Posted on 04/22/2016 6:27:20 AM PDT by Biggirl
I take it that “free speech” doesn’t pertain when it concerns the disproportionate and frankly ridiculous grief about the self-induced passing of a pop singer.
Nonsense and you know it.
Free speech says you can say any damn thing you want, it doesn’t say you SHOULD. And I didn’t say you can’t, I said it was rude to. Use your free speech to say whatever rude thing you, just don’t be surprised if somebody uses their free speech to point out that was rude.
All the nonsense here is coming from the rude guy who now wants to turn mourning into a flame war.
If a “flame war” means raising a reasonable objection to some prissy sort who seems to have fixation on bubblegum music and its androgynous and self-destructive practitioner.
“Mourning” indeed.
You haven’t raised any reasonable objections, you’ve just come it to insult other people for having feelings. Yes we are mourning, and yes you are rude.
“If a “flame war” means raising a reasonable objection to some prissy sort who seems to have fixation on bubblegum music and its androgynous and self-destructive practitioner.
“Mourning” indeed.”
It will be something when a friend, family member, or someone you admire passes on and we can all tell you how funny it is and how silly you are for actually “mourning” said person.
I think you are just an angry person who likes to push others buttons for your own enjoyment.
And before you call me a fanboy, read the post. I am not a big fan of Prince. The man deserves admiration for what he did. You don’t have to like him. You should admire his talent.
No, not really. He squandered his talent and his life on drugs and other than few songs, was of little or no use to his country.
That, and I never trust a guy who wears high heels.
He was probably the most musically gifted figure in American popular music for the last 50 years or so.
I agree totally.
When Michael died, alot of teenyboppers and twenty-somethings said “Bummer...”.
Now, alot of fortyish and fifties folks, even some over sixty like me are saying “Damn! Just damn...”
He will not be forgotten.
Prince could perform. He could write. He had a great stage personality. As an entertainer, he was the complete package
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FrSKe_w6_g
Here’s part of a live set of Prince. Acoustic guitar sitting on a chair. I’m not a Prince fan at all, but this is pretty good. I saw a live video of “American Woman” with Lenny Kravitz - that was really good, with a lot of funky soul.
Yep. Pushing buttons.
Have fun!
I took a look at a few of your post and I will have to cut you a break.
It seems you are at an age where you, more than likely, missed anything having to do with Prince or his music. I understand that. I really have nothing in common with a lot of the modern music that is being played and enjoyed today. Just not too excited about it.
The difference is, I wouldn’t jump onto a thread about one of their favorite musicians and make fun of him, her, or them. It’s just not in my genes. You, obviously, are different. You seem to have a belief that if someone was not lucky enough to have fought in a war, they are worthless to their country. Many musicians never saw battle. Or even joined up. They are still of use to their country. They are use to their many fans.
But again, you would not understand that as you were approximately my age when Prince first hit the scene. I believe I understand you quite a bit more now and although I don’t understand why you have to bash on someone who does something you know pretty much nothing about, I sort of get it. It’s an age thing.
No, my time in combat told me irrevocably what was real and what wasn't. Musicians are fine, as are football or basketball or baseball players, or for that matter grocery checkers - but their contributions aren't vital. They provide amusement, entertainment, and maybe money for themselves (except for the poor grocery checkers). I came back deeply resentful that all those thousands of good, solid young lives were gone and nobody but their parents gave a rat's behind. I was and am resentful that life just went on: bright sunny days, dating, watching beefy guys bash into each other on green lawns. The meaning of our losses and our sacrifices was submerged under trivial fad-chasing and amusement.
Prince went even one further to me. He was a weird, effeminate, makeup-wearing cypher who was supposed to represent some sort of new American manhood, I guess, and I resented the public's adulation of something so far away from what we did and should have as an example in the male spectrum.
I know that everything I have said will fall on deaf ears and will be looked upon as raining on someone's parade but somebody has to say something, even if it just ends up making them mad. Some things are more valuable, some lives are more worthy of mourning and I will believe that until the day mine's finally over.
I do agree with you in part. But, the point where you say, “Nobody but their parents gave a rats butt” to all the men coming home in a box and some weird dude who sings gets the world to stop. I get it. I do understand what you are saying but there is an unfortunate difference. If I went to war and died, I would have a relatively small group of people mourning me. My family, friends and a handful of aquaintences. Why? Because those are the lives I touched. No-one outside of that group was really touched by anything I did in my life. I am just another name. Is that a good thing? Hard to say, I wouldn’t want the world to stop for me or every unfortunate soul who had their life taken in a war. There are other ways to do that, like donations and charitable events I’ve been involved with, as have many, many others.
Prince, or “Insert Name of Celebrity Here” touched many lives for literal decades. Was he on my top 50 list of concerts I would pay for? Nope. But I do give him credit for what he accomplished in his life. He, along with many other musicians I do not like, are gifted or at least talented. The Rolling Stones are a group that is arguably horrible in live concert. I still give them all the credit in the world for what they have accomplished as musicians.
I would say, hold your angst against a celebrity to the ones who deserve it. Think, Justin Beaber. Someone who doesn’t write any lyrics. Can not play an instrument. Can not sing without electronics to help. Talentless chumps. They deserve the angst.
As I mentioned, I understand where you are coming from. I just don’t agree with it and believe it is misguided. The beauty of this website is you can agree to disagree. Well.... Sometimes. Sometimes you get ripped apart for having a belief! (Not in this case though)
I can see that we will remain at a little bit of an impasse and it will probably stay that way. From my slanted way of looking at things, those unknown and unmourned young men touched everyone’s lives, far more than some dweeby “sort of” guy.
Music = trivial
Warfare = consequential, that is, our freedom and safety depend on those few young people willing to give everything for all of us.
My viewpoint is probably not that different from previous generations. Frank Sinatra was deeply resented by WWII veterans - he got fame, money, and of course the ladies because he was willing to weasel a deferment. There would be a large bloc of people who would believe that Ol Blue Eyes contributed a lot through his music but to the veterans of Normandy or Bastogne or Iwo Jima would know that their contributions to us were worth much more.
“I can see that we will remain at a little bit of an impasse and it will probably stay that way.”
- You are right, but I will say that although you come across as gruff at times, I respect your comments.
“Music = trivial
Warfare = consequential”
- I disagree. Music has helped many veterans during and after war. They have found peace in the music or lyrics.
- As far as Frank Sinatra; I’ve heard this a few times in my life. He disappointed many people by chasing fame rather than our enemies. It has happened since as well. Musicians, politicians, men in sports. I agree that it is hard to support people who would rather sing in a club than support their country. Hell, even Elvis joined the military! Not a fan of his either, but I also give him the credit he deserves!
Chainmail, I will admit it has been a pleasure having this discussion with you. Although both of us came across as gruff at times. Actually, let me rephrase that. We came across as passionate. Differing opinions, yet able to see each others side... to a point!
I have enjoyed the discussion too. Hope we have many more!
Semper Fi
Semper Fi
Or in my case, Semper Paratus! Ex-Coastie.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.