the sketch, but because of the over the top, PC response that this is receiving from some Australians.

Black people have black faces, get over it.

The joke, as has been played out a million times before, is that Michael basically turned white while all of his brothers were black. To convey this, obviously one person needed a white face, and the rest balck faces.

Stop adding your own negative connotations to an act when they simply weren’t there to begin with.

Some of the performers have Indian and Lebonese backgrounds, it wasn’t meant to be a comment about race so get over it.

Tracey says:

08:26am | 08/10/09

This argument is totally ridiculous!  How could anyone do a performance of the Jackson Five without some makeup and costume, should they then only be permitted to do a take off of Human Nature? This is all being taken too seriously….white people are made fun off all the time in black comedy but nothing comes of it…in fact, yes it is funny…we need to see the innocent humour and have a laugh at ourselves…..for goodness sake, get over it Harry Connick Jr, you self righteous trouble maker…...no one would have thought this an issue unless you brought it up.  You Americans and your ‘political correctness’

Poppy says:

08:27am | 08/10/09

You lot should get on the internet and read what the rest of the world thinks of us!  Those of us who travel a lot are constantly asked about ‘racist Australia’  and this latest fiasco sure won’t help our international image.  It was a moronic act designed to entertain morons - perhaps that’s what we really are.

appauled says:

08:27am | 08/10/09

imagine what southpark would do with this

ken says:

08:27am | 08/10/09

Hey Hey it’s Paranoia Day!

Desmond says:

08:27am | 08/10/09

any publicity is good publicity, eh harry…...?

Jonesy says:

08:28am | 08/10/09

Some people on here are missing the point.  I dont know how to convincingly convey a response to their comments, however….dressing up as women or drags do not offend (for lack of a better example) because they were not dragged thru histories of degrading slavery and unlawful injustice by the white man.  Not only black americans, but also in this country….Aboriginals.  But good luck to Australia TV when this hits overseas (America).

Daryl S says:

08:28am | 08/10/09

Never funny, who thought this was a good idea?  Kyle Sandilands?

Jake G says:

08:29am | 08/10/09

Why do we feel the need to go on the offensive against Harry Connick jnr? He did not go on a wild tirade but simply and calmly explained that he didn’t find it funny for reasons we should all already know. Black and white minstrels are blatantly sterotypical and widely accepted as degrading, not funny. We should have learnt a lot more in the last few decades and I am emabarrased that this has made world news. Don’t underestimate how this portrays the Australian sense of humour abroad. I am a proud Australian and I hate that this vigourous debate is turning into Australia versus America in some respects when we should all be trying to distance ourselves from this sort of stero-typical portrayl. The fact that I agree with Harrick Connor Jnr doesn’t mean that I am un-Australian. Quite the reverse.

Jude says:

08:29am | 08/10/09

What a load a crap, so what were these guys actually doing that offended people? So are you telling me black people don’t have black skin or black hair - far out I better get my eye checked then. And the Jackson Five didn’t sing that song???? tell me what the difference is between that and Robert Downey Jr in Tropic Thunder - it’s a laugh, it’s dress-ups and character playing - Thank God we don’t live in America is all I can say.

Jeff says:

08:30am | 08/10/09

Seriously? How can this create such a fuss?
“was confronted with a troop of black and white minstrels TAKING THE PISS out of the Jackson Five”
Umm, no, if anything they were doing an impression. At no stage during their performance were they derogatory by any means.
Everyone just needs to chill out. No wonder the world is in turmoil if little things like this upset people.

David says:

08:31am | 08/10/09

Seriously, millions of Australians tuned in and watched the show. So some people took it the wrong way. People look at what we have done to bridge the gap between the Aboriginal people of Australia. Hey Hey is an amazingly strong show. To have over 3 million people sit down and take the time to watch, it speaks for itself. I watched this show every Saturday night for many many years. So with one persons views suddenly good television is put up in the air again. I cant wait to see the the AMERICAN crap that will filter on our TV again! Oh such a strange world.

Patrick says:

08:31am | 08/10/09

Typical example of where Australia is heading - the same place as the United States! Oh well, we are all just making our lives harder long term so keep up the pointless complaining and eventually society will end up so uptight and scared of expressing themselves, the experience will just be a joyful memory, a bit like Michael Jackson really

get over yourselves says:

08:31am | 08/10/09

so black people can make fun of white people and its not racist but white people make fun of black people and it is racist so who are the bigger racist ?

it was funny maybe a bit to soon after mick’s death but funny anyway so lighten up and laugh a little bit every day

Jon says:

08:32am | 08/10/09

This would only be seen as an issue if Sam Newman had of been the man behind the paint. Australia is full of hypocrites.

Brian Wilson says:

08:32am | 08/10/09

I find it very offensive that Harry Connick tries to sing like Frank Sinatra.

He is terrible at it, but we tolerate him and realise it is just a comedy performance

Peter says:

08:33am | 08/10/09

So, what is next in the relentless pursuit of PC?  How about those naughtly Caucasians being made up as Asiatics as often happens in movies and theatre?  What about Scotsmen portraying Russians mimicing their accents.

There is a difference between nailing someone because of their race or religion and portraying their race. The skit wasn’t particualrly amusing and it deserved the zero HCJ gave it on that basis.

REBEL says:

08:33am | 08/10/09

YEAH YEAH AND WHITE MEN CANT JUMP BUT THATS OK TO SAY…........

Twistie Again says:

08:35am | 08/10/09

To add, I DO consider this skit racist.  The REASON is that the whole “Humor” of the skit was the funny dancing of the “Black Men”.  The Dancing is what was supposed to be funny right ?  If that’s the case, then why did they have to be blackened to do the dance.?  The “Humor” came from GUYS DRESSED AS BLACK MEN DANCING LIKE MONKEYS. That has to be considered offensive and Racist.

If it was a TRIBUTE to the jacksons (Not Racist), then it would have to have been of a much higher standard of dancing and song.

At the same time, it is hard for Aussies to dodge the label RACIST - One reason we don’t think we are is “AUSSIES” are every color and creed. Check out schools, check our clubs, Check our streets.  And we make fun of EVERONE Equally.  If we didn’t, we could not even laugh at ourselves.

Tom G says:

08:38am | 08/10/09

Get over yourself Harry, you’ve been off the scene for some time and now you jump on this to get some much needed publicity, if you are seriously offended maybe you can promise never to visit us again, hopefully!.

Geoff says:

08:40am | 08/10/09

Having read Barak Obama’s book “Dreams of my Father”, I had my eyes opened that black was such a huge issue in the US.  I think here we just treat people as people. Doesn’t matter about color or status. All are the same. I’m sure no offence was meant. We just don’t realise the US is so sensitive. (Remember Bert and M. Ali?).
( I hope no ostriches took offence last night!.)

Damon says:

08:42am | 08/10/09

So how were these guys supposed to mimick the Jackson Five without painting their faces black?  I think it would have been a very confusing skit if they hadn’t! 
Interesting that in cinema it’s ok to be black made-up to look white (most Eddie Murphy movies), and white made-up to look black (look at Robert Downey Jnr in Tropic Thunder), but these boys on Hey Hey were somehow offensive.  I didn’t even notice the ‘offensive’ bit until Harry pointed it out… get over it!  He was complaining because he’d been brainwashed to think that he SHOULD be offended by this kind of satire (like most Americans with no original thoughts.. see? Now THAT’s real discrimination!)... obviously the sensibilities of the individual override common-sense so they had to apologise.. Ironically, within seconds of forcing an apology, Harry goads Daryl into reading with an American accent and then has a go at talking Australian!  So it’s ok to imitate the way someone speaks, but not the way they look?

Kevin says:

08:42am | 08/10/09

Oh my god I heard on the radio this morning about that racist stunt.  How dare that lead singer who is indian background paint his face white. 
People get over it they were not trying to be racist.  The show is still better than the american crap we get on TV.

Cly says:

08:43am | 08/10/09

If you think that was racist I suggest you grab a dictionary and educate yourself unless you prefer to look like a bumbling imbecile for the rest of your life.

whiteaustraliapolicy says:

08:43am | 08/10/09

You gooses , America is too precious just harden the hell up and get on with your life!  Good on the dudes for doing the skit with the black face it rocked.

Mark+ says:

08:44am | 08/10/09

Twistie, it was RED FACES. Everyone knows that entrants on RED FACES don’t have much talent and use humour as a substitute for talent. Obviously, most people don’t appreciate humour any more and cry that populist chant of ‘racist’.

Kath says:

08:45am | 08/10/09

I throw it to anyone out there, how are you MEANT to do a parody of the Jackson FIve? They WERE/ARE black men. Are you telling me we now can’t recognize the fact they are African American and therefore have black skin? I’m pretty confident there would be numerous groups making money out of touring as Jackson Five tribute groups - are they not allowed to look like the Jacksons?. So by that rational we’d better not recognize Asians, Italians, Indians….... we obviously all have to be white, right?  Our wonderful country is disappearing before our eyes. PC is COMPLETELY out of control.

NOT A RACIST says:

08:45am | 08/10/09

Harry - take a hike!  It would have been ridiculous to not colour their faces as it was a take on the Jackson Five - OBVIOUSLY!  There was nothing RACIST about it. 
Political (in)correctness has gone over the top!

Brian says:

08:45am | 08/10/09

We in Melbourne remember the terrible adverts for Connex that Connick did.

He should never have been allowed back after endorsing the very bad public transport system that we have to endure as well as his droning

David says:

08:46am | 08/10/09

If you ask me , that creepy suck up ‘’ crooner ‘’ who tries to imitate Frankie needs to get a life .
I can do without his ‘‘voice ‘’ and comments and I wont listen to him again !!
He must be a ‘’ born again ‘’ yank .

Steve Smith says:

08:47am | 08/10/09

The problem with this skit is.. the whole “black face” routine IS worldwidely known to be racist. The fact that we want to bury our heads in the sand and say: “oh we didn’t know” or “we have a sense of humour” is just ignorant.

Another thing.. apparently people who do not like this skit do not have a sense of humour.. Well I’m perfectly happy to not have a sense of humour if the definition includes old, worn out racist jokes.

Stoney Mason says:

08:48am | 08/10/09

Harry, I think United have fligfhts out each day. See Ya!!

Geoff says:

08:48am | 08/10/09

For an American Singer, Connick shows a huge lack of knowledge about his industry, remember one of the ALL TIME great US singers was Al Jolson, immortalised throughout the world, oh, that’s right, he was a white man painted black, perhaps in Connicks narrow, no humour brain, he didn’t exist.
For heavens sake, it was some slap stick comedy from a group who won this segment 20 years ago with the same act, and in the days of sanity and lacking all the current political correctness BS

Rob says:

08:48am | 08/10/09

Lest we not forget where racism was created in order to create more than one class in the deep south… African slaves were recruited by white evangelicals and brought to America as slaves… It is a little bit hypocritical of Harry, and anyone else to start blabbering about racism, especially from an American… So consider the question… A black man wearing white makeup and paying tribute to Elvis… no one would give a sh@t... Not even Harry, he may think it’s just a bad bit of entertainment…

Andrew says:

08:48am | 08/10/09

The skit was more funny back when it was done originally, these days it is just in poor taste and most American’s would find it very un-PC, not just Harry (might have alot to do with the guilt they have with their own racial problems).  Let’s just hope that this is the end of Hey, Hey for a couple of decades.

Con says:

08:49am | 08/10/09

To Geoff.  You make that comment because you have never experienced racism cause you are obviously white with a name like Geoff. I can assure you mate that racism is alive and flourishing in Australia and you know what mate in Australia people arent treated just like people and colour and status do make a difference

Burg says:

08:49am | 08/10/09

What’s wrong with all you PC idiots in the world??????
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the skit, it was simply meant as a comedy act with no racial undertones. the skit was hillarious 20 years ago and was just as funny last night. So some guys put on some makeup and and had a bit of fun with his mates, what’s next? are we going to chastise the guy from last weeks show who dressed up like Jimmy Barnes? David Campbell, Jimmy’s own son saw the funny side of that skit and was not offended at all…...

I for one hope the show comes back on for good.
i’m sick to death of all the US crime shows (oh my god am i racist for saying that????) i want to see some Aussie talent on an Aussie show (no i won’t watch Rove because he’s an annoying unfunny (rude word-don’t want upset you naysayers too much)). Hey Hey was part of my upbringing (as i’m sure it was for so many others in this country) and it has been sorely missed over the past decade.

Bring back HEY HEY!!!!!!!!!!

Kimbo says:

08:50am | 08/10/09

Hey Hey Harry, go back to the USA and dont come back here again. This skit was done purely as tongue in cheek and wasn’t meant to insult anyone. Darryl didn’t need to apologise to anyone and shouldn’t have. Hey Hey was a great show and still is, unlike some of the CRAP that is on these days. Also Harry, I agree with one other comment on here before about the song you sung early in the show, what a terrible version of a great song. Really, what has this country come to when we have to make a big deal out of what one so called superstar from overseas has to say.

Darren says:

08:50am | 08/10/09

Saw the skit this morning - remember the same from 20 years ago when it was mildly amusing - unlike now - that this was on is further evidence - along with the general lack of humour - why HHIS was pulled off air 10 years ago - be gone Daryl - your time has passed

Shelley Santosi says:

08:50am | 08/10/09

Cmon peoples lighten up it was just a bit of humour.
Lets not get all carried away and be precious about America.
Fact is the jackson five are black ppl, and the guys did a wonderful skit just enjoy it for what it is. There was no racism with that skit, it was awesome !

Tony says:

08:51am | 08/10/09

I guess our friend common sense is dead. Why is everyone so bloody serious these days. Lighten the hell up, it was a piss take, don’t be so damn precious

Dingo says:

08:51am | 08/10/09

Harry Connick’s concern was about things that made black people look stupid. What he seems to have completely missed was that these guys weren’t impersonating “black people” (in the general sense) - they were impersonating a specific person (and group) who just happened to BE black. That’s not racism.

James says:

08:53am | 08/10/09

I think it was insensitive, but not intentionally racist or malicious.

Given that these sorts of things are offensive to a large portion of the population it should not have been allowed on TV in the year 2009. 

It is extremely wrong for people to be saying that “Australia is a country of racists” or anything to that effect, just because of this - or anything on TV, we are not all responsible for the actions of a few irresposible and insensitive people in the media.

Remember that Michael Jackson was himself racist towards Jewish people on a number of occasions and the man certainly was not a saint on so many other levels,  there are many examples of racism and/or insensitivity in the media in the USA and other countries, yet no one seems to call the USA or any other country a “racist country”.  Michael Jackson changed the colour of his skin to white and to me that is far worse than a little bit of facepaint for a few minutes on television, the people complaining about this don’t care about that though because the shoes on the other foot

- not that I’m excusing anything, just giving some perspective… it’s all very wrong and insensitive though.

BB says:

08:55am | 08/10/09

If Harry Connick jr was NOT on the show, this would not be the topic of conversation.

Karen says:

08:55am | 08/10/09

oh for goodness sake, GET OVER IT, and while you’re all at it, GET OVER YOURSELVES!!!  People have been taking the “mickey” out of the Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson for years - no one seemed to complain before and now all of a sudden people are up in arms. Get A LIFE, but most of all get a SENSE OF HUMOR!!!!!

Sinkers says:

08:55am | 08/10/09

An indictment of Channel 9 that rather than pioneering light entertainment which is what Hey Hey represented 30 years ago they are rehashing old programming. Just more of the 20/1 genre that seems to occupy so many hours of programming. It would serve them better in looking for and backing contemporary talent that has relevance to modern Australia. Very sad. These free to air broadcasters want to own more channels. A truly terrifying proposition if this is how they squander their current air time!!!

Scotty says:

08:56am | 08/10/09

I think it’s an over reaction.
Yes the skit was in very poor taste, but are we that sensitive now that we cant have any fun?
What’s next, banning blonde wigs because of the standard “dumb blonde” joke, or perhaps we should ban khaki shirts because it might upset those who adored Steve Irwin?  Maybe we should ask Obama what he thought of the skit.

Wake up to yourselves - It was all a bit of fun.
No-one would have thought it was racist until Connick decided it was…  I would like to know, what made it racist? Was it the wigs? Was it the suits? Was it the white face paint to cover the darker skin of the guy who played Michael?

Should be working says:

08:57am | 08/10/09

I find it interesting that some posters have assumed the performers were white, which they all were not. I bit of racism there I think? I was sticking up for Harry against the missus this morning when watching the news until the ads came on and there was the japanese stereotype on “30 seconds” cleaning product ad and the gay austrian on the eye glasses ad. It seems everyones’ at it. As an aside it may be ok for Harry to find things offensive as a yank, but as a nation they have done alot of offensive things lately haven’t they? On the balance of things I wouldn’t have put it on; MJ is dead, I found the movie “White Chicks” offensive so I can see how an Afro American might feel, and it wasn’t that funny anyway - its a football review meathead sort of comedy at best.

Jen says:

08:57am | 08/10/09

You have got to be joking HCJ.  If this was in America…guess what? YOU ARE NOT IN AMERICA!!!!!  I don’t care what Americans think.  They are a bunch of dumbos who don’t know anything about the rest of the world.  To me it was a tribute to MJ and people all over the world are taking him off.  BIG DEAL.

simone says:

08:57am | 08/10/09

If someone on the David Letterman Show did a joke about white Aussies would we get offended? Would he have to apologise to an Australian guest ? I think we all know the answer to this. C’mon Aussies. We have a unique sense of humor here, let’s keep it that way. Love you Daryl!

me says:

08:58am | 08/10/09

Good on ya Harry.  That was disgusting racist junk.  Aussies ought to be ashamed.  Australia is a great country that sadly still has way too many racists living in it.  I think it is very sad that any Australian thinks that skit was ok.

LUCY says:

08:58am | 08/10/09

Australian culture is very quickly running down the toilet. The Chaser Boys and their mindless stunts, Kyle Sandilands and his thoughtless bid for fame, The Footy Show and it’s childish behaviour and now we can add Hey Hey and racism to the never ending stupidity…. Interestingly they all apologised AFTER the event but where were their brains BEFORE the event????  Australia - I quit.

Jo Bloh says:

08:59am | 08/10/09

WTF!!  they where taking yhe piss out of the J5, do we have to depict black people as white now? I would imagine whom ever you taking the piss out of you would be tring to imitate there race. Is it not denigrating to another race to depict them otherwise.

Peter says:

09:00am | 08/10/09

Did Harry care when Fred Armisen, a Latino guy, on Saturday Night Live recently parodied Presidnet Obama? 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL3QeUF6CKQ

No, didn’t think so, either.

Tony says:

09:00am | 08/10/09

It is not racist to say that a black person is black.

peter crewdson says:

09:01am | 08/10/09

What a load of absolute rubbish.  We are not in America so where is the relevance to this stuck up snobs comments. How is it Hey Hey’s fault he does not have a sense of humour. If we can not laugh at ourselves isn’t it sad. Good on you Hey Hey for doing a reunion two great shows.

