Outrageous Celebs Not Worthy of Outrage
by Dave KonigI’ve been in show business my entire life. I started as an obnoxious young child actor. I’ve been around actors my whole life. For the most part, they’re wonderful, sweet people. Some are very, very talented. Most are well meaning.
The truth is though: acting isn’t rocket science. And most actors, myself very much included, are not, as the saying goes, rocket scientists.
Rocket scientists, on the other hand, are very, very smart. Ever talk to one? I have. I had no idea what the hell he was talking about. He was all “aeroelasticity” this and “avionics” that, and I just stood there for twenty minutes nodding my head as if I knew what he was talking about. Which I didn’t because, as I’ve stated above, I’m an actor. Which means I’m no rocket scientist.
Now, take every single interview with every single actor you have ever heard on radio, saw on television, or read in the learned journals of People or Us or Tiger Beat. How many times in your life have you ever walked away saying (for example): “Wow, I knew Tony Danza was a delightful and engaging television personality, but I had no idea he was so smart! Clearly, much smarter than I could ever hope to be! Who’s the boss? You, super smart Tony Danza, that’s who!”
No offense to Tony Danza (who I’ve interviewed, and he is a very nice man, and no dummy either), but my guess would be that hasn’t happened too many times in your life.
Maybe that’s why when people in show business say outrageous, stupid things, other people in show business don’t get as outraged as people who aren’t in show business do. Because people in show business know, deep down in our hearts, we’re no rocket scientists. When the rest of the country is outraged because of something Bill Maher said last night on TV, we sharp show business types are just rolling our eyes thinking: didn’t he use that very same dumb crack last week at Carolines as a pick up line with the cocktail waitress?
Yes, words matter. When Ahmadinejad calls Israel a “racist nation,” that matters. It’s an outrage. Because Ahmadinejad is plotting to build a nuclear bomb which he will detonate over Israel. When some actress calls conservatives “racist” it’s not outrageous, it’s just dumb. Unless she has a nuclear bomb.
When Janet Napolitano says returning American veterans are a potential threat to the United States, that’s an outrage. Because Janet Napolitano is the Secretary for Homeland Defense. When some comedian calls the Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces a “dictator” while our soldiers are bogged down in a sandstorm two weeks into Operation Iraqi Freedom, it’s not an outrage – it’s just lame. (The comedian shall remain nameless because since that crack he’s made several USO tours of the war zone to entertain our troops, thus proving himself to be a great guy, despite his politics.)
When Barack Obama runs our country down overseas, it’s dangerous. Because he’s the President of the United States. When Sean Penn does it, it’s irritating, but not dangerous. Because he’s Jeff Spicoli.
Actors and comedians say stupid, uninformed, outrageous things all the time. Michael Richards went nuts in a comedy club (because he was trying to stretch 5 minutes of material into a 45 minute spot). Don Imus did what Don Imus did (because he’s an old man who was trying to be hip – always a risky endeavor). Did any of that really matter, other than to Michael Richards and Don Imus’s careers?
I did talk radio for a couple of years, my lovely Bride, the author Susan Konig, and I did a husband and wife morning show on a Catholic radio channel (I’m a Jew, it’s a long story, my life is fascinating). We did three hours a day, every day, live. We had all kinds of wonderful comedians and actors on who cracked wise, talked about their families, talked about their faith and prayer (if they wanted to), talked a little politics, and talked show business. We had great Jewish comedians like David Brenner, David Steinberg, Jackie Mason. We had great goyim comedians like Bobby Collins, Colin Quinn, Lisa Lampanelli and (ahem) Tom Shillue. We even had a Scientologist comedian (God help him!). This was a show where we (literally) had Cardinals scrutinizing our every on air move. In the almost two years we were on the air we never had a problem of any kind with any of our guests. They were all fascinating, funny, and respectful.
Every morning we would get a press release from a Catholic watchdog organization. The press release would usually be about the latest outrageous wisecrack made last night by (round up the usual suspects): Bill Maher, Madonna, some comic or other on some late night show, etc. The press release would always have several exclamation points. When you have three hours to kill every day on the radio, it’s the easiest thing in the world to kill it with this kind of “low hanging fruit.” Did you hear the latest outrageous thing said by Bill Maher? Are you offended? Or just outraged? Give us a call!
Then the radio host can sit back, put his feet up on the console, and let the phone screener do all the heavy lifting.
