Harry Farrell at Crooked Timber writes:
Matt Yglesias notes that “MPAA rules for avoiding an R-Rating … allow you up to two uses of “fuck” as long as the word appears in a non-sexual context.” A bit reminiscent of the “Rory” Award, featured in Douglas Adams’ Life, the Universe and Everything, which was granted for the Most Gratuitous Use of the Word “Fuck” in a Serious Screenplay. In the US edition of LTUAE, this was changed to the Most Gratuitous Use of the Word “Belgium” in a Serious Screenplay, neatly proving Matt’s point about the unique censoriousness of American media.I had no idea that was the case, and I'm annoyed to learn it. On the other hand, much to my chagrin I actually find "Belgium" a bit funnier.
Anyone else have the same reaction? Be honest.
Posted by Chris at June 19, 2005 08:39 PMChris, I just re-read the book a few months back, and if this is the case, Adams must have rewritten the whole joke for sensitive American ears.
"'Are we talking,' said Arthur, 'about the very flat country, with all the EEC and the fog?'
[...]
'Have you ever been to Belgium in fact?' he asked brightly and she nearly hit him.
'I think,' she said, restraining herself, 'that you should restrict that sort of remark to something artistic.'
'You sound as if I just said something unspeakably rude.'
'You did.'"
Posted by: Ken at June 19, 2005 11:50 PMI had to check, and the Wikipedia entry for Hitchhiker's implies that the explanation above was explicitly added.
I agree with you... "Belgium" is funnier.
Posted by: Ken at June 19, 2005 11:55 PMI find 'fuck' funnier. Beligum is too arbitrary. There is nothing particularly special about it. Whereas in a warped sort of universe you could imagine use of the word 'fuck' being celebrated.
Posted by: peter at June 20, 2005 03:56 AMBut, fuck Peter, people use the word "fuck" gratuitiously all the time. "Belgium" much less so. And of all the countries he could have chosen, for some reason Belgium seems best. "Belgium" adds that nice absurdist touch, which "fuck" is completely lacking.
Posted by: Chris at June 20, 2005 06:26 AMbelgium is better. yay censorship!
Posted by: upyernoz at June 20, 2005 10:58 AMDitto for the movie, "If it's Tuesday, it must be fuck!"
Posted by: anne at June 20, 2005 11:20 AMNo, that would be, "Fuck, is it only Tuesday?"
Posted by: chris at June 21, 2005 05:39 AMBelgium is my choice, it fits the absurdity of the story much better than "fuck".
Posted by: Walter at June 23, 2005 02:57 PM