The Two Ronnies - The Sheikh In The Grocery Store

[TheMelani50]

I love this. PC is good but this is harmless fun. Being from a different racial background should not mean that you can't laugh at yourself. 

[fritspas]

all that hassle to make a female chest joke :)

[Makedonche]

Ali Baba is a bit of course...

[elitept]

For those who think there is no racism associated with this video clip need to look at the history of the UK when this show was first being shown on the BBC.

This video clip accurately reflects some of the ways racial prejudice was being expressed at the time by many 'white' people.

It horrifies me to see people focus on the humour and conveniently miss or deny the prejudice.

Remember, what we see in this video is very mild compared to what many non white people experienced at the time..

[gietek]

@elitept Because what, they talk gobbledygook? Not being able to understand is racist?

It horrifies me to see people focus on the prejudice and conveniently miss or deny the humour.

You better go back to your cave and get comfortably wrapped up in your political correctness.

[blackmichael75]

I knew that I'd scroll down and there'd be hundreds of "you can't even laugh at foreigners who can't speak English properly any more it's political correctness gone mad" type comments.

[Neod4000]

GOD i hate the two ronnies. outdated unfunny lazy sketch writing.

[BassamMinFalasteen]

This is really stupid. A logician would look at this and state that, the sheik could have handed the grocer the list instead of this painstakingly ridiculous sketch.

[MightyJak555]

It saddens me to think that jokes like this can't be done anymore because of PC :(

[Savill26]

@MightyJak555 When you become PM you can change that :)

[v6hot]

very funny.

[kerrstuartaxefireman]

Yes Mr Kippling makes exceedingly good kak...

[wright9342]

People had a sense of humour back then. Jocks, Sassenachs, Pakies, Chinks, Wogs. There was no underlying message or insult, it was just the way things were. People didn't hate each other the way they do these days. The word "racist" has become so banal today that no one pays attention anymore. Imagine bringing Alf Garnet back to 2012..oups!!

[ZamfirChannel]

"cho-co-la-te" = chocolate "to-ma-to per-ee" = tomato purée "sod 'er" = soda "bik-a-bonnet" = bicarbonate of soda "jewis'" = juice "Chinaman" = cinnamon "c-off-e" = coffee "a-prickett" = apricot "tinna-tong-you = tin of tongue "pee" = pie "villa-em-dim-pee" = veal and ham pie "thick slickie" = thick slice "soup" = soap "mar-malla-dee" = marmalade "too-ast" = toast "kak" = cake "hab-da-sherri" = haberdashery "brass ears" = brassiere "tights" = tits

[realGeorgelucas18563]

@ZamfirChannel you missed mouse as mousse lol

[ZamfirChannel]

@realGeorgelucas18563 I wasn't sure about that one so I left it out! Thanks!

[dlamiss]

The ironic thing about this sketch is i have NEVER seen this in any compilation show or repeat of the two ronnies and i watch them regularly so i suggest WRONGLY imo THE PC brigade at the BBC have won the day

[ZamfirChannel]

2:58 Apricot juice hahaha

[05005051]

I find it interesting how almost all people of minority descent or origin who have commented- so far as I can see- have said that they found it funny, whereas people of white-British origin with a high sense of political correctness are the ones saying, "No, it's actually offensive". I am iclined to think that our "politically correct" era works on much the same terms: how may people of minority descent- bar the Jewish one- work in "politics" or lead the BBC to dictate these things anyway?

[fragman08]

@05005051 I'm a minority and I want total fairness. I want to be judged upon the merit of my work, and punished for the lack thereof if that's the case.

I want people to be polite to me and I want to be polite to them.

However affirmative action is just wrong, as is much of political correctness. I was facing disciplinary action for cracking a racist joke at my own expense and making an IRA joke to my Irish friend.

[RIKrupa]

ah, remember when no one got angry over racism, comedy was great back then. not that im racist, i just believe in free speech and liked it when the extremists pissed off.

[baird55aus]

This reminds me of when i was in China and I tried to talk Chinese. Sometimes you get it right and sometimes you don't judging by the occasional laugh from the person you were talking to.

[TheCatalunya]

some people want to get over it and get a life...jesus my brain hurts ..

[billyboy807]

Can't call people muslim's. Because there very touchy about being muslim. And black people. The reason im saying this is because i cant recall anyone being charged of being racist to a white person. Even in football you don't here of any white players moaning about racist comments. I bet it happens but it's all kept behind closed door's.