Guess what? Once everyone’s outrage is exhausted over Bill Maher’s latest, it’s time to crank up the outrage again over Madonna’s latest. Or Sean Penn’s. Or Janeanne Garofalo’s. You can kill a lot of airtime this way!
We never did. It would have been too easy. Besides, why further promote the actors who were annoying and insulting? Why not use the same energy to promote the actors and comedians who were funny and entertaining and respectful of others beliefs? That’s what we did on our radio show, and I’ll tell you – we had a great time, and so did our listeners.
Playing the perpetual outrage game with actors and comedians is a waste of everyone’s energies. No, there aren’t great numbers of Americans sitting on the fence anxiously waiting for actors to tell them how to think. No one in Iowa or Kansas or Michigan is really being persuaded by the loony tunes ramblings of their favorite actors on late night talk shows. Bill Maher’s documentary bombed. No one on Earth listens to Air America. MSNBC is a tremendous ratings failure.
There is one actor who, out of all the actors I ever heard talk politics, always impressed me. He had a firm grasp on the issues, a great sense of history, a strong intellectual grounding in his ideas, and a tremendous capacity to communicate. At the most crucial moment of his political career, in front of a vast audience, live, with everything at stake he was confronted with an arrogant, irritating liberal who insulted him and told lies about him. The actor would have been well within his rights to leap across the stage and throttle the irritant. Instead, the actor smiled, nodded, and just said “There you go again.”
And at that moment he was elected President of the United States.
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75 Comments
I love Ronald Reagan.
Dave, I agree with you that most actors aren't worth listening to, and I certainly don't see a reason to get worked up over guys like Penn, and Garafoulo, and the rest. BUT, it is always worth (1) denying nasty accusations made against you and (2) condemning the types of accusations these people make.
That said, let me make a vote for more positive/constructive articles from our contributors — and fewer "isn't so-and-so a jerk" articles. Conservatives are positive, thinking people and we should do some positive thinking about who we are, what we are, where we are going, and how we're going to change the culture.
I believe you have a point…to a point.
I think it's obvious that celebs aren't rocket scientists. But they do have a mighty big soapbox. It's also been proven, time and time again, that a certain portion of people, college age generally, get their politics from Jon Stewart & Co, who not coincidentally often have the Garofolo's of the world on their shows espousing their political…ahem.. acumen. I wish it weren't so, but the loud-mouthed celebs who shouldn't have an influence still do. Just look at the number of people who buy into the global warming phenomenon. That is hugely driven by celebs pounding the bully pulpit on that issue. So much so that it's become part of the public consciousness. Bush's poll numbers also reflected a public perception that, I believe, was largely driven by the constant barrage by the SNL crowd. I also believe that Obama's popularity rests right on the shoulders of the same people.
Absolutely. If these people can say, "conservatives are racists" and no one challenges this or condemns this, it will become an accepted fact to those people who look up to them. Since these people shape the culture — children and the impressionable look up to them — it becomes an accepted part of the culture that conservatives are racists. Year after year it will only become more ingrained. To me, that's worth fighting.
I don't care what they say because it's obvious that most of them are crazy twits. The problem I have is that because they are who they are every time they open their yaps they get microphones shoved so far up their face that those same microphones come out the back of their head. Then, we all get treated to their insights as though they do have some special acumen that the rest of us lack. And being who they are, a lot of people hang on their every word and think they hung the moon and stars and tend to give extra weight and importance to what they say. Therefore, when celebrity A tells us that we can manage with only one square of toilet paper, her less intelligent fans might start to buy it.
Thank you for this sane, sensible and (dare I say it?) genuinely conservative piece. We on the Right cannot expect to make any headway against the truly appalling policies of the new administration if we waste our intellectual and emotional ammo on every lame critter that stirs in the underbrush. I think the point has been made – Garofolo, Penn, Affleck, Clooney, Sarandon, Robbins et al are all shallow blowhards who have gained their eminence purely as the result of our own perverse embrace of "celebrity culture." It is we who go to their movies, watch their TV shows and read the adulatory drivel printed about them in the popular press. (Well, most of the people who read this site probably don't.) They are the beneficiaries of an historical accident (the internet and new media) that makes anything they say or do instantly available to everyone twenty-four hours a day. We should all get a grip and look at them like you would a bad case of athlete's foot – Irritating but not fatal.
