Latest news with #Carlin
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
George Carlin warned us: When we ban words, we surrender freedom
In 1972, comedian George Carlin delivered one of the most iconic bits in stand-up history: 'Seven Dirty Words You Can't Say on Television.' It was a profanity-laced masterclass in satire, pointing out the absurdity of a society obsessed with policing language. The words in question were crass, sure, and some people undoubtedly found them offensive — but they weren't dangerous, by any reasonable standard. Banning them from the airwaves, as Carlin observed, gave them power they wouldn't have had otherwise. Fast-forward to today, and the list of forbidden words has changed, but the game hasn't. The U.S. government is once again policing language, this time on the websites of federal agencies. But the new 'dirty words' aren't profane. They're words like "diversity," "equity" and "inclusion." Words like 'women,' "LGBTQ," "immigrants" and "disability." They are basic, real-world terms used every single day by ordinary people, in everything from education to health care to workplace policy. Now, suddenly, they are deemed too controversial to say out loud. According to recent reporting from The New York Times, federal departments under the current administration are being quietly instructed to remove or replace this language. There are no detailed press releases laying out these changes. There are no official bans. Just a slow erasure of the vocabulary that recognizes inequity, and those impacted by it. But just as with Carlin's original list, banning these words doesn't make them go away. It only proves their power. And that's exactly why they're being targeted. These are the ones that make you laugh until you realize they're serious. Women: That's right. Half the population. A basic demographic. Too controversial, apparently. Disability: A term protected by law (thanks, ADA). Now also too edgy for a government webpage. Immigrants: You mean the people most of us citizens descended from, and the group that built much of our country? Also out. Sex: Not in the risqué, baby-making way, just the standard biological data point used in everything from medicine to surveys. Too messy, apparently. Tribal: Try writing about Native sovereignty or federal treaty obligations without this one. Good luck. These are the words that make it easier to name and fix what's broken. Which, of course, is why they're under attack. Systemic Racism: If you can't name it, you don't have to address it. That's the whole point. Equity: Not 'equality,' which is aspirational. Equity is about meeting people where they are. That scares people who benefit from the imbalance. Underserved: It's hard to justify budget cuts to public health and education if you're forced to acknowledge that some communities lack access. Inclusion: Heaven forbid we try to create cultures where everyone gets to participate and feels like they play an important role. Justice: Perhaps this is the most revealing of all. If the word 'justice' is too political, ask yourself who benefits when it disappears. And then there are the words they fear most: the ones that empower people, organize movements or point out the imbalance of power. These words aren't controversial because they're confusing or unclear — quite the opposite. They are controversial because they carry weight, demand change and acknowledge lived realities. LGBTQ: It says 'you exist, and you matter' to a community of millions. And that is somehow too controversial. Diversity: Once a word embraced by corporations and government alike, based on empirical evidence that more diverse teams make smarter decisions. Now labeled a threat. Antiracism: If racism is bad, then antiracism must be… also bad? The logic doesn't hold, but the fearmongering works. Cultural Competency: A foundational concept in health care, education and law enforcement. This term is meant to describe understanding and dealing with people from all kinds of different backgrounds — and that's a direct threat to willful ignorance. Allyship: You don't have to fall within one of these groups to care about what happens to them and use your privilege to advocate for them. Perhaps it isn't surprising to learn that makes some people squirm. History tells us that the first step toward controlling thought is controlling language. In totalitarian regimes, censored vocabularies create the illusion of consensus and the impossibility of dissent. No words, no resistance. This isn't a conspiracy theory; it's a tactic. If you remove the words that describe injustice, you are attempting to make injustice invisible. If you silence the terms used to advocate for equity, then the concept itself becomes suspect. If you erase identity from public policy, then the people who hold those identities lose visibility — and power. Company leaders are watching this language shift closely. Many have already pulled back on inclusion efforts, often citing potentially real legal concerns. Some are clearly responding to genuine regulatory risk — especially those with federal contracts. But let's be honest: Many such companies and their leaders are also reacting to noise, and reacting out of fear. In a society where many leaders are risk-averse, conservative and conflict-shy by nature, the temptation to 'just drop the language' is strong. But such instincts have consequences. When we avoid speaking or writing certain words, it becomes much easier to avoid the work behind the words. And when institutions abandon shared vocabulary, they abandon shared purpose. Some argue that the left has censored language too, by pushing too hard for 'woke' terms that are understood as more accurate, inclusive or respectful. And yes, language evolves. 