American Idol

[MaulFan]

I don't think any Middle Eastern country or "terrorist states" as they are called nowadays, give a damn about American Idol. They've got much more serious matter to deal with like how to survive until tomorrow.

That's basically my point, some nations have concerns like that, and what are they supposed to think if they hear word of what American's are concerned about, I mean if I came home and was like hunny what's for dinner, "oh a rat I found outside today" and then asked oh how was your day day, "fine jill was telling me about how she caught on American news that Justin won American Idol", I'd look at that rat for dinner and shout the biggest WTF!!! on Earth. It's ok to have things like Idol and figure collecting, but in a world where equality does not exist, you shouldn't be promoting pointless activities as earth shattering events on the news, leave that to Fox News or E! channel or something, but major network news should not be making Tom Brady knocking up super models as a top story of the evening.

 

[carbo-fation]

That's basically my point, some nations have concerns like that, and what are they supposed to think if they hear word of what American's are concerned about, I mean if I came home and was like hunny what's for dinner, "oh a rat I found outside today" and then asked oh how was your day day, "fine jill was telling me about how she caught on American news that Justin won American Idol", I'd look at that rat for dinner and shout the biggest WTF!!! on Earth. It's ok to have things like Idol and figure collecting, but in a world where equality does not exist, you shouldn't be promoting pointless activities as earth shattering events on the news, leave that to Fox News or E! channel or something, but major network news should not be making Tom Brady knocking up super models as a top story of the evening.

Okay, now I understand what you meant in your previous statement!

 

[MaulFan]

Okay, now I understand what you meant in your previous statement!

Ya, I hope people don't get accidentally offended by some things, I have a tendency to not say things how they should come out, I know everything that goes on in my mind so when I write, it makes sense but since others can't plug into my brain and know that stuff too, I have to work harder at making sure my words get out those mental back thoughts.

 

[gideon]

MaulFan - thank you for explaining your earlier remarks. All of us, me included, have made some off-hand remarks on postings and then regretted their choice of words. I think you do hit on a very good point when you say that we live in a world without equality. It is because of that fact that our trivial toys and possessions become important. None of us can bring equality to a world where people are born inherently unequal in all kinds of ways. None of us can bring justice to down-trodden peoples. None of us can give justice to those who have not had it as a matter of routine and course. We certainly are powerless to stop war regardless if it be in the Middle East, Africa or Asia or gang related war in our own cities.

But we gain some measure of happiness in our friends, our families, our loved ones and in the things - the objects - the stuff that makes us happy. If that is a piece of polystone or plastic, where is the harm in that? If we can retreat to the darkness of the local cineplex for a few hours and walk out inspired or with a smile on our face then thats fine with me.

Even something like American Idol - something that many of us here loathe and laugh at - is important to millions of people because it offers a safe haven for an hour or two each week for people. They can forget about a silly war in the Middle East, or genocide in Africa, or their own peculiar problems. It makes them smile or laugh or just plain feel good. So let them have their contest and their voting. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[tomandshell]

Something to keep in mind:

In the complete 2005 season of American Idol just over 500 million votes were cast. In 2004 the American Presidential election garnered a paltry 122 million votes.

If I were living in a nation that did not offer me the ability to involve myself freely in the political process, I would think Americans were retarded for taking more interest in a show like AI than in choosing the leader of their country.

 

[gideon]

The above stats are very misleading. Keep in mind that when we hold an election for US President, it is a single election and each citizen is limited to a single vote. Last time that was over 122 million people which was considered a very robust turnout. On the other hand, the stats for AI are for an entire year of programs involving multiple shows and many votes. Also, each person may vote as many times as they want to spend on a phone call. One enthustic AI fan may well end up with casting 100 or more votes in a season. In the end it is fairly clear that far more individuals vote for US president than do vote for AI. And that is a good thing.

 

[MaulFan]

MaulFan - thank you for explaining your earlier remarks. All of us, me included, have made some off-hand remarks on postings and then regretted their choice of words. I think you do hit on a very good point when you say that we live in a world without equality. It is because of that fact that our trivial toys and possessions become important. None of us can bring equality to a world where people are born inherently unequal in all kinds of ways. None of us can bring justice to down-trodden peoples. None of us can give justice to those who have not had it as a matter of routine and course. We certainly are powerless to stop war regardless if it be in the Middle East, Africa or Asia or gang related war in our own cities.

