So, at some point in the last week Hank Williams, Jr. made a reference
that compared Obama to Hitler. Regardless of context, it is usually a
pretty bad idea to compare any modern politician, particularly in a
democratic society, to Hitler. It usually isn't a particularly helpful
analogy, and it usually is inflammatory. However, what interests me the
most is the response.
ESPN decided to sever ties with Williams and his song that would be a
intro for their Monday Night Football program. Initial reaction from
commenters on the news story were mostly lamenting the violation of
First Amendment rights. Eventually, self correction occurred, and
enough commenters chimed in how the First Amendment only applies to
government actions, not the actions between two private entities. It
still amazes me that in a country where there is so much rhetoric
regarding constitutional rights, Founding Fathers principles, and the
like, that there is a consistent, if not pervasive, ignorance about
what those rights and principles are. I'm digressing, but I find that
sad and unfortunate, because these are important things to know and
understand, so we are better citizens and advocates.
Anyway, the conversation of the commenters then devolved into a
left-right political argument about how Williams is being unfairly
demeaned in a way that someone wouldn't be if the analogy involved a
right based politician as opposed to a left based politician.
I think this provides a microcosm of the extremely charged political
culture we have right now. What begins as a story about a private
employer ending a promotional relationship with an individual person
due to bad publicity (and bad PR in the promotion business generally
isn't good, contrary to some cliches), ends as a heated and often
irrational "discussion" about politics and government.
I am beginning to believe that if we are ever going to make true
progress towards creating a better society, a better government, a
better culture, we are going to have to the appropriate discussions in
the proper context, and stop dragging emotionally and politically
charged ideas into every conversation.
Amen Brother, Man. Well said.
ReplyDeleteThe trick is that these are entertainers, and that kind of politically charged banter is exactly what they are looking to for increased ratings.
We need to have get beyond the entertainment and find a way to have these kinds of discussions, as you so aptly put it, in context.
Looking to increase ratings - that about sums it up. And as long as we (society/individuals at large) continue to argue the same way, those rating will always be there for them. Wish there was an simple solution.
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