See, political dialogue is cool

Ahh! I love the comments you've been posting. This is one of my biggest soapbox issues actually -- the taboo on talking about politics, religion, sexuality, prejudices. I think not being able to talk about things that truly matter, especially with people of differing viewpoints, is a real problem in our society. It silences stimulating debate, which therefore hinders intellectual development. It forbids people from owning up to their own issues, which creates a climate of shame for those who feel marginalized. And on and on. I agree with parts of what people have posted, and disagree in other areas. And isn't that cool? Food for thought: Here is a very thorough analysis of the Eminem video. One of the interesting things about it, for me, is that both the visual and verbal language employed here is directed at the young people -- most decidedly not me (36 years old). If I try to view the song and the video--and today, songs and videos are inseparabble--through the lens of how a young adult sees the world and interacts with their music, I have a much different viewpoint than that of a comfortable mid-30s white chick. Also, look at the top 5 videos on MTV today: 1. Eminem, "Mosh" 2. Prince, "Cinnamon Girl" (about a young Arab-American girl, and the racism faced by her community after 9/11) 3. Sarah MacLaughlin, "World on Fire" 4. John Mellencamp, "Walk Tall" Mellencamp--MELLENCAMP!--with a top video on MTV? Check out the first verse: The simple minded And the uninformed Can be easily led astray And those that cannot connect the dots Hey look the other way People believe what they want to believe When it makes no sense at all So be careful of those killing in Jesus’s name* He don’t believe in killing at all* 5. Wyclef Jean "President" Which says, among many other things, "But the radio won't play this. They call this rebel music. How can you refuse it, children of moses? " So, I'm thrilled that the radio is playing this music instead of the latest Ashlee Simpson tune right now. I'm excited that young people care for one -- clearly they do, even given the fact that lots of us old people vote for videos on MTV.com. I didn't even know there WAS a Mellencamp video to vote for. See? Cool. Also, check out these interesting spots made about marriage rights for gay people. Very powerful, very creative. That said, I realize I'm posting things that agree (by and large) with my point of view. If you've got different things to add, by all means, go ahead! I'm not saying my beliefs are right for everybody, just right for me. Take what you like and leave the rest. But do let's discuss--especially if you disagree. I care about your point of view, too.