We live in a politically correct world where it’s very difficult to say or do anything without someone getting offended or taking it up the wrong way.
Well, last week’s Late Late Show featuring in inimitable Shane MacGowan proved to be one of those talking points.
According to the Sun, Alcohol Action Ireland have criticised the segment for having a pub setting and for reinforcing the stereotypes attached to Ireland’s pub scene culture.
The Sun report that and RTE spokeswoman had to come out batting saying: “The Shane MacGowan segment of The Late Late Show was in a bar-room setting, as such locations were a major feature of Shane’s musical career and a backdrop to his music and lyrics.
“These songs were discussed and performed on the show and the alcohol on set was in context with the performances and conversations involved.”
Eunan McKinney, from AAI, told the Sun: “It’s regrettable, yet again RTE would seek to normalise and/or sentimentalise the impact of alcohol in people’s lives.
“Reinforcing cultural stereotypes and the numerous social norms that prevail is a classic trap of popular media.
“This persistence of such a narrow perspective and narrative only undermines the endeavour of public health advocates who seek to recast Ireland’s corrosive relationship with alcohol.
“It is incumbent on us all not to reinforce the harm of alcohol or sentimentalise its effect.”
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