Author Topic: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention  (Read 2364 times)

Offline LtJimmy

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Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« on: 21-06-2011, 14:06:42 »
Taken from http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/5136009/Dambusters-dog-bone-of-contention

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One of the big questions hanging over Sir Peter Jackson's Dambusters film has finally been answered - the dog Nigger will be renamed Digger as it might offend Americans. The film's script writer, actor Stephen Fry, revealed the change to British newspaper The Daily Mail. In the original 1955 film the name of pilot Guy Gibson's black Labrador is spoken 12 times as a code word to report successful dam breaches to the RAF's bomber command, The Daily Mail reported. Fry said: "there is no question in America that you could ever have a dog called the N-word. It's no good saying that it is the Latin word for black or that it didn't have the meaning that it does now - you just can't got back, which is unfortunate ... Digger seems OK, I reckon".

However some historians and aviation enthusiasts were unhappy with the name change. The dog is buried at RAF Scampton in Britain, where the Dambusters 617 squadron was based. Curator of the RAF Scampton museum accused Fry of trying to "rewrite history". "It's not a problem with coloured people, it's the people in power creating the problem. Sod their political correctness and sod human rights," said Mervyn Hallam.
"They should keep the dog's name the same - it's ridiculous that they are trying to rewrite history. His grave is still here with his name on it." Dambusters historian Jim Shortland said it was sacrificing historical accuracy for political correctness. "One wonders what else the film might get wrong. Once you know something is incorrect, you're going to be suspicious." But Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire spokesman Phil Bonner told The Daily Mail the dog's name was emotive. "In some respects it's a reflection of the changes that have happened across the generations." Jackson first announced plans for the film, to be directed by his protege Christian Rivers, in 2006. Fry, who also has a small part in The Hobbit, joined as script writer in 2007. As of last year, Jackson was fine tuning Fry's script, with no set date for shooting. It is understood some pre-production work has been underway for some time, including full scale replicas of Lancaster bombers, some of which were made in China.

Peter Jackson himself was asked to comment but said he was too involved in 'The Hobbit', which could mean that Nigger's name could remain in the final production.
« Last Edit: 21-06-2011, 14:06:28 by LtJimmy »

Offline cannonfodder

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #1 on: 21-06-2011, 14:06:21 »
Yet another example of political-correctness gone mad... ::)

Offline Chadoi

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #2 on: 21-06-2011, 15:06:32 »
Yet another example of political-correctness gone mad... ::)

Perhaps, but I wouldn't like to see this issue overshadowing the film itself.

Offline Thorondor123

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #3 on: 21-06-2011, 15:06:50 »
Oh no, the film is ruined! ::)
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Offline von.small

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #4 on: 21-06-2011, 15:06:23 »
wo wo wo, I think it should be taken out - like in Pulp fiction when they took it out, and in American history X, and Blazing saddles...

I think everyone should get on board with Chris Rock, that guy makes me laugh when he shines his genius on political correctness gone mad, and that certain 'n' word.
HadrianBT - Why the hell would "Germany" attack pigmy ppl??!!
Thorondor123 - I agree that people are not wearing enough hats

Offline Lightning

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #5 on: 21-06-2011, 15:06:13 »
Oh yes, making a movie that glorifies a strategically meaningless attack that killed over 2000 civilians and prisoners of war and which would be in clear violation of the geneva convention today is just dandy, but you can't call the dog "Nigger".

Offline Cory the Otter

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #6 on: 21-06-2011, 16:06:40 »
Overreaction much?

Offline [WDW]Megaraptor

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #7 on: 21-06-2011, 17:06:23 »
Oh yes, making a movie that glorifies a strategically meaningless attack that killed over 2000 civilians and prisoners of war and which would be in clear violation of the geneva convention today is just dandy, but you can't call the dog "Nigger".

Yep...there's so many levels of retardation here.

