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PHOTO: ODT FILES
PHOTO: ODT FILES
University of Otago students have apologised for racist and homophobic jokes in this year’s Med Revue.

In a statement, the Otago University Medical Students Association said after the July production, it was brought to its attention that some people had been offended by racist and homophobic jokes.

"We are deeply sorry to anyone affected, including Dean Rathan Subramaniam, who has received a personal apology for our mistakes," the statement said.

Critic reported that Prof Subramaniam’s name was the subject of a joke during the revue.

The association thanked those who came forward with concerns.

"It is often uncomfortable to speak out and raise concerns, and we thank you for bringing this to our attention.

"Feedback is essential for our growth and the betterment of the community we are part of at Otago Medical School."

The association would be reflecting on what it chose to support in the future.

"OUMSA does not support racism, sexism, homophobia, and any other discriminatory behaviour.

"We recognise that in making light of these experiences we feed into the idea that these behaviours are OK. They very simply are not.

"Our actions trivialised the traumatic experiences members of our community feel."

It committed to "do better in upholding the mana of our community".

A University of Otago spokeswoman said to the best of her knowledge, the university had not received any complaints about the revue.

The Otago University Students Association had also not received any complaints.

daisy.hudson@odt.co.nz


 

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Oh dear, not a day goes by that some pc wowser has a cry about being offended. How will they survive in the real world?

So comedy is dead along with freedoms?
Looks like no one actually complained?

Read the article. "the Otago University Medical Students Association said after the July production, it was brought to its attention that some people had been offended by racist and homophobic jokes." So there were complaints to OUMSA. "The Otago University Students Association had also not received any complaints." No complaints to OUSA (different organisation than OUMSA).

In Nov 2012 the Associated Press banned the use of the word homophobia (along with others) because it is neither precise, accurate, or neutral. It is in fact a judgemental label used to marginalise and dismiss dissent. A phobia is an intense and irrational fear, a psychiatric disorder.

Hopefully these PC wowsers cancel themselves out of society like the Auckland student protesters. No wonder they are sad and anxious. Maybe they all need to be forced to watch a Billy Connolly Live concert from the 80's??

Until one has been on the receiving end of racist or sexist treatment at the hands of the medical profession I don't think one can really understand how damaging the casualisation and minimisation of racism, sexism, and homophobia can be.

Well, if you all feel everyone should be allowed to say whatever they want, hurt and offend whoever they want, and make jokes about everything then surely you don't mind if people call this racist or homophobic. Why does that offend you?

How ironic that our intolerance of intolerance has made us such an intolerant society.

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