[fredericknoronha1]

Extremely racist. Right from the laughs that greets the entry of an Arab into a UK shop in the 1980s or whatever! Even the accent of the "Arab" is rather unconvincing -- it sounds more South Asian to me. If at all, one should be laughing at the ludicrousness of the English language and its pronunciations. But then, I guess, it has been habitual for the West to look down on the Arab world since the Crusades, if not earlier! Not funny....

[TheOriginalBoman]

@fredericknoronha1

You do realise the point of the sketch IS to poke fun at the english language and not the foreigner, yes? Ronnie Barker's sketches are always about wordplay. Calling this sketch racist is like calling four candles an attack on the working classes

[InnerSlayer]

@fredericknoronha1 The audience is laughing because the actor is dressed in a costume. Not because they're being racist. Two very different concepts.

[xr6lad]

@fredericknoronha1

You mean like the Arab world looks down on us as all heathen infidels with low morals.....

Yea not another noob that thinks only white people can be racist....

[adasishere]

@fredericknoronha1 Thick as shit.

[TheBNPmuscle]

@fredericknoronha1 lighten up you fucking sourpuss, people like you are the reason there is so much mistrust and hatred because you find everything "offensive"...well guess what? i find YOUR attitude offensive, so sue me

[dlamiss]

@fredericknoronha1

your comment is complete and utter BOLLOCKS.

[gietek]

@fredericknoronha1 You're a hideous orang-outang.

[kingofcraig]

Sadly racism in 2012 - but very funny, sad days for England :(

[TheBNPmuscle]

If this were today, the 2 ronnies would be arrested for hate crimes & sent for psychological testing and diversity courses

[TheBNPmuscle]

How grovelling and sad must you be to find this "offensive"

[turnipfield]

You wince too easily - far too easily. The sketch is FUNNY. Only un-funny in the minds of morons.

[55streakeratlas]

the sketch is not about arabs or muslims it's about the english language and how it's written and pronounced.

[Nagassh]

A masterful display of word play and the top comments are about racism? Christ, I'm sure it wouldn't be racism if it was a brummie's accent getting used.

[XxINTERVENTIKZxX]

It saddens me that after watching such a classic sketch, the top comment was regarding race issues

[gwaiguy]

4.33 to 4.39 - they knew they were sailing close to the wind with this sketch even in '84. lol

[tpuglisi]

This skit is making fun of the English language, not any particular race. It would have worked just as well with anyone from any other non-English speaking background. The sad thing is, those on the extreme left might interpret it as 'offensive' to minorities, whilst those on the extreme right will use it as an excuse to post their own race hate commentary here, as I can already see.

[MegaKilla88]

cos her "tights" are enormous XD

[RebelRadius]

Remember when shops used to be look like this and not a damn great super market!!!

[HatfulofHollow65]

I am a massive fan of the Two R's so I am surprised I have not seen this before. No wonder it hasn't been repeated on Tv in these pathetic PC days? This is very funny!

[timjohan]

THis is not racism...this is the way is should be today

[jbeer82]

Oh! Bloody hell, I did not see anything remotely offensive, racist There is no Anti-semitism what so ever. If this was racist i Would hate to see what is, The Two Ronnies are comedy legends and this was written in the 1980's no one would have a chance to do anything like this now. It sucks there is no open mindedness anymore. you can't laugh at minor thing aymore.

[TheTomhamilton8]

funny

[britishwit]

It is not offensive, however if it was it would be perfectly acceptable because these immigrants (benefit thieves, call them what you will) are taking all our jobs! Britain is now like a live episode of Crimewatch!

[adasishere]

@britishwit Well said!

[stunninglad1]

Brilliant.

[dylandior123]

Hilarious sketch!

I'm amazed they still sell Manor House cake these days. Not too keen on fruit cake but it's nice with a cup of tea.

:)

[Bulldozer433]

1:37- 2:03 LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

[whitbyjet65]

Brilliant! From an era when we could actually laugh at ourselves & each other, without some fragile, feeble, bed wetter claiming he's offended. 

[eviejane82]

Yes! They got that wrong.....ejl

[TheWizardofRandR]

People have always used racial jokes ( ie.Polak jokes) and being half Polish ,I wasn't offended , cause we told German, Italian and even our friends got roasted but sticks and stones , but the intent here was more about his pronounciation.

Thus, you could substitute anyone without a Enlish speaking natural accent and knowledge of pronounciating properly!!!

[Bulldozer433]

this more turning out like chinese accent then arab. funny tho

[waragainstscumbags]

Iv heard arabs telling jokes about other nations... no hitting below the belt though hey ?