The flap over Miss California, I think, has really underscored the fact that fatuous and vindictive grandstanding by those who purport to represent a 'movement' or 'community' are not well-received by the public. We are finally becoming inured to the the incessant flow of 'outrage' created by the 24/7 media. I really think 'Perez Hilton' did a great deal of damage to his 'cause' with his attempt to create 'outrage' and just ended up putting a very ugly face on a group of people who, for the most part, don't deserve it. So your point is well-taken.
The flap over Miss California, I think, has really underscored the fact that fatuous and vindictive grandstanding by those who purport to represent a 'movement' or 'community' are not well-received by the public. We are finally becoming inured to the the incessant flow of 'outrage' created by the 24/7 media. I really think 'Perez Hilton' did a great deal of damage to his 'cause' with his attempt to create 'outrage' and just ended up putting a very ugly face on a group of people who, for the most part, don't deserve it. So your point is well-taken.
ITA. I see Mr. Koenig's point but to paraphrase an episode from "The Simpsons," "if it's on t.v., it must be true." Way too many people think that way, especially if they are not terribly informed themselves.
ITA. I see Mr. Koenig's point but to paraphrase an episode from "The Simpsons," "if it's on t.v., it must be true." Way too many people think that way, especially if they are not terribly informed themselves.
So, Dave, are you are saying that we shouldn't take you seriously because you are an actor?
So does that mean we should "[play] the perpetual outrage game" since you say we shouldn't?
Celebrities have such an influence over public perceptions, especially those of kids and teenagers, that it has to be fought when it becomes damaging– which is sadly far too often.
Well said…..I will refrain from name calling starting now…
Sean Penn is a horse's arse…
ok starting NOW…..
a dear departed relative who worked in the Industry way back when, who had hung out with actors and celebrities most of their adult life said simply: "Actors are bums". There would be all sorts of empirical evidence offered, mostly the 'mooch' factor- most actors are resistant by nature to picking up a tab, and have very little problem accepting any gratuity offered… add that to the really silly nature of the profession (if you think about it, it really is kind of goofy) and the emasculation of having to start your day with a makeup artist flitting around you, you get the wannabe toughies like Penn… and it is exactly why their opinions are neigh worthless.
Uh, excuse me?
The correct term is "Rocket Surgeons".
Alternatively, "Brain Scientists".
Geez…focus, man.
" Most are well meaning."
This is a statement that many fall back on when they have destroyed lives. What does this really mean. Hitler just want to expand the economy "well meaning". Ahmadinejad just wants to expand his faith and enlighten people "well meaning". Obama just wants to make the world a better place "well meaning". This list can go on and on of folks that are "well meaning".
Just because one is "well meaning" does not excuse them.
Like most of the others on this thread, I agree that what celebrities say isn't worth getting worked up over… to point.
The problem is that celebrities are being treated like political pundits, therefore blurring the lines between what is just George Clooney/Sean Penn/Demi Lovato shooting off their mouths and what is reframed by the media as legitimate political analysis. Like D.L. Hughley. When did he become a political commentator? I thought he was a comedian? That many celebrities, like other people are not rocket scientists, is true and explains a lot. So getting worked up over their comments and calling them names isn't a good tactic (Obviously). That we as conservatives know that they're full of it, is established.
But if SNL can influence a Presidential election more profoundly than actual political coverage, where do we draw the line between what we should be denouncing and what we should ignore?
It IS worth fighting. As you said, these people have a huge audience – unless of course they're spewing on MSNBC, CNN or Air America.
The problem is, their comments get picked up by the bigger news services and transmitted everywhere. The leftists control the media and the government, which puts anyone NOT in their camp on the defensive.
The government is making moves to consolidate their control with various incarnations of the "fairness doctrine" (which is everything BUT) and am I the only one not chalking up that so-called leak of that DHS memo calling anyone not firmly in the Obama camp a potential terrorist threat?
Yeah, there are cries of 'incompetence' but there is the possibility that the motivation is much more sinister – put the "opposition" on notice that dissent will not be tolerated, but will be treated as a possible threat to their version of America.
I see David's point in ratcheting down the outrage in the response to these nitwits, but on the same token, they should not be ignored. We do so at our peril – and at the peril of the nation and our children and their children.
I think that the major problem we all have with the celebtards is not what they are saying, as much as the fact that they attempt to pass themselves off as deep thinking brainics. How many of them actually enter honest debate? If someone can support a statement with reason and fact, wonderful. I will listen. When every one keeps pounding the same unsupported or disproven conjecture over and over, it just gets old. I used to get into it with an old VN vet, Navy Corpsman, who slipped off the deep end long ago. It was ridiculous. He was spouting Dainty Kos verbatum. Three flippin years of bar discussion with the guy and it NEVER changed. Agree, Andrew. I think Dave just wanted to add his two cents.