'Handicapped' became 'people with disabilities.' 'Indian' shifted to 'Native American' or 'Indigenous.' These aren't bans; they're cultural corrections rooted in empathy and dignity. You are free to choose whether you use these terms or not, although you can't control how other people may view you for those the difference: Choosing kinder language isn't enforced by law. Use an older term and you may offend someone, or even be called out for it. But banning words that give voice to the marginalized from official language is an attempt to silence opposition and, literally, to control the narrative. Let's not forget what this is really about. These aren't abstract concepts. These words represent real people, employees, clients, neighbors, citizens. When we erase the language of inclusion, we take a crucial step toward erasing the people that language is meant to protect. We're telling those people, in no uncertain terms, that they're not worth naming. We can't let that slide. Not in public policy, not in the workplace, not in daily conversation. Say the words. Say them loudly. Say them with clarity and care — not because they're fashionable or polite, but because they're real. Because they describe who we are, what we face and what we hope to build. As Carlin reminded us: Words are all we have. Let's not let them disappear.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
3 airmen killed in WWII accounted for 82 years after bomber crash
Three airmen who died during a World War II bombing raid have been accounted for, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced Thursday. U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Charles W. McCook, 23, U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Henry J. Carlin, 27, and U.S. Army Air Forces Sgt. Sidney Burke, 22, were carrying out a low-altitude bombing raid in Meiktila, Burma on August 3, 1943, the DPAA said. The mission was carried out with a B-25C "Mitchell" bomber. McCook was the plane's pilot. Carlin was its navigator, and Burke was the armor-gunner. There were three other men also aboard the plane. B-25 bombers were among the most famous American planes used in World War II, according to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and were used in every combat area and extensively in the Pacific Theater. The plane crashed during the raid. Four of the airmen, including McCook, Carlin and Burke, were killed. The two surviving airmen were captured by Japanese forces. The DPAA did not say if the fourth airman who died in the crash or if the two men who were taken captive have been accounted for. McCook, Carlin and Burke's remains were not recovered after World War II ended. All three were declared missing in action. More details about how the three mens' remains were found and identified will be released once their families receive a full briefing, the DPAA said. About 70,000 U.S. service members remain unaccounted for from World War II. Sneak peek: The Detective's Wife Judge halts own order demanding Kilmar Abrego Garcia updates Convicted killer makes shocking courtroom claim after getting life in prison
CBS News
25-04-2025
- General
- CBS News
Remains of 3 U.S. airmen killed in WWII identified 82 years after their bomber crashed
Three airmen who died during a World War II bombing raid have been accounted for, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced Thursday. U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Charles W. McCook, 23, U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Henry J. Carlin, 27, and U.S. Army Air Forces Sgt. Sidney Burke, 22, were carrying out a low-altitude bombing raid in Meiktila, Burma on August 3, 1943, the DPAA said. The mission was carried out with a B-25C "Mitchell" bomber. McCook was the plane's pilot. Carlin was its navigator, and Burke was the armor-gunner. There were three other men also aboard the plane. B-25 bombers were among the most famous American planes used in World War II, according to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and were used in every combat area and extensively in the Pacific Theater. View of a B-25 Mitchell bomber in flight, 1940s. Getty Images The plane crashed during the raid. Four of the airmen, including McCook, Carlin and Burke, were killed. The two surviving airmen were captured by Japanese forces. The DPAA did not say if the fourth airman who died in the crash or if the two men who were taken captive have been accounted for. McCook, Carlin and Burke's remains were not recovered after World War II ended. All three were declared missing in action. More details about how the three mens' remains were found and identified will be released once their families receive a full briefing, the DPAA said. About 70,000 U.S. service members remain unaccounted for from World War II.