[dribblyable]

it's not racist ffs , it's poking fun at .. get a back bone !

[fjccommish]

I wonder if they added the woman because RB couldn't walk very well. He's leaning on the counter most of the time.

[JamesHutch2k11]

@ruscoast90 yes they come to our country and we change our ways to suit them. we shouldnt change, they should adapt to them

[FRplane]

Nice Thick slicky! LOL

[UltimatePawnch]

@FRplane How's about a cuppa CofE with that?

[Freimaco]

The sketch has to be seen in context. In the 1980s we didn't see racism in the same way as we see it now. The sketch wasn't intended to cause offence; it was funny. These days it wouldn't be written, let alone broadcast. I found myself wincing at the beginning when RB was calling RC what would now be considered rude names, but in the 1980s we accepted it as normal. Let me repeat though - the sketch was never intended to cause offence.

[visionprods1]

@Freimaco i am myself a minority and still find this funny, i understand there's a limit to the things we can joke about, but i agree when you say the sketch need to be seen in context

[Chanisanalba]

@Freimaco Right on. We are so concerned with political correctness nowadays that we are not even going to be able to say good morning during Holy Week.

[daPlumber702]

@Freimaco anyone that takes offense to it should shove their offense up their arse.  crybabies.

[bluetonic78]

I agree with what you say although it didn't make me wince at all. In fact I missed it first time around so had to play it back to catch the 'rude name' that RB came out with. We all know racism and all out blatant offensiveness has no place in society but I suspect todays generation take things a little too seriously for their own good.

[lakepalmer]

@Freimaco It's more to do with language than anything. The Two Ronnies based most of their humour on word play. (I didn't need to tell you this really:) Legends

[Freimaco]

@lakepalmer I know. I was responding to the people who were complaining about the inferred racist elements of the sketch. For what it's worth, one of my all-time favourite Two Ronnies sketches is the Swedish Lesson. FUNEX?

[sohail786]

@Freimaco im a muslim and i totally respect your comments :)

[44HBK]

@Freimaco so, how do you know that? were you there when they wrote the sketch?...

[wright9342]

@Freimaco

"Let me repeat though - the sketch was never intended to cause offence."

I'm afraid that the problem lies in your sentence. We seem to have to apologize for everything we say today. Sad

[gietek]

@wright9342 I couldn't agree more.

[Kurtlarvadisipusu88]

زوااااااج اهل العكَل

[swanseaboyo1001]

Typical reaction to an innocent sketch show..Not racist!!..It makes me sick..what is this country coming to???

[MrJayel27]

@ruscoast90 Indeed...Britain isnt allowed to be Britain anymore lol

[MrJayel27]

@astroboirap What are you dribbling on about?Yes,times have changed,thats what i said.Its now a Britain where St Georges Day was almost banned and immigrants complained about all the Union Jacks because it offended them.Theyll cancel christmas next because its a christian festival.Political correctness gone mad.If you support that,then i think its you who needs to "shut the fuck up"!

[astroboirap]

@MrJayel27 i dont agree with the st georges day thing or union jack issue. but i think its right that they havnt shown this sketch on tv because its NOT politically correct. sensitivities have changed and we must move on.

next you'll be lamenting the demise of the golliwog

[MrJayel27]

@astroboirap Erm im not racist.More that its rediculous that a classic sketch such as this wouldnt be shown anymore,merely due to references to Ali Baba and calling him "Abdul".Just because it might offend a load of people whove chosen to flood the country and take up jobs and housing.While console games and films have got ever more explicit and violent lol.Rediculous really.

[astroboirap]

@MrJayel27 NO the reason why its not shown anymore is because it is offensive.. fullstop. What have immigrants got to do with anything? It's offensive to arabs/muslims who are BRITISH CITIZENS. comparing the content of the british broadcasting corporation to what computer games offer are two different things entirely. its not "rediculous" (ridiculous) if you think about it.

[MrJayel27]

@astroboirap Its not offensive fullstop at all.Big wow,theyre playing on the pronunciation of words.Youll find that practically all of the Two Ronnies sketches were based around the English Language,wether a foreigner was trying to say it or not.My comparison isnt irrelevant at all,theyre both to do with censorship.The fact youve had to resort to mimicking my typo says your argument is wearing thin.Do you think theyre taking things off the air in Israel that might offend Brits?No,theyre not lol.