Nick Pappas says:

09:02am | 08/10/09

What absolute rubbish! Seriously…...some people need to lighten up. Were the Jackson Five not black? Honestly, if Harry Conick Jnr hadn’t have had a cry about it we would’nt be discussing it. He needs to get over himself.

BecH8r says:

09:04am | 08/10/09

I think Kevin Rudd should make a public apology on Australia’s behalf to the ENTIRE world. We’re so sorry we ruined Christmas with our Michal Jackson skit.

Dave the Derro says:

09:04am | 08/10/09

It don’t matter if you’re black or white…  give them something to complain about and the imbeciles go into overdrive…

Daniel says:

09:05am | 08/10/09

Maybe it was a error of judgment however though it was obvious they were terrified of getting sued at every corner they turned on the show. It might have been in poor taste i guess but overall the show was great and I hope it rated well it was so much better than most of the pathetic crap on free to air TV.

James says:

09:05am | 08/10/09

If you look at a photo of the Jackson 5 you’ll notice that their skin-tone is closer to that of a typical white Australian than it is to BLACK shoe polish. SNL and anything else on TV that features caucasians acting as darker-skinned people use make-up to match the skin tone. Since all the guys are doctors they probably could have afforded it, but the black shoe polish blackness (one suspects) was meant to be funny and this is why we’re having this conversation now.

Did anyone actually find it funny? Why?

Adrian says:

09:06am | 08/10/09

Boycott HCJ shows.  This yank is boring.  He’s not a great singer and is a boring boring person.  I am PROUD that this is NOT America.  Leave your American garbage back where it is appreciated.  And guess what?  If America wanted you HCJ, you wouldn’t be appearing in shopping centres in the suburbs of Sydney as you are.  Hey Hey you should have stuck with our better quality local talent who have less attitude problems.

Dave says:

09:06am | 08/10/09

Little Britain must be considered very racist/heterophobic/xenophobic to poms( oops shouldnt have said pom) would there have been any offence if they hadn’t painted their faces.

Hypocrisy says:

09:07am | 08/10/09

Talk about over sensitive precious pious Americans. Michael Jackson has been dead for a while now and Obama is President.
Within hours of Steve Irwin’s death we had Stingray jokes circulating on the internet. Numerous US comedians spent most of the previous US President’s term making fun of him.
Sorry the argument doesn’t cut it with me. Connick needs a humour transplant or better still just go home.

Sarah says:

09:08am | 08/10/09

Scotty, et al who think political correctness has gone too far… the fact that this skit was allowed to happen and that there are voices supporting it says that racism is still alive and well.

It’s not like we have sorted out racial divides in our own country and the insensitivies of last night’s Jackson Jive skit were an embarrassment to Australia.

The Cultural Cringe was alive and well in my lounge room during last night’s #heyhey skit, well before Harry Connick Jnr had the balls to politely denounce the act.

Dean says:

09:09am | 08/10/09

Why do we Aussies have to follow the US’s stupid political correctness??
We all need to get of this racism trip that the USA shoves down our necks every time someone commits a so called racist act…
Its ok for rap stars to call each other niggers or for southerners to call all Muslims terrorists, but if you dress up as a black man or impersonate a black man your a racist…........Madness…

Jim says:

09:09am | 08/10/09

The skit was not good 20 years ago and it is even worse now. This banality and mediocrity is the reason why Hey Hey was cancelled in first place. A total lack of value in 1999 and now we’re in the realm of sheer offensiveness.
Did it undo ‘all its good work”? What good work? Wheeling out a bunch of pathetic corpses begging for people’s attention. The black face skit was bad, but indicative of the fact that the show was and is thoroughly outdated, pathetic and in no way worthwhile. Keep that crap off the air.

Mark says:

09:09am | 08/10/09

It seems the Australian psyche has become as cynical and narcissistic as the US. Both have forgotten the essences of entertainment and replaced it with headline gratifying justifications to air their own laundry… It is remarkable that so much is lost in the instant emotion generated by ‘needy’ web heroes. Get a life!

Aron says:

09:10am | 08/10/09

Let’s wake up and call it what it is. It’s racist, pure and simply. White people might not see it that way, the rest of the world does. Also let’s not forget whose country this, I don’t think the indigenous owners of Australia would like to see people with black faces with white people laughing about the joke.

Anon says:

09:10am | 08/10/09

Is it racist to acknowledge our differences? I have brown skin and black hair so if a Caucasian was to impersonate me they would have to wear a black wig and colour their skin to look like me, likewise, if I was to impersonate a caucasion I would have to wear a blonde wig and pale my skin.  Is Barry Humphries ageist for putting on a grey wig as Dame Edna?

Trying to pretend we are all one colour is racism.  Our differences are to be celebrated, not ignored.

Lets focus on the deeper issues of racism, being persecuted because of your race, not getting a job based on the colour of your skin, etc

Harry’s stance on Hey Hey was noble but misguided.  The US have worked hard to get rid of racism however, still remain one of the most racist nations in the world.  Maybe if they stopped focusing on the superficial and get to the core of the matter they will actually get somewhere.

Frank McCubben says:

09:11am | 08/10/09

Most of you would be too you young to know th black and white minstrels.
It that wasn’t racist back then how can people painting themselves black now be racist now.
Lets not get mixed up between taste and race.
If a non caucasion person says it is OK and another says it is racist, who is right?
If they painted themselves purple there would be no discussion.

WhisperedYour Kname says:

09:11am | 08/10/09

Harry Connick Junior is just a spoilt little brat that cant sing for shi-ite.
I give 10/10 for the skit it was awesome and made me laugh and fall off my rocking chair.

PaulT says:

09:11am | 08/10/09

In the current ads for 30 Rock Alec Baldwin does impersonations of black people ! In the movie Tropic Thunder Robert Downey Jr is painted black and impersonates a black person ! I think Harry Connick is being a bit too precious. The current thinking on race seems to be “Don’t tell them they are black !” - guess what ? They will find out next time they look in the mirror.

Mick says:

09:11am | 08/10/09

I give up, some one tell me what was wrong with this and why it was offensive? We’ve all become such a sensitive lot haven’t we? Get over yourselves, lighten up and learn to laugh at yourself again.

Michael says:

09:12am | 08/10/09

I have seen many skits where black people have painted their faces white and portrayed white Caucasians in a negative manner and does the world go into hysterics…..NO! Yet when a Caucasian paints his face black, it is immediately degrading!

Soul Man says:

09:12am | 08/10/09

Australia should aplogise to itself if we have now become this precious. For F*cks sake people.

NA says:

09:13am | 08/10/09

Get over it Harry, why is it that when the US makes a bit of noise we Aussies start shivering in our boots. Is it offencive when Chris Rock or Eddie Murphy make fun of whites, italians or asians in their stand up gigs, their african american and we all laugh along with them. What about Eddie Murphy getting made up as Jewish or Asians in his movies like Coming to America and Norbit, is it racist if a black man makes fun of other races, or is it only when whites humour other cultures that it is considered racist. Wake up people.

Hitchy says:

09:14am | 08/10/09

There’s a huge difference between racism & just poor taste. ‘Black face’ humour is tired & old, (a bit like ‘Hey, hey’ ). I don’t think there was any racist intentions, the bigeest ‘crime’ of this skit was that it simply wasn’t funny!.

Black Aussie says:

09:14am | 08/10/09

@ ME: pLEASE TELL ME WHY YOU SAY THIS WAS “RACIST JUNK”  if they were black guys taking the piss out of a white group, would you still feel the same? I did not think that the skit was all that funny, but it was DEFINATELY NOT RACIST! Get your head out of your @ss, and get a sense of humor. And here comes another surprise: I AM A BLACK MAN! I live in Australia, and have never met a racist person here, I have been here for more than 2 years now. I went to America on holiday for 1 month, and met more racist people there, than in any other part of the world. Even the “african americans” are mostly a bunch of racists (another surpprise, black people can be racists too) just a reminder I AM BLACK, so dont go calling me a racist!

Wake up man, get a life, and get your facts straight before accusing people off stuff you dont know anything about! I am reminded of a song right now by green day, here is one line from the chorus: “Don’t wann be an american idiot”

Allyson says:

09:14am | 08/10/09

All the people that think this is racist in any way, need to get over themselves. As long as people continue to take offence at skits like this, there will always be a divide.
We are too precious. There are many skits done the opposite way, but are deemed to be funny. I wonder if six people with coloured skin painted their faces white and pretended to be ABBA, we would even be talking about it today….. I think not!

Stephanie says:

09:14am | 08/10/09

So its OK for the American’s to watch Robert Downey Jr play a black guy in Tropic Thunder, but its not OK for some Aussie Doctors to play the Jackson 5?  Get a grip world - this is comedy and in no way was it meant to be racist.  Harry Connick Jr is obviously after some publicity!

Rod says:

09:14am | 08/10/09

Get over yourself people.
You’re pathetic.
They were making a joke about the Jacksons. It had nothing to do with race. It is only small minded people like yourselves that make it about race. You’re all happy to make jokes about our Prime Minister but god forbid we make a joke about some one who is not of anglo saxon decent.
You stupid people are just not happy unless you are condemning some one for something regardless of the original intent.
You people make me sick to think that the world is getting so caught up in it’s political correctness that we can’t enjoy a little satire every now and then.
Freedom of speech?
Yeah right, freedom of speech as long as abides by all your rules.
Harry C Jnr - get over yourself. Your country is so insular that most of your countrymen don’t even know where Australia is.
Australia - get yourselves before we become just like the Americans.

Mich from Melbourne says:

09:14am | 08/10/09

Robbie Dean says it the best. Do people realize that some of the “jackson5” are Indian. Just relax and let the PC w@nkers get there fun by being all OUTRAGED

Geoffrey says:

09:15am | 08/10/09

Con, please don’t tell me what colour I am or where I come from by reading my name, now, that is racist. I have Greek friends called Stan, Chinese friends called Ray and William, and Aboriginal friends called Geoffrey, so mate, clean up your mind reading act, and either join a sensible debate, without being racist or prejudiced by peoples name.

zapper says:

09:17am | 08/10/09

If some black guys had painted their faces white and pretended to be a white band would it be racist?? I think not…....Racism only works one way in this country

BK says:

09:18am | 08/10/09

Its comedy, plain and simple, tune into the Comedy channel most times of the day for far more offensive material.

kadub hodob says:

09:23am | 08/10/09

I laugh at Irish jokes coz I’m not Irish. I laugh at stuttering jokes coz I don’t stutter. I stop laughing at fat people jokes when I become fat. The minstrel shows in its days were racially motivated. And until you walk in a black person shoes, you will not feel the “pain.” It’s like you saying that you feel the pain of a burned victim.. No you don’t unless you have been burned yourself. Indians & Lebanese they may be. But they are not black Africans. It’s RACIST coz of the history that motivated such skits. It’s not political correctness gone mad. Just as we abhor whale killing now, time has move on. For those not offended by such skits, well continue on laughing. One day you also will be laughed at for something that happened to you beyond your control. Suddenly it will dawn upon you why making fun of others is really not a PC matter. But it’s a thing call manners.

Benny says:

09:22am | 08/10/09

Let’s not confuse Racism with lack of better judgement.

bruster says:

09:24am | 08/10/09

i watched the 7pm report yesterday and talked about australia being too sensitive in regards to these media stunts. this is another example of this, Daryl mentioned years ago the group preformed and they won the contest fast forward to 2009 and all of a sudden its a scandal. looks like we going backwards rather then forwards.
we really need a sense of humour.

David says:

09:28am | 08/10/09

I agree with you Rod, all the flack supposedly is from the land of the cultrual polluters of the universe, the good ol US of A, the country that gives us such scintillating TV as America’s hardest prisons which glorifies criminality, Californication, say no more, etc etc etc. Spike milligan once commented that American humour is about as funny as a baby with cancer, how true.

Tony says:

09:29am | 08/10/09

get over it..Afro-American Comics take the p**S out of every other race daily.  We laugh because its funny and true. lighten up people.

Helen says:

09:28am | 08/10/09

Thank you Cantankerist and the others who have made more intelligent comments here. The majority of commenters seem to rely on “Politically Correct” or “PC” as a magic word to make all criticism go away. People, there’s nothing to be afraid of in being decent human beings and evolving from the simpleminded comedy skits we had in the 70s. And can any of the apologists actually articulate just exactly was so funny and valuable about the Jackson Jive skit that it had to be repeated? Hasn’t comedy moved on in Australia? Do we have to keep recycling our old uncle’s jokes from the RSL?

Keepin it real says:

09:29am | 08/10/09

Grow up Harry you loser. Thats what makes Australia such a good place, people can have a laugh and take the piss with no intent unlike the USA where things like this are done on purpose to get a reaction or cheap publicity.
Anyone see his effort in Independence Day (1996)? ’ Let’s kick the tires and light the fires, big daddy!’
As Harry would say: “If I’d have known this was going to be part of ‘the show’, I would not have watched it!”

Ross says:

09:32am | 08/10/09

How can it be racist if no offence was intended?  This is just a media beat-up.

bazzil says:

09:32am | 08/10/09

Hey! I don’t even like “HEY HEY” but I did see that sketch….
I find Michael Jackson, The Eagles, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Christina Aguilera, Chris Brown and The Pussycat Dolls offensive but I like The Dead Kennedys, Crass and The 4-Skins. Everyone’s different.
There really is more bad stuff going on in the world than this.

Bernard Hill says:

09:33am | 08/10/09

I agree it is racist, just like when the Aboriginals in Australia for their dances paint their faces and bodies white to depict the coming of the white man to Australia, they should have painted their faces green, although that may offend a race from outer space.
O life is so hard when people have nothing else to do but nitpick.
GET A LIFE.

Nadine says:

09:33am | 08/10/09

Your comment:
Political correctness gone too far…..........
Can nobody take a joke anymore?  As for Harry Connick Jr, he should get over himself - What a douchebag - If you feel like your home in Australia why not start by getting with the program and adjusting the attitude a bit.  Go Hey Hey!

Lee says:

09:34am | 08/10/09

get a sense of humour!!!!  I understand it may have been offensive to the Americans but we are here in Australia!! Our humour is totally different here and Harry should have seen the act for what it was… an act.  Why do we always bent over backwards to the Americans?

Karen says:

09:35am | 08/10/09

What a joke! They showed that it was a re-enactment of the original skit.  I thought it was hilarious! Australia needs to lighten up & Connick JNR needs to realise he is NOT in USA but Australia and sometimes we are relaxed & know how to laugh.

Jonno says:

09:36am | 08/10/09

It wasn’t entirely clear to me if Harry was upset with a bunch of white dudes parodying the Jacksons with wigs and blackened faces or the black dude parodying Michael Jackson with a wig and a whitened face.
In the end I thought, apart from Harry and a bunch of boring people, who really gives a toss?
I didn’t see Harry boycotting Hollywood over Robert Downey Jnr ‘blackening-up’ (via skin pigmentation treatment no less hahaha) for his role as Aussie method actor Kirk Lazarus playing a black character in Tropic Thunder. OMG - maybe we Aussies are getting racially stereotyped by the Americans….....should I be deeply offended?
Get a life Harry and to all those on this site who expressed shock and disgust at Hey Hey….get out and get happy, enjoy the sun, get a tan…..hehe

Caitlin says:

09:36am | 08/10/09

I know lets adopt the American sense of humour OMG we already are we dont have one at all just like them, britain has lost it as well. Thanks America for all your garbage. The act was poor taste but not racist MJ had just died and you just dont do that. I mean really they should have done an australia one why american why do we have to imitate american they are cry babies and we all know that

Bob says:

09:38am | 08/10/09

Something that never ceases to amaze me is that something can happen on a show—a single isolated show, and it is transferred and extrapolated to have some representation of the entire nation. That’s actually the same theory that underlies racism - transferring isolated incidents to an entire people. That’s simply grade 1 thinking and represents a bigoted generalist who looks for any wrong to fit preconceived ideas.

To those on this thread saying Australians needs to catch up - catch up to what? Oh you may mean the ever so harmonious UK? Get real - PC has led the poms to just look like hypercritical grandstanding liars. Harmonious US? Canada? Yeh, right.

If you stick to the facts none of these nations, in fact none on earth provide us with any better examples. In fact what it really shows is that Australia truly does provide an example of harmony, albeit with stupid mistakes. As with the Indian/Melbourne issues, it is those who do the complaining that show their real bigoted racist views. Indian commentators all over the web displayed their racist ill-educated views about Australia - calling us monkeys (again) and all convict scum. I assume that means that Indians don’t believe Australian citizens who are Greeks, Italians, Vietnamese ... Indians and so on and so on, are not Australians? I assume they don’t really know history all that well and that insulting an entire nation because they felt insulted is ...well childish.
The segment in question was just childish and out of date. The apology was necessary and was done with some class. The end. Move on, as we have done with every incident concerning race. But alas the English and US/Canadian media will milk this for all its worth to fit in with their jealous views. I can see the headlines now, “Why ALL Australians are racist: special report”.

pete says:

09:39am | 08/10/09

What a load of rubbish, this has to to be the biggest beat up over nothing, people really need to get a life and get over this political correctness gone wild, thats is the real insult.

Don says:

09:40am | 08/10/09

Poor old Harry needs to take a cement pill and HTFU.  If America didn’t have SLAVES they wouldn’t have an athletics or basketball team because all the white people are too fat and lazy nor would they have anywhere near the population of Afro Americans that they have - They almost wiped out the American Indians so don’t come out here crying racist Harry. Your country is the world leader there mate.

Rod S. says:

09:41am | 08/10/09

The US of A are the biggest peddlers of porn on the internet, they introduced extreme foul language in the movies, rap is an American invention, carrying a “piece” (read “pistol”) for self-defence is legal, and Harry complains about a funny skit. Maybe Junior should have thought a little bit more before making his comments. He could have simply said, “I did not like this act and found it unfunny” and score a zero - nothing controversial. Now, as a “special guest” he has dragged the very popular HHIS into disrepute the world over. Does he remember his act as a chainsaw murderer in one of his movies?

Graeme says:

09:41am | 08/10/09

Harry Connick who ? He should be gonged out of Australia - loser.
We are Australians, we are not in America, we have a sense of humour, we have the ability to laugh at all types of humour in Australia without crying racism. Get over it Mr Connick.
We should be apologising for being weak enough to apologise in the first place.

Bek says:

09:42am | 08/10/09

Look the skit wasn’t funny, but lets not all over react to it. The Jackson 5 are black…and Michael ended up looking white - they were just portraying the truth.  Their wasn’t anything offensive about it, but it was perhaps a bit 1980’s in its approach. Personally I found the DJ Burp to be more offensive, I almost hrew up watching it, yet I don’t see any blogs dedicated to that.

dick hall says:

09:43am | 08/10/09

C’mon people, where are we at when we can’t have a little humour and take the piss out? I’m a kiwi and do I get upset at the jokes on us? I love em. Do black people make fun at us whites? That’ s what humour is all about or are we going to outlaw it now. As far as I am concerned Harry can bugger off back to america.

azogdude says:

09:45am | 08/10/09

If you don’t understand why blackface and minstrelsy is appallingly racist, you are an ignorant idiot and should stay away from civil society.