But we gain some measure of happiness in our friends, our families, our loved ones and in the things - the objects - the stuff that makes us happy. If that is a piece of polystone or plastic, where is the harm in that? If we can retreat to the darkness of the local cineplex for a few hours and walk out inspired or with a smile on our face then thats fine with me.

Even something like American Idol - something that many of us here loathe and laugh at - is important to millions of people because it offers a safe haven for an hour or two each week for people. They can forget about a silly war in the Middle East, or genocide in Africa, or their own peculiar problems. It makes them smile or laugh or just plain feel good. So let them have their contest and their voting. Different strokes for different folks.

Great points, and I firmly stand by people doing things to give them peace of mind through the darkness that this world has become, but those are personal things that should be shared on a social level and when a social act becomes national news, I think that takes some value away from it and like I said before, projects the wrong image. Again I apologize if I offend, but a few months ago I was watching a football game and a news ad came on during commercials and there was like 3 stories, one like a fire or something tragic, actually 2 legitimate, not good stories, and then a clip about Britney or something like that, and it was that story which got the most air time and all and I was just really appalled with that, I would hate to be someone tied to the tragic stories in a shelter somewhere or home grieving and what not and see that J-Lo's new boyfriend is what the local news feels is more important and not the tragic suffering you now face, and I just think Idol is part of that national addiction to the celeb world.

 

[tomandshell]

Also, each person may vote as many times as they want to spend on a phone call. One enthustic AI fan may well end up with casting 100 or more votes in a season. In the end it is fairly clear that far more individuals vote for US president than do vote for AI. And that is a good thing.

I voted for the Libertarian Party's Michael Badnarik about 100 times in the 2004 elections. Didn't seem to help, though.

 

[gideon]

I voted for the Libertarian Party's Michael Badnarik about 100 times in the 2004 elections. Didn't seem to help, though.

tomandshell... Now that is a story that begs to be told. Just how did you cast 100 votes in a presidential election? Inquiring minds want to know.

MaulFan ... I can certainly sympathize and feel your pain about this whole issue. Yes, there is far too much media obsession with third rate celebrities. And yes, it crowds out legitimate news far too often. Even the Romans had their circuses while the Barbarians were closing the distance between the Gates. Gladiators became heroes and the whole mess eventually turned to crap. Seems to be the nature of the beast. Don't get discouraged and keep fighting the good fight.

Your honest and sincere angst reminds me of the end of that great 1939 film with Jimmy Stewart MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON where he says "somebody will listen... somebody will listen".

 

[tomandshell]

Oh, I was just kidding.

But one of my favorite lines from "The Simpsons" was when Ned Flanders was closing the doors on his failed left-handed supply store in the mall.

Homer: Listen, Flanders, you still have that store?

Ned: For two more days. Then it becomes Libertarian Party headquarters. I hope they have better luck than I did!

 

[Darth Caedus]

All I know is that all of you who watch American Idol should be shot.

 

[gideon]

tomandshell - funny Simpsons lines .... however, if Ned could not make a go of a store appealing to left-handed people of which there are tens of millions, how could the Libertarians expect any better success? In the last election they got less than half of one percent of the vote for President. That would make Ned's failed enterprise look like Bill Gates. I wonder if Homer ran how many votes he could garner?

 

[Jen]

Hey that Sonjaya guy is from my area! But I don't want the show...so no vote from me.

 

[MaulFan]

Your honest and sincere angst reminds me of the end of that great 1939 film with Jimmy Stewart MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON where he says "somebody will listen... somebody will listen".

I'm more likely to end up like Tony Montana, laying face down in a pool of water and my blood crushed by the great dreams and ambitions I strive for.

 

[Seth Gecko]

All I know is that all of you who watch American Idol should be shot.

 

[Darth Caedus]

 

[gideon]

MaulFan... I cannot think of two films in the entire 100+ year history of Hollywood that are more opposite in every possible way than SCARFACE and MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON. Interesting that you would bring that character up. But we all identify with different heroes - or villians for that matter.

 

[Fritz]

Very interesting points...

...I'll still sing for a Cave Troll Statue. I've made an ass out of myself for less.

 

[Darklord Dave]

Lakisha just kicked the ASS out of Diamonds are Forever!

And Jordon also did great with another Shirley Bassey song.

TIVO is great - I can zip through the crap guys and just get to the 2 or 3 worthwhile performances.

 

[tomandshell]

TIVO is great - I can zip through the crap guys and just get to the 2 or 3 worthwhile performances.

Or you can rewind and watch Sanjaya sing over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over.