Okay, I know I've talked about this before, so if you're bored by it then I'm really, really sorry... except that I'm actually not sorry at all. This topic deserves multiple-posts.
At the risk of catching all sorts of hell from anyone under the age of 55, I'm just really sick of hiphop and gangsta-rap's OMNIPRESENCE in the world right now.
This is not to say I hate the genres themselves (necessarily), but whatever merits they have are overwhelmed by the fact that you can't swing a dead cat without hitting something related to hiphop or gangsta-rap.
Walking down the street, I see nothing but children, teens and young adults decked out in their gangsta 'costumes'. And they ARE costumes. You might as well go trick-or-treating in you little outfits. I mean, unless you ACTUALLY sell drugs for a living and are ACTUALLY a member of the Crips you kind of open yourself up to ridicule.
It's every bit as silly as a Burger King manager walking around dressed as an astronaut.
And if you actually ARE a gansta, I've always wondered why it is you would ADVERTISE it so blatantly? I mean, wouldn't a smart criminal try to blend in with everyone else? You might as well just wave a huge flag saying "HEY POLICE! I SELL CRANK! WATCH MY EVERY MOVE AND THEN BUST ME WHEN I MAKE A SALE!"
Oh that's right... you need to dress 'tough' to command 'respect'... but - again - if the idea is to be lethal to your enemies, wouldn't it be better off to dress like a schlub and then when someone kicks up shit you really shock the hell out of them by kicking their ass? I dunno... maybe logic just has no place in the gansta culture...
But I digress...
Every billboard shows groups of multicultured kids bopping around in their baggy jeans and twisted ballcaps... every store has piped in 'R Kelly' music... every TV commercial features watered-down versions of hiphop/rap videos...
Every couple of months or so, some new movie comes ("Bring it On" etc.) out that's basically a lot of really heavily made-up naked girls prancing around with a lot of heavily-oiled male-models pretending that in spite of their perfectly groomed facial hair and dance moves that they are, contrary to all evidence, straight. Oh - and then they dance around in some primitive 'me better than you' pseudo-competition. Argh.
Die-hard fanatics of this junk will defend it by saying "Hey! Rap and Hip-Hop are offshoots of jazz, blues and R&B!" Okay... but... SO WHAT?
Again, I understand why people like jazz, blues and R&B, but I don't understand the REVERENCE towards it... tell someone that you're not into blues music and watch them look at you like you're a scumbag. "THE BLUES WERE THE PRECURSOR TO ROCK AND ROLL!!!" Okay... but the Ox-Cart was the precursor to the automobile... does that mean I should revere Ox-Carts and own several of them?
Part of the reason I'm so annoyed with this trend is BECAUSE I actually like some of the music/art/culture from these genres... but when it becomes so utterly ubiquitous as to be relentlessly saturrated, the geres themselves lose their appeal.
The same thing has happened at various times through history with punk rock, metal, disco, country, etc. And believe me, I'm just as annoyed when I see guys who are accountants during the week and then dress like cowboys or Hell's Angels on the weekends.
I guess it all boils down to people wanting to feel as though they are part of some 'group' that will make them feel all safe and warm. I just don't get that. I know it's all just another dopey trend just like anything else... I mean, let's face it... hiphop IS the new 'pop music'. But c'mon already... enough...
One of the great things about art and culture is that it's filled with VARIETY... it's all out there... it's not even that hard to seek out. Why LIMIT yourself to ONE kind of music or style? What's to be gained?
Simple-minded folk will accuse me of having these opinions because I'm a midwestern white guy... and maybe that DOES have something to do with it... but what I can say in all honesty is that I DO like rap, hiphop, R&B, blues and jazz as a part of the variety... but, just as I'd hate to have to eat one type of food for the rest of my life, I can't see the appeal of only listening to one type of music.
And just because I like sushi doesn't mean I walk out of the house dressed like a friggin' geisha.
24 comments:
YOU talking about costumes? What about the artist-wearing-black-clothes-and beret bullshit cliche you sport everyday? Let's not forget the hipster Chucks! Or the mod glasses!
