Eddie, VH1, and Conservatives
cincybearcat
Posts: 16,445
Ok, I used the search function trying a few things and I looked back 5 pages but I didn't see anything. I haven't been around much lately so forgive me if I missed it.
Anyhow, I love that someone asked a question of the band relating to fans that have different beliefs. And mostly I was disappointed in Eddie's answer. I think he mentioned an important point at the very end, however it seemed he was more interesting in pleasing the audience, which is what he gets paid to do so well in concerts.
He mentioned that he respects other people's opinions and that he hopes they create discussion, but I wonder ow honest that answer was. It appeared to me that he is more interested in 'preaching to the choir'. And in all honesty I htink that sucks. I think that attitude is the exact attitude he professes to hate so much. He professes to hate the controlled news which leads to the controlled thought and the controlled beliefs on the people...but it seems that perhaps he is for it, just not the current message. He is certainly a well-informed rockstar, and has deep opinions. I would think that he'd welcome with open arms fans that disagree with the band on any number of issues. That they'd welcome the discussions and debate that come along with that. That they'd actually prefer to have fans that represent a large cross-section of the world and political beliefs because that is the only way to make real change...not preaching to the choir. Without out it, Eddie is no more than Jerry Falwell.
So, what do you all think? Perhaps in that format it is too difficult to express all your thoughts, so little time. Perhaps I misevaluated the statement. But all in all, I was certainly disappoited.
I like the debate. I like talking about issues with people that feel passionately about their positions, despite being oposite on mine. Sure, we have some heated exchanges, but those are a necessary evil to get past.
Anyhow, I love that someone asked a question of the band relating to fans that have different beliefs. And mostly I was disappointed in Eddie's answer. I think he mentioned an important point at the very end, however it seemed he was more interesting in pleasing the audience, which is what he gets paid to do so well in concerts.
He mentioned that he respects other people's opinions and that he hopes they create discussion, but I wonder ow honest that answer was. It appeared to me that he is more interested in 'preaching to the choir'. And in all honesty I htink that sucks. I think that attitude is the exact attitude he professes to hate so much. He professes to hate the controlled news which leads to the controlled thought and the controlled beliefs on the people...but it seems that perhaps he is for it, just not the current message. He is certainly a well-informed rockstar, and has deep opinions. I would think that he'd welcome with open arms fans that disagree with the band on any number of issues. That they'd welcome the discussions and debate that come along with that. That they'd actually prefer to have fans that represent a large cross-section of the world and political beliefs because that is the only way to make real change...not preaching to the choir. Without out it, Eddie is no more than Jerry Falwell.
So, what do you all think? Perhaps in that format it is too difficult to express all your thoughts, so little time. Perhaps I misevaluated the statement. But all in all, I was certainly disappoited.
I like the debate. I like talking about issues with people that feel passionately about their positions, despite being oposite on mine. Sure, we have some heated exchanges, but those are a necessary evil to get past.
hippiemom = goodness
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Comments
What real change has it made up to the Storytellers airing, though? Has having different fans done anything major really?
Maybe I'm being cynical, I don't know, I'm going through a bad breakup.
Maybe they gave up.
cross the river to the eastside
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
Ummm...they are only a band. They can really only effect so much. They've made me re-think many issues and change a few. Constantly learning more and changing.
Like I said, if you only speak to the choir you are no better than Jerry Fallwell. You want to brainwash your flock.
What do you mean?
To me it totally sounded like he was joking. But in response to the above--if 'they can really only affect so much', then why is this upsetting? They're not saying, "Cincybearcat, you must stop listening to us if you don't believe." I don't think they are trying to prohibit any conservatives from listening (wait, is that why they're not playing the south?
Yikes, and I would never compare Jerry Falwell with most people. That guy is a wackjob.
cross the river to the eastside
I also was distrubed that he didn't make any mention of the possibility that the 5 band members may not all have the exact same beliefs.
However, I think he strongly believes somthing is very wrong and understands a steady simple message is most effective in this world.
I think his initial responce was probably him playing to the crowd, which is fine, but I believe he was being sincere when he stated that he respects people's different opinions.
Very true. Great moment.
Not that upsetting, I just watched it for the first time and thought I'd ask what others got from it.
