Regardless of whether you think its totally inappropriate behaviour for Ozzy’s kids to talk that way, or that’s its no big deal (I think the latter) the key difference is this:
Ozzy’s family uses the F word as an adjective (and adverb, and conjuction and preposition etc.) And they use it so often and casually that, even if you don’t, you can’t really deny that this gives the word no more significance than saying friggin’ or freakin’.
But a rap song is totally different. Again, whether you’re offended by it or not, there is no denying that rap lyrics are much more literal especially in terms of the F word. And the S, C, MF, and N words!
So personally, I think Pepsi is not being hypocritical at all.
Do you really think that rap songs are often literal in their employment of “the MF word?”
I’ve heard a lot of rap and, in general, “the F word” is used much as it is in the Osbournes. Yes, it is sometimes used to indicate sexual activity, but far less often than as a simple interjection.
And “the N word” is virtually NEVER used in its literal sense - as a disparagement against those with dark skin. It almost always means “friend,” the same way “brother” does. That’s why it’s spelled “niggaz.”
But is that Pepsi’s argument? The one statement I read from them mentioned nothing like what was described in the OP. If that’s why they dropped the rapper and kept the Osbournes, why wouldn’t they say so?
Okay, rap songs don’t really use the S or MF words literally. The N word? I guess not. But using it at all still makes us white folk nervous.
My main point is that Russell Simmons is trying to say that The Osbournes are as controversial as some rap songs because of their language and I think that’s silly. The Osbournes aren’t the least bit controversial. They’re just goofy. By their own admission rap artist more often than not try to be controversial or at least socially meaningful in their lyrics.
And besides, I think that Osbournes/Osmonds commercial is one of the best ads in a long time!
I’m not actually familiar with Russel Simmons’ statement. The Osbournes are controversial because (in my opinion, based on the 3 episodes I’ve seen) the family is fantastically dysfunctional, not because of their language.
Plus, I’m not familiar with Ludacris’ rap in particular. Maybe he Fs his M in a pile of S, I dunno. But certainly, there is more objectionable material in the rap canon than in the Osbournes.
Every time I hear this I don’t get it. Considering how bad priviledged, millionaire rock-star children can turn out I think Ozzy’s are pretty decent kids. Even ignoring that they’re rich & pampered they seem like pretty decent, level-headed kids.
I agree. The family is together, and, swearing or not, they seem to love each other. What else matters, really? I think of all the normal, middle class families I’ve seen that are basically like strangers living in the same house… completely oblivious to each other… and I’d prefer to be part of the Osbourne’s any day.
One of the most touching things I saw in the first season of the show was when Sharon and the kids surprised Ozzy for his birthday while he was on tour.
He kissed Sharon hello, and then looked around and asked “Where are the babies?” I thought that was very sweet, and showed his love and affection for the kids.
Gee, I remember the days when Ozzy Osbourne was considered controversial because he was a nasty ol’ satanic heavy metal rocker who was leading our youth straight to hell. [Sigh…] Memmm’ries…
