This is really old news but I'm still ticked off enough to blog about it. I purposefully try to make my blog lighthearted because I figure we can all use some good fun but this really set me off and I feel compelled to make a statement about it.
I settled in to watch the MTV VMA's back on September 7. I figured I was in for a good show based on the commercials I'd seen with Russell Brand and Britney Spears. Unfortunately, I was fuming about 10 minutes into the show. Brand got on stage to introduce the show and he immediately began making political comments. He asked America to vote for Obama on behalf of the world and then called President Bush a "retarded cowboy." He said it was nice of America to elect a retarded cowboy because in England, he wouldn't have been trusted with a pair of scissors.
I have four problems with his statements. First, I'm thoroughly sick of celebrities using awards ceremonies to make political statements. Why can't they do that at an actual political rally if they support the candidate? I don't tune in to awards shows to find out the political leanings of stars; I want to know who wins what award. Although I'm sure many celebrities would think or say otherwise, I don't believe they are any more politically savvy than I am or have more information than I do. I certainly don't support a political candidate just because of celebrity endorsement. So why do they go around to every awards show and trumpet their endorsement of some candidate or bash the current President?
I think political satire is perfectly acceptable and enjoyable in the right situations. Take SNL for example. Some of the most talented acting and writing took place during political skits. I enjoy it whether they're making fun of Republicans, Democrats or everything in between. It's funny! But SNL is a platform for that type of comedy.
My second problem is that Brand used the word retarded as an insult. Obviously if he's using it as a joke to insult the President, he believes that there is something insult worthy of people with diminished mental capacity. I have a real problem with this. I'm not the type to get all "politically correct" but I do retain a measure of compassion and respect for people with mental disabilities and the people who care for them. Brand sounds like the playground bully that everyone hates but doesn't know how to stand up to. I sat on my couch and watched in disgust as people in the audience cheered at his comments. Did they listen or did they just hear Bush's name and instinctively laugh because that's what the media and celebrities instruct them to do in such situations?
Does anyone realize that the only time it is politically correct to call someone retarded is when you're referring to the President? That would not pass in everyday normal life. A five year old could tell you that calling someone retarded is mean because if you're using it any any capacity other than medical terms, it's an insult. So, why is it suddenly okay for Brand to say it?
This brings me to my third point. Does anyone have respect for the President of the United States anymore? I'm not talking about George W. Bush, I am talking about the person elected to and holding the Office of the President of the United States. There are former Presidents that I don't particularly care for but if I were on TV, I would not make derogatory comments about their character. I think if you don't respect the President as a person, you can at least respect the Office. There are certain things you just don't say to or about the President. Calling him a retarded cowboy is one of them. Brand should have been booed off the stage but instead the audience laughed and clapped. It's an insult to our country. Even if you don't like Bush, you should still stick up for the Office of the President and nobody did.
I believe that Americans have the right to criticize the President, the Administration and the Government in general. That is our right and privilege and I'm proud to live in a country that allows freedom of expression without fear of repercussions. However, I do believe that if you're going to criticize, you should be able back up your arguments and specifically comment on policy decisions and action as opposed to the actual person. Calling the President a retarded cowboy is ridiculous! There is absolutely no decency in that comment. If you don't like that Bush is President, give examples of policy decisions you don't agree with. Oh, but I guess that wouldn't render a giggle from the Hollywood crowd.
Lastly, what gives Brand the right to come to this country and criticize our President and give an endorsement to a presidential candidate? His opinion doesn't matter. He is not from this country and is not permanently residing in this country. I know this sounds xenophobic of me, but I just don't feel that a foreigner has the right to tell Americans who we should vote for or make jokes about our President. Where's the sense of indignation? Is there no pride in our country anymore? I believe that if an American Citizen/Celebrity went to another country and bashed their leader, there would be outrage and a public apology would be demanded.
I changed the channel after Brand's intro and watching Brit Brit get her first award. I know MTV doesn't care, but I just felt like I could not in good conscience continue watching. His comments were repugnant from all stand points. He made fun of our President and insulted those with mental disabilities. I'm incensed by the whole introduction performance. I know my post won't make a difference in the grand scheme of things but I feel like writing my opinion about this was the right thing to do. Thanks for your indulgence.
If you would like to read more about Brand's performance at the MTV VMA's, click on PopWatch Blog, Times Online, Michelle Malkin, and The Huffington Post.
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