OK, I starting to rave………(end)
I agree we should try take the high road. That is what Bush did for 8 years and I greatly respected it. I think we took Bush's lead and minimized our responses. One would think that now Bush and all of his "cronies" are no longer in office, that it would have quelled the liberal hate speech. Instead it has just ramped up 10 fold to the point where they are calling for blood and beheadings of our former administration. I am not making this up!! We can't afford to allow them to continue down this road without some kind of response because before long they will own the airwaves and (if Biden succeeds), the newpapers by legistlation and it will be All Obama, All the Time…Trust me these people LOVE Hugo Chavez for what he has done in Venezuela and hope that Obama can be as kind.
bingo! Et tu, sqt. Good post.
You are absolutely right, These people do shape culture largely because have virtually unlimited access to their public through the popular media (in need of a better term.) The problem conservatives have is a lack of focus. We should not be provoked by the messenger but instead concentrate ont he message. When some airhead celeb says "conservatives are racists" they should be swamped with demands for proof. The should be picketed and protested at public appearances by conservative organizations demanding explanation and apology. It will be difficult but I'm afraid it must be done.
[...] Pink is the New Blog | Everybody’s Business Is My Business added an interesting post today on Outrageous Celebs Not Worthy of OutrageHere’s a small readingNo one in Iowa or Kansas or Michigan is really being persuaded by the loony tunes ramblings of their favorite actors on late night talk shows. [...]
It is always nice to hear a celebrity who actually thinks things through before spouting off. Take Jon Voight or Clint Eastwood. When they do open their mouths, it is worth listening to.
Most of the other celebs, are well celebs. That kind of says it all right there.
One might also mention that the few actors who ARE studied enough to be rocket scientists are mostly conservative (or eventually convert) and seldom use their soapboxes, aware of the public's perception of them as actors and not rocket scientists. A few come to mind: Jimmy Stewart (architecture degree from Princeton), MENSA member James Woods (MIT PoliSci), the late Ron Silver (Masters in Chinese history). I'm sure there are more, but that clique is many strata above the present crop of pretty-faced low-talent bigmouth camera whores.
Remember the buzz about Bill Clinton–that “character doesn’t matter?” Acting is a profession, unlike politics, where personal lives don’t affect popular appeal and career performance, aside from dispositions toward self-destruction. Say what you will about acting ability, but Reagan was truly qualified in both disciplines and was probably a better statesman than actor.
You make a very good point — these people are not JUST actors. Various interest groups have made them into spokesmen. Even the democratic party uses them as spokesmen/endorsers. Think about how many times you've seen these same actors as the representative of the left on a television news show, or how many times they've spoken at a democratic function. They are not just actors, they are activists who happen to act as a day job.
If Nancy Pelosi said what these people say, no one would question whether or not it should be condemned. Or imagine if the head of the Red Cross said that conservatives hate poor people. Again, there would be no question about condenming that person. This is no different.
The sad thing is that the outrage about the current administration comes mostly from the voters, not the people we elected to Congress. Too many Republican leaders continue to have a deer-in-the-headlights look with sub-par communication skills.
http://the100mostannoyingthings.blogspot.com/
Exactly right regarding the soapbox. These celebutards have the forum with which to perpetuate their nonsense. "We the People" have no such forum and have this nonsense forced on us everytime we turn on the TV or open a newspaper or magazine.
As far Jon Stewart, the man is a coward. He has no problem ambushing a financial TV show host, but lets someone like Garafolo off the hook when she is clearly out of her tree. If Stewart were as smart as he wants people to believe he'd have that skank on his show and blast her for calling Tea Part Goers racists. Even HE must know it was complete BS…..
Excellent point, sqt. Parenting has never been so important.
I think CS Lewis pointed out the problem with the denigration of reason in modern life. Now you can't convince someone of the Truth via reason. These celebs are more of the same. They convince by charm, and arrogance, and unceasing repetition, and some by trying to destroy those who oppose them.We have to counter with reason and unceasing repetition, but this is foundational work. Its brushclearing work as well. Its stuff that people like me don't really enjoy that much because we've moved on. We already know this. But you have to have soldiers in the trenches still fighting it. And realize the reason "Liberal" is a swear word is those soldiers in the day in day out boring trenches sending out outraged emails.
