Post by Hooncorp on Mar 18, 2021 7:24:34 GMT 12
Hello, my name is Michael, and I'd like to think I'm a pretty good commentator.
I first picked up the Mic in 1998 for the first time at Waiuku Dirt Track, and have been there minus a couple of years until now, and thoroughly enjoy informing as much as I can, entertaining with little wit, using a bit of humour, and in general, just taking the P of as many hard case fun lovers as possible.
Anyway, I was at Kihikihi Speedway on Saturday night as announcer, and the 5pm start was going well, the track started okay, got a bit rutty, and came back pretty good I thought.
For a change, I brought my "Book of Trivia" for some fun facts, and who knows if they are accurate? Eg, the fastest recorded sneeze is 166.7 km/h. Strangely, none of my "facts" caused any offense.
Nor did any of my bad jokes, mocking of the SNZ officials still wearing shirts with a non-existent sponsor, mocking of big fella ZZ Top who is a good bugger, I didn't swear, wasn't racist or otherwise culturally offensive.
So what caused this supposed offense?
On the night, we ran the King country Stockcar Champs (Well done 3nz Gary Lonergan) and with over 30 cars on the grid, I introduced as many as possible, including which region they came from.
I don't want to drag this out, so long story short.
When introducing the cars from Auckland, I said that it was good to have a few fellow "Jafa's" here to take on the might of the Waikato etc etc. Friendly banter, as I'm a proud Aucklander + Jafa, as we take a lot of mocking from the rest of the country, as well we should in my opinion.
Not long later, apparently someone of female decent came to the door, and had a word with my partner outside of my ear-shot. It went along the lines of "Mike said Jafa, someone has complained to people on the gate, and that his language was totally unacceptable, and we don't tolerate that here".
When this was passed on, let's just say, it went down, like a cup of cold sick.
I had a guest in the booth promoting a class, and he shall remain nameless, (just like the complainant) as I'm the one who is now offended, believe me. I asked him where he lived, and he is also a Jafa, and proud of it. He shook his head as much as I did, and I think of ALL the times I actually could understand some flowerpot being upset with some of my comments, this nonsense is the first time I have ever supposedly upset someone. (That I have heard about anyway)
I have had enough of thin-skinned, arms folded, shoulder hunching Nancie's going to events, watching or listening to whatever, with their finger on the "I'm Offended" button.
My advice to any future complainants, is to take a "chill pill", or move away from the speakers, and learn how to enjoy things. I am all for clean, articulate and yes, fun broadcasting, but this P.C rubbish, has gone too far.
I will continue to call a spade - a spade, have fun as a paid spectator, and be a part of making as many excellent memories as possible.
Offended Jafa person, please stay away from Waikaraka Park this Saturday night, or Waiuku Dirt Track on Sunday. If you were in tears at KK, you will be howling at either of these venues.
If however, anyone on here can help me to see the error of my ways, I look forward to your superior wisdom, and may well take advice.
Vent complete.
Mike (Hooncorp) Howe
I first picked up the Mic in 1998 for the first time at Waiuku Dirt Track, and have been there minus a couple of years until now, and thoroughly enjoy informing as much as I can, entertaining with little wit, using a bit of humour, and in general, just taking the P of as many hard case fun lovers as possible.
Anyway, I was at Kihikihi Speedway on Saturday night as announcer, and the 5pm start was going well, the track started okay, got a bit rutty, and came back pretty good I thought.
For a change, I brought my "Book of Trivia" for some fun facts, and who knows if they are accurate? Eg, the fastest recorded sneeze is 166.7 km/h. Strangely, none of my "facts" caused any offense.
Nor did any of my bad jokes, mocking of the SNZ officials still wearing shirts with a non-existent sponsor, mocking of big fella ZZ Top who is a good bugger, I didn't swear, wasn't racist or otherwise culturally offensive.
So what caused this supposed offense?
On the night, we ran the King country Stockcar Champs (Well done 3nz Gary Lonergan) and with over 30 cars on the grid, I introduced as many as possible, including which region they came from.
I don't want to drag this out, so long story short.
When introducing the cars from Auckland, I said that it was good to have a few fellow "Jafa's" here to take on the might of the Waikato etc etc. Friendly banter, as I'm a proud Aucklander + Jafa, as we take a lot of mocking from the rest of the country, as well we should in my opinion.
Not long later, apparently someone of female decent came to the door, and had a word with my partner outside of my ear-shot. It went along the lines of "Mike said Jafa, someone has complained to people on the gate, and that his language was totally unacceptable, and we don't tolerate that here".
When this was passed on, let's just say, it went down, like a cup of cold sick.
I had a guest in the booth promoting a class, and he shall remain nameless, (just like the complainant) as I'm the one who is now offended, believe me. I asked him where he lived, and he is also a Jafa, and proud of it. He shook his head as much as I did, and I think of ALL the times I actually could understand some flowerpot being upset with some of my comments, this nonsense is the first time I have ever supposedly upset someone. (That I have heard about anyway)
I have had enough of thin-skinned, arms folded, shoulder hunching Nancie's going to events, watching or listening to whatever, with their finger on the "I'm Offended" button.
My advice to any future complainants, is to take a "chill pill", or move away from the speakers, and learn how to enjoy things. I am all for clean, articulate and yes, fun broadcasting, but this P.C rubbish, has gone too far.
I will continue to call a spade - a spade, have fun as a paid spectator, and be a part of making as many excellent memories as possible.
Offended Jafa person, please stay away from Waikaraka Park this Saturday night, or Waiuku Dirt Track on Sunday. If you were in tears at KK, you will be howling at either of these venues.
If however, anyone on here can help me to see the error of my ways, I look forward to your superior wisdom, and may well take advice.
Vent complete.
Mike (Hooncorp) Howe
.