Richard says:

09:45am | 08/10/09

watched only 5 mins of show, bemused by kaleidoscope of botox, fillers and altered facial lines in the hosts then moved on.  Suggest Darryl and Co do the same.

Bronwyn says:

09:45am | 08/10/09

Get over yourself. It was an impersonation of a celebrity group. Nothing more. People do impersonations all the time of other famous people without it being called racist. Michael Jackson impersonators are everywhere.

John says:

09:45am | 08/10/09

If I had known Harry was going to make an idiot of himself and not see entertainment for what it is then I would have Tivo’d Harry out… Harry brought the racism to the show, no one else. The audience didn’t either. It’s all about Harry selling CD’s.

JJ says:

09:46am | 08/10/09

Did Hey Hey undo all its good work in two minutes?

Did hey hey ever do any good work?

Monty. says:

09:46am | 08/10/09

It takes real guts to speak out against the tide like that .  I admire Harry for that.  But this is not the U.S.  American leaders don’t offer apologies, land rights and legislate towards reconciliation.  We still have a long way to go, a very long way, but we are not responsible for the even deeper racial problems seen in the U.S.  Can we lighten up and continue to work for reconciliation?  Think of it as multitasking.

Sophie says:

09:51am | 08/10/09

Well the demographic has spoken… I Can’t believe Hey Hey It’s Wednesday had bigger ratings than last week: 2.3M viewers last night (avg)...peak 3.5M viewers. (According to Mediaweek)

Mick says:

09:53am | 08/10/09

Anybody who watched Hey Hey last night should be beaten with a sack full of oranges. You might be tired of reality TV, crime shows etc. but that doesn’t excuse the fact that HHIS was tired old rubbish 15 years ago, and is even moreso today. Darryl Somers should be rolled up in a carpet and thrown off a bridge.

Sarah says:

09:53am | 08/10/09

What about dressing up as drag queens?? Americans seem to think that’s hilarious!!! and the context of the skit was not making fun of african americans.. it’s context was to make fun of one’s self. take a look at saturday night live.. they continually dress up as their own polictical leaders and call them stupid.. insulting the inner values of the individual… which I think is more offensive than this situation..

they are all educated men, they were all doctors.. think about it people.. it might of been poor taste.. but it was amusing in a ridiculous way.. they weren’t making fun of anyone other than themselves… anyone who takes it as offensive is just a tad bit too senstive.

There are more important things to worry about out there like child abuse, the aids epidemic in africa, civil rights violiations all over the world, the global food crisis…..

A ridiculous skit on hey hey kind of pails in comparision to these types of issues don’t you think?????

Sandy says:

09:55am | 08/10/09

Surely we have evolved as a country and should stop bringing these boring Yanks with no sense of humour out here and wasting our television time!!
Hey Hey was and still is a great fun show and hopefully we will have it back on air regularly soon. Harry Connick you are an absolute bore and about 30 minutes of Hey Hey was wasted with your boring chatter and promotions and to have to put up with two boring songs…at least gave us time for toilet breaks and to make supper.
Go back home and stay there!!!

Jill, says:

09:56am | 08/10/09

How many of you are Guy Sebastian fans…  how many Guy fans wore AFRO wigs..  am I to understand that now because Harry Connick Jnr (from New Orleans) places judgement on something on our TV (I can’t watch the horror shows and the sex oriented garbage America spews across the globe - an these shows exhibit to a minority how to go about killing, raping etc but thats not as bad as racism?) that I should now see the AFRO wigs as an insult to Guy..  I thought that to emulate someone was a high form of admiration and praise.  Bec and everyone else who is so picky get a life.
I am a Christian, if I go to Iran or Saudi I can expect to be in life/death situations.. that is their country not ours..  but when in Rome!!!
If whoevers African friends or whatever don’t like our sense of humour, go back to your originating country where you get raped, murdered, tortured etc.
Yes I am white, and I live in a town with a lot of Aboriginals and work near a favoured pub and the local public toilets..  I am unfailingly polite but get sick of being treated “white” ie fair game for begging and cursing, drunks expecting me to drive them home.. having drunks and others urinating on our streetfront doorstep etc I am not a taxi service. I have aboriginals cousins of whom I am proud - they have a good work ethic..  In our churches we have a lot of islanders, aboriginals etc.. my husband is not white.
If I took offence at everything, life would be tormenting.
I don’t get upset when a man impersonates a woman..  should I regard that as sexist.  look at the backdrop of history re females.. rape rape rape.
Why would anyone want to impersonate a woman.
So you PC folk want an equal playing field or what??
Don’t look at the colour, look at the PEOPLE.  If you are focused on colour, then you have a MAJOR problem.

Dazz says:

09:57am | 08/10/09

Laugh guys…....come on dont make everything a headline! Thats the trouble with everyone always trying to find the other motives…..If the world took it self less serious there would be less trouble….....lighten up fair dinkum!...come on Harry if you were offended by that I hate to see what values you have??, were Australians we accecpt people for who they are and we can laugh at ourselves and other people…...come on I really cant beleve the world is in up roar over this….. if it is….. there is no Hope!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go Hey Hey!

Jess says:

09:58am | 08/10/09

Has anyone see Tropic Thunder??? A Hollywood movie in which Robert Downey Jr. is painted black, taking the piss out of a white man playing the role of a black man!! The movie is full of racial typecasting… the Americans find this funny… I’m confused….

Jonathan Crossfield says:

09:58am | 08/10/09

Ah, some of the comments in this thread remind me that Australia is still essentially a racist country of the most dangerous kind - it doesn’t see its own racism. “I’m not racist but… here’s a joke about black people. It’s funny, lighten up.”

The sketch was a straightforward rendition of “Can You Feel It” complete with dance moves where the only real humour was in the makeup and costumes. Take those away and it’s just guys singing and dancing. Therefore, the sketch was poking fun at the appearance of the Jackson Five and did so with comedy joke wigs and boot black.

To those saying that - well,. they’re black so how else are you to impersonate them - let me point out Lenny Henry. Lenny Henry is British - and black - comedian who started out as an impressionist. When he did impressions of white people, such as Rolf Harris, David Bellamy or Frank Spencer, he didn’t slap white paint on his face. He didn’t need to. We got the gag. It was funny because of the script and the spot on voice.

Sure, England and the US still have a lot of racism, but they have moved a long way towards removing the reinforcement of stereotypes in media. The UK would never repeat Love Thy Neighbour these days because we would all cringe. The Black and White Minstrel Show is now sitting on a dusty shelf as a guilty secret. If the colour of someone’s skin can still be used to stereotype and ridicule a community’s place in society, then problems will continue and the deeper sociological issues related to racism will persevere.

Mel Bougaardt says:

09:58am | 08/10/09

There is a huge difference between entertainment and donning a costume to emulate and celebrate a person’s work and reprising what was always a racist portrayal.  We need to remember that that style of musical act was called the “coons” which became synonymous with black entertainers in a derogatory fashion.  The facepaint was utilised to make ‘black’ entertainers more palatable to white audiences by caricaturing them.  My husband is black and has had to put up with ‘funny’ people with fabulous senses of humour wearing afro wigs, and a single glove, squealing Michael Jackson songs…it is mean in a demeaning and derogatory fashion.  To think otherwise is self justifying and rationalising poor taste and racism.

Jannette says:

09:58am | 08/10/09

Those poor guys just wanted to look like the Jackson 5 no racism was intended, but all the same to an American it was racist. It was an unintentional error and they apologised move on.

darryl says:

09:59am | 08/10/09

so its acceptable for the Americans to make a movie called “White Chicks” where black guys ... sorry, African American Gentlemen, dress up as skanky white chicks but it is not OK for white doctors to put on an Al Jolson impersonation. PC has gone too far, its becoming a crime to be white !!

Jane says:

09:59am | 08/10/09

Better throw out my fake suntan lotion, pronto!

Alex says:

10:00am | 08/10/09

There are constantly times on TV and movies where black ppl “white up” to portray white ppl, eg. White Chicks. So why is it such a big deal when ppl “black up” on TV. Robert downey Jr did it on Tropic Thunder, noone cracked the shits. Australia does not have a history of being racist against African Americans so it should not be considered racist at all to black face. Being accused of racism by one of the most, if not the most racist country in the world is the definition of? hypocracy.

tony says:

10:00am | 08/10/09

this is a backward country, well done! you lived up to your true selves.

bill says:

10:02am | 08/10/09

Ah well, just goes to prove how politically correct we are, I can’t believe the performers meant anything but the usual satirical take off. Wer’e getting so polically correct we can’t even say merry christmas oops sorry happy holidays!

Susan says:

10:02am | 08/10/09

I’ve actually wondered IF feelings may have been different if they realised the group came from various racial backgrounds and the lead was Indian.

exumbrerum says:

10:02am | 08/10/09

There have been a number of comments citing such sterling sources as;

Al Jolson
Short Circuit
White Men Can’t Jump
Kevin Bloody Wilson

Are you kidding? How about something from this decade? Or century? Or millenium? You may not have noticed, but the world has changed quite considerably in the last 20-30 years. Maybe we should also go back to groping secretaries and calling them sweetheart.

BTW, there is a significant difference between blackface and the Wayans brothers (for example) imitating white people. There is an undeniable history of black people being downtrodden, enslaved and abused by white people - not the other way around. Just like it’s all fun and games to make Nazi jokes, but not appropriate for the position of these jokes to be reversed - see my first example.

Anyone laughing?

Reshet says:

10:04am | 08/10/09

Australians - proud to be backwards since 1788.

michael says:

10:04am | 08/10/09

bit precious are you. Seriously, it’s a comedy sketch. Get OVer it!

Graham says:

10:06am | 08/10/09

How about we do a deal. No Hey Hey in America and we will do without the garbage that Hollywood exports to us (which is usually much more offensive that a bit of light hearted comedy).

Ben says:

10:08am | 08/10/09

It is actually racist and prejudive towards blacks to always assume they might be offended by all kinds of stuff. One does not have to treat us blacks with kid gloves you know. The guy who voted 0 on the show is a really good example of such a prejudice white idiot and so is everyone here who supports him. Shame on you all! Treat us equal and not weirdly. If we are offended, WE will say so!

Bronwyn says:

10:08am | 08/10/09

Just read an apology from the group in question, turns out the leader is Indian…... and the rest have multiculural backgrounds.
Weren’t you all quick to assume it must be a white person.

Craig says:

10:09am | 08/10/09

I am so sick to death of people shouting RACISM at every opportunity, you people are a cancer in our society. You no longer have a laugh, your sense of humor has been so affected by mainstream media propaganda of PC views that you are now in fact racist, as every time you see something of this nature, which in no way intended to offend anyone you scream out that it is racist… Of course it is funny to laugh at each other based on our backgrounds and racial origins. If you believe in a multi-cultural society then it comes with the territory. There would be no comments if the same group dressed up as a leprechaun, or in a kilt doing a Scottish jig..you would probably point and laugh…you people are sick and in fact are doing more damage to your own social environment than you realise…wake up

Cherry says:

10:10am | 08/10/09

If the producers of the Red Faces segment had put this skit on last week’s show when Cassie Davis and David Campbell were judging, none of this would have come up.
I’m usually a fan of Harry, but he had no right to demand an apology, especially when it was obvious that those guys were not intending the skit to be racist. Even he said last night after Daryl apologised “I know they were doing it all in good fun…”, so then why make such a big ruccus?
Maybe it was a little insensitive, but why should we have to walk on eggshells when around visiting Americans? It’s not like the act went to the U.S. to perform it there.

Jenni says:

10:10am | 08/10/09

Harry is just trying to turn the attention away from his awefull singing display last night.
It was bloody dreadfull!
And as for the faces being painted black for the skit - what a mob of cry baby’s and mummy’s boys this country has become.
No wonder we are going down the gurgler very quickly.
Go back to where you come from Harry!

gerogia says:

10:11am | 08/10/09

DaveB- People like you annoy me more than anything. Let me guess, you didn’t get offended by the chasers gag on the dying kids?! Was that because it was on ABC? if the chasers had of done something similar to the light hearted tribute to the Jackson five, like those Racist bigots at channel nine i’m sure your view would be quite different.
Seriously if all us Australians are so ignorant then why waste your time writing on this- it’s not like we’re going to listen!

Carly says:

10:12am | 08/10/09

Celebrities these days think that everybody cares about their opinion… Sh*t up Connick Jr, how dare you put a bad slant on Australia’s much-loved reunion show what makes you think you have the right?? - they should have let him storm off the show - good riddance! This is Australia, not the US, if he doesn’t have a sense of humour then that’s his problem and he should keep that to himself!

Hamish Coffee says:

10:13am | 08/10/09

Harry was 100% right. It made black people look like baffoons and he has every right to be offended.

Interesting to note too the self-righteous outrage on News Ltd sites about, say, the Hungry Beast or Safran satires, which were far more nuanced, but people defending this. Says a lot about Australian culture to me.

Ren says:

10:13am | 08/10/09

I just cringed - anyone who knows the history of blackface in ridiculing black racial stereotypes would know the whole skit was just off! It wasn’t even funny - there was little creativity beyond a visual gag.

To top it off - it was simply embarrassing to have that shown in front of an American guest you had to wonder what the producers were thinking. I hate to think what would have happened if they performed in front of a black American!

But I’ll give them credit, that was a great save in the end by having Harry talk about it.  I’m all for less PC jokes (especially the ones highlighted recently in the media) but doing this doesn’t help the cause. I just hope this image of Australia doesn’t go international!

perplexed says:

10:16am | 08/10/09

I can imagine that the people who are saying this is ok would be of the older persuasion.  Thank god we have evolved, impersonating a black person like that is not ok anymore like many have said maybe 20 years ago, but, like i said we have evolved from that.  Nice point ot the person who made comparison to the dying kiddy skit so true.  hey hey is old and stale, it’s the equivalent of mutton dressed as lamb.

stuart says:

10:16am | 08/10/09

I just think it sad that a bunch of white guys dressed up as a black guy who wanted to be white. Then eveyone gets upset ???
How weird !!!

WAROOBOY says:

10:15am | 08/10/09

OMG,  what a bunch of uptight idots are the yanks!  Check out CNN.com.  There is a satire sketch about Obama.  My god, he is black and the president,  there should be uproar.  Double standards to the yanks!

Megan says:

10:15am | 08/10/09

Was the skit meant to be a hateful representation of the Jackson 5? No. So it wasn’t racist. Sick to death of any mention of another race being construed as racist. Get over it Harry. I wouldn’t condone racism in any form, but I just don’t see it here.

Hedda Bovill says:

10:16am | 08/10/09

What a storm in a teacup.

TBsyd says:

10:17am | 08/10/09

Soon enough we’ll all be unable to tell jokes a BBQ’s and family gatherings. Humour has never offended intelligent people - well done to all the news networks for once again beating up a non-event.

Lets remeber for a moment some of the latest movies to come out of the US…Team America, Tropic Thunder etc etc - give me a break - people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones!

In a world where we all have to watch what we say, what we write and what we do, it’s no wonder that people are turning to fake online worlds and games to enjoy themselves.

For all of our sake, lighten up and remeber its satire.

PC has gone completely made - what’s next?

On a lighter note - great to see the Hey Hey crew together - let’s hope all this PC BS dosen’t take away from the fact that our screens would welcome back a true variety show.

Cnris (Crankee) says:

10:17am | 08/10/09

It’s about time people understand this is Australia, we have our own sense of humor and lifestyle, we have people from all over the world live here, no problems, we get a Yank here and all hell breaks loose, easy go home, don’t take our money, see you at the International Airport, I am not racist as some of my good friends come from all over the world.
Bye Harry get a life

Adam says:

10:19am | 08/10/09

I went to see the Bangara dance troupe recently and they all wore “whiteface” - I wasn’t offended at all…

The point that I’m making is that context is vital when considering what is offensive and what’s not.

It’s obvious that the “performers” - and I do use the term loosely - did not have any racial vilification intent and the world should leave it at that.

The Australians who were offended (offended is very different to embarrassed by the way) may have adopted American sensitivities, and also need to speak out against films like Tropic Thunder, stage productions like Jolson, and television shows like South Park.

For the Americans who were offended, we apologise - but you do need to realise that different cultures have different sensitivities and you can’t go imposing yours on others. We know that wearing boot polish on your face and going on television would be considered offensive in America, just like dropping bombs on villages and killing scores of innocent people is considered offensive in Australia…

Yes, that’s a cheep shot, but for a nations people to accept this violence as legitimate I think needs to re-evaluate their priorities before worrying about something as trivial as this - bad taste as it was.

Brian says:

10:19am | 08/10/09

Hey Hey is bogan rubbish and this sort of thing only proves it. Hopefully it has killed off its own comeback. As always the standard answer from the racists is “if you don’t like it, leave”, pathetic.

bring it on says:

10:20am | 08/10/09

Even if the skit was offensive to some, it wasn’t to me by the way, I find it hilarious that we as a society are happy to watch tv that has murder constantly, graphic hospital shows, reality shows where the aim is to put down your fellow man etc etc. Finally I sat down with my partner and young children and we laughed and giggled for over 3 hours… no blood no gore..just fun, something that is very missed on tv.

Hannah says:

10:20am | 08/10/09

You know what. Australia is turning into a politically correct, humourless country. Its a comedy show ... If you cant have a laugh you shouldn’t be watching it ... Its a FACT that the Jackson 5 Are black! get over it. It was funny 20 years ago! But now Australia is such a Multi Cultural society we cant make fun of anything,  We cant say anything anymore because it might offend someone ... Lighten up people and learn to take a joke ... I’m sick of you hard arse bastard taking away all our fun because your offended ... Its a free country ... should I say ... WAS a free country

Fez says:

10:22am | 08/10/09

“How can it be racist if no offence was intended?  This is just a media beat-up.”

Must be nice to not be troubled by the existence of casual, entrenched racism.

Is it OK if I call your family a pack of inbred knobs if I don’t mean to offend?

Didn’t think so.

Lyn Oliver says:

10:25am | 08/10/09

I really dont know why the show had a yank as their guest-dont we have our own talented people.PLEASE lets get over it! We shouldnt worry if the yanks get offended, after all this is our country and we’ll do as we like.I’m so sick of all this political correctness thing -life is too short! I’m not advocating deliberately hurting people but in the name of Australian humour I think there is nothing to whinge about.After all, we know that our humour is only understood by US!

K. Harrison says:

10:26am | 08/10/09

At first I thought Harry Connick was joking with mock indignation. Turning a perfectly innocent & funny parody on the Jackson Five into a racist incident is dangerous & an offence against Australias open & tolerant society. A small piece of artistic freedom was chipped away last night if we accept Connicks views.

Not so precious says:

10:26am | 08/10/09

If the tables had been turned and 5 black people dressed up as a white group with white faces and wigs and did a satirical skit would I be offended.
No because I still have a sense of humour. Who is Harry Konnick Jr to jump to the defence of the black people as their self appointed representative. I dont think there was any malice or racial hatred in that skit. The comment by Ben at 10:08 a.m. sums it up.

