Monday, February 4, 2013

A Divided United States...


The last Presidential Race, which was not very long ago, was the last time I saw a divided nation.  But it may not have been as divided as the Super Bowl half-time show last night.  Actually the entire Super Bowl really.  But every single day I am amazed at the differences we have as humans…our preferences…our needs and desires…even though differences make the world go round.  And how sometimes, no matter what, it is never, ever enough.

Let’s take for instance the half-time show.  Personally I thought it was fantastic. Like it was probably the first time in the entire half of the game that I paid attention to what was going on.  I also knew ahead of time though that because of the Inauguration debacle and Beyonce apparently lip-syncing, with a background vocal (technically she did both) that she would be doing the half-time LIVE and that because of the endurance requirement to do such a thing, she would be doing A LOT OF DANCING.  I expected a Beyonce dance show.  Did most people know that?  I don’t know?  I don’t really care.  Did what she was wearing offend me?  No, nor did it turn me on.  It did nothing.  I didn't expect her to come out in a long flowing dress and stand there; it’s not what she does period, in any of her shows.  So I say to the comments about her attire… I know that I have almost 300 channels at my house, probably more than that.  If I didn't enjoy it I had the opportunity to change the channel.  Beyonce does not have a paper thin body.  I believe she is probably closer to a normal females figure than most people, could she have wore pants?  Yeah.  I don’t know, to be honest, I was really surprised at the comments that came flooding in.  And everyone is entitled to their opinions, makes the world go round, but if you didn't want your kids seeing it, or it wasn't your cup of tea, change the channel.  It’s physically impossible to put on a half-time show that will appeal to EVERY SINGLE HUMAN BEING.  I would have liked Adele.  And then the complaints would have been that she just stands there, sings sad songs and it wasn't very entertaining.  If you didn't like that she didn't sing as much as you would have liked, I guess it’s easy to perform in front of millions and sing and dance at the same time.  I used to teach aerobics…which required both…and let me tell you it is NOT EASY…I don’t know, it just seemed that a lot of the comments were silly…I am not saying your opinion is silly, I am saying have you ever personally performed a show like that?  And most importantly?  I am the LAST MOFO who will ever judge any other humans body.  ANYONE’S.  Let alone someone who has had a child…Would I wear that outfit in a million years?  No.  Nor would I ever have a body to do such a thing.  Was it the best show on earth?  NO.  The worst?  NO…and just for the record, the songs she sang were chose by the country and everyone had a chance to vote…OH AND ONE MORE THING.  She was not paid for the event.  She did it for free.  So maybe or maybe not that will make it easier for some to absorb.  The artist’s expenses are covered, but they are not actually paid themselves.   WHY?  The NFL doesn't pay any half-time performer.  And two it’s the most watched musical event of the year…from a promotional standpoint, an artist would be stupid not to.

Lastly…the Sandy Hook Elementary school choir…yes I cried.  Yes, I thought it was beautiful.  What a touching tribute to them, the community, the country, whatever.  The reviews however were mixed.  That it was tasteless.  That we need to let it go.  That it wasn't a celebration at all.  Ok.   Wow… didn't see that one coming.  In all honesty what the hell is wrong with us?  Why are WE CONSTANTLY JUDGING?  Day in and day out.  Don’t we get tired?  If you thought it was tasteless did you change the channel?  Or did you continue watching so that you could comment on how tasteless it was.  I am not saying it should have moved us all the way that it moved me; I am saying what would you have put in their place?  What do you expect to see?  Who do you want to do it?  Would you want that job, the planner of Super Bowl shows and entertainment, cause I sure as hell wouldn't?  Nor would I want to be the guy or person responsible for the lights going out either…but shit happens. 

In conclusion, I suppose social media now makes it virtually impossible to not hear or see everyone’s opinions on every single solitary matter that goes on in the world today.  The only way to avoid that is to shut all that crap off.   Turn off Facebook and Twitter and our phones and the TV.  Sometimes I am interested in other people’s opinions, other times, it doesn't matter much to me.  I guess this is how the world revolves…constant motion…constant changing…constant differences.  Constant opinions.  I just know all the judging wears me out, so I don’t do it.  I sort of kind of live in a bubble…and I like it there.  

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