Comments Related To: Onion CEO apologizes for C-word tweet: When does satire go too far?

By VeronicaS

Los Angeles : CA : USA | 3 months ago

The satirical website The Onion posted a tweet to Twitter on Oscar night that can only be described as stunningly offensive. One of their writers thought it was OK to call 9-year-old...

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Posted By

Phyllis L. Smith Asinyanbi | 3 months ago

There is nothing the Onion can do other than fire the staff person who tweeted the insult. Then and only then will I believe the CEO is serious about trying to right a wrong. As you stated, in this internet age, it's not like the comment can be permanently erased.

Also, calling a 9-year-old girl or any one else the "C-word" is not satire; it is rude, offensive, profane and foul.

Thank you for the report, Veronica. Rated up and promo'd.

Reply By

VeronicaS | 3 months ago

Thanks for commenting Phyllis and for the support. You are right, there is nothing satirical about calling anyone, much less a little girl, by that vile name. To me that word has always bordered on misogyny.

Reply By

Robert Weller | 3 months ago

Fire the person or persons involved. Those of us who love the Onion won't be reading it any longer if there is no accountability. Wouldn't want to risk seeing something like this.

Reply By

VeronicaS | 3 months ago

Thanks for commenting RW. Yes, that is the only recourse and that vile comment has damaged their reputation. I will no longer be reading their fare--which I use to enjoy BTW.

Posted By

Dava Castillo | 3 months ago

thank you for your views on this sensitive topic Veronica.

This is exemplary of the "freedom" that has characterized social media since its inception. Anonymously people say crude and disgusting things about anyone whom they can target without accountability. Like you, I am leery of censorship, but I also recognize when someone is being attacked maliciously. Women are particularly vulnerable, and now young girls are being added to the list of targeted victims for verbal abuse.

I am sure the CEO of The Onion is sincere in the apology. But he also has to take responsibility for creating an environment of "anything goes" in The Onion. To be honest, I have never read it, so I am reticent to criticize, but if this is an example of the kind thing that is done there--I never want to read it.

Reply By

VeronicaS | 3 months ago

You're welcome Dava and thanks for commenting. I use to enjoy the Onion's biting humor but there is absolutely nothing funny about this. As you mentioned, there is a culture of verbal abuse against women online cause many of those cowards can hide behind anonymity.

Posted By

George Vieto | 3 months ago

That word that the Onion used on the kid is uncalled for. Good question on when satire crosses the line of bad humor.

Reply By

VeronicaS | 3 months ago

Thanks for commenting George. I think some are hiding behind comedy to show their true colors.

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