MovieChat Forums > 10cc Discussion > Is Dreadlock Holiday racist now?

Is Dreadlock Holiday racist now?

posted 3 years ago by FootOfDavros (8238)
10 replies | jump to latest

It would seem that this song should be on the chopping block now.

First of all there is the use of the term "dreadlock" by the pasty, albeit magnificently bearded, white faces of the 10cc. So we have the issue of cultural appropriation thrown instantly all over our faces.

Then we have the use of "dark voices", brother (can whites even use this term?) from the gutter, etc casting negative light on the people who actually live there!

And then the whole negative portrayal of the black man once again. What - you can't walk down the street at night without being held at knife point and robbed of your jewelry?

It's exactly this type of negative clichéd view of young misunderstood black youths that we should be trying to remove from society.

Perhaps it was time this song was retired...

[–] Juan Calot (18) 3 years ago

I hope not. It's a great song

[–] AndyKing1967 (38411) 3 years ago

It was based on an actual event that happened to one of the band members (Eric Stewart), who got mugged whilst they were on holiday (Pop Trivia Andy).

[–] triplea (3577) 3 years ago

I doubt it was a black man - more likely confirmation bias based on systematic and institutional racism due to it being at night.

[–] AndyKing1967 (38411) 3 years ago

I wasn't there, so I cannot comment.

[–] FootOfDavros (8238) 3 years ago

That's a distinct possibility.

However maybe the crime was committed by a person of color simply to put food on the table for his family. Times were hard then for young black men and quite often - through no fault of their own - they may have had to turn to crime just to survive.

The question is though whether a song re-enforcing such a stereotype from a thankfully bygone era should still be acceptable to modern thinking society.

[–] moviechatterer (15777) 3 years ago

wait , white people cant say "dreadlock" now??

[–] SweetTooth43 (2055) 3 years ago

That depends on if you're a sissy who gets offended by every little thing or not.

[–] AndyKing1967 (38411) 3 years ago

"gets offended by every little thing"

How could anyone get offended by this?
https://youtu.be/aENX1Sf3fgQ

[–] RipRoss (557) 3 years ago

You’re right. That song is highly problematic, and there is no place for it in this day and age. All we need to get it canceled is a catchy hashtag on social media, and you gave an idea for one in your first sentence. #ChoppingBlockForDreadlock

[–] Roguemail (1614) 3 years ago

You think this 10cc song is problematic?

Check out the lyrics to Second Sitting For The Last Supper from The Original Soundtrack album, or Hotel from Sheet Music.

Different times...