Monica says:

10:27am | 08/10/09

Come on - it was funny - even though they weren’t very good.
Where has all this political correctness got us - boring do-gooders who have forgotten how to laugh.

Andrew Hague says:

10:28am | 08/10/09

I think we should all put this into perspective.

One of many people would have been offended by this act. In life there are many different things that offend differing people based on there values. While we don’t all share each others values exactly we will like, dislike and be offended many issues that we are faced with.
Harry got up and spoke his mind and I respect what he done even though I don’t agree and his actions. I personally get offended with thoughtless racism. The intension and the outcome were not racist.

I think the point is that it is a little too soon after MJ’s passing.

john bateman says:

10:29am | 08/10/09

This hey hey furore reminds me of this avenue q song: “Everyone’s a little bit racist Sometimes. Doesn’t mean we go Around committing hate crimes. Look around and you will find No one’s really color blind. Maybe it’s a fact We all should face Everyone makes judgments Based on race”

Get over it people.

David says:

10:30am | 08/10/09

get over it, and would some one please tell Harry that his career ended years ago… stop coming to Australia, there I am racist against bad singers

Matthew says:

10:30am | 08/10/09

As for saying the show would have been pulled off the air if it had been done in the US…. Well, a recent episode of The Sarah Silverman Programme (A popular US sitcom) had Sarah put on ‘black face’ and perform almost every black stereotype you could think of “in the name of comedy” in fact most of the comedy on that show is based around racism. Was that episode pulled off the air? In fact I think that show won an Emmy.

Robin says:

10:31am | 08/10/09

Was not this skit about a black guy who went around with white skin? Why the reverse racism. Jackson was not called a racist because he changed his skin white. All the bleaters should get a life

Craig says:

10:31am | 08/10/09

@ exumbrerum:
Perhaps you need to open your eyes mate, check out Africa for an example of where White people are being downtrodden, and even worse, MURDERED en masse. You probably aren’t aware of this because the MSM (main stream media) hasn’t told you, you ignorant fool!

DEH says:

10:33am | 08/10/09

So nowdays it seems it’s Politically incorrect to Impersonate anyone.

Alwin Broeckelmann says:

10:34am | 08/10/09

People grow up up, this PC garbage has gone to for. I have been told that although I have black, brow and multi coloured sheep on my property I can no long sing Baa baa black sheep to my grandchildren, you PC people need to leave the city once in a while to see these things exist. There was nothing racist about last night performance, after all were the Jackson’s black African Americans after all. I grew up from birth being teased and called little Hitler because my parents came from Germany after WWII and I am not malajusted, so remember it was a comedy skitt and get on with life. There are much more important things to worry about.

Dazz says:

10:35am | 08/10/09

I cant remember who said this but I think it fits…...........“There is nothing good or bad its just thinking that makes it that way”......think about it!

Jayse says:

10:37am | 08/10/09

Was the skit funny? Not really. Was the skit racist? No. Yes the ‘black face’ routines of the past were incredibly racist, but there was no racist intent here. They were in no way denigrating black people, nor inferring that white people are inherently superior.

I can certainly appreciate Harry Connick Jr’s concnerns, but the fact remains that there was no racial intent behind what was essentially just a tired, humourless skit.

What is really frustrating, is that when an incident like this get’s blown way out of proportion we as a nation are categorised as all being racist.

Bob says:

10:39am | 08/10/09

To Jonathan Crossfield,
You wrote “If the colour of someone’s skin can still be used to stereotype and ridicule a community’s place in society, then problems will continue and the deeper sociological issues related to racism will persevere.”
I would put it to you that you could replace the words “the colour of someone’s skin” with “if the nation they are from” and you would realise that in fact your comment is full of bigotry.

How can you extrapolate from this show or from other media reports for that matter, to represent an entire nation? How can you do that and maintain a straight face?

How long have I heard the English and Indians offering a huge insult to us Australians with a convict heritage - calling us convict scum. Ads on tv in 2009 from the cricketer Ian Botham - talking of “20,000 screaming convicts” when referring to playing cricket in Australia. How utterly insulting is that? My ancestors were sent here as white slaves for simply being Irish. Until the 1960s the English had “no blacks, no Irish no dogs” on many shop windows.

Before you throw stones look around for the glass walls you live in. Australia leads the way in how to handle issues of race. Why? Because we recognise both good and bad elements in our past and current situations without the milky, hypercritical allure of PC. Incidents arise (cronulla) but last for one day ... one day. Cronulla occurred as a result of frustration - yet the worlds media (specially the UK) failed to the report the 10 years the led up to the incident or the three nights of violence from gangs of middle eastern men rampaging around the streets attacking men and women in their cars or on the streets. Thats racism for you - in all its glory.

Our frustrated reactions don’t go on for years (including murders) like it does in many UK cities when it comes to race relations.

But people like you focus on a small minority of the bad and negatives aspects. “Endemic racism” in Australia is now a popular term thanks to the media. But it doesn’t make it true. What it has exposed are the bigots who salivate at the chance to label ALL Australians racist. I can see the smug people ready to slam ALL Australians with pursed lips now, patting themselves on the back with an exaggerated sense of self righteousness - saying - “I told you so - those Australians are racist”
I may have to start a new term for media to use. “Endemic smugness in the UK”.

Barry O Rourke says:

10:41am | 08/10/09

It’s amazing how many Aussies just don’t get it, maybe they just dont have the intellect?  Grace culture and style is something no one could ever accuse an Aussie of, but this piece of outdated puerile rubbish is nothing more then a reflection of racist Australian mainstream, John Howard is mostly responsible for keeping Australia in the caves, he fostered racism wherever he could for his own party political advantage and the Aussie population, the convict racist percentage, is just to stupid to understand, arrogant, uneducated, uncultured accurately describes the troglodytes down under. Hey Hey was crap back then it is painfully obvious that Australia has not progressed in any way over the years. Most of the imbeciles blogging here saying it was comedy, humor or even satire ?? you really don’t get it do you? this is ” RACIST CRAP ” and for Christs sake take that piece of garbage of the air now.

David says:

10:41am | 08/10/09

Why is it acceptable for African American people to racially vilify there own race?  Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock and Martin Lawrence made their careers out of it.  They also lampooned that white men can’t jump, can’t dance and had genital inadequacies.  I look forward to Mr Connick championing against the racisim displayed by these so called performers and to reading of his efforts in the press.

Chantel says:

10:40am | 08/10/09

Um… Get over it Harry! More like you’re offended that Michael Jackson sold more albums than you!
It was so obvious that this was not a racist ploy, it was simply a skit like everyone else on red faces was doing! Whats the difference from other impersonators too? So I guess Elvis impersonators, Marilyn, Barrack Obama, geez… May as well live in a bubble harry! Get over it!

wombat says:

10:42am | 08/10/09

Harry Connick made some good points, however, the skit was a parody of the Jackson Five (not the individuals themselves).  Why was this any different than last weeks parody of Jimmy Barnes (with the big ears, over the top voice, bandana, etc.) with his son, David Campbell, being part of the judging panel.
Sometimes we can get just a bit too precious and ridiculous about this racist issue.

acker says:

10:41am | 08/10/09

B Grade Actor/Singer from a nation that still proudly shows movies where it portrays massacres of it’s indigenous peoples (Indians) get’s upset about 5-6 amatuers doing a skit about the Jackson 5 (who are mostly dark skinned) on TV.

Why are so many Hollywood dipsticks so willing to quickly complain about anything relating to Judaism, Afro-Americanism and Homosexuality. Yet seem to be OK with anything else

I remember a very funny recent movie by the African American Wayon’s brothers called ...“White Chicks”.......beleive it or not, they played white chicks !

It was funny, it was aimed at a very public Afican American family and it was done in Australia…a nation that stopped making movies glorifying killing their indigenous population a long time ago….poor form H.Connick Jr

Dags says:

10:42am | 08/10/09

Get a LIFE? Absolutely! At least they painted one of the jive’s face white - you know, like the one with the “skin disease”. We have black fellas, we have white fellas and a whole lot in between - that’s LIFE.  Now in the broad scope of the down trodden taking a pun from the “elite” hardly seems worth such angst!My guess is HC Jnr HAD to look anguished because he wants to seem politically correct - it sells records…perhaps HC’s motives were for show as well! That’s “business”

Dario says:

10:43am | 08/10/09

What a load of rubbish. Where was the yanks’ outrage over Robert Downey Jr playing a black guy in Tropical Thunder then? Typical PC crap that the media loves to beat up when it suits them.

Mik says:

10:44am | 08/10/09

How could that be seen as racist?? absolutely unreal!
If Mr hero connick didn’t say anything it would have been a non-event!
We are not racist in Australia! I’m offended that Connick portrayed us like that.  Wow… he really went all out saying the USA wouldn’t allow that…..Tropic of Thunder??? Don’t come here making out you guys are so much better!
Very offended!

Elizabeth Reynolds says:

10:45am | 08/10/09

ahhh what a shame, why do we have to make such a big deal out of nothing??? American’s will never understand Australian’s jokes, that is all, now we have this stupid argument about racism, IT WAS A JOKE! people, nobody wanted to offend anyone. If you look back, some old american movies, they used white people with their faces painted black, because they would not use black people in movies, that was racist.

Brad says:

10:46am | 08/10/09

I wait to see the day when we start telling Americans how they are to live their life and dictate their culture to them.  I expect they will welcome our intervention with open arms.

Ross says:

10:46am | 08/10/09

I was infuriated by Connick’s reaction.  His false outrage was provoked by the fact he knew there was a chance the skit would end up on youtube.  Knowing that the army of politically-correct do-gooders over there in the US would jump on it, he let fly with this utterly unconvincing publicity stunt to to sieze the opportunity to promote himself as an anti-racism crusader .  That’s one way to flag a failing career Harry.  And incidentally, where was his “outrage” when movies like “White men can’t jump” came out?  Or the myriad of other movies and songs that poke fun at whites?  This is simply beating the same tired ol’ drum.  As usual, all the white apologists that have been created by our modern schooling and university system (with their left-wing brainwashing) are all up in arms, wringing their hands and crying ‘racist’ whilst all the intelligent people realise it was simply some guys having some fun. Everyone else in the audience and on the panel laughed it off. Get over it.

SalC says:

10:47am | 08/10/09

Wow this defies belief.  I can’t believe so many people think this kind of errant racism is still fine!  This kind of ignorant stereotyping is what African Americans and Indigenous peoples have been trying to (and successfully)stamp out since the dawn of the white man.  We’ve just set their struggle back 50 years.  I’m ashamed to be an Australian.

Arnold Layne says:

10:47am | 08/10/09

How quickly and sadly this whole discussion has dissolved into mindless name-calling over racism.  There is no suggestion at all that the sketch was racist.  It wasn’t funny, but Red Faces acts are supposed to be bad, but it was in poor taste for a few reasons.

Firstly, and it’s amazing that noone has mentioned this, Michael Jackson’s death was not all that long ago and had a major, arguably overblown, impact around the world, but particularly in the US.

Secondly, you have to understand the history of the face painting issue to black people to know why it’s so offensive to them.  Just because you don’t find it offensive doesn’t mean it isn’t.  To those people who are saying “lighten up, it was just a joke”, yes it was, but it was an insensitive one and in poor taste.  By being defensive and thin-skinned you are only proving the point.  To those who are saying it was racist, well yes it was, but from a short-sighted, stupid way rather than any malicious intent, so take a deep breath.

Those involved in the show should have known better than to run it, but they didn’t and Somers, to his credit, apologised on air.  The furore will go far further than it should and more people than ever needed to will now get to see the sketch.  I still can’t believe so many people watch the show to begin with mind you.

Jason says:

10:48am | 08/10/09

The issue is that they were white men dressed up as gollywogs, It could be assumed that the show or the guys on the show were taking the micky out of black people. That is the issue here, not Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five. I saw it as a joke but I can see how people could assume.

jay says:

10:49am | 08/10/09

Australians have aways been racist. Need some proof?

Rob says:

10:50am | 08/10/09

How dare the Americans try to dictate to the world about racisim.  Not that long ago they would have made slaves out of people that looked like that.  The skit was supposed to be funny, and whilst it missed the mark badly, it was by no means racist.  Only small minded, self riteous idiots would think so…. so all Americans.

I think it’s sad that a great show can be ruined by 10 seconds of arrogance from someone who has no place lecturing the world given his country’s record of treatment of black people.  Besides, his singing was CRAP.

rob says:

10:53am | 08/10/09

Viewers peaked at 2.7 million. Channel 9 should have a semi thinking of all those lovely advertising dollars. Forget about the rest.

Tom says:

10:55am | 08/10/09

A storm in a teacup.  This is nothing more than some free publicity for HHIS & Harry.  The ostrich was pink ..... was he offended by that as well?

Dazz says:

10:56am | 08/10/09

We have a Underworld figure promoting his new book on network TV….and people are worried about a comedy skit….man has the world shifted…

Tim says:

10:56am | 08/10/09

The issue that you have discovered is that Australians are not as raciest as Americans.

You see here we don’t pretend not to be raciest so we can be seen as saints. While some racism does exist, most Australians would have found the skit funny, not because the participants had blacked their faces but because it was a comedic take of a well known act.

If you asked most Australians was it in bad taste, they would probably tell you a little because it was so close after Michael’s passing.

So what you are saying is in the USA you could do a funny skit imitating a band from the past as long as the band wasn’t African American or Mexican or Women or …! what about Russian or English or even Australian is that OK.

You see here in Australia we are not that raciest as to think we are actually putting someone down because we imitate their look while doing a comedy act.

What is raciest is where supposed comedians like Michael Richards refers to his African American countrymen using an offensive term. I would have been the first to leave that performance.

Don’t be misguided most Australians had the utmost respect for Michael and his brothers (though we ain’t so keen on the father), And the guys doing the skit would not have been doing it to make fun of someones race.

But you tell me how would you do a comedic skit of a band who’s members are African American. I mean if you don’t black your face are you obviously avoiding the issue and would still offend someone. So maybe you just avoid the issue and pick a white band to do a comedic routine about. You see in Australia that decision would be a raciest one. You just ruled someone out because of their skin colour.

So I suppose in Australia we might have to modify our behavior until raciest country’s like USA catch up.

Regards Tim

No More Hey Hey says:

10:58am | 08/10/09

This was probably funny 20 years ago although not really acceptable then. Now this is really not on and the producers should have know better and not put this to air. What would you expect though from those that are trying to relive their past glory days and have not moved on from the 1980’s?

RT says:

11:01am | 08/10/09

Unfortunately, the majority of people (including journalists, celebrities (like HCJ - thought he had retired?) and bloggers of all age and race have no idea what the definition of racism is.

So, as a helpful gesture to you all, allow me to provide the following correct definition:  “The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others. The belief that some races are inherently superior (physically, intellectually, or culturally) to others and therefore have a right to dominate them.”

I have no idea how anyone, from a totally objective viewpoint, can define that as racism. Sure it is insensitive, but not racsism.

I think the people calling “racism” are actively looking for something that is not there. If not, justify your opinion with reasons, like any proper argument.

I suppose it is because there are a hell of a lot more stupid people in the world than racist ones. And as you can’t outlaw stupid, we’ll be dealing with this kind of crap dominating headlines for years and years to come…

Mark says:

11:01am | 08/10/09

If Harry is offended by the Jackson Jive yet not by his latest movie or his latest poor impersenation of Frank Sinatra/ Dean Martin/Sammy Davis Jnr CD then he truly does have a double standard.
Harry was paid to come here by Sony music to spruik his latest cover album and foist upon us his very poor movie. Both of which are worthy of less marks given to the Jackson Jive. Grow up Harry. Political correctness is dead. Long the right to laugh at one another.

Mo says:

11:02am | 08/10/09

Oh for goodness sake, it was only a bit of fun!  I bet there were more than a few aboriginals having a good laugh at that segment too and not taking offence.  This being ‘politiaclly correct’ is getting to be a real pain.  Good on Hey Hey for having the segment on and BOO to Harry Connick for being a stick in the mud - if they had known he was going to be such a ****er they wouldnt have had him on. Then again as what was said on the Today show, Harry is from the south and it wasnt that long ago they were ‘stringing them up’ - he’s probably a bit sensitive because he is from Ku Klux Klan country.  Top marks to Hey Hey for having the balls to do the show in the first place.

Craig says:

11:04am | 08/10/09

@Barry O Rourke
Your use of the term “Christ sake” shows a distinct lack of tact on your part. you can’t just slander the majority of Australians as “troglodytes” and uncultured for their views on race and be the PC hero whislt referring to a religious figurehead…Some christians may be offended by this…you are so insensitive

Dazz says:

11:05am | 08/10/09

One more comment…...if someone call’s me white or black am I offended?? Its my thinking that will result in the way i respond….for all our sake evolve people and let it go!!!!!!

Brett says:

11:06am | 08/10/09

ok, so it wasn’t funny… but i wonder if Harry C has ever seen the movie “White Chicks”? (the black Wayan brothers dress up as a pair of dumb blonde white girls)

Hayley says:

11:07am | 08/10/09

We recently had an exchange student from England stay with us. She was black and she told us that before she came that her teacher warned her to be careful as Australia has a very high level of racism. The teacher also warned her of the “It’s not racism, we’re just laid back” lie, mentioning that it is clearly a lie as Australia has amongst the toughest censorship laws in the world and that laid back countries don’t have high levels of censorship. After this skit and the support it got from the Hey Hew crew I can’t see how any Australians can be surprised that the rest of the world thinks we’re racist.

Rocki says:

11:10am | 08/10/09

Here’s a question: If the whole issue is the fact that these guys were being racially insensitive for painting their skin black, then shouldn’t the act from that sweet little boy on last week’s show be deemed racist aswell because he was smearing his body in dark brown spread?
Get a life, you Americans do it all the time in worse ways (e.g. Robert Downey Jr, Sarah Silverman, SNL), as do the British (e.g. Little Britain), then we come out with one innocent little skit and suddenly we’re a racist country.

Sammy J says:

11:12am | 08/10/09

How else can you do an MJ skit? Conveniently skirt around the fact that he once had black skin? This isn’t racist, it’s a fact. Yes, MJ was black, and then for whatever reason he became really white. Am I racist for saying that?  If anybody is unsavoury, it’s the PC brigade for coming out and saying: “it’s shameful for a white person to dress up as a black person”- who’s the racist again?

acker says:

11:12am | 08/10/09

@SalC says:

SalC…. Americans still re-enact Settlers battles with Indians on an annual basis.

And you and Harry C Jr are racially concerned about some amatuers doing a skit on Redfaces about the very public Jackson 5..

