The song, since it's release, has drummed up it's fair share of controversy. It's been accused of depicting racist, sexist AND homophobic themes... "Money for nothing, and Chicks are free" can be construed as sexist. "See the little faggot with the earring and the makeup Yeah buddy that's his own hair That little faggot got his own jet airplane That little faggot he's a millionaire" is the homophobic line... And finally, critics say that "Bangin' on the bongos like a chimpanzee " is a racial slur.
Yet the CRTC/Canadian Broadcast Council ruled "that the unedited version of the song was unacceptable for air play on Canadian radio stations after receiving a complaint about a gay slur in the lyrics." REALLY??? That's reason the song was banned from radio air play??? The reason the CRTC bounced the classic tune from airwaves is because of the word "Faggot". Is this word in the song NEWS to the CRTC????
While I'm kind've on the fence about censorship, I will say that I'm glad that the song wasn't completely banned from airwaves... In the past the word "faggot" was replace by "mother"... It's been argued that Dire Straits actually performed the song accompanied by Freddy Mercury, the lead singer of Queen - who was also a well known homosexual... Another argument that can be used is the fact that Sir Elton John himself emphatically sang the song and swapped "Faggot" for "Queenie"... So if not one but two actual "faggots" can get over it and sing the song... Really, don't you think it's time you do, too?
If you delve further into the actual usage of the word "Faggot" in the song, it's not a negative sexually charged use... I mean, seriously... It's more a long the lines of a blue collar worker being jealous if you will... Look at all the "Faggot" has and he didn't have to do a "hard days work" for it. And what's a "Faggot" gonna do with "Chicks" he's getting "for free". Nikki Sixx, of Motley Crue fame, claimed the song was about his band's excessive lifestyle... Do ya really think Knopfler and the boys are really gay bashing? In a 1985 interview with Rolling Stone Magazine (as taken from Wikipedia), here's Mark Knopfler's take on the whole controversy:
"I got an objection from the editor of a gay newspaper in London - he actually said it was below the belt. Apart from the fact that there are stupid gay people as well as stupid other people, it suggests that maybe you can't let it have so many meanings - you have to be direct. In fact, I'm still in two minds as to whether it's a good idea to write songs that aren't in the first person, to take on other characters."In a day and age where Canadian Radio Stations are allowed to play such artists as Eminem, whom I enjoy by the way...... And are permitted to play songs by other people containing the "N" word, drop F-bombs and refer to women as "Bitches" and "Ho's".... An oldy, moldy tune can get people up in arms????????? What? Did ya just get off the bong and realize that the word "Faggot" was in Money for Nothing? I'm sorry if the word offends you, but banning a song I grew up listening to, OFFENDS THE HELL OUTTA ME!
And let's clear something up right here and now... I am no where NEAR being a Homophobic... I have friends that are gay and lesbian. NOR am I even close to being a RACIST. Again, I've got friends in all different colours/races/religion etc. And finally, I am a "CHICK" and the "Chicks for free" doesn't offend me. I've probably heard this song A MILLION times - and that's no exaggeration - and I'm NOT Racist, NOT Sexist, and NOT Homophobic. The song and the "hidden messages" don't bother me! Why all of the sudden are we all politically correct???
It's Not Always About me, but.... So honestly, don't sweat the small stuff.... Find something worth while to bitch about... Like homelessness, or AIDS, or Cancer Research, or clean water in places that NEED it to survive. Finally, GET A LIFE!!!!!
your post is a bit old, but i thought i'd come on and say that the other day, i heard uncensored, original "money for nothing" on the radio ;)
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