Fake Reporter Is Bane Of Kazakhstan

(CBS)  "Yagshamash. My name is Yagshamash," Borat says, running through the streets of New York.

That's pretend Kazakh journalist, "Borat," and his name is mud in Kazakhstan, the country the fictional character is supposed to be from, CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips reports.

"My government send me to USA to make a movie film. Please, you look," Borat says while being pulled by a horse.

Borat is really British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, and he has gotten well under Kazakhstan's skin with his spoof portrayal of a Kazakh news reporter.

Maybe it's because he showed up for the premiere of his new movie in a cart, apparently being pulled by Kazakh peasant women.

Maybe it's because he has said that homosexuals in Kazakhstan had to wear blue hats.

Maybe it's his attitude toward women.

So wounded have the Kazakhs been by the image of their country that Borat presents that the former Soviet republic has taken out expensive spreads in major newspapers extolling the virtues of their developing land. They've also dispatched senior diplomats to refute the suggestion that they can't take a joke.

"This may seem funny to them, but some will not take it as very much funny," says Erlan Idrissov, Kazakhstan's ambassador to Great Britain.

In the 15 years since Kazakhstan became an independent country, some real economic progress has been made, mostly because of its oil. Politically, however, it's more complicated. But a sense of humor is not among Kazakhstan's post-communist reforms, apparently.

Borat, unlike the Kazakhs, knows the value of publicity, and he offered a rebuttal on his Web site when the Kazakhs threatened to sue.

Later this week, Kazakhstan President Nazarbayev will visit President Bush. The Kazakhs deny reports that he'll complain about Borat — just as they deny Borat's claim that their national drink comes from a horse.

When Ambassador Idrissov is asked what their national drink is, he smiles, adding "whisky."

But Borat still gets the last laugh.

"Please, you come see my film. If it not success, I will be execute," he says.

[stevepdx-2009]

Please stop giving this guy exposure. He may be funny to those who know him, but he is offensive to far more people. I just don't care, and won't be reading anymore news reports about him.

[mcgreenx]

Her, not so much.

[shutupmurtha]

This guy would not have made news if the government didnt complain about him.

[shutupmurtha]

This story has been seeping up from the "non-mainstream" media for weeks now. Of course this story shouldnt even be in the news, but the only reason it is in the news is because Kazakhstan thinks it is an issue that needs to be addressed....

Dont they have any bigger things to deal with in their country??? Just a thought.

[shutupmurtha]

Who cares if people dont think he is funny or think he is "offensive" or isnt "Seeeeeeeensitive" enough.

The important thing is that he is allowed to do his "thing" without Muslims throwing jihads on him regardless of how insensitive it is to Islamonazis or anyone for that matter (including myself). This is about freedom of speech and he should be free to do his routine without violence breaking out or even with violence breaking out in the muslim world. We in the free world should not submit to the threat of violence by Jihad loving muslims or anyone who wants to get rid of our freedoms. Sure he can be criticized and insulted (without Jhad parties), but that is also exercising our free speech. So I say by all means Borat, DO YOUR THING even if I or anyone else finds it offensive!

[isthatso-2009]

Ug.. Just another idiot who thinks he is funny but is actually just offensive and uncouth.

Only people who find belittling and overplayed stereotypes funny would like this guy.

What a waste of news space on your site CBS.

It's curious to note though that if this was a gentile pretending to be the persona of a dirty, money grubbing, pimping out his sister for cash - Jew, the "Boo Hiss" comments would pour out like water from the well, but if a Jew acts like this and berates others, it's supposedly funny. It's not. It's just sick.

It's amazing what people try to pass off as humor these days.

Grow up!

[irwietco]

The character Borat is extremely amusing. Anyone with an IQ over 50 cannot possibly take him seriously so Kazakhstan's reputation is not being besmirched. As a Jew I was not offended by his antics including the song he invented " Throw the Jew Down the Well".

[aspilats]

Sasha Baron Cohen is a brilliant comedian bringing levity to many lives. Borat is another of his excellent creations. If Kazakhstan can be generous enough to embrace him it will enhance their public image!