You both need to get out and about more

John says:

11:12am | 08/10/09

Americans need to get over themselves and wake up!!!!!!!!! We’re racist step back and take a look at their own country! KKK…....... Get a sense of humour! If that was racist im a monkeys uncle

Mo says:

11:16am | 08/10/09

It wasnt funny????  It was hilarious!  Isnt it nice to have some light hearted humour again and thats exactly what Hey Hey brough to the screen.  Aussies just being daft and thats what the show is all about.  Its an old fashioned slap and tickle and downright silly show and thats what we need.  I’m sick to the teeth of American sitcoms - you often have to ask yourself which country you are in.  At this rate the next generation will have American accents purely because of the ***p on telly.  Yes it was funny, yes it upset Harry but he should have shut his mouth instead of making himself out to be some sort of martyr - it was never a racist issue until he had his dummy spit.  If he hadnt been on the show no one would have made an issue of it - it would have been what it was supposed to be and that was the Hey Hey Reunion.

John says:

11:16am | 08/10/09

Why is this racist. The joke is about the Jacksons, not a race group. If a joke is made about Elvis, that is not a joke about all whites!

iansand says:

11:16am | 08/10/09

At least we are beating ourselves up over it.

Paul says:

11:18am | 08/10/09

I love it. Successful immigrants from India and Lebanon having fun. In fact, Doctors treating the sick and ill and saving lives regardless of skin color or nationality.

All of you suggesting this was racist - are you saying this is Australian’s being racist or Indian’s or Lebanese? Is it white people being racist to blacks? Dark skinned people being racist to black skinned people? Islamic racists? Dark skineed people being racist to white? Can anyone answer this.

Kaffaboy says:

11:18am | 08/10/09

It was no big deal over here in OZ and certainly no offense or racism was intended. Racism in Australia is quiet low compared to many other places. If you don’t believe me, just do some extensive travel!

acker says:

11:20am | 08/10/09

@ Rocki says

Thanks I forgot all about White American actor Robert Downey Junior’s role in the recent movie “Tropic Thunder” playing an Aussie award winning actor who was playing an Afro American soldier in their war spoof movie.

I didn’t notice any of the other American actors in that movie including Tom Cruise, Jack Black, Nick Nolte and Ben Stiller or even Brittish actor Steve Cougan display their disgust.

And Australia hasn’t banned the movie ....yet

Jayne says:

11:21am | 08/10/09

What a crock of sh*t! The real reason Connick made an issue of it was to drum up media attention for his upcoming shows. Do not try to tell me that he was not given some sort of runner sheet prior to agreeing to go on the show. He’s a very boring performer, capable of crooning anyone with ears into a coma!

Bruce says:

11:21am | 08/10/09

Hang on !! Check out the American movie “WHITE CHICKS” made within the last 3 years. For those who have not seen it, its about black american males dressing up as white dumb blond chicks. You want to talk about double standards, well here it is. SEE FOR YOURSELF. Personnaly, I thought the movie was great.

Trevor Trevorsen says:

11:22am | 08/10/09

It appears “Hey Hey” is marooned in a rather sad social / comedy time warp. We’ve moved on. Apart from that Red Faces act, I found Jackie McDonald’s wig very disturbing.

thatmosis says:

11:22am | 08/10/09

What a beat up because some yank got offended. If you dont like stay home. A group the really neede sending up was the Jackson % and without the proper makeup it would have been worse. lighten up people and get a life. An Bec Goodbye.

Allen says:

11:22am | 08/10/09

Is this the 21st century or 1956? Surely we’ve moved on from this primitive, shire-hall insensitive stuff. We’ll have blokes dressing in tutus next.

Sarah J says:

11:23am | 08/10/09

I don’t see anything offensive about it…. Has there never been a black person paint their face white???? If i recall there was an entire movie about it, does White Chicks ring a bell??? Get over it, i am sure there was nothing malicious about it.

Carol Dorman says:

11:24am | 08/10/09

Get over it. They were simply impersonating people who happen to be black. If the skit was about Marilyn Monroe they would have worn blonde wigs and big fake boobs. Would that make them suddenly chauvinistic misogynists? See it for it was - a joke. Have a laugh and move on.

KL says:

11:27am | 08/10/09

Hello??!! Does anyone recall the recent US “comedy” movie Tropic Thunder? The one with Ben Stiller and I seem to recall Tom Cruise actually got a Golden Globe nomination for his role? Well Robert Downey Junior who is white played an Aussie method actor playing a African American in that movie and his entire face/body was darkened/blacked out. What’s the diff people???

Helen says:

11:32am | 08/10/09

Tweet of the day! (not mine unfortunately): “I know Australia is in a different time zone: didn’t realise it was still 1972”

GM says:

11:32am | 08/10/09

Is going on about this not the biggest waste of time? I mean seriously lighten up. The culture is different over here. We dont mind poking fun at anybody be they white, black, asian or other. The sketch was actually meant to be a dedication to the Jacksons. Get a life people. This isnt red neck America where they all go on about political correctness in public but many practice quite differently in private.

perthboy says:

11:33am | 08/10/09

only the media think its racist.

Fair Dinkum says:

11:36am | 08/10/09

This was purely entertainment designed to get a laugh.  For all you people claiming to be offended for one reason or another, lighten up and take a good hard look at yourselves.  For all you people now ashamed to be Australian, prove it now by reporting to your nearest departure point and don’t come back.  For the rest of you fair dinkum aussies out there, keep on laughing and don’t let these unintelligent pretending do gooders get you down.  That is what’s so wrong with the world of today.

Uptownerd says:

11:37am | 08/10/09

What annoys me is how Australians are being portrayed as racist. Don’t throw me into that generalisation, thanks!

Terreality says:

11:37am | 08/10/09

Why did Hey, Hey, Hey, its wednesday choose H conwick, he is an american not australian, he has stirred useless comments, and he even scored zero to this very entertaining comedians. IT is a fun show not a show of political damaging opinion.

Jonathan Crossfield says:

11:39am | 08/10/09

To Bob:

Oh the irony. Did I just get called a bigot for describing Australia as still basically a racist country? I think I could spend days unpicking the circular logic in that. (Notice I didn’t say Australians - I didn’t call you a racist for example - or me for that matter as I live here too. Just Australia - the culture and society that still allows something like Hey Hey last night to go to air or Alan Jones to incite the Cronulla riot).

By the by, yes, the UK did have ‘no Coloured’ signs back in the 1960s - just as I mentioned they also had the Black and White Minstrels and Love Thy Neighbour. But that was then. This is now. the whole point of this is that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable in 2009. Comparing it to racist activities decades, or even centuries, ago as you did sort of misses the point completely.

k says:

11:40am | 08/10/09

maybe Harry should should watch Tropic Thunder with Robert Downey Jnr???

shan says:

11:40am | 08/10/09

Friggin pathetic….....Seriously are we that sensitive. I am Aboriginal I laughed it was funny. Calm down everybody it was meant to be a joke not racist.

Emile G says:

11:41am | 08/10/09

Do you people actually know what contstitutes racism ?? those with a very low IQ suggest that people like Harry Connick Jnr should get a sense of humor ?? and that it was in some weird way funny ?? since when is racism funny?? well maybe to an Australian, you need only look back at how Dr Haneef was treated by John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull, the same Turnbull who now expresses outrage about that primitive racist skit on Hey Hey, Helen Coonan the talking hair piece held together by makeup and paint, likewise expressed outrage, well Helen your silence when Dr Haneef was racially abused by your Government was deafening, John Howard was in power for 11.5 years a racist rightwing fascist who used asylum seekers to boost his political popularity, a balding ugly little man, he put children in concentration camps because their parents had the demerity to ask for asylum in Australia, was that just a joke too ?? what crime did the little children commit ?? they will carry the John Howard scars for the rest of their lifes, if you are to stupid to understand, let me tell you that recist skits like the one on Hey Hey are building blocks for fascist racism, if the current Aussie PM Kevin Rudd has any courage at all he will demand that Hey Hey be canned immediately, and put TC9 on notice that their licence is at stake should they air further racist skits, ditto for the ABC.

Mark says:

11:41am | 08/10/09

Is it Offensive to Dress up as and send up women for a joke ?
Is it Offensive to Dress up as and send up asians for a joke ?
Is it Offensive to Dress up as and send up people with Disabilities for a joke ?
Is it Offensive to Dress up as and send up Homosexuals for a joke ?
Is it Offensive to Dress up as and send up Indians or Pakistani’s for a joke ?
According to US television it isn’t and UK and Australian television for that matter;
But the potryaing african americans - even in a skit ...well as pathetic as that discussed is ??

Anyone for an unhealthy serving of Double standards ?

grunt brissie says:

11:44am | 08/10/09

for christ sake MJ was a child molester why is everyone up in arms. get a life.

george says:

11:47am | 08/10/09

To all those greenie, do gooder, animal activist (yes that inclides you Wart)&political; correct imbeciles - GET OVER YOURSELVES!!!
Hey Hey was based on taking the p###!!!

Bob Evans says:

11:49am | 08/10/09

Aparently stuff like Borat, Team America etc is ok, because they are “sand monkeys” & “towel heads”.

Heath says:

11:50am | 08/10/09

The segment was funny, if a little bit out of date.

Yes the whole black face phenomenon was a bit of a sore point - but that was because of the whole point they wouldnt allow black actors to play black people.

We’ve grown past that, we respect it, and understand why it could be construed as racist. But think about it for a second - the 5 guys who did this were intelligent, grown up individuals. They may have made a bad call fair enough, but I do believe they wouldnt have meant to offend anyone.

Lets looks at the positives - yes it has made the issue a talking point. And it makes the point racism is not acceptable - something we’re forgetting.

terreality says:

11:50am | 08/10/09

The person to be blame for this racism comments is the human being who change his color from black to white that resulted to this harry conwick hey hey hey its wednesday controversy.

Lynn says:

11:51am | 08/10/09

I don’t see what all the controversy is for. Countless movies, acts & skits have people dressing up as other races and it’s never been addressed. For this to now become a media frenzy just shows how backwards people are, to still see a mere comedy skit as “offensive”. I’d go as bold to say all those people who saw this as an offense are the ones who are racist for nit-picking the skin colour when it’s clearly just a parody of a music band.

Meg says:

11:57am | 08/10/09

I can’t stand Harry Connick Jr! That’s all.

craig vegas says:

12:00pm | 08/10/09

Australia, the Sorry Nation. There was nothing racist about the ‘skit’. It was a tribute and reflection upon the facts.

Kirri says:

12:01pm | 08/10/09

They’re both in the wrong, Jackson Jive AND Harry. On one hand, of all the past Red Faces segments, why did they bring on this group? But on the other hand, Harry’s reaction was so close to a girly flounce that I almost choked. In his eyes, America is the only country that has worked to eliminate racism. Get over yourself, Harry.

I bet if an American troupe did a tribute to the Black & White Minstrels, you wouldn’t hear a peep.

What’s the bet that Nine will use this as a lame excuse not to bring the show back?

Paul says:

12:02pm | 08/10/09

To all the people making comments like “it was just a bit of fun” and “stop being so PC” - the reason that racist, redneck garbage like this gets broadcasted is because idiots like you watch it, while people with common sense and intelligence find it vulgar.

DEH says:

12:03pm | 08/10/09

I have always felt that MIMICRY is the highest form of FLATTERY.
If people are so easily offended. Then why are there so many successful impersonators?
It was probably the WHITE GLOVE that upset everyone.
When I saw him interviewed at the airport,I got the impression that Harry Connick jnr now felt differently about the act.

David says:

12:06pm | 08/10/09

I thought the act sucked. What sucked even more was Harry Conick Jnr’s reaction and him asking Daryl to read out the award to him with a southern accent. I used to think you were cool Harry… Not anymore.

Paul says:

12:06pm | 08/10/09

You people defending the skit are just not very smart and I feel sorry for you. And all you people having a go at the “American” (Harry Connick Jr) are just continuining the racist line.

The Saturday Night Live skits in blackface were being ironic in pointing out the obvious racist connotations when white people use blackface. If you don’t see the irony in that, then you just confirm your lack of intelligence.

C says:

12:07pm | 08/10/09

The only demographic in the world that can be laughed at without one tear dropped is the good old white male. I thought it was good fun and couldnt care who’s feelings it hurt. Bye Bye Harry.

John P says:

12:08pm | 08/10/09

Check out hypocrite Harry here, acting like a stereotypical black preacher :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooKaCbMvaZ0

Gina Riley says:

12:09pm | 08/10/09

After seeing Harry Connick Jnr in a Blackface Skit on youtube all I can say is that this guy is a hypocrite.

Dave Jolly says:

12:11pm | 08/10/09

Err, did Harry forget his own blackface effort on MAD TV?

http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2009/10/1996-harry-connick-on-mad-tv.html

Lynn says:

12:12pm | 08/10/09

I don’t get it - in the 70’s women were singing “I am woman, hear me roar”, in the 80’s gay people were saying “‘we’re gay - and we’re proud”, so why is it that black people say “I’m black, but I don’t wish to acknowledge it and if you’re going to parody me, don’t make it obvious, and if you say I’m black I’ll call you a racist?”  They’re black, so what?  By saying that, am I racist?  I don’t think there was a single person who watched that skit last night and thought ‘yeah - down with the blacks!’ - THAT would be racist.  Robert Downey Jnr donned black face paint in Tropic Thunder - was he being racist?  The guy dressed as Michael Jackson was Indian - what does that make him?  A hypocrite?  I think that those pointing the racist finger need to get down from their high horse and have a good hard look at the situation for what it was - not what it has become.

Ben Gray says:

12:13pm | 08/10/09

For years I’ve defended Australia against the accusation that we’re a racist country, but seeing the reaction to this, all the idiots defending something that CANNOT be defended in this day and age, I’m pretty over it.
This country has a problem with race.

Foof says:

12:14pm | 08/10/09

Never watched it but I was wondering if Somers pulled that same stupid “I’m shocked” face he pulled every year when the show picked up a Loogie?

Brent - Hey Hey Supporter! says:

12:14pm | 08/10/09

Harry is just a hypocrite, see vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooKaCbMvaZ0

Not only did he just wreck one of the greatest classic TV shows in australia, he also made the show end on a bad note.

Di says:

12:15pm | 08/10/09

over-analyse the cr@p outta this… c’mon Australia.  For those who believe this was racially motivated and not just an attempt at funny (regardless of how successful it was).....  you are entitled to your opinion… but who are you people? Lighten up.

Lost Roo says:

12:19pm | 08/10/09

Of course it was offensive, and Mr. John Blackman should also change his name to John African-American-man for the sake of all those Americans with a dark skin. My question is, are all dark-skinned people in Africa ashamed of their colour ? Do the majority of the African-Americans know where Africa is? Have they being there?
Some English comedians make fun of being black and it is very funny. So, what is the heck?

e of be says:

12:19pm | 08/10/09

USA - calling us racist! HA! dont even think about it America, hoping this incident will take the spot light off you! patheitc

Ashamed says:

12:19pm | 08/10/09

To all those claiming that the reaction to this skit is political correctness gone mad, wake up to yourselves. Australia is one of the most racist countries in the world. This is a well-documented fact. Stop slamming Harry Connick for being an American and therefore having no right to air his disgust of our tolerance of racism in this country. He called it like it is and he is 100% correct. Harry had a right to say what many of us were thinking. Well done Harry for standing up for what is right. And to the 99.99% of you who have no knowledge of history nor any semblance of what it actually feels like when people make jokes based on your ethnicity, do yourselves a favour and go read a book or grow a heart. I watched the skit and was literally cringing as it aired, and felt very uncomfortable with it. It was quite possibly the most shameful and unfunny thing I have ever seen, and believe me, I do have a wicked sense of humour. Shame on you Hey Hey and shame on you Australia for laughing at this tripe, for not understanding why such a failed attempt at humour is so offensive, and also for slamming Harry Connick for having the decency to stand up for what is right.

David says:

12:21pm | 08/10/09

Political correctness is becoming almost as bad as the original issue it reacts against. Of course true racism is despicable, but don’t undervalue true racism by over-reacting to something such as this which was never intended to offend anyone - it is an insult to those affected by real racism.
It was unfortunate that Harry felt it was his duty to lecture, as well the fact that people with other issues to push have latched on to it to further their own agendas.
It’s like global warning….it has become such that anyone with an alternative viewpoint is automatically derided.
Get a grip.

Cooko says:

12:24pm | 08/10/09

Look, it’s a pretty widely accepted taboo these days to “black up”. Most of us with a shred of social awareness wouldn’t dream of turning up to a fancy dress party with half a tin of Kiwi shoe polish on our faces.
I think it was inappropriate or ill advised rather than deliberately racist.
To those citing famous examples of black face / pancake face such as Tropic Thunder, White Chicks, Little Britain: at least those attempted to approximate the skin tone of the subjects they were trying to emulate. The “Jacksons” last night made no such attempt. The distinction is as clear as Ben Kingsley doing Gandhi vs Peter Sellers in The Party. Subtle (and essential for the role) vs caricature and potentially offensive.

A truely sorry nation ! says:

12:25pm | 08/10/09

We are now a nation that says sorry….......ok .....Sorry Harry Connick Jr for buying your records,listening to your songs and more so sorry for letting you back into the country after you supported connex ! You are pathetic ! Get back on your jet and don’t come back and we will not offend your mney grabbing fly buys. =By the way Harry why would you want to go on a show that has skits????? Ahhh yes it was the highest rating show last week, bloody opportunist !!!!!

Jim says:

12:26pm | 08/10/09

Tory how dare you come on here and say “The comedy was as obvious as Jacki MacDonald’s wig” what did Jackie do wrong? she dosen’t deserve that remark,she went on there for the fans last night,it’s easy for you to say that Tory because you don’t go on TV.Jackie probably thought that she was doing the right thing.You try going on TV Tory.

Hey Hey Look what the cat dragged in says:

12:26pm | 08/10/09

So A tongue in cheek variety show with no thoughts of rasism and pretty much loved by all and sundry Invites Harry Connick Junior to be a guest, He shows up looking like something the cat dagged in, mumbles a few cover songs, then puts a downer on the show by forcing us to feel guilty about his countrie’s woful racial back ground???
And who is appologising to who?
Harry mate bad move I have your albums I like em but when they get played now they will just paint a sad picture of you last night in my head.
Hey HEY you just keep right on doing what you do at least its “original”  Right Harry?

Mark says:

12:29pm | 08/10/09

If Harry loves Australia so much, then he needs to develop a sense of humour. In this country we have a natural ability to laugh at ourselves and each other equally.  I find Harry’s actions quite insulting when he tries drawing parallels between the two nations.  Get over yourself, smell the roses, and have a laugh or two!!

BILL BERKHUIZEN says:

12:35pm | 08/10/09

TO DAZZ (10:35 AM) It was William Shakespeare, a quote from “The merchant of Venice” as topical in the 17th centtury as it is now

Aceybaby says:

12:35pm | 08/10/09

Did anybody call M. J. a racist when he chose to be white? To do a skit on
The Jackson 5 without having at least 4 dark singers, well, it just wouldn’t be The Jackson 5. It would be like watching a skit on The Beatles with spiked or skinhead style haircuts. Anyone with a brain and a bit of nouse could see it for what it was intebded to be. ENTERTAINMENT. And as for that Boofheaded yank, (sorry, intelligence impaired North American), go easy on him. Remember, the Yanks haven’t won a war since 1945, their humour is sarcasm of others. Go Home Yank. Get a life each and don’t try to run us. We are not state 51.