I think CS Lewis pointed out the problem with the denigration of reason in modern life. Now you can't convince someone of the Truth via reason. These celebs are more of the same. They convince by charm, and arrogance, and unceasing repetition, and some by trying to destroy those who oppose them.We have to counter with reason and unceasing repetition, but this is foundational work. Its brushclearing work as well. Its stuff that people like me don't really enjoy that much because we've moved on. We already know this. But you have to have soldiers in the trenches still fighting it. And realize the reason "Liberal" is a swear word is those soldiers in the day in day out boring trenches sending out outraged emails.
Some people will do this brush burning work for a few years, and move on. Others will be content to be useful there. We need these regiments of hard workers, and we should support them.For those who have moved on, we need methods to attack the underlying structure. Perhaps some way of creating our own studios and our own stars to counter their Charm Power. And we need lessons in Humorous Arrogance to smack lefty arrogance in the face (some of us are pretty good at that already).As to a new studio…I notice that a lot of the SF actors seem to be bouncing from show to show in the SFverse. Its a way of creating a stable of solid, dependable stars. I wonder if the Powers That Be in the SF-TV world are trying to do this on purpose. And could we do something like this?
Doug, you have a point up to a spot… first the 'kids' look up to the Celebrities/musicians/actors/etc. They tend to take them at their word… we were the same as kids… If "Mr. T" said something… it was truth, and I pity the fool that disagreed with me!!! Now we can fight the early brainwashing of MR. Clooney and company.
As syl noted… these actors aren't limited to what outlets their given. The G_Beast now seems to be a regular on Open-mouth-insert-foot-erman…. Hughley has his own "political show". (WHy?) Stewart gets the young viewers who "think" his show is news..
And just as importantly (Possibly moreso): some of them also show higher poltical aspirations… (or politically related ones – UN Ambassadors), governors of states (Reagan, Arnold, Ventura, Kilmer (rumoured to still be interested in beign gov. of NM?) , Congresspersons (Sonny Bono, Shirley Temple, Fred Grandy.. saw a story/rumour that had Duane Johnson is considering a run for Congress at some point), and then some are handed political positions in white house administrations…("House" quack)
So to call them out on the politics before hand… keeps the hard leftists from actually getting into to those positions of political power…
I agree about the concern about lack of focus — I'm a big fan of clearly focussed strategies. And I would certainly say that this is not an issue that the Republican party should be issuing condenmations about. But, when these things are said:
1. The "conservative" sitting across from the idiot should call them all it right then and there. Condemn the statement, just as you would if they had spit out a racist statement, and demand proof.
2. Average people should take the step of sending the occasional letter to the FCC or the sponsors of the show or any organization that hires the celebrity as a spokesman. These people will learn to shut off the outrageous BS if their bottom line suffers.
3. When Republicans are asked about these issues, they should condemn them and move on. No outrage needed, just act like an adult expressing your disappointment in the childish trantrum.
I agree w/ Bev & others about taking the high road. This is what I was taught from my youth and learned to practice as an adult. And many, many times I had to be reminded – strongly- that the high road was the best route to take. But, and this is an enormous but -not referring to my ex, but after 51 years I have gotten less and less willing to take this approach. Especially when I see the low-roaders pulling the s**t they do, and getting away with it, with no criticism (or very little) at all. I will forgive a person every time because the benefits of forgiveness are inestimable for both the transgressor and the transgressed. And my Savior demands that I do so. But I will also raise my voice to edify or condemn, or both, people who vomit out hate, lies or just plain stupidity.
LOL!
Absolutely, there is no reason to pull our hair out about these fools, but that doesn't mean we should remain silent. I think these types of statements are worth a calm, condemnation and maybe a complaint to a sponsor.
My reading says to forgive after repentance. I have seen very little repentance. The whole context is important.
I can understand the desire to take the high road. However, when a "celebrity" abuses the people that awarded them the position in life that they have, it becomes necessary for the people to make them pay for it. If that sounds familiar, it should. There was a time when I was deeply entertained by the product that Hollywood put out. It is just too much now that we have elevated them the way we have.
I will be discharged from this hospital tomorrow. Thanks to a couple of entertainers, I get to go to the pier before I catch my flight home. There was no politics in their visit. Just simple humanity. And the truth is, that is all I want from those that wish to bring stories into our lives.
it appears to us that there is now a steady focus and it's getting stronger as we speak. As is their wont, the Left in America is hugely poor at governance, and their addiction to constant fabrication (and the subsequent belief of same) is creating a divide that is growing exponentially- which is, of course why the 1st amendment threats are extant.