[astroboirap]

@MrJayel27 erm yes it is offensive. using terms like ali baba to refer to someone of arabic descent is offensive. likewise, to further call him abdul is offensive. you're backwards 50s mind seems to think these things are not offensive. i dont know whats more humerous,this sketch or the fact that your "not a racist". by the way, people are not forced to pay a license fee for computer games so they can do as they please. they are independant and completley different to an institution like the BBC

[MrJayel27]

@astroboirap Ive allready stated that apart from those two things,this clip isnt offensive.Though saying that,a films just come out called "Johnny English"...Is that going to be banned aswell?No,because its not actually offensive.Anyway,...

[astroboirap]

@MrJayel27 if its not offensive i expect to see this on tv then...

[MrJayel27]

@astroboirap Perhaps it has been on TV...i merely stated that its a shame such things arent on TV anymore because foreigners take offence so easily.We take the piss out of ourselves all the time.,Ive already said it is partially offensive.The clip is funny because its playing with the English language,something Ronnie Barker loved to do&was very good at.In this instance,pronunciations,its funny,though theres no malice in the laughter.Hence,wholly,isnt really offensive.

[fluffymole0913]

@astroboirap I wouldn't think anything of it if I was to go to a foreign country and someone said "alright George! How can I help you?" It'd be a bit wierd but it's not offensive at all unless you are uptight enough to make it offensive....

[takharov1]

@astroboirap  Piss off cretin. There's always someone now who takes umbrage merely for the sake of it. If you don'r find it to your ascetic politically correct tastes don't bother watching.

[astroboirap]

@MrJayel27 ps. i couldn't care less about israel/an illegal country.

[takharov1]

@astroboirap Well that explains a lot. Prattling on about spurious racism in this sketch while being an anti-Semite. Hypocrite ?

[astroboirap]

@takharov1 nothing anti-semite about opposing israel

[MrHA1RY]

4:32 Got one of your little friends on the side there. lol

[PrincessElla4eva]

Sooo clever!!

[wwwonderful]

funny a Muslim buying ham

[MrJayel27]

Absoloute genius.Although sadly it wouldnt be aired these days due to political correctness and the possibility of it offending all the bloody immigrants

[albertusj]

Wasn't the groceries very expensive?

[Varoonmg]

Excellent, love those characters....

I'm of Indian Descent and I think it would have been a honour if the Two Ronnies had made fun of us too....:))

[TheMusicInOurLives]

hahaha that was good. i was trying to figure them out myself.

[johnloony]

Brilliant! I remember this sketch from the very first time it was on, and I have been waiting for many years to see it again. It seems not to have been repeated as often as the "Fork Handles" sketch. This one is better.

[blueray1969]

what's wrong with anyone under the age of 30 - can't spell colour, humour, favourite etc. it's not hard. This sketch is pretty good and says as much about Ronnie Barker's attitude than anything. Bravo.

[GameMusicCompilation]

i don't see why this wouldn't be aired. you get race related jokes on have i got news for you and shows on channel 4.

people are blaming society but i think this is more to do with decisions at the bbc. as they seem to have banned decent comedy all together.

[FluffyWyld]

@PCSPOD: You're spot on there. Fork handles is just brilliant, and on seeing this for the first time, it was a challenge trying to work out what he was saying. Yes our English language can be very non-standard in its pronunciation of simple words.

[Mubble]

It's sad that in today's society this wouldn't be aired.

[djjoff]

Great sketch. If it's taking the piss out of anything, it's how ludicrous and hard to grasp our langauge is!

[pcspod]

Classic sketch, albeit a bit similar to the infamous "Four Candles/Fork Handles" Sketch from 1976.



[ShadowD101]

no way this would be aired nowadays the BBC would shite themselves in case of offending anyone who don't have a sense of humor

[MaskedMan66]

Who plays the wife? Pat Coombs?

[Geshreeyeh]

@MaskedMan66 It's not Pat Coombs

[MaskedMan66]

@Geshreeyeh Who then? I know I've seen her elsewhere? Hmmm...

[Geshreeyeh]

@MaskedMan66 Not sure, but I just know it's not her - I can tell by looking. The DVD may already be out, but if not - the entire series will be released on DVD soon and someone will be able to check the names on the credits.

[blitzablue]

Hilarious!!

[tedhobgood]

SO funny! Thanks for sharing! Pardon an American question: when he gives him the marmalade, what is he referring to about his "little friend on the side", and why won't he be there much longer?

Thanks!

[mattfoob]

@tedhobgood

Robertson's brand of marmalade used a "Gollywog" as the mascot on their jars, and came under increasing pressure to remove it for being offensive, racist, and politically incorrect.

[tedhobgood]

@mattfoob Thanks so much! Very helpful; much appreciated.