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Bachelorette's Carlin Sterritt and wife Emily Bradwell welcome their first child together - and reveal their baby boy's very sweet name
Carlin Sterritt has become a new father as he and wife Emily Bradwell welcomed their first child together over the Easter weekend. The Bachelorette star, 33, who shot to fame on the series in 2019 after he won the heart of Angie Kent, announced the happy news to Instagram on Monday. In a joint post with his partner, the former reality TV star shared several sweet images of the bundle of joy and the moment they took him home, before revealing his adorable name—Brooklyn Xavier Sterritt. The first photos in the gallery saw wife Emily cuddling up to the bub as she recovered in the hospital, wrapping the newborn up in a stripped blanket. A short video was also included in the carousel, with Carlin looking every inch the dutiful new father as he carried Brooklyn out of the hospital. Finally, the post ended with pictures of the young family back home as the bub could be seen sleeping soundly in a baby bed on their couch. The Bachelorette star who shot to fame on the series in 2019 after he won the heart of Angie Kent, announced the happy news to Instagram on Monday In a joint post with his partner, the former reality TV star shared several sweet images of the bundle of joy and the moment they took him home, before revealing his adorable name—Brooklyn Xavier Sterritt 'Our little Easter miracle—Brooklyn Xavier Sterritt. Welcome to the world our boy, you are SO loved,' the caption read. Carlin announced in October he and Emily were expecting their first child together. The personal trainer shared the news to Instagram as he posed alongside his partner while she showed off her growing baby bump. 'Baby Sterritt coming 2025,' the former reality star wrote in the caption alongside the photos. The series of images were taken on a picturesque beach, with the couple cuddling as they shared their good news. Carlin tied the knot with his partner Emily in an intimate ceremony at Dunes Palm Beach, north Sydney, in March 2023. The hunk posted a video on Instagram of the newlyweds leaving their reception with their guests holding sparklers, and wrote: 'Hitched! What a night.' He looked sharp on his big day in a white shirt and a black bow tie, while his bride opted for a classic white dress with a strapless design. The first photos in the gallery saw wife Emily cuddling up to the bub as she recovered in the hospital, wrapping the newborn up in a stripped blanket Finally, the post ended with pictures of the young family back home as the bub could be seen sleeping soundly in a baby bed on their couch 'Our little Easter miracle—Brooklyn Xavier Sterritt. Welcome to the world our boy, you are SO loved,' the caption read The couple's guests also shared pictures from the nuptials showing Carlin and Emily sharing their first kiss as husband and wife and looking happier than ever. Emily completed her bridal look with a long white veil, and swept her long brunette locks back off her face to highlight her flawless makeup. Carlin and Emily announced their engagement in October 2022 after going Instagram official in December 2020. They have since been spending quality time together at their beautiful oceanside home in Sydney. Carlin won the heart of Angie Kent on The Bachelorette on season five of the series back in 2019, but the pair split soon after the series ended in July 2020 after just 10 months of dating.