What we are having a problem with is processing the bitter anger raised by those who confuse conservatism with nativism and the vitriol directed at those who are trying to make sense out of difficult political and moral issues. We cannot hang a Welcome mat out to attract folk to our cause
and then say not you- you came here illegally; therefore shoving them into a camp they wouldn't ordinairily be inclined to join…
Mr. Konig, do you feel the same way about Jane Fonda's little trip to North Vietnam?
I completely agree and I would just like to add that the same thing could be said of Miss USA contestants and celebrity gossip bloggers. Self promoting, amusing, but nothing to get all worked up about.
Andrew Price, at the tippy-top, I couldn't agree with you more about having fewer "isn't so-and-so a jerk" articles. I don't like that approach and I tend to skim or skip those pieces here. There's one problem, though–ridicule works. Ask Sarah Palin.
I prefer a thoughtful refutation, but that's not always possible, either. Let's use G666's (as someone so charmingly christened (sataned?) her a few days back) "racism" as an example, since that's what triggered this series. A well-written piece pointing out the civil rights records of conservatives and libertarians might make for a good read, but a thoughtful response implies that the thought expressed deserves a thoughtful response. It gives the accusation respect it doesn't deserve.
So, whaddaya do? I have no idea.
PS: This is a stretch here, but if a celebrity did make a civil criticism of the right, then he should get a thoughtful response.
It just isn’t funny any longer. The stakes are to high. I don’t want to be in the history books as the generation that lost America, but rather the ones that saved it from the brink. These celebrities are just a symptom of a much larger problem, and when they spew some nasty screed they should be called on it, and hard. You seem like a good guy Dave, and I enjoy your articles, but sympathy and understanding of the likes of Janeane, Sean, Rosie, etc. sorry, you can be friends with whom ever, but my understanding is all used up, and my money will stay in my pocket, as well.
"I’m a Jew, it’s a long story, my life is fascinating"
I know this is off topic, but I'd like to hear your fascinating story. I have time…
Same here. I have no sympathy for someone that calls me a racist when they haven't a clue. I have no sympathy for a complete dolt that blurts out that fire doesn't melt steel and then accuses my country of murdering 3000 of it's citizens. I have no sympathy for someone that plays a gay activist when the cameras are rolling but then snuggles up to one of the most intolerant countries on the planet, and also is an enemy of the west.
Sorry, but these folks go against everything my father and so many others fought and sacrificed for. So any chance to slam them, I'm game…..
Just saw Kings Row last night. Contrary to his detractor's accusations he was a pretty good actor too!
For those of you not long time Californians:When RR was running for governor the first time in 1966, his opponent, Edmund "Pat" Brown (Jerry's father) – derided him by saying "He's just an actor".
RR replied "Why not an actor? We've had a clown for 8 years!"
You're a jerk. So there.
Did I hear the name of the G-Beast666? Tick. Tick. Tick.
PS: I"m outraged!
[...] Times Editor put an intriguing blog post on Outrageous Celebs Not Worthy of OutrageHere’s a quick excerptI’ve been in show business my entire life. I started as an obnoxious young child actor. I’ve been around actors my whole life. For the most part, they’re wonderful, sweet people. Some are very, very talented. Most are well meaning. The truth is though: acting isn’t rocket science. And most… [...]
One problem I see with this view that just because they're actors and don't know much and therefore are harmless is indeed that they have huge influence. It's not like we idolize rocket scientists, and in fact, there is a strong anti-intellectualism in society and media generally that cuts against this rational discussion. The world hangs on every little thing they do, so what they say does matter, especially when so many people tuned in don't read much.
One more thought…I love Big Hollywood and have enjoyed the articles and discussion here quite a bit. But one thing I wonder is how objective one can be when they work in Hollywood surrounded by people in the industry day after day. Not a few people who post here are fairly famous as well and I wonder if the desire to downplay the influence of celebrity commentary has more personal motivation than there might seem on the surface. Don't get me wrong, I'm only too happy to know that Conservatives exist in Hollywood. But the existence of this site proves, in its own little way, that celebrity opinions do count. We can't downplay the opinions we don't like, just because a celebrity utters them, and then try to attach to significance to celebrity opinions we do like. Anything that makes its way into the public consciousness has influence and we should not let that go unnoticed.