Scott says:

12:36pm | 08/10/09

The only racist on the show was Harry Connick Jr. The skit was a send up of some artists who happened to be black, not the entire afro american race. Dont recall anyone getting upset last week when Jimmy Barnes was mocked. By only getting upset that black people were mocked implies that its ok to mock white people which in itself is racist. I applaud his effort to stamp out racism but if you are going to protect one race, you have to protect them all otherwise youre a hyprocrite.

Bob says:

12:45pm | 08/10/09

If you weren’t a bigot Jonathan Crossfield - you would have simply said - what a pathetic childish act that was to display on tv. Full stop. I too could sit around for hours picking apart your clearly biased opinions based on preconceived ideas of an entire people.

Instead you needed to extrapolate to an entire nation - just a a bigot does with race, culture, and so on. So a tv program represents an entire nation - in your eyes. So Borat and Little Britain represents the English world view and Fox news represents all Americans? I’m talking about present day programs here. Of course those programs and shows do not - that’s just simplistic to say the least.

But when it comes to Australia - oh how quick are the bigots to wrap us all in the one cloth. Pathetic to say the least. And as you live here I suggest you listen, really listen and learn some more before jumping to a view that shows arrogance to the nth degree.

johnh says:

12:49pm | 08/10/09

The yanks have a major problem in that they are so inward looking - get out and experience the world Harry - if you’re honest enough to admit it you will see that the US is pretty much ignored these days and probably you along with it.  I’d be tempted to say “Go Home Yank” but that is a little crude.

David H says:

12:50pm | 08/10/09

I am offended by the fact that as a pigmentation challenged young Australian man, I can’t say the N….. word, yet I turn the television on and every second song I hear has a coloured rapper saying nigga repeatedly and putting down white people…and no one has the guts to stand up and say something to them because they may get offended.

For me, there was a cringe factor to that skit. I half expected to see the white clown lipstick on them too at the beginning! They didn’t mean to offend but Channel 9 producers should have considered this when they invited them back onto the show. It was acceptable in Australia 20 years ago but surely they could have found a better act for the last show. Young Australian kids these days wouldn’t even know why the skit was racist accept for the fact we are bringing it up as a ‘racist issue’.
In the end, this act was better then the stupid kid spreading vegemite over his body from the last show.
Anyway, so long Hey Hey. RIP.

Jayney says:

12:51pm | 08/10/09

I watched it last night , but turned the tv off (I like the show - I was just tired)  - so I didnt get to see the big apology Daryl made.  I woke this morning to media frenzy.  You could see Harry wasnt comfortable - giving them a zero.  He mentioned that back home they would get minus 4.  I thought at the time it was probably to do with MJ now being dead - well how wrong was I….......... its all over guys painting their faces black- really - go back home Harry - your not wanted here in Australia.  I will boycott Idol now this sunday because of this idiot…........... I can only speak for myself but I dont care what colour they paint their faces - I love all colours and races and was offened by his rantings!!!

GF says:

12:53pm | 08/10/09

So this harmless skit deserves howling condemnation from an American has-been celebrity huh?  There are far worse things in the world to whine about Mr Junior so why not take your pseudo-concern for non-issues and f off.

C says:

12:56pm | 08/10/09

OK so the act itself wasn’t good or hysterically funny.  Nor was that dreadful female “singer” and that little boy smearing himself with vegemite last week wasn’t particularly “funny” either.  But the real clincher is Harry Connick wasn’t so good and he certainly wasn’t funny.  Go home to your wife and kids, have a shave and try and drop your Good Ole Boy accent Harry.  Bloody spoiler.  An apology should never have been made.

Frank says:

01:01pm | 08/10/09

Hey hey used to be a local embarrasment…now its an international one.

Paul says:

01:04pm | 08/10/09

So you people think it is ok for Australians to mock an American group, yet an American can’t mock our so-called “culture”? Oh please. Get over yourselves. He had every right to be offened and to say something. And don’t speak for all Australians. As an Australian, I find it extremely offensive as well.

Roy says:

01:05pm | 08/10/09

So I guess it would have been OK if the act involved white people taking the mickey out of themselves, as many of the Red Faces acts have done over the years. And why do we have to put up with a judge from the US who was so egoistic as to say he was speaking on behalf of the whole US population.

The skit was a joke, a bit tasteless for sure, but then which acts on Red Faces are not in poor taste. For crying out loud get a sense of humour.

Netty1 says:

01:07pm | 08/10/09

Australia is no exception to racism which affects all countries.  But we do have a better sense of humour than some other nations.  Harry may have picked up our twang, but not our humour.  Shame he couldn’t see it for what it was and put it in perspective rather than humbling Daryl on his last big night.

Roger says:

01:09pm | 08/10/09

I find it hilarious that people were yelling for The Chaser guys to be burnt at the stake for their inappropriate sketch and Kyle Sandilands to be hung for his distasteful comments and insensitivity but defend Hey Hey 100% and cannot see any wrong doing by Daryl and Co. Hypocrisy and bias is alive and well in this country.

Geoff says:

01:11pm | 08/10/09

Bet your bottom dollor that if a bunch of guys painted their faces black and did a skit taking the micky out of Yothu Yindi it would not be shown on Tv.

Ron says:

01:13pm | 08/10/09

I did not find the Jackson Jive racist or offensive but found it bloody funny and Harry only Red can give 0 points it is his job. The Jackson Jive should have won. And as for all you who found it offensive get a life.

paul says:

01:18pm | 08/10/09

I thought the skit a bit weak and rather tasteless but the thing I find more intriguing is the various responses….............one is actually the inference that because the skit participants were majority non-caucasian they couldnt be labelled racist or doing something racist….....do they actually think only white people can be racist??

dale says:

01:19pm | 08/10/09

Hey Harry

If you want to be really picky how about we talk about your kin folk and all the jokes and skits they do on television in the USA.  How about Ben Stillers movie Tropic Thunder - wasn’t there a character in the movie that was pretending to be black with an Australian accent.  I didn’t hear any Australian taking it to offence. How about South Park, Simpsons, Tracey Ullman the comedian she takes the mickey out of all the asian, indians, jewish, blacks, white americans etc and yet she has a successful television program in the USA, how about Eddie Murphy didnt he portray an asian and a fat aggressive women (rasputia) in a recent film? Does that mean all black women are fat and aggressive and bash up their male partners and yet he is still much loved in the USA, especially when he takes the mickey out of his kin folk?  well I didnt hear anyone complaining about that film especially the black community, you know why because they took it in jest.  So don’t get all touchy.  By the way there are a lot of loyal fans of hey hey and you quickly forget these fans might even be reluctant to buy your future albums.

Mark says:

01:20pm | 08/10/09

As a catholic of Irish heritage, I find all these tut-tutting moralists so selective in their outrage. In my experience, it these very moralists who express the most outrageous implicit racist statements. e.g. I make a point of being friendly to black people.
People who claim that Australia is very racist should move to Zimbabwe and buy a farm, or move to Japan and apply for citizenship.
Apparently only catholics, irish people and Liberal voters are suitable candidates for jokes. I believe in equality for all. Anybody should be eligible candidates for jokes and skits. if you think soemthing is in poor taste, change the station. bring back The Chaser, and Chris Lillie.
In this case, this was not a joke about race but about a musical group.
For the illiterati, look up satire in your dictionary.

Harry says:

01:21pm | 08/10/09

Hello America is the most racist country I have been too around the world!! - anyone remember New Orleans and how the blacks were treated????......or the fact that their huge number of homeless people are as a majority black????  Wake up America and have a look at yourself! 

Hey hey was not all those yers ago funny and it still is not funny but the skit was a joke that was it…...

Gene Hunt says:

01:23pm | 08/10/09

Simon says “I’m from the PC hell that is the UK in 2009, just recently arrived in Melbourne, and I want to spread politically correct chiding and misery here too.” Get a grip, sunshine.

ren says:

01:24pm | 08/10/09

Cannot believe some of these comments.
The Chaser thought sending up sick kids was funny - the kids and their families didnt.
Just because you dont personally find something offensive (probably because you’re not African), dont expect others to feel the same way - especially the people the joke is aimed at.

And by the way, I’m white - and offended.

Tam says:

01:26pm | 08/10/09

Now, if a bunch of “coloured” (I dare not say black) men painted their face white & came on as Backstreet Boys or something like that, it would be considered funny.  If a crowd of brunettes went on wearing red hair wigs, painted their face with thick white zinc cream & covered head to to so as not to get sunburnt, it would be another dumb act.  The minorities need to toughen up and get some humour…  This act was not saying “I need land rights” or “pass me the flaggon”; they weren’t bagging religions/customs - they were simply singing a Jackson 5 song in costume.  I hate to think that in another 20 years time we won’t be allowed to smile for fear of some over-sensitive moron’s reaction…

Kevin W says:

01:27pm | 08/10/09

Last week it was iSnack2.0, this week Hey Hey…..even bad publicity is good publicity

Warren says:

01:27pm | 08/10/09

I’m afraid many Americans are overly sensitive. If you go there, you won’t find flat white, long black or short black in their coffee shops.

Kellie says:

01:29pm | 08/10/09

They offended, they apologised. Big deal. It happens every day, all day, for people around the world. There’s no “line” in this issue, because everyone takes things differently - clearly. Especially when there are two different cultures involved. Let’s focus on the bigger issue, we need more aussie TV! Go Hey Hey!

Jodie Kelly says:

01:31pm | 08/10/09

How hypocritical the Americans are…how come the same “pouring of outrage” wasn’t witnessed after the Wayan brothers releases the movie White Chicks in “White-Face”...please tell me the difference?  It’s a sketch, a skit, an act and in NO WAY racist, seriously people stop this blame blame blame and look at thing lightly for a change.

Alo says:

01:31pm | 08/10/09

I have been reading international news stories on this and it’s not good people. I am so embarrassed by this and it’s hard to say I am Australian after such a horrid racist display. The 2 points that get me most is 1: This act would have been screened before put to air (so people thought it was ok?)
2: The guy playing MJ can’t understand how it’s racist because he is Indian?? So that is another racist commment! Are only white people racist???

Stunned would be an understatement

Loll says:

01:32pm | 08/10/09

Ok,
If we are going to get into this discussion, what about that movie White Chicks made by black people dressing up as blonde white chicks and acting dumb. Is that racist?? Well it it showed at the movies and nobody said boo about it!  We all need to take a chill pill and not be so uptight.

Nathan says:

01:35pm | 08/10/09

The idea that this stereotypes those with African heritage is ridiculous. This is 2010 folks. It was a weak effort in terms of topic, but people choose to be offended because they finally get a chance to puff out their chests and reinforce their ignorance. My indian pal dressed up as a white guy at a fancy dress party a few years back (light face paint). Should caucasians take offence??  Get a god-damn life or a hobby and pull your fingers out.

David says:

01:36pm | 08/10/09

The issue we have here is political correctness uses the word racist far to freely. There is a clear distinction between racial (a race of native people), ethnic (culture of people) and religeous discrimination; the mere fact that Australia invites foreigners to join us in our home country would indicate our willingness to accept differences, not repel them. This does not say we get it right all the time but continually striving to accept differences. Racism is in the eye of the beholder, that is someone who has a tendancy to recognise differences and consider them negatively. Take Harry Connick JNR for instance, being politically correct he was immediately offended and unable to show restraint, publicly objected on TV and drew attention to something he does not want attention drawn to. The last time I looked the Jackson Five who are all great performers, were black, that is a fact, I am sure they are proud of themselves, their heritage and their achievements and so they should be. Last night I saw 5 Jackson Five fans poorly impersonate dancing/ acting/ singing skills but never did it enter my mind that someone was directly / indirectly intending to offend. I have travelled twice to the USA in the last 12 months, I would wonder if Australians are aware that is politically incorrect to say ‘Merry Christmas’ due to the religeous overtones, I was corrected by a cab driver and told it was inapporopriate to wish him a ‘Merry Christmas’ rather “Happy Holidays”. If some want to follow the politically correct path of the USA, then they need to consider a much closer look at the outcomes before speaking publicly about these issues which exemplify a lack of tolrence. Personally, if you are of Native Indian, African, Asian, European, Ethnic or religeous heritage them bring them with you, Australia was built on these differences, it was not built on intollerance and hiding behind political correcness. Harry Connick Jnr, you should be more concerned about your CD sales while here and check your intolerances at the door.

Symonds says:

01:36pm | 08/10/09

This is not racist, and was done quite RECENTLY by a WHITE AMERICAN, in a successful film.  Two words- TROPIC THUNDER

Leanne says:

01:37pm | 08/10/09

Hey HEY Australia? - What ARE you doing???
Why are you watching a TV show that was ‘crud’ 20 years ago and now - because program directors are woefully out of touch with the community, and presenters are too greedy for any ‘strokes to their egos’  - it has made a reappearance on a TV station known for its misogynistic and patriarchal attitudes???????
This is the same TV station that brought Australia into disrepute with football commentator’s disgusting attitude and behaviour towards women……so why are you watching???
We don’t need this ‘crud’ again.

Coralie says:

01:36pm | 08/10/09

Well DaveB, please explain why putting on black face or white face is still used in comedy skits and movies if it is so offensive in America? I lived there for 6 years and saw it frequently.

* Fred Armisen, impersonating Barack Obama on Saturday Night Live in 2008
* Dan Aykroyd in Trading Places (1983)
* Jack Black in Be Kind Rewind (2008)
* Dave Chappelle in the second lost episode of Chappelle’s Show (BTW
he’s black)
* Anthony Cumia, impersonating OJ Simpson in his former band Rotgut’s
music video “Gonna Electric Shock OJ”
* D-Generation X members Triple H, Road Dogg Jesse James, Bad Ass Billy
Gunn, and X-Pac during their parody of the rival WWF stable Nation of
Domination on the July 6, 1998 episode of Raw
* Tommy Davidson in Bamboozled (2000)
* Whoopi Goldberg, impersonating Bert Williams in the special Night of 100
Stars II (1985)
* Darrell Hammond, impersonating Jesse Jackson on Saturday Night Live in
2006
* Jamie Kennedy in an episode of Blowin’ Up and in various skits of The
Jamie Kennedy Experiment
* Jimmy Kimmel, as Karl Malone and Oprah Winfrey on The Man Show
* Horatio Sanz, impersonating Aaron Neville on SNL in 2007
* Sarah Silverman in an episode of The Sarah Silverman Program
* David Spade in a skit on The Showbiz Show with David Spade
* Ben Stiller in Zoolander (2001)

So Harry Connick Jr and all you people who think it was racist and an insult to Americans need to GET OVER IT! Fed up with all the suck up to politically correct knuckleheads.

Weather Witch says:

01:40pm | 08/10/09

Harry Connick “Jr” has a black chook he calls “Barack”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaCza0Lc4dE

I could say “talk about the pot calling the kettle back” but then I’m sure I would be called a racist…

William Thompson says:

01:44pm | 08/10/09

Apologising for the skit was a mistake, pandering to the politically correct as usual, get over it, I think we have more important things to concern ourselves with in the world….

Carol says:

01:47pm | 08/10/09

Racism veiled in humour is still racism.
On the Harry Connick youtube, he is a white preacher.  The black preacher is an Afro-american.  How does this come close to the ‘blackface’ minstrel show we saw last night?

Ro in Qld says:

01:47pm | 08/10/09

I didn’t even think of that skit being racist or a problem because I don’t think racistly and the skit didn’t diss African Americans. They were re-replicating a skit done on the show in the past for nolstagia and which seemed topical given MJ’s passing recently.  I think that if you think that skit is racist then you need to ask yourself why you think that way and why that’s a thought that enters your head. Do you think racistly? The world is becoming way too sensitive. What about that skit was negative towards African Americans?

jed says:

01:48pm | 08/10/09

i’m suffering media scandal fatigue.

William says:

01:56pm | 08/10/09

Some of the ignorant comments here are frightening.  There is nothing more defensive than a racist when called on it.  Some of us don’t seem to realise the damage these kinds of skits can do to our image internationally, not to mention that most of the people condoning this skit are white and haven’t got a clue as to what Harry Connick Jr was trying to convey.  He more than most understands the incidious nature of ingrained racism.

RAM says:

01:59pm | 08/10/09

Im shocked at the producers letting this happen, Im shocked that it was allowed to go to air and Im shocked at the fact that many people on this blog dont have a problem with white people painting their faces black and putting on wigs - oh its just a laugh they say or dont be so sensitive they say - the level of cultural insensitivity is amazing -  Yes Americans are more sensitive to this issue - its because they are ashamed of their race history - they have held up a mirror and asked questions of themselves - something we still have to come to terms with in Australia.

Fabian says:

02:00pm | 08/10/09

I think that by Harry Connick Jr immediately standing up for a minority and stating that this is unacceptable and wrong was admirable.

If the late James Brown had been the guest judge on Red Faces last night do you think that act would ever had been allowed to go to air ?

Many people put in the same situation as Harry Connick Jr would have chosen to make themselves invisible, disassociate themselves and pretend it wasn’t happening. That would have been the PC way of dealing with it.

What Harry Connick Jr did showed a strength of character and compassion for fellow human beings. No wonder he has got international press coverage for taking a sincere and vocal stand on the matter.

Hey Hey has had it’s day.

Jugger says:

02:01pm | 08/10/09

It seems that Australians are extremely precious when being labeled as racist.  Harry Connick Jnr was just expressing his opinion, an opinion that is shared by a lot of people, including myself.  He is entitled to his opinion, as are others.

The fact that the skit was seen as being racist by Harry and many others should tell you something.  It does not matter what the individuals involved in the performance thought about it, if other people are offended by it then it most certainly is racist.

It doesn’t matter whether the person dressed up as Michael Jackson was Indian or not.  People from all different cultures are capable of being racist, and frequently are.

The more people protest, the more they are drawing attentions to their own intolerance.

Papa Lazarou says:

02:02pm | 08/10/09

I’m more appalled that this poop of a show is on at all.  The ancient references made me cringe.  The blackface balls up was pretty stupid but hardly offensive.  If I hear the ‘don’t be politically correct’ defence one more time i will kick someone in the reproductive organs.  Blackface!? Really.

Heather says:

02:04pm | 08/10/09

All i can say is lighten up - this is Australia - that’s what we do we make fun of everything - including ourselves.  It was RED FACES not Idol!!!!  This does not deserve the attention it is getting - doesn’t make me want to go out and buy Harry’s album!!!!  He made his point on Red Faces he should not have been allowed to come back on set and make a mountain out of a mole hill.  People are still sending up Steve Irwin and he is an Icon here - I don’t hear any outcry about that - why because we know - it is all in good fun!!!

SK says:

02:06pm | 08/10/09

Extremely offensive and in very very bad taste…..only in Australia.

Paul says:

02:06pm | 08/10/09

White chicks - film about 2 black guys dressed as white girls for comedic value….anyone offended?? no!
Tropic thunder - white guy dressed as black guy for comedic value….anyone offended? no!
America get over yourself, Harry Connick….airports in tullamarine mate. I suggest you go there now. Try revive your career somewhere else.

