Shut Up and Sing Syndrome
Editor's Note: This opinion first appeared at MYVOICENEWS.COM Friday, 14 September 2007.
Laura Ingraham wrote a book called Shut Up and Sing about how Hollywood is always jamming its views down our throats.
Well, here's a recent experience along those lines. Among the latest "reality" type shows is one called The Last Comic Standing, and last night it was a twofer night: last week's episode and this week's episode.
My TV time is limited; so when I sit down, I'm more than ready to be entertained. Most of the contestants that I saw last night were rather funny. Of course, The Last Comic Standing people also invite established comedic guests on the show. One of them was a guy (sorry, can't remember his full name) who has been on Whose Line is it Anyway with Drew Carey. He's been in some other things as well, and is normally a very funny guy. That was before last night, when he turned to the subject of politics.
If you're an entertainer, I think that unless you're speaking at a national political convention, or are addressing an audience you know is going to be rather partisan, it's best not to "tread the ground" of criticizing those who are politically active. You may annoy, if not offend, half your audience. (Remember the Dixie Chicks?) Unless, you can somehow relate to it, it's just not funny.
Case in point: this particular comic began talking about our possible choices for president including a woman and a black. Obviously, this is in reference to Hillary and Obama. He then characterizes those on the other side of the aisle as ignorant or stupid if they can't vote for a black or a woman. Putting it another way, if you vote for someone other than Hillary or Obama, you're a moron. He also said those who wouldn't vote for these people are happy with the status quo, which he described as the long parade of "white guys" indicative of the presidency.
I'm really not offended that he was poking fun at Republican types; it's his reasoning I find objectionable. This isn't a question of sex or race; it's a question of qualifications. If there was a qualified Republican WOMAN or a qualified Republican AFRICAN-AMERICAN candidate (to speak in politically correct terms), and they were absolutely the best person for the job, I would vote for them.
However, it is unreasonable to accuse people who aren't voting for Obama or Hillary as misogynist or racist. It's faulty reasoning. I wouldn't vote for Hillary because she's unqualified, and absolutely unlikable. If she were running for most irritating woman in the room I might then vote for her, but only if Nancy Pelosi wasn't there. As for Obama, I actually find him rather personable; he's just not competent for the critically important job of President. Maybe he'll prove himself someday. But until then, I don't believe that he deserves the job. I also believe that there are plenty of WHITE guys who don't deserve the job either, and that goes for both sides of the aisle.
So, entertainers, a word of advice. Entertain. Do the activism quietly and on your own time. You've earned our ear for entertainment, but until you really know the issues, (where you stand and why) please, just shut up and sing when we've bought our tickets for your concert, or paid our cable bill and are eager for entertainment. Don't lose your audience permanently by annoying them; our free time is precious.
Cal Samuel August, concerned entertainment consumer.
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