Quote
Dambusters historian Jim Shortland said it was sacrificing historical accuracy for political correctness. "One wonders what else the film might get wrong. Once you know something is incorrect, you're going to be suspicious."

Yes, all movies are known for their utmost historical accuracy...

Of course, let's not pretend that the original black lab was named "Nigger" because it is the Latin word for black and Americans are just too dumb to understand either...be honest, people were casually racist in the 1940s, deal with it.

Also, the Brits have censored the word during TV broadcasts of the 1955 Dambusters film, so it's not just an American thing.
« Last Edit: 21-06-2011, 17:06:58 by [WDW]Megaraptor »

Offline Chadoi

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #8 on: 21-06-2011, 17:06:19 »
Oh yes, making a movie that glorifies a strategically meaningless attack that killed over 2000 civilians and prisoners of war and which would be in clear violation of the geneva convention today is just dandy, but you can't call the dog "Nigger".

I don't know whether to agree or disagree with you, I would have to know more about the film first.

If it is like the original, then I would tend to agree with you that the film glorifies the attack. However, taking into account the time it was produced this is entirely understandable.

However, if it simply focuses on the events in an non-propaganda/glorifying manner then I don't see why anyone should have a problem with the film. I for one feel all facets of the war could/should be made into a film - not just 'clean' battles between opposing armies. Suffering on boths sides should be emphasised.

Whether or not we can expect this from Peter Jackson is another matter.



Offline Tedacious

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #9 on: 21-06-2011, 21:06:35 »
geez america, grow up...






...:)
This is just so stupid.
I see were you are trying to reach: "how can a 17 year old kid have such a thinking like this? why doesnt he wants to be like normal teens who whana get rich? and his plan actually makes sense, but is too damn revolutionary and good at the same time than is still doubthfull if it works..." - Damaso

Offline HappyFunBall

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #10 on: 21-06-2011, 23:06:43 »
Oh yes, making a movie that glorifies a strategically meaningless attack that killed over 2000 civilians and prisoners of war and which would be in clear violation of the geneva convention today is just dandy, but you can't call the dog "Nigger".
Of course, let's not pretend that the original black lab was named "Nigger" because it is the Latin word for black and Americans are just too dumb to understand either...be honest, people were casually racist in the 1940s, deal with it.

Both of these points are good arguments to keep it in. If the movie is going to show the raid as it was, lumps and all. Then it should not be too difficult to include the dogs real name, and the reason why the Americans called him that. [they were racist by today's standards] If the point of the movie is to show the raid as it was, including its ugly side, then making that point would not detract from the story. In fact it would support it.

And if this is just a silly ra-ra glorification movie, then who cares, none of us are going to waste time watching it anyways.

Offline THeTA0123

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #11 on: 21-06-2011, 23:06:57 »
DAM Bitch nigga"s WE call ourself nigga what these nigga's getting upset about? me tell mah nigga's about these nigga"s and whoop dem ass niggas
-i am fairly sure that if they took porn off the internet, there would only be one website left and it would be called bring back the porn "Perry cox, Scrubs.

Offline Lightning

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #12 on: 21-06-2011, 23:06:38 »
DAM Bitch nigga"s WE call ourself nigga what these nigga's getting upset about? me tell mah nigga's about these nigga"s and whoop dem ass niggas
I find that offensive.

Offline Fuchs

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #13 on: 21-06-2011, 23:06:35 »
I find it offensive that you find Theta's impersonation of a subculture offensive.
"Force answers force, war breeds war, and death only brings death.
To break this vicious circle one must do more than act without thought or doubt."

Offline Flippy Warbear

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Re: Dambusters Dog Bone of Contention
« Reply #14 on: 21-06-2011, 23:06:44 »
DAM Bitch nigga"s WE call ourself nigga what these nigga's getting upset about? me tell mah nigga's about these nigga"s and whoop dem ass niggas
I find that offensive.

Finally get to use this as a response.

This is exactly what South Park said, its OK to have sex and violence displayed as long as you dont use naughty words.