Pythy says:

02:11pm | 08/10/09

Obviously nobody has heard of Russell Peters…....

Coralie says:

02:27pm | 08/10/09

Carol, He was playing a black preacher. He was browned up to play the part of a light skinned African American. I lived in the States and met many light skinned African Americans. I also attended a black Church in Virginia. His accent and slang words in the skit are definitely African American.

RGG says:

02:29pm | 08/10/09

I’m amazed that some people (seemingly most of the comments on this entry) are making certain comparisons. Specifically, ‘White Chicks’, ‘Tropic Thunder’ and an earlier skit where Harry plays a black preacher have been mentioned. Proponents of this argument effectively state that because these were all accepted, so too should the Hey Hey skit.

What these people fail to realise however is that ‘dressing up like a black person’ or ‘imitating a black person’ is not ‘black face’. ‘Black face’ is dressing up like a black minstrel (look it up), which has incredibly racist connotations practically everywhere in the civilised world. If you can honestly not see the difference between these other movies and the caricatures of ‘black face’ then you should really do some more research as to why this stereotype is so deeply offensive.

Rachel says:

02:30pm | 08/10/09

No one complained about the lead siner (of Indian parentage) painting his face white…..

Donna says:

02:31pm | 08/10/09

OMG… it was funny it was great. People in this Country need to lighten the heck up enough already!!!

Martins says:

02:32pm | 08/10/09

It is disappointing we look at other countries’ bad behaviour as an argument to defend a xenophobic performance. I truly believe it was not done with the intention of offending black people, however this performance and the cheering of the audience is a reflection of significant ignorance of the general public, which support this type of outdated shows. Stupidity, ignorance and bad behaviour unfortunately sell in Australia, but remember there are 22 million Australians, the successful individuals who are making a difference are not watching this rubbish. TV for the masses is generally crap, thank goodness for ABC and SBS on free to air, which are channels for the wider community, where the World is more than just Sport and distasteful, unintelligent, narrow minded shows. I am ashamed. Regardless of the incidences of what the American government did (and we followed), Harry Connick made an appropriate comment. To those who say “it was a joke”, for some it is not! Anyone can be offended by a certain comment, which result in a reaction, so if we respect EVERYONE, we can move forward towards becoming an even better nation, giving up the support for any racial or other offensive behaviour.

John Fenech says:

02:33pm | 08/10/09

Let he without sin cast the first stone.

In 1996 Harry Connick Jr. appeared in a sketch on MAD TV in a Baptist preacher sketch with ‘blackface.’

In the sketch ‘Revs. LaMont Nixon Fatback’ and ‘Dr. Michael Cassidy’ talk about “the true meanin’ of Chrimmah”… all the things you can do with a “Hair Connick, Joonyah” Christmas CD when you’re all alone during the holidays.

Somehow I suspect it’s likely to be a bit of a talking point today after last night’s Hey Hey incident…..

He didn’t mention his brush with ‘blackface’ last night – funny that?

Harry you have lost “face” in my eyes.

What a Bloody hypocrite.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooKaCbMvaZ0

Benny says:

02:35pm | 08/10/09

The problem is that Harry feels guilty due to the US and it’s entrenched racisim over centuries.  He feels that he needs to attack others because of his own guilty conscious.  It’s just transferring his own country’s guilt.

A difference in outlook...... says:

02:38pm | 08/10/09

I lived outside of Australia for a number of years and there is one thing that separates black and white skin. If both do the same thing, say the same thing and somebody calls each of them a racist the black skinned person is usually not offended and may be proud of what he or she has done, the white skinned person usually cowers and is quite intimidated or embarrassed.
Interesting isn’t it?

Wendy says:

02:39pm | 08/10/09

I get offended at Halloween when people put white paint on their face to look like a ghost!

Vanessa says:

02:43pm | 08/10/09

SK and others Have you ever been near a Dutch community when the celebrate Dec 6th.  St Nick is followed around by a group of “Moors” complete with black painted faces.  People don’t seem to kick up a fuss about that…..It is not only in Australia, please stop trying to put us down, we are not the most racist country in the world,  I have lived (not just holidayed)  in Asia, UK and USA.

RGG says:

02:43pm | 08/10/09

Benny, maybe the fact that this country doesn’t have ANY racist guilt when it really should is the problem? We Australians seem to be far too eager to take a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude in relation to something which remains a very serious issue in modern culture. Racism is alive and well in Australia to a hideous extent. you may say that other countries just ‘don’t get’ our sense of humour, I say that you are incorrect: other countries don’t find it funny because they’ve moved out of the 1900s.

Paul says:

02:46pm | 08/10/09

People need to stop going on about White Chicks and Tropic Thunder. They are totally different to the racist connotations applied to the “blackface” thing. Look back at history and grow a brain. African and African Americans have been oppressed and made fun of for centuries. Were white people ever made to sit at the back of the bus? Were whites ever denied the right to vote? I could go on and on and on.

Telling the “American” (Mr Connick Jnr) to go home to America is just continuing the racist intent that most Australians have.

What if these men performing the skit had “blacked-up” to parody Yothu Yindi? It would NEVER have made it on air.

Harry Connick Jnr is not representing all of America. Sure they have their own problems with race in the USA but Mr Connick Jnr was representing those Americans who have respect for people of ALL races.
It wasn’t entertainment because it wasn’t even entertaining. It was a bad joke that is way past it’s used by date.

Regardless of whether they intended it to be racist, ignorance is NO excuse to be offensive. The guy playing Michael Jackson in the skit has said he would definitely NOT have performed this skit in the US, so why would he do it here.

It’s not the Australian way of life to be disrespectful. Actually, I take that back. We need to take back the compassion and respect that was driven out of us by eleven years under Howard. Cronulla race riots and the attitudes of some of the contributors on here are the lasting legacy of an oppressive Liberal government.

Suzi says:

02:48pm | 08/10/09

Typical American, ruin it for us all. It was a laugh from 20 years ago they rehashed for the reunion. Anyone notice those guys were all multicultural people? Not a single white man! Get over yourselves America, you do much worse.

Ryan says:

02:50pm | 08/10/09

Wasn’t Robert Downey Jr, who posed as an Australian Black Man in Tropic Thunder , consided one of the three best contenders for Best Supporting Actor as voted by American audiences. Not to mention the $111m it made in America alone and its position as number 1 at the box office for two weeks…....go australia

FedUp says:

02:50pm | 08/10/09

I refuse to be lectured by some visiting rich white Yankee about any damned thing, Let alone low level satire in a local well-loved comedy show.

Apparently Connick is too up himself to get what “Red Faces” means. It’s the whole point of Hey Hey, sonny, and if you can’t grasp the satire in poor acts of dubious taste, sod off home.

And don’t trouble to be coming back any time soon, y’all heah?

Gerard says:

02:52pm | 08/10/09

Whether you think the skit was racist or not, the fact remains gaining a reputation as a racist country is not in Australia’s best interest.

BB says:

02:55pm | 08/10/09

Australia is so caught up in its own ignorant narcissism that it would rather poke holes in a show that bought so much joy to a generation than see it for what it really is - light hearted comedy.
Good on you Hey Hey for doing a great job and go home Harry Connick, your hypocritical, xenophobic, homophobic country needs you.
To all the people that see this skit as racist….........book a one way ticket alongside Harry, Australia doesnt need your over analysed negativity.

Phil the Greek says:

02:59pm | 08/10/09

Daryl Somers is just another member of the ignoble club of “celebrities” capable of offending just about anyone, largely because they are so chronically ignorant.  Anyone remember Bert Newton at the Logies calling Muhammad Ali “boy”?  He didn’t get it then (and was probably lucky to live), Daryl Somers doesn’t get it now and, even more frightening, a whole lot of people on this and other blogs don’t get it, either.  Good on Harry Connick for calling them out.  The clip of Daryl Somers trying to worm his way out of the mess he created just shows how little he understood.  I hope this finally ends his pitiful career, but I suspect it won’t.  Not in this country, but I wouldn’t be heading to the USA in a hurry if I were him.

Michael Higgins says:

03:01pm | 08/10/09

I guess the reaction to this shows what a lucky country we live in - I think it’s fair to say that although Australia has a shameful history of racism, it is nothing in comparison to the USA (for eg. we never engaged in slavery to the extent that country did).  This difference in history helps to explain the uproar over this Hey Hey skit - in this lucky country, fewer people have seen extreme racism (lynchings, the KKK etc) and as a population, we don’t understand the significance of blackening our face with boot polish to the same extent as others.  To all people aboad that are condemning us, please be aware that we meant no harm - darkening our faces with boot polish does not have the same history in our country (at least to the extent that is seen in the USA).  To all those in this country saying PC is taking over, I think they should at least consider that other people may see it differently, and that people elsewhere may have different life experiences.

Kaz says:

03:07pm | 08/10/09

I would suggest that before people go down the whole “can’t we impersonate anyone anymore?/ if I dressed up as a greek…/ if a black guy impersonated me” trail, that they head over to Wikipedia and type in “blackface” or “minstrel”.

Blackface has got nothing to do with impersonating an individual. It was used to ridicule an entire race and keep them down enough that they wouldn’t stand up for their rights.

It was a method used to make the white feel superior and hold their rights above any others. Would we revisit the methods used to try and prevent women from getting the vote? No, because they were all sexist and we have moved past it.

Would people dream of using the anti-Jewish propaganda distributed by the Nazi Party to disenfranchise an entire race for entertainment value? No. But somehow this is ok?

Do your research before you jump on the “its just a joke” bandwagon. Its a person’s history, their personal and family story, how would you feel if people laughed at the wrongs against your ancestors?

Ladida Entertainment says:

03:08pm | 08/10/09

The use of blackface has been taboo and considered blatantly racist since the 1990s and is very much confirmed in Spike Lee’s film, “Bamboozled” about the racism of blackface.

Poking fun at Jackson Five may be premature, what with the death of MJ still fresh.

It’s a good thing Harry Connick recognised that during filming though.

Mike Read says:

03:08pm | 08/10/09

I watched Hey Hey It’s Saturday last night and saw the skit and when i was watching it I was thinking “Oh my lord this will be in the news tomorrow”. I personally did not have a problem with the skit, however, it is obvious that other people would. It is wrong to call them uptight. They are not being uptight many people are still lamenting the loss of this pop luminary. I love the show but I don’t think that the skit was really that funny anyway

michael says:

03:12pm | 08/10/09

after your preacher skit i just seen… ‘it had to be you’, harry!

anne says:

03:14pm | 08/10/09

THERE is no getting away from the fact that african americans are blackish coloured people.im sure they are proud of that. we are all described as colours. when descriptions are asked for from police etc its caucasian, black etc.. how else are actors to portray someone other than wearing makeup etc to look like the people they are portraying?? there have been ‘golliwog’ dolls sold for over 100 years & recently they have been reintroduced from a well known maker of collectible teddy bears. if the guys were doing an asian opera sendup im sure they would have worn kimonos!

Betty says:

03:17pm | 08/10/09

Australian scum making fun of Michael Jackson again. There always was a deep abiding hatred of Michael and black people in Australia, who were so successful.

Jason H says:

03:17pm | 08/10/09

Listening to this story all day today has annoyed the hell out of me. Loved watching Hey Hey with my kids like i used to with my parents having a laugh and some quality family time!!!.I bet not one Australian thought it was racist until HCJ held up his scorecard, did anyone notice that??????? Bring back Hey Hey!!!!!!

Craig says:

03:19pm | 08/10/09

@ A difference in outlook…...
Mate, It is not interesting, it is fact.
Through Main stream media brainwashing and socialistic education programs, we have been trained to believe that Racism can only be perpotrated by whites against other “minorities”. although the notion of racial equality is a noble one, certain sections of the world have pounced on the popularity of liberal minded folk the world over (the do gooders/socialists/communists) and hyped to such levels that white people just don’t know what is acceptable anymore and what isn’t. It has created such wide divides in white civilised communities. No one for a moment even thinks to look at other races as being guilty of racism. Canada recently granted a white South African refugee status in Canada as he presented a case in the courts that proved that should he retun to South Africa he would be victimised purely on his racial type…white. The local south African government is in an outrage and trying to have the decision over turned, if you look around you will find quotes from government officalis in sth Africa furious with the decision and stating that it is ridiculous that a white person in Sth Africa can be affected by racism, and that only blacks can be victims of such hatred….Other ethnic groups have much higher levels of intolerance to those of different racial backgrounds than any white first world country today….my question is this…who stands to win out of this constant self hating, self bashing implosion of white people in general?

Webby says:

03:21pm | 08/10/09

I don’t see what was so offensive about last night - It was all fun as far as I am concerned.  It’s people like Harry Connick Jr that reads more into it and turns it into something more than what it really is.

Shame on you Harry for turning it political - it was just a fun skit!!!

WTG Hey Hey!!  I hope you do come back permanently

XXX says:

03:21pm | 08/10/09

And yet two black guys in America can make a movie called White Chicks, dress as white people and no one bats an eye lid!

Sean says:

03:26pm | 08/10/09

I think the skit was ridiculous and Australia is a racist country and has a history of racism. Hello ABOROGINAL GENOCIDE.

SD says:

03:30pm | 08/10/09

When making a jest towards another is unacceptable, it is generally symptomatic of a weak relationship. Only when bonds are strong can humour towards another be safely applied. When the relationship is not strong enough, and a jest is attempted, it can often (and correctly) be construed as insensitive or unconstructive.

It is possible that those responsible for the skit thought that the relationship was strong enough to handle the jest, i.e. that it was a non-issue. And in my opinion, it isn’t an issue – for me and almost everyone I have met in Australia. Perhaps I am lucky, but in my experience, Australia wholly considered is not inherently racist.

Racism is obviously very complex. Part of this complexity is rooted in contextual and historical elements. For example, if an African American was to call a fellow African American “Nigger” – my understanding is that this would be for the main part appropriate. However, the same does not apply to myself (being Caucasian). The point is that there are no rules or laws which can act as a litmus test for racist statements or actions – the context must always be considered. Interestingly, this is just as it is with humour.

Another poster mentioned that if the parody had been of Youthu Yindy – it never would have gone to air. I agree - this is essentially my point. Unfortunately there are still wounds in Australia which have a way to heal before this sort of thing would be appropriate. It may never be appropriate. Its all about history and context.

Harry C has exposed his personal sensitivity towards racism – OK. For him, the context was wrong. However, this is possibly indicative of a broader sensitivity indicative of a poor relationship in his home country, the United States.

On the other hand, it may be that there is no broader problem in the U.S. and Harry C is alone sensitive to a problem that does not exist. Unlikely.

Anne says:

03:31pm | 08/10/09

Get over it Harry it was funny 20 years ago and it was still funny last night , don’t give up Hey Hey it is great to see a good show make a comeback where you can have a laugh and forget about the doom and gloom inj the world for a short time : )

mark says:

03:32pm | 08/10/09

The Jackson 5 were not shoe-polish black, identical, nor did they have thick ‘golliwog’ hair. Tropic Thunder, White Chicks, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle all had realistic depictions of Caucasians and African-Americans that’s why they are different; ones racist and one’s not.

Those in the skit used a racist stereotype of African American’s (all looking the same, buffoon like) as the basis of their portrayal and the show’s produers thought nothing of it.

The group thought “how do we impersonate the Jackson 5? by dressing like idiots with silly wigs and painting out face midnight black because african-americans look funny so that’s how we’ll look funny” and that’s the racist bit.

And HCJ was nothing but a gentleman, he calmly pointed out his distaste for the act but noting that this is a different country so he gave the show the benefit of the doubt.

Peter says:

03:33pm | 08/10/09

Weren’t the Jackson 5 black?  If so, what is the big deal?  Lighten up you lot.

Shane says:

03:46pm | 08/10/09

I hope Harry Connick Jr was just as offended when 2 African Americans dressed up as white girls in the comedy White Chicks - not just racist but would have to be considered sexist too. And I hope he was vocally outraged over Robert Downey Jr’s efforts painting his face black in Tropic Thunder.

If not, then Harry has judged us according to different standards than he holds his fellow Americans to - by any measure a racist act.

Whatever says:

03:53pm | 08/10/09

Just saw Harry Conick jr on you tube doing the same thing on Saturday night live.

Jack says:

03:55pm | 08/10/09

FedUp: sorry, I must be slow - where is the ‘satire’ in dressing up as black people and singing Jackson 5?

Ah, I get it - you dont know what ‘satire’ means. nvm.

Paul says:

03:57pm | 08/10/09

Hey Guys, I am not going to talk on behalf of black. I am a happy man black African what ever people do would not change anything on me. We are the one to make a better day. I am an African living in Melbourne. It is easy to say forget and move on if you never been through a situation. In reality it is not that easy. There are stories between black and white. Us black are very sensitive because of the pass. It is not easy to be black in this world; we have to keep that in mind. We can forgive but the story is there so we better not wake up a dead. In the black communities there are joke for white and joke for black. It will be better to learn a story and stop to always play naive.
Colleen, what a black man will do to other black can be seeing as a joke and he will laugh. It is not the same if a white duke does the same thing to the same black man. For example when black man call a black man niggard it is ok for them but if a white man call a black man niggard it is not the same because of the pass.
So guys we have to live respecting each other race, culture, and ethics.

R. McIntosh says:

03:57pm | 08/10/09

Australian TV is still in the 1950’s. If this rubbish is the best they can come up with they should just stick to importing shows from the UK and USA

Danny Warren says:

04:04pm | 08/10/09

This whole scandal thing is a disgrace. The skit was clearly not designed to be racist, it was a dig or homage depending on your likes and dislikes at the Jackson family as performers. Here’s a newsflash, the Jacksons are African-Americans and the performers wore what they did so they would recognisable as the Jacksons. Then Harry gets upset about the facepaint and apallingly throws his tantrum on air and very publicly and then it all snowballs out of proportion. Harry, who claims to love the show so much, surely would’ve been smarter to air his grievence quietly off air and maybe meet up with the performers and express his feelings then. What he has done is blow up something out of nothing and done his own reputation in this country a lot of damage as well as maybe put any possible return of the show in jeopardy. Where was Harry’s indignation when he “blackened up” to pretend to be a preacher, if he was fair dinkum about all of this, he wouldn’t have done that. Where was it when Robert Downey Jr. was nominated for an Oscar for portraying an Aussie actor who was pretending to be black, anyone who saw his portrayal would have been far more aghast at any racist tones than last nights skit. People and particularly the media have gone completely overboard, this would not have got a single line in the papers if Harry had used some common sense. It may have even blown over if he didn’t want more air time to force Darryl to apologise for the skit. All of that “I love the show and being in Australia and I’m gonna ring the P.M to demand the show get back on air” stuff was some desperate damage control, but it was far too late and appeared very shallow, the damage has been done and two things have come from it. He lost a lot of fans in this country for what how he behaved, which is unfortunate, but his own doing and he may have caused enough scandal to stop a national icon of a show making a long awaited return. For a little comic skit which was misunderstood, way too much drama has come out of it. It’s just disappointing that for over 5 hours of fantastic entertainment and fun, one sook who couldn’t make his feelings felt appropriately, will make it remembered for al the wrong reasons. He really brought a downer on the whole preceedings and rather than blame Hey Hey, 99% of the vitriol should be aimed at a hypocrite trying to get publicity to promote a new cd and remind everyone he’ll be back to tour next year. Be interesting to see how many shows he sells tickets for if his behaviour last night sinks the show.

