http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-21241791So apparently the Wizard of Oz song, "Ding Dong, The Witch Is Dead" is set to chart at #3 this Sunday.
The BBC has chosen not to play it in their chart show, instead opting to mention it in passing with a 5 second clip.
On the one hand, it's somewhat distasteful and disrespectful, and I'm not a fan of attacking the dead. I didn't even feel entirely comfortable with all of the anti-Saville stuff this last several months, with them trampling all over somebody too dead to defend himself. If as it seems he was really a horrific scumbag, they should have done something about it while he was alive. But then again, it's not right for any victims if people just say "Oh well, he's dead now" and just leave it be, so the whole thing is just unfortunate. Anyhow. Thatcher's dead, and hasn't been in power for years anyway (although repercussions of her actions are still being felt today) so why upset her mourning family by mocking her on the UK top 40?
On the other hand, if enough people feel strongly enough about it that the song has got into the chart in the first place, is it right to censor their views? The chart is the chart - it reflects the views of the music-buying public. They don't refuse to play any of the other crap, 99% of which is offensive to people who like music to have a tune in it. Personal taste shouldn't come into it. Plus, in a week where all the millions of people who were mistreated by Thatcher are left voiceless as their MPs all ponce about in the House of Commons pretending they liked her, it doesn't seem right. Everything I've seen on the news glosses over the negatives and just keeps going on about what a determined strong character she was.
So, the BBC are in a tough position, trying to balance representing the people with showing good taste and not upsetting the government anymore in the wake of recent criticisms.
What would you do?
Personally, I'd say "sod it", resign, and take the ridiculous payout the BBC seems to offer people in these positions when they leave their jobs.