This was a joke in the latest Family Guy season finale, and they of poke fun at Michael J. Fox and Parkinson's disease.
The joke is most definitely offensive, but it's also funny.
So your opinion -- do they cross the line when they make fun of medical conditions from which millions of people suffer, and which they have no control over?
I have to admit that I laughed, and felt immediately ashamed.
Hopefully this doesn't get taken off youtube for copyright reasons or whatever the broadcasting companies are spouting....
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It;s already been taken off but I did see the Michael J Fox joke. I laughed, it was funny as hell, but yeah, at the same time, I was like, "ooooooo, that was harsh." Sure it was crossing the line, but thats why I and im sure other people tune in on a weekly basis, because they hover around what's funny and what's crossing the line. In the end, I think it's harmless though, the show isn't for kids, and if you're an adult and can't handle it, then don't watch. Just don't bitch about it. There's enough of that going around these days. We as a society have bigger things to worry about than a cartoon poking fun at a disease.
It;s already been taken off but I did see the Michael J Fox joke. I laughed, it was funny as hell, but yeah, at the same time, I was like, "ooooooo, that was harsh." Sure it was crossing the line, but thats why I and im sure other people tune in on a weekly basis, because they hover around what's funny and what's crossing the line. In the end, I think it's harmless though, the show isn't for kids, and if you're an adult and can't handle it, then don't watch. Just don't bitch about it. There's enough of that going around these days. We as a society have bigger things to worry about that a cartoon poking fun at a disease.
Yeah, no kidding...
This isn't some deep political forum, as far as I know; I was just wondering what people thought. I for one think it's generally harmless.
Then again, I watch Family Guy almost religiously and they've had similarly offensive jokes before (and perhaps worse). However, working in a medical field, this one just kind of stuck out to me.
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i don't really find family guy very funny, and that wasn't particularly funny either. that said, i echo the response of an "ooooh, jeez". really, it's just a cartoon.
It's like that one time Mohammed gave me a fish helmet while I was wearing a toga!
EDIT: Many jokes are cruel or pick on a certain group of people over something they can't help. Sex, race, handicap. Or others that are chosen but not black and white like religion. I'm sure there have been way worse not only on that show, but others.
It's up to us individually to decide what's too far and what isn't, and I'm sure everyone has their own boundaries. Sometimes they are selfish, some people have no problems laughing at others but get mad when it's close to them or their interests. Others keep everything off limits. And some think nothing is off limits and will laugh at themselves too.
The only one who could answer if it's too far or not is Michael J Fox I guess. Just my guess and I think he would less be bugged by the inclusion of him, but for sorry for all others with the disease. But that's just my guess.
I don't like when they cross the line because sometimes you may find yourself watching the show with a friend, who has whatever it is they're poking fun at. One of my best friends is a diabetic, I can't remember exactly what Family Guy was saying about diabetics, but the skit was sort of drawn out....and awkward as hell. It's bugged me ever since then. I believe there was another time where they made fun of someone who was mentally handicapped, and again, I was watching the show with my friend (different guy) who has a sister that's mentally handicapped....it was awkward and the joke felt like it lasted an eternity. Do you laugh? Do you pretend you never understood the joke?
I myself am not offended by anything they say on the show, but I see how it could offend some people. I'd prefer if they stayed away from poking fun at people who can't help the way they are.
Family Guy has crossed the line so many times, it's not exactly shocking anymore. Too bad- it could be a really good show, if it was more reasonable.
Totally agree. The show has its moments, but it lacks style. South Park is a good example of a show that is offensive, but uses controversy for effects other than pure shock value - which is what Family Guy often tries to do. There are some good gags on FG, but I don't get the impression the writers really have anything interesting to say.
Totally agree. The show has its moments, but it lacks style. South Park is a good example of a show that is offensive, but uses controversy for effects other than pure shock value - which is what Family Guy often tries to do. There are some good gags on FG, but I don't get the impression the writers really have anything interesting to say.
I agree 100% If you're going to shock someone, do it to challenge a thought or make a point. Not for a cheap laugh. South Park has done that well. Why they have won awards like the Peabody and not just the Emmy.
Family Guy can be funny sometimes (though it seems to be running out of steam) but I don't think it's ever made me think, feel sad, want to get involved in something, want to find out more about something. South Park has done all of those to me.
I don't like when they cross the line because sometimes you may find yourself watching the show with a friend, who has whatever it is they're poking fun at. One of my best friends is a diabetic, I can't remember exactly what Family Guy was saying about diabetics, but the skit was sort of drawn out....and awkward as hell. It's bugged me ever since then. I believe there was another time where they made fun of someone who was mentally handicapped, and again, I was watching the show with my friend (different guy) who has a sister that's mentally handicapped....it was awkward and the joke felt like it lasted an eternity. Do you laugh? Do you pretend you never understood the joke?
I myself am not offended by anything they say on the show, but I see how it could offend some people. I'd prefer if they stayed away from poking fun at people who can't help the way they are.
Unfortunately if that were the case, there would be noone to poke fun at.
Family Guy really isn't a very good show. If you can't write a joke that isn't a pop culture reference/offensive because it humiliates a certain group of people, then you aren't a very good writer at all.
Family Guy has been crossing the line since it's inception. I can't believe that they can get away with some of the jokes. The censor boards must be getting pretty lax these days.
From wunderkind to TV mogul: After 2 1/2 years of negotiations, “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane has inked a new overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV that would make him the highest-paid writer-producer working in television. The pact, which could be worth more than $100 million, will keep MacFarlane at 20th TV through 2012.......
“I get a lot of pleasure out of making shows,” MacFarlane said. “It’s a bonus to be getting paid well for it, and it’s a double bonus to be getting paid exorbitantly for it.”
pffft, the humour is generally cleverer than south park and the jokes are of a far higher quality.
If you're looking for indepth satirical comedy then don't watch cartoons!!
They seem to add much more variety of humour too, i personally adore their surreal moments - makes you wonder if it's really written by yanks...
Family Guy Joke: Crossing the Line?