Maddison says:

04:05pm | 08/10/09

I like micheal jackson and even I reckon it was funny. I dont think red is happy when harry gave them a 0. I think they should do it again without harry.

Dan says:

04:06pm | 08/10/09

A few questions to people who tell us to lighten up - can you turn on the tv and find lead characters of your cultural background? Can you travel anywhere without fear of threat or discrimination? Can you find lots of book highlighting positive contributions made by people in your cultural background? Anyone told you to go back where you came from? Has any of your actions been attributed to your ethnicity? Can you find band-aid the colour of your skin? Adverts showing resorts with people of your race?  Just a few questions to get you thinking about just how harmless you think these little jokes are for some people other than yourself. This is the kind of society they are living in with you. Think about it some before make light of such things.

Clem says:

04:24pm | 08/10/09

@Wendy “I get offended at Halloween when people put white paint on their face to look like a ghost! “

I know you think you’re making a really witty point, but it’s really incredibly stupid.

Tim says:

04:24pm | 08/10/09

Paul,
you are correct. There is racism and then there is RACISM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RACISM!!!!!!!! can only be perpetrated by white people.

Craig says:

04:41pm | 08/10/09

@ Dan
“- can you turn on the tv and find lead characters of your cultural background? “
Depends really, there are many shows with black african american leads, Australian Aboriginal leads, white australian leads, white non australian leads, indian leads etc etc, can you be more specific please? and should the cultural make up of TV represent the % of demographic in a country or not or better yet what do you suggest?

“Can you travel anywhere without fear of threat or discrimination? “

No one can really, everyone should be careful when visiing any place at all times. However, having travelled extensively abroad, I have received threats and discrimination, and I am “white”

“Can you find lots of book highlighting positive contributions made by people in your cultural background? “
What constitutes a positive contribution in your eyes? Patents and awards are generally presented to those members of any society who achevie and contribute to society…can you provide examples where books have not been forthcoming for significant contributions made by ethnic minorities (Assuming this is what you mean?)?

“Anyone told you to go back where you came from?”

yes, in fact having scottish parentage I had to deal with much joke and teasing my way as a youngster. I guess however, as Scottish are “white” I just had to deal with it and get on with life and do my best…

“Has any of your actions been attributed to your ethnicity?”
More information required on this one…

“Can you find band-aid the colour of your skin? “
That’s a hard one, there are many different coloured band aids, however having white freckled skin I find all band aids annoyingly out of shade.

“Adverts showing resorts with people of your race? ”

sill question really…advisetising and TV in gernal today goes well out if it’s way to ensure a wide variety of ethnic diversity is maintained…

Paul says:

04:45pm | 08/10/09

I saw a movie a couple of years ago and it was about two black guys dressing up as white girls and then I listened to some rap and heard the word “nigger” a couple of times and then I cried myself to sleep because amongst the confusion it occured to me that no examples are being set, everyone is offended at something and we are very fast forgetting how to laugh. RIP Humour RIP Al Jolston

Grafik says:

04:50pm | 08/10/09

Damn talk about political correctness,  was kind of hoping on the next renunion to get back on the show with my mate, steve, For all you HHISN fans, I was the bloke throwing steve, you know the little fella in the tight lyrcra shorts in 1989. We kind of all called it dwarf tossing back then, suppose you dont want us to make a comeback on TV, oh well come down to the local pub at Portsea this Saturday night and we can give you a refresher

Ron says:

04:52pm | 08/10/09

I heard that Harry Connick was at the full dress rehearsal why didn’t he say something then, why wait until they are live on air!

Wetten the Lawns says:

04:55pm | 08/10/09

Hey Hey its Saturday rocks and just I love that bootpolish performance I nearly had to have my meds cos i broke into fits of laughter it was just glorious!
Keep up the work guys!

Silverfern Bob says:

05:03pm | 08/10/09

People just laughed in the audience and loved it so there is no worries there its the true fact of the matter is that this performance rocked!

SJ says:

05:10pm | 08/10/09

Someone who thinks this ‘skit’ was okay needs to explain to me why they think it was funny. Use small words, because apparently I’m not terribly bright. Detail would be helpful.

Bow says:

05:12pm | 08/10/09

Well. Hey hey had its day! This is a reason why Old School Humour doesnt work because people have become more understood in the way people look. And anyway the jackson jives were dancing like the men off FULL MONTY! the only thing differentiating them from anything else ive seen is the black face paint. Why didnt they just get darker skinned dancers in the first place? And the white MJ? How unoriginal! WE HAVE TO THINK MORE THESE DAYS!
AND hey hey ... i reckon a no show too!

Cathy says:

05:24pm | 08/10/09

I don’t know what the fuss is all about.  It was a harmless skit and I think there’s too much political correctness crap today.

Valerie says:

05:29pm | 08/10/09

isn’t calling Australians racist, racist? I’ve been to both Britain and the US and encountered terrible racism - pot, kettle, er, black

Aceybaby says:

06:00pm | 08/10/09

Some bloke, sorry, some guy, (We’re not allowed to be Australian these days and speak like we used to.) from USA said once ” I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it “.  Hmmmm.  That went out the window. A pretty white straight sheila, sorry again, a minority group young lady was eliminated from a beauty pageant for answering a question and stating that she did not agree with same sex marriages. That’s how her parents raised her, properly, to speak her mind. Ahhh, or should it be aaaarrrggghhh, the land of the free. Just dont speak your mind. Now these PC cretons, each armed with the brains of a hammer, want us to be like them. Good God no! It scares me to think that they may actualy vote, and maybe even drive a motor vehicle. Let us Australians with proper brains, laugh at ourselves. And welcome all other cultures, not Vultures to OUR FREE LAND. I dont mean people who come in by the boatload and try to jump the queue, I mean those who do the right thing. yeah, okey doke, that makes me a racist now I suppose.
And by the way, Jo Beth Taylor sitting on the stool held my attention better than that stupid Yank with the intelligenge of a shopping trolley, wanting to go his own way and expecting us to follow.  More Aussie TV shows and good onya Hey Hey.

acker says:

06:15pm | 08/10/09

Of course many Australians will go on about the Robert Downey Jr “Tropic Thunder” thing

American Actor gets nominated for a Golden Globe (US major award) for playing an Australian Actor who was playing an African American Soldier in a spoof movie.

Total hypocrisy from our American freinds.

Ian says:

06:28pm | 08/10/09

Bec - Would you please stop writing ‘Australia, I quit.’ and just do it already! Leave. Go see how the rest of the world works before demonising Australia every chance you get. You morals are clearly superior to everyone else’s even if your IQ apparently isn’t.

Aussie Aido says:

06:33pm | 08/10/09

To the person that said Australia, I quit. I am a decendant of Aboriginal Australia. I found this skit in bad taste not because of the blacked out faces but because they were taking the mickey out of the late great Michael Jackson.Have some respect for the dead no matter what.So to say Australia I quit just shows what a tosser you are mate. Did Australia quit you in the war against terror? No we did not mate. AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OI OI OI

Shane Wells says:

07:26pm | 08/10/09

Australia is again showing how racist it is and so unaware of what blacked out faces means to Afro Caribbean people, and it’s place in oppressing black people. Channel 9 should be ashamed and there should be huge repercussions for the Hey Hey team and the Executive of Channel 9.

It is not a matter of ‘political correctness’ and ‘getting over’ something. This is a very serious issue and again. Australia is again the laughing stock across the world. Shame Australia, Shame. What is worse, the polls are showing 20% of people feel it is racist, and 80% do not. That makes me so ashamed to be Australian and living in this recalcitrant country.

mkbond says:

07:28pm | 08/10/09

I still believe HC Jn is a hypocrite. Typical American on one hand trying to be correct and innocent making out this sort of thing wouldn’t happen in the good ol’ US of A. What a load of BS. Scratch beneath the surface and bingo! By the way, I wish he’d leave that bottle alone before going on stage.-not a good look. Here’s another U-tube clip of the so called ‘ooh, this is so shocking’ Harry in action. ” harry connick jr in drag ”

Nan says:

08:33pm | 08/10/09

So does that mean no more cowboys and indians, superman, spiderman, and anything else we tend to embrace when we are having fun. No more costume parties. :-(  I think everyone just needs to grow up. It is great to see people can have their own style of fun without the influence of alcohol or drugs. Just like the good old days. If you don’t like it ....walk away. The ‘Hey, Hey’ skit didn’t interest me, so that became my toilet break, and it was over when I got back. Problem solved. Move on.
It seems us Aussies can laugh at ourselves a lot quicker than the Americans. If this had been about one of us done in the USA we would probably be laughing with them and louder than them. That is who we are.

Fail says:

09:16pm | 08/10/09

Lol @ the first commentor. How wrong you were!

Lisa says:

09:22pm | 08/10/09

What was Harry’s comment ...that if they came dressed like this in America there would be no Hey Hey ??  on his soap box about how this behaviour is unacceptable in America ?? what about a little movie called “Tropic Thunder” ... in this movie if you recall ... a white man wears an afro wig and his face is painted black and portrays a black man !!! No accepted behaviour ?? hmmmmm..If Harry was offended he should speak on behalf of himself not his whole country !!!

More to the point ....Stepan Keryasharian (Communications Relations Commission) was today quoted saying this “The bottom line is, howe did the people who belong to the depicted group feel about it”....“As an impartial observer, the skit was a particular way of depicting Americans of ethnic background in the past, a way of satirising them presenting them to the mainstream culture” Yes the skit depicted the Jackson a popular 70s band doing one of their biggest hits of the 70s hit “Can you Fell It”...this was the group being depicted ......has anyone seen the film clip of this song? Its from the 70s eveyone had afro hairstyles !!!! Lets put things into perspective !

Gravel says:

10:03pm | 08/10/09

Strewth! So Australia has had a bit of fun at the expense of the Jackson 5 . Who gives a flying fox, we are the first to take the mickey out of ourselves and that doesn`t bother us. So Mr. oh so god allmighty Harry Connick jnr. Instead of coming out here and taking our money, stay bloody well home, then you won`t get offended.

KC says:

10:13pm | 08/10/09

I think we all should be thinking of why Junior made the comments he did and gave a 0 as in his country there is and has been huge black - white issues, we don’t have the same her in a Open and Free loving Country which all do gooders are making us like other countrys of hating each other - I have always thought Aussies to be fun and we always take a crack at others its been our humor since day dot.

ANNE says:

10:40pm | 08/10/09

HEY HEY ITS MARDI GRAS !!  JUST WATCHING ‘GETAWAY’ RIGHT NOW…NEW ORLEANS HOME OF HCJNR ..THE MARDI GRAS ..& GUESS WHAT ??? BLACKENED FACES & AFRO WIGS ON THE PERFORMERS !!!!!!

Mark says:

12:34am | 09/10/09

What about the front man? he’s from Sri Lanka and he painted his face white I don’t hear anyone bitching over that. Over reaction in my opinion, I’m not or have ever been racist but this had nothing to do with racism. as an entertainer myself if i were to do an elvis show i would wear the white jump suit side burns and a wig. If i wanted to do a Kamahl or Stevie Wonder show…..........well I couldn’t because over sensitive do gooders would consider it racist. What about films like “enemy at the gates” all these Germans and Russians and all with very British accents. Are they bad actors or were they afraid to act because it may offend people? The whole political correctness thing is out of control in my opinion. There is a thing called “humour”  If humour steps over the mark then jump on it by all means but “Jackson jive” was entertainment and was just trying to be funny. I wonder if Harry feels a little bit racist when he’ playing all those great jazz songs made famous by black musicians, I know its not the same thing but these guys couldn’t be as good so they had to look the part. The funny thing is if they had done the same skit without the make up they would have probably been told they were the wrong colour. Ironic really….

John Goncalves says:

03:13am | 09/10/09

Well I got home today and much to my disgust found that the little bit of humour (WAKE UP PEOPLE- yes humour) on a great show last night created all this caffuffle. Again that little minority of Do-Gooders have come out of their litle hidding places displaying their total ignorance for what society really is. Harry Jnr. who I used to admire a little more really turned on the ignorance in ruining a light hearted skit that most of the Australian society accepted for what it really was. Americans are really great trying to undo their past and they are also great at ruining the present. I am by no means racist in any way shape or form. I have lots of friends of all skin shades and nationalities. I too go very dark in summer time but it’s what’s inside that counts, is it not? I am sorry for the oppression that existed in the past towards coloured people and all other oppressed groups but I have no control of the past and I think that the idea is to move on. For the minority that were offended (and I’m guessing your skin colour is fairly pale - not that it matters) build a bridge and get over it, grow up, smell the roses and if nothing of that helps go and help the Americans combat their tainted history. To all Americans out there don’t drag us Australians into your stuffed up past. By the way I too am of an ethnic background and consider myself to be an Australian and Proud of what we have here ” a lucky country”.

John Goncalves says:

03:28am | 09/10/09

Channel 9 do us all a favour and bring a GREAT show back, you know you want to. First show back have the Jackson Jive as judges judging Harry Jnr. in Red Faces. Oh please have Harry perform over video link-up from the States as he’ll be very busy trying to undo his Countries tainted past and shouldn’t be wasting time overhere.

Bill says:

03:36am | 09/10/09

Why are people so unkind?

Suren Vallabhjee says:

09:34am | 09/10/09

Many try to immitate MercedesBenz,because thats the standard.So when someone tries to immitate a Black R&B Group, well thats the standard.
On the other hand its a bit weak doing a survey “Is Australia Racist ?” amongst a population thats predominantly White.
Perhaps the way to get an answer to this is ask 10 people of different races who live here . Ask an Indian Student .

Tony Montana says:

11:28am | 09/10/09

How sad to see so many P.C Conditioned fools out there! What a bunch of wimps!!!! The thought Police are alive & well in Australia. People are easily
offended these days…..can’t think for themselves - it’s ok for Black American
Movie stars to dress up as white Chicks isn’t it! Wayanns Brothers in 06
movie’ White Chicks’, where were all you ‘offended WHITIES’ then!!!!!! Sick
of you P.C thought crime wimps!

Ray Menz says:

12:59pm | 09/10/09

The issue raised by Connick Jnr was about using “blackface” and that half his band were “BLACK”. When I first saw the skit I had the same reaction.

Also I found the skit funny because the performers were pretending ineptly to be Wako Jako and the Jacksons. Acting idiots is what red faces is about. Getting a low score like 0 is the norm.

Maybe Connick Jnr should give up singing at beauty pagents because these objectify and demean all women and sexualise young girls.

In Australia the expression “I like the boy” is a term of endearment. This was something automatically said by Bert Newton - unfortunately this was not understood by Muhammad Ali .

Because of Caroline Overingtog’s passion about racism she should do a story on -
the Indian Caste System.
or Nigga Gangsta rappers singing “Fuck the Police” and “Im gunna slap my Hoe Baitch Down”.

AND God forbid that Kamahl releases another Xmass CD.

Craig says:

03:06pm | 09/10/09

@ Suren Vallabhjee
you have just hit the nail on the head. I refer to your statement

“On the other hand its a bit weak doing a survey “Is Australia Racist ?” amongst a population thats predominantly White.
Perhaps the way to get an answer to this is ask 10 people of different races who live here . Ask an Indian Student .”

-You have just generalised that Whites are racist… I put it to you that racism is much more prevalent in Indian society than in Australian.

Quentin Erwood says:

08:29pm | 09/10/09

When I woke up this morning i thought I could Change The World.

lizzy says:

09:35pm | 09/10/09

oh my god get over it. it was a joke your all taking things way to far

Bec says:

09:46pm | 09/10/09

Secretly VERY amused that my “Australia- I quit” comment has gotten up your collective noses…. And if you knew me you would know I am a most un-PC person.

What I fail to understand is how, given our history, given recent racial tension in Victoria, and given our claims to be an enlightened nation, the majority of people fail to see the implications of allowing this sort of blatant racial vilification to occur. Sadly I think it is a case of being SO racist we can’t even see that we ARE racist.

And for the record, I lay blame with the producers. As makers of public culture they have a responsibility to reflect the values of the culture. Sadly it seems that culture WAS reflected after all. And yet again I am GLAD to be a minority.

PS Props to “bech8r”... you just pushed my cred WAY up with all the other Christmas ruiners out there…. Hilarious.

Peter of Adelaide says:

01:14am | 10/10/09

The Burt Newton ‘incident’ was not intentional, the Jackson Jive was, in so far as it was deliberately chosen, I think it was a bad choice, but this is a free country, and satire is always going to offend someone somewhere.  As long as the majority can see it as satire then no real harm in my opinion. Those that take offense perhaps should really think about why.  Was it offensive to you, or are you offended because you think you should be?

Royston says:

10:44pm | 11/10/09

Connick never said it was racist. He said it was offensive. Read his site.

Yeah. A guy from the country that creates and exports broadcast filth like South Park and Ren & Stimpy was *offended*.

Good grief.

Daniel J Wynn says:

01:26am | 12/10/09

People over-hyping everything will innevitably kill off comedy in this country and eventually the world. You can’t even say the word ‘black’ in any context without someone psycho-analysing it for negative racial connotations.

The performers in question were portraying a black singing group so to get into character they dressed up like them simple as that. It’s not like they conspired to darken themselves to insult the whole of african-american society.

Do people have a go at an ABBA tribute band for making themselves look like the performers they love?!?!

They did do a pretty weak job but thats more to be attributed to the fact that they’re doctors and the group was a way for them to blow off steam singing music they love rather than purposely insulting an ethnic group.

It’s true what people say that ‘race issues’ are a serious manner, but it also can’t be all we think about. How will we ever function as a society when a well-meaning tribute band is somehow public enemy number one and headline news for three days straight.

Get the Gong quick says:

07:23am | 13/10/09

When will Aussies stop being so damn self conscious of themselves.
People who are on the “receiving” end of any comedy use it as a means of tarring and feathering us whities. I remember a Steve Vizard skit involving some aborigines at a real estate auction, bringing the value of the house down just by being there.
The producers would wet their pants if this happened these days. But I do believe the real estate industry could be manipulated this way.
Its corperate jealousy about ratings creating these ludicrous bun fights. We should know the difference between racial mallce and good old aussie or even american fun. We’re not living in the 19 th century and slavery has been abolished, and most common folk would see the HEY HEY SHOW as good fun. Were running out of people to parody, due to political correctness. When the Chaser team exposed our security industry as being fairly useless, incapable of security and innocent they were taken to court. Surely some are taking this political correctness too far.

Black and Proud says:

11:43am | 15/10/09

“Wasnt Robert Downey Jr nominated for an oscar for going “blackface” in tropic thunder?”

He was making fun of racist Australians.