Ok, maybe not fallwell, but I think you know what I am saying.
I agree with Ed
"fuck em"
First off, thanks for your opinion of the moment.
Secondly, I don't think anyone is saying anything of the sort, regarding the rest of your post.
again,
"fuck em"
I heard you the first time. Thanks.
And don't care if they agree with me, but being a politically and socially aware bad, I always thought they were interested in the discussion.
yes, he likes having people of different stripes discussing the topics and i do honestly feel that he respects others opinions ... however, sometimes you believe in something so much it is mind boggling that people don't see your side ... take climate change for instance - no disrespect but that issue is a given yet there are still peeps spewing out the same non-sensical stuff ... i'm sure it is the same way for him with regards to bush ... his presidency is a joke and you get to a point when discussion is useless if people continue to give him the benefit of the doubt and do not hold him accountable for his many transgressions ... obviously, i'm biased and i share similar beliefs to him and his band and those beliefs are what ultimately makes me a fan of them as opposed to someone who just likes their music ...
Hey Cinci!!!
I will just add a comment or two.
I have been reading all the flack about ST on the Porch. Such as, "all Vedder says is fuck Bush". Well.......If Vedder gets up and says something like....I believe that the US government was behind 911.....What do you think the response will be from the label on down the line? Not too good I would say. Vedder may well bite his tongue or appease the masses at times but I would say that is a good thing, when your bread and butter is making records and touring.
I would have to imagine that most people on this board respect other's opinions that don't gel with their own. It would be a pretty boring life hanging around with people who are just like ourselves. If we could find anyone like that.
Everybody wants to rule the world? And those who don't will be at odds at the way almost everything is done. Just the way it is.
As for the rest of my post, I'm honestly not sure what fans who disagree with Ed are expecting. A rant on "here's what sucks about liberals"? A speech about what he likes about Bush? He addressed the fact that many fans don't have the same politics as him, and that everyone should be open - now, how many other torch carrying celebrities would even get past "fuck 'em?"
And I am being sincere. I don't know what else he "should" do.
Maybe some are waiting to hear him say: "You know, you're totally right. Reagan was the best president in the history of the universe."
cross the river to the eastside
He keeps talking, I suspect, not because he's trying to indoctrinate anyone, but because he feels like his side is getting drowned out. With even supposedly "ultra-liberal" outlets such as CNN and the New York Times joining in the cheerleading for our rush to war (who published Judith Miller's work again?), and supposedly "ultra-liberal" politicians like Kerry and Hillary Clinton voting to authorize the use of force, it's quite easy to believe that real progressive voices are not being heard. Ed's lucky enough to have a little soapbox to stand on, I'm glad he's making use of it.
And yeah, the Falwell comparison was a little overboard. All indications are that Ed is at least reasonably sane, and I think it's safe to say that his audience is a good bit more diverse than the one at Thomas Road Baptist.
My words but a whisper -- your deafness a SHOUT.
I may make you feel but I can't make you think."
"Fuck 'em"
The guy was good friends with Johnny Ramone.
...
Case closed.
Hail, Hail!!!
Yes... I think its fair to say that there are some differing opinions in the band, even if no one in PJ actually likes Bush. We get Ed's opinion as the gospel, something that has always kinda bothered me. When you listen to the rare occasions that Stone or Mike talk politics, you can hear ... I don't know ... A bit more moderation in the responses? Some centrist beliefs that contrast with Ed's more dogmatic take on things (and yes, I agree with cincy, in that Ed sounds close-minded to me, often.)?
I don't know ... Storyteller's became the Eddie Vedder show, something that doesn't usually happen when the band performs.
I don't know about case closed, but yeah, that's a good point.
I wish we could've heard more from Stone. I think he may be the 2nd HOTTest member of the band.
Well, I don't think he is close minded.. I think he is right.. or very close to right in his views.. but his appeal and approach need some work.. I have the same problem
Well... I'm just saying that I'm guessing they probably had some real deep discussions regarding politics and social issues that went around and around and ended nowhere... like they usually do. But, they could still be friends and understand the the only difference between them was their opinions.
People that hate other people based solely on a differing point of view... does anyone really place much weight on their opinions? Should they?
...
So, you're right... this is an open ended case and there is now closure in sight.
Hail, Hail!!!