You couldn't be more of a stereotype.
Just because kids on the streets express themselves in a way that doesn't suit your lifestyle (or shall I say career path/manipulations) is no reason to rag on them.
I'd pay to see you dressed like a geisha. Actally, I'd pay quite a lot to see you dressed like a geisha. I'll have Steve deliver you the money.
And Maddox (I don't know who he is) does have a point. We all have our costumes to fit into our own cliques.
But I sincerely do appreciate your rant! We just don't have the strange "dress like a Crip" thing in the Christian Mecca which is my hometown. Instead, we just all look like the Amish.
http://img91.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fountli9.jpg
Switched at birth?
Oooh! I struck a chord with Maddox...
Hehehe... 'kids on the streets'... 'express themselves'... 'manipulations'... hehehe lordy, where do I even begin?
The thing is, Maddox, I -AM- an artist... for a living... these kids aren't really 'ganstas', so why dress like it? Maybe I am a stereotype - but I'm an accurate stereotype.
But, ultimately, that's not really the point anyway... I'm allowed to be sick of a trend that's gotten overwhelmingly saturrated and rant about it to my heart's content.
I got just as sick of the grunge look in the 90's too. And the disco look of the 70's... shudder...
(Notice how my mention of those trends flew right past Maddox)
Isn't it hilarious how it's always guys who try to sound so tuff are always the most baby-soft-sensitive? If I'm such a loser, why even bother responding to my loser opinions? And isn't it equally hilarious that he tries to tell me not to make fun of how people dress and then goes makes fun of how I dress? Going so far as to actually bother to find a photo and create a link to make his point...
Anyway, Maddox put so much work into all of this that I feel obligated to give him what he wants:
(ahem)
YOU ARE RIGHT... I AM WRONG... YOU ARE COOL... I SUCK.
There... you win... Enjoy.
Meh, you missed the point. You are such a weenie dressing up like an "artist," and then criticizing another clique for dressing the way they want. If you are such an individual why do you dress like the clip art version of picasso?
I didn't skip over what you said about the other eras, I'm asking you where your individuality is, since you seem to be the fucking fashion police.
Since when is having a fucking opinion a crime? And you're the one missing the point Maddox, but rather than bother explaining it to you, I'm curious as to why you're stalking my fiance's blog having already gone after mine? Kinda gives me the impression you might know us. Somebody rub you the wrong way? You sure are an angry boy...
And point and laugh all you want at John's "costume." I think it's hot. I'd like to see what you wear to school. Loser.
Now now, everyone... Maddox is clearly a very sensitive boy and gets his feelings hurt really easily... obviously my (our) opinions effect him a great deal, so let's try to be understanding of his weaknesses.
C'mon... let's all HUG!
P.S. it is true... Eddie Kline does, in fact, rule tha skewlz.
You two are incapable of discussing anything without either getting crazy defensive (leigh) or turning into a juvenile (fountain). What's the point of having a blog comment section if you aren't going to debate your lengthy diatribes?
It's funny. You live in this world when you aren't used to people telling you you are unoriginal and boring. No wonder Disney cranks out the most formulaic and ho hum work anymore.
I must say though Leigh, you seem to have a brain. Don't sell yourself short with Mr. Christian Snob Snoozefest. Extend that wedding date.
You two are incapable of discussing anything without either getting crazy defensive (leigh) or turning into a juvenile (fountain). What's the point of having a blog comment section if you aren't going to debate your lengthy diatribes?
It's funny. You live in this world when you aren't used to people telling you you are unoriginal and boring. No wonder Disney cranks out the most formulaic and ho hum work anymore.
I must say though Leigh, you seem to have a brain. Don't sell yourself short with Mr. Christian Snob Snoozefest. Extend that wedding date.
I'm not crazy defensive! I'm not! I'm not!
Anyway, I think you're confusing defensive with attempting to explain yourself clearly in light of someone's fairly brash and potentially narrow-minded comments, but anyway, speaking of defensive...
I'd like to defend my fiance for just a moment if I may. Do you really think John is the responsible party for churning out most of the dreck