Pete, Pete, Pete...

[Michele]

I think everyone here is discussing this in a very constructive way and that's nice to see.

Hyperboles can be almost a habit in a person's speech, if you start saying something when you are young you'll continue to use it. I mention this because my father died suddenly of a heart attack at 51. You can imagine how many times I hear someone say "I about dropped dead of a heart attack". My kids have said it. In fact, I have said it only to realize what just came out of my mouth.

It's just an expression, yes it brings back a painful memory for me but I expect to keep hearing it. Like was already mentioned, every situation that has hurt someone can't be dropped from conversation, there would be nothing to talk about.

 

[mommyceratops]

All good points. I know the bottom line is Pete never meant to hurt anyones feelings.

I know I have said things and never meant to hurt anyone feelings. But it happens. I am a master at putting my foot in my mouth.

 

[shellynn24]

This thread has been very enlightening. I too have been guilty of using a phrase of two that some might consider offensive. I will watch what I say a little more carefully...Thanks, Simon.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

When I was a kid, the expression was always "sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me."

Since then, we've learned that words can hurt.....if we let them.

I think there has to come a point in everyone's life where we have to take control of what we allow to hurt us.

There will always be people out there who intend or wish to hurt us. We must protect ourselves from them and their intent.

But where do we draw the lines when it comes to folks who have no intent to hurt or harm us.

Are we willing to censor language to such an extent that we remove every reference that might be might upset someone?

As I said earlier, I wasnt there and I havent heard what was said....but I would bet buckets of money that Pete didnt say whatever he said in order to upset Simon. As a matter of fact, I'd bet that almost none knew the story until Simon told us.

With that being said....how many of us have used some variation of the phrase "I'd rather kill myself then be forced to.....(fill in the blanK)". I'll admit it. I have on several occasions without ever thinking about people who might have had to deal with an actual suicide and I'm sure the creators of Glee and Will and Grace (among many others) never considered my situation when writing episodes that deal with hitting people with automobiles.

I can choose to be hurt and offended every time I come across that scenario or I can choose to realize that there is no intent to hurt me and let it pass.

For me......I have to take control of the situation and decide that it cant hurt me or live in fear of being blindsided by this every it pops up on TV.

I dont want to ever live in fear.

I absolutely love this post. You are my hero.

 

[rlduvall]

I think I am qualified to chime in on this subject . . . my 46 year old brother blew his brains out on 10/29/09. When the OP posted this, I had to think and think what had Pete said about suicide. In other words, I didn't even attribute "I would rather blow my brains out" as a comment about suicide; it's just a silly little figure of speech that so many of us have used.

 

[gibson424]

I feel I should chime in just because: A. I was part of this show and B. I've been affected by suicide also. Let me preface this by saying that, of course, no one is wrong here. I just want to offer my perspective in hopes of tempering the situation.

A close friend of mine committed suicide three years ago. He was the bassist in one of my high school bands (drums+bass=RHYTHM SECTION!..it's a tight bond in bands). I also happened to have a huge crush on a girl that he wound up dating for 4 years...so needless to say, that was an incredibly difficult time for all of us. I often think about him when I see things or hear songs that I think he would have liked and it still makes me sad.

That said, when Pete made that comment on the show, the thought of that situation never even crossed my mind. I'm not even going to pretend like it's something I've had to "learn to deal with" or anything. If someone is talking about a miserable experience and says something to the effect of "I'd rather kill myself," I know that it has nothing to do with my personal past experience. It's just a passing comment...life's too short to worry about such things.

Again, I understand that everyone is different. But let's consider this as well...I'm currently watching Aladdin on ABC Family....and Princess Jasmine just told Aladdin to "go jump off a balcony." Point is, where do we draw the line?

 

[OKW Lover]

Well stated Scott.

 

[rn4val]

If anything this should make us think how our words can affect others. Even unintentionally

 

[RachelsMommie]

OP, I'm sorry that this week's podcast struck a nerve with you. What Pete said was just a figure of speech that a lot of people use without thinking, and I'm sure he didn't mean any harm by it.

Love the podcast, but missed Kevin and John this week. Hope your mom feels better soon, Kevin! We miss you!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I feel I should chime in just because: A. I was part of this show and B. I've been affected by suicide also. Let me preface this by saying that, of course, no one is wrong here. I just want to offer my perspective in hopes of tempering the situation.

A close friend of mine committed suicide three years ago. He was the bassist in one of my high school bands (drums+bass=RHYTHM SECTION!..it's a tight bond in bands). I also happened to have a huge crush on a girl that he wound up dating for 4 years...so needless to say, that was an incredibly difficult time for all of us. I often think about him when I see things or hear songs that I think he would have liked and it still makes me sad.

That said, when Pete made that comment on the show, the thought of that situation never even crossed my mind. I'm not even going to pretend like it's something I've had to "learn to deal with" or anything. If someone is talking about a miserable experience and says something to the effect of "I'd rather kill myself," I know that it has nothing to do with my personal past experience. It's just a passing comment...life's too short to worry about such things.

Again, I understand that everyone is different. But let's consider this as well...I'm currently watching Aladdin on ABC Family....and Princess Jasmine just told Aladdin to "go jump off a balcony." Point is, where do we draw the line?

Well said. I agree 100%. Personal experience and outlook affect our perception of every situation.

 

[hookedonears]

I just listened to the podcast, because of this post, and oh my gosh, give Pete a break. Pete you owe no one an apology. This is stupid.

 

[simonkodousek]

I just listened to the podcast, because of this post, and oh my gosh, give Pete a break. Pete you owe no one an apology. This is stupid.

How old are you, 4? At least there are some MATURE people on here who are able to see both sides to my OP. I definitely see both sides to the argument, it just struck a nerve with me, and I really don't think it's appropriate for a family friendly Disney podcast. Just my opinion...

If you don't agree or aren't mature enough to post a logical response or difference of opinion, for which I would have much more respect than "this is stupid," don't even respond. Get over yourself.

Thanks!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I think this thread has now run its course. I am glad to see that opinions were shared and the air was cleared.