I agree with the point being made here.
But unfortunately, I think these celebrities do have an influence. They influence pop culture, and it seems pop culture is all that matters in this world today. (At least here in America.) I don't think it is inaccurate to say that the celebrity support of Obama played a big part in his victory.
It shouldn't be that way. But I think it is.
I don't think contributors and commenters on BH need to ignore the loudmouths in the entertainment business, but in public gatherings such as the Tea Parties and the coming Independence Day Celebrations it isn't productive to bother with them, as they are the symptom, not the disease.
And parents have never been more reluctant to do their f__king job.
Perception does become reality, in some peoples little minds. W. was castigated by a bitter, sore loser press daily and the average bonehead associalted stupid with W. (Fla. mess 2000, they never got over it) Dan Quayle NEVER recovered from one small gaff that technically wasn't a gaff. However Joe "Plugs" Biden says outrageous things daily seemingly, and the media ingnores it. Obama, because of race and politics is beyond reproach. 57 States? Do they speak Austrian? On one trip he doesn't bow to an Anglo-Saxon Queen (and he shouldn't) then does bow to a Mulim King (he shouldn't have) In some ways the future of our country depends on wrestling control of the press from the hands of the traitorous M.S. media.
I'll bet it wouldn't be hard to identify her fans, though…
I can appreciate your article Dave, however for me it isn't a question of how smart a person is but are they decent. Dennis Prager discusses this issue on many occasions. There are two types of people in the world, the decent and the indecent. He makes a point about the importance of raising good kids as opposed to smart kids (although nothing wrong with a good, smart kid) Intellect tends to be overrated and today those on the left almost always use it as a measuring stick as to a person's worth. It doesn't matter to them if you're a decent person, if you have values, if you disagree with them, it's a battle.
It's not so much as the recent statements made by some were outrageous as they were flat out wrong. JG was wrong. Perez Hilton was wrong when he viciously attacked Carrie Prejean. When those two clowns hung Sarah Palin in effigy in West Hollywood last October, it was wrong. Not outrageous. Wrong.
Big Difference.
Part two:
Tell me, because I may have missed it, where has the condemnation been from those on the left regarding these incidents? Gloria Steinem, Eve Ensler, NOW? Did I miss something? Yes, the classy and cool Angie Harmon came out to defend Carrie Prejean but how about other feminists especially those who are liberal?
What infuriates me is the pass these individuals are given by the MSM, not challenged by those who preach diversity, compassion, fairness. Get my drift Dave? It pisses me off, I don't like the anger, but what else is there to do? They need to be called on their s**t each and every time.
Part three:
I was raised by my parents to know the difference between right and wrong. My mother was just an average housewife, a good woman who raised her four sons well, while my Dad was a fireman who taught us many important lessons among them, don't back down from a bully. These individuals we're dealing with, the mindset, the behavior, ARE BULLIES. We're in a culture war in this country and while I will try to pick my battles accordingly, I'm not backing down. Give a bully a good smack on the bridge on the nose and it usually gets their attention, they'll knock it off.
I agree, world leaders, politicians are in a different league than actors and other creative types and their words should carry a different weight. However, there are a lot of actors who use their celebrity as a way to appeal to the masses (can't wait for Matt Damon's Howard Zinn movie) In Hollywood, we're at ground zero in the fight. It's David vs Goliath as far as the conservative/liberal battles goes. Big Hollywood was created by AB to give many of us a place to allow our voices to be heard. So far, so good.
Part four:
I like what you wrote about using energy to promote, "actors and comedians who were funny and entertaining and respectful of others beliefs" I'm with you on that. Sounds good. Hopefully at Big Hollywood we have a forum which allows such promotion. There's lots of great energy here, lots of passion and healthy debate. I try to get my liberal friends to visit whenever possible. After all, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to dig BH but it's nice if you're a decent person.
I'm done.
The left can't help itself. "Bedtime for Bonzo" became the rallying cry to be used against the guy who made movies with chimps. Somehow, I never heard them use it against Cary Grant.
Pat Brown made more than one joke that backfired. When Nixon ran against him for governor, Brown tried a slap at Nixon by insulting Nixon's wife. The quote was "The state can't stand Pat." Nixon responded with, "You're right." The long-running joke about Pat Brown was that he won each of his elections by large margins, but poll after poll could not locate a single person who would admit to voting for him. Unfortunately for Nixon, he soon thereafter tried to explain his reasons for running for "Governor of the United States." That took the heat off Brown.
