IRISH DJ Eoghan McDermott has called for broadcasters to censor the lyrics to The Pogues Christmas classic "Fairytale of New York" in an issue that has proven divisive with fans of the song.
McDermott, who has a show on RTÉ radio, voiced his concerns in series of tweets in which he claimed several members of staff are uncomfortable with the song's use of the word "faggot".
"I asked the two gay members of my team how they feel, since faggot is their N word. If people want to slur the gay community, this is their most powerful weapon," he wrote.
"One favours censoring, the other outright not playing it. Neither like it. Simples."
"Phrases that have zero social utility should fall away. Enough vitriol out there without gay people having to feel uncomfortable so people that aren't affected by an insult can tap their toe."
McDermott called on radio stations to move with the times and censor the song.
"The fact this song is a classic isn't a strong enough defence to not at least censor it," he said.
"We censor shit, fuck, ass, weed and loads of other comparatively benign words in songs. It's not a big ask."
The comments come as part of a wider debate over the inclusion of the lyric in the duet between Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl, which also includes the word "slut".
Fans from both sides of the Atlantic weighed into the debate, with many taking McDermott's side in the argument.
amazing how people are still out there trying to defend f***** in fairytale of new york when....you can just swap it out for braggart and have the same tone and vague rhyming scheme 🙄
— juniper (@dilinaga) December 5, 2018
do y’all realize that faggot is an offensive term that means “a male homosexual” like that IS the definition you don’t get to decide when that is and isn’t offensive THAT IS WHAT IT MEANS. When it is said in Fairytale of New York she is literally using being gay as an insult lmao pic.twitter.com/Au6c8G8vj2
— nicholi (@dumblondefag) December 4, 2018
Since it's come up again, no, you do not need the homophobic slur in "Fairytale of New York. "Go look up the performance of the song in 1992, the lyrics changed to "You're drank and you're haggard", use those lyrics.
It's one of my favorite Christmas songs, knock this shit off.— Ellak Roach #BLM (@Ellak96) December 5, 2018
Fairytale of New York is only acceptable if they bleep out faggot.
— Nick Gilbert (@nickrgilbert) December 4, 2018
Why do radio stations still broadcast Fairytale of New York uncut? If somebody made a song now which used "slut" & "faggot" as pejorative terms, there would be an outcry. I'm not easily offended but I really don't think we should be normalising homophobia @thisisheart
— Heather Ryan (Heather Cosgrove) (@DrHFRyan) December 2, 2018
There was some backlash though, with many taking to social media to express their dismay at the idea of the song being censored.
Why the FUCK is 2018 ruining Christmas songs? ‘Baby, it’s cold outside’ and ‘Fairytale of New York’, they were written in different times, you’ve listened to them your whole life, grow up@
— Dj Magiggs (@Djpaulmcardle) December 5, 2018
Some fought back, pointing to a double standard and arguing that the use of the word, in any context, was unacceptable.
Kirsty McColl changed the lyric to 'haggard' on TOTP in 1992. Sis been knew a full 26 YEARS AGO that it wasn't okay.
This isn't liberals or PC Culture, nor is it 'woke'.
Anyone straight crying about not being able to sing it is homophobic, full stop.— Holly✨ (@hollyshortall) December 4, 2018
A few people were able to see the funny side.
Found the new lyric change for Fairytale of New York
"You scumbag, you maggot, long sword in a baguette"
Really brings the song into 2018 https://t.co/68i41MC8go— Stephen (@Stephenlough95) December 4, 2018
And there was a fairly sizeable Irish contingent who were keen to highlight what the word means in Ireland and why that may have a bearing on the debate.
Why are people getting so triggered by the word “faggot” in fairytale of New York... One, it’s an Irish song and the word faggot has a different meaning there. Two, if you’re getting triggered by a word that’s not even directed at you then stfu. Three, You’re a snowflake.
— Dan (@DanielAaronYT) December 6, 2018
Thankfully, there was one thing everyone could agree about the song: Ronan Keating's 2000 cover version is truly dreadful.
Ronan Keating's version of "Fairytale of New York" is possibly the worst thing my ears have ever heard. And that's saying something. Why does he sound like a pirate?!
— Ben Weston (@benjaminweston) December 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/richwalker1978/status/1069293025434701826
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