Business Mayor
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Mayor
‘Every slap we got from the screws was real': Ray Winstone on brutal borstal drama Scum
On the day I got expelled from drama school, all the boys I'd been there with were going to audition for this prison drama film at the BBC. I went along too, just so I could go for a drink with them afterwards to say goodbye. While I was waiting I got talking to the receptionist. I told her what had happened and she said: 'Why don't you go in and meet the director? It can't hurt.' So I had a chat and a laugh with Alan Clarke and he told me about the part of Carlin – he said it was written for a Scottish guy, which I'm obviously a million miles from. But I'd been boxing since I was 11 and had this walk which made an impression on him as he saw me out. I found out later the walk was the only reason I got the part. Alan, and Roy Minton, who wrote Scum, were tough old boys but talked about films and literature and wanted to pass on what they'd learned to kids like us. The performances came mostly from Clarkey's direction – he could whisper in your ear before a scene and upset you in a second if that's the emotion he was after. We'd have gone to the ends of the earth for him. Who's the daddy now? … Ray Winstone as Carlin. Photograph: Ronald Grant What I brought to that role was what I'd experienced by the age of 19. For example, the scene where Carlin takes out the B-wing daddy was supposed to last longer, but having seen someone being hit with an iron bar I knew the shocking thing about real life violence is it's over quick and it hurts. Every slap we got from one of the screws was real. It was the same with the swearing and the racist language – if that hadn't been in there, you'd have lost the reality of it. Read More Amazon reviews global media account After the BBC version of Scum was banned, I kind of retired from acting, but when I got a call saying it was going to be made again for cinemas, the deal was for two films – the producers also wanted me for That Summer!, which was going to be filmed in Torquay. I was only offered £1,800 for that, but I thought: 'Eight weeks by the sea; wine, women and song.' So I did it for a holiday, really. A few characters had to be re-cast when we made the second Scum, which brought a freshness to it. For example, David Threlfall and Micky Ford played Archer in a totally different way, but both were blinding. As for the rest of us, Clarkey said: 'Don't do anything different, don't try and do it better, because it's already there.' He wanted to keep the performances off the cuff, because that felt more raw and real. There were a few other changes, though. In the BBC version Carlin takes on another boy as his 'missus', but I said to Alan: 'He's not a lifer, that wouldn't happen.' He thought I was uncomfortable with it – maybe I was, to be fair – and that part was cut. In hindsight, I think that was wrong. Over the years people have shouted: 'Who's the daddy now?' or 'Where's your tool?' at me. I just give them a wave and a smile. Once a big fella started staring at me on the tube like he was going to start something. I thought: 'Here we go …' Eventually he said: 'Were you in Scum? Fucking good film.' Read More Rupert Murdoch steps down as chairman of Fox and News Corp. Phil Daniels, played Richards I heard that part of the reason the first Scum was banned is that the then head of the BBC was an ex-magistrate who had visited borstals. There are lots of shocking incidents in the film – beatings, rape and suicide – which he said wouldn't all have happened in so short a time. Obviously misbehaviour was part and parcel of making the film. We had a special bus laid on to take us to the location, an old psychiatric hospital. One day, the driver got off the bus but left the keys in the ignition and Raymondo stole it. We drove round picking up patients and taking them for a ride. Tough time … Phil Daniels and John Judd. Photograph: Everett Collection Inc/Alamy When Carlin hits my character, Stripey Richards, with a sock full of snooker balls, the fact the scene's done in one continuous take helps sell it. You see Ray pick up the balls from the snooker table and put them in the sock and the camera follows him right up to the point where he clocks me. There's a moment where his hands are out of shot, and someone surreptitiously swapped that sock for another full of ping pong balls covered in papier-mache. I still ended up with a mark on my face, though. When Ray put the boot in a couple of times afterwards I learned to lift my bum in the air so I got kicked in the arse rather than the balls. The sock was full of ping pong balls. I still ended up with a mark on my face though A load of extra boys were brought in from a youth club to make up the numbers for the 'murderball' scene in the gym, which ends in a Black v white fight. People were jumping on each other's backs and even if it wasn't quite as violent as it looks on screen, things became boisterous in the extreme. It was the same during the riot at the end. Alan and the cameramen stayed up on a rostrum out of the way and just let us get on with it. The tables got spontaneously piled up and because we'd been eating baked beans and mashed potato, that's what ended up all over the floor, which became like an ice rink. It looks fantastic, but it was pretty hairy – we were all slipping around and just trying to stay on our feet.