As an actual rocket scientist, I find it ironic (in the context of this article) that the liberals are also less likely to support us.
So you're an outraged jerk? Sounds painful. Anything we can do?
Great article and it would be more meaningful if it weren't for the majority of the public that DOES take what these dumb thespians dribble out of their chops. Let's face facts here. Who is more listened to, politicians or actors (or politicians who are just actors in a role)? It's a sad fact that the tinsletown twinkies get more face time and their words mean more to the gullible public than someone of intellect and substance who deserves to be heard.
We're an intellectual lot here, so I think it probably would make a good read if someone did do a comparison of civil rights records.
I have no problem with using ridicule against the left, but like I said, I would like to see more positive/forward looking pieces too. That's how we grow and how we define ourselves. Otherwise, we're just here to complain. I think to achieve the potential of this site, we need to take that next step.
Yes, Andrew, there is something you can do. Send money.
You realize it is the horse's arse you are insulting, Right.
Dave,
“Aeroelasticity is the study of the mutual interaction that takes place within the triangle of the inertial, elastic, and aerodynamic forces acting on structural members exposed to an airstream, and the influence of this study on design."
“Avionics comprises electronic systems for use on aircraft, artificial satellites and spacecraft, comprising communications, navigation and the display and management of multiple systems. It also includes the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to meet individual roles, these can be as simple as a search light for a police helicopter or as complicated as the tactical system for an Airborne Early Warning platform.”
It’s never too late to be a rocket scientist Dave, remember that. With a little hard work you can get there.
Picket all you want what media outlet will cover it. Fox News, yes they might but they are only one news outlet and the other 5-6 liberal ones will go after Fox, go after the picketers. Suppose you are now a law abiding citizen at 40 but once stole a car at 14 and got caught. Even though you straigtoned out if you are at a protest,, will it come out.
The left does not really have people that care deeply about these causes. They are paid to protest and when they do the 12 that show up will talked about as if they are hundreds. Meanwhile thousands at Tea Parties will be minimalized.
So do we pay protestors to be on our rolls. What is it that we do. This nonsense has to be fought but how!
Not Rocket Sturgeons …… oh wait…..
We dropped the ball in this arena several times.
No WMD's – Troops found Saren gas hidden in special shells at every 500th interval. Reported on the AP. Every time they made this statement every conservative in the media shuld have had a fact sheet with resarched proof and this should have been thrown back at them.
No Al-Queada Iraq connection. Hikmat Shakkir Alzawi. An Iraqi given a job as a greeter at air port in Kuala Lumpur. Two of the 911 hijackers show up he gets in a car with them and leaves. Three days later he leaves that country, gets arrested in Jordan and Sadaam's government pressures Jordan to release him. It is in the 911 report. The Left tried to debunk it but their reasoning that Alzawi was not a Fedayeen Officer with a similar name does not dispute these facts. Just that the guy was Iraqi army. Again who on our side hammered this home and why not! Why did I have to research items I heard on the news. We cannot let any lie go unanswered or it becomes truth.
I like hearing about the antics of the left especially when they act stupidly. I don't think we should stop entertaining our selves with this. And it is good to be able to vent frustrations. That being said:
How about negative peices that address the real failure of the other side. Obama went to South America and made friends with Chavez and received books from them. There are many issues that Chavez is engaging him that did not seem to be addressed (FARC, Bolivian Air Bases, Military manuevers with Russia, etc.) Why are we not hearing about these things? Why are we not asking? We are the only ones who will. It will be difficult for Obama to lecture us on his positive diplomatic skills when forced to answer why is Chavez still funding FARC, etc. We need the snarky posts, the outrage posts but we need the serious ones as well.
Thanks Cranky! I'm still figuring that part out myself! Might make for an interesting column – around Chanukah / Christmas time..
Outstanding!
Mine too. I also have the "Thou shall not commit murder" deal, too.
I love Dom, because I have also hit that fifty wall, and all of a sudden, I have decided to refuse that high-road approach. He can go there, (lucky), but I won't let the statists get away with anything. Too much is at stake.
I have a good friend who is a lib, and we can have reasoned intelligent discussions, even from our polar opposites. He is not given to hysterical histrionics. And I put mine away.
But for the others, I am all teeth and claws when attacked. And I do not quit. Daddy says it best:
"Not Over"
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