Moyles Mess

I’m going to pick up from Reluctant Nomad here and follow the story of BBC Radio 1’s Chris Moyles causing a bit of a fuss by referring to a ring tone as ‘gay’.

It does seem a bit much really to have the BBC implementing new disciplinary proceedings because a presenter uses what is, sadly, a common slang term among today’s youth. However we must take into account that young people do copy their role models, and Moyles is (for some unknown reason) popular with the under 30s. Also – while the gay lobby is picking up his use of the word ‘gay’, Ofcom have also received complaints of his talking about women as ‘dirty whores’, and saying ‘piss’ and ‘twat’. Delightful for a public figure.

Moyles is also an arrogant oaf, so while I’m sure he revels in all the attention, I for one think it’s time he was pulled up for his bad attitude, which the BBC seem to be promoting. I suppose it means they can make shows about the deteriorating state of the nations youth?

The BBC committee initially protested that Moyles was using the word ‘gay’ to mean ‘lame’ or ‘rubbish’. I know that is a common use of the word among today’s youth, and I, as a young gay person myself am actually frustrated at this use which obviously promotes the idea of homosexuality as abnormal, secondary to heterosexuals who are obviously not ‘lame’ or rubbish at all.

‘Gay’ is used as a derogatory term all too often in everyday life. It can be seen to have a negative effect on young people, and too often it is ignored by teachers and adults as being modern slang. Stonewall at least see the potential importance of it, as in their new “Speak Out” survey, they actually ask about the usage of the term.

I won’t pretend I’m unbiased. I dislike Moyles as I think he is a very poor excuse for entertainment. However, whatever my thoughts on him – to promote homophobia – no matter how subtly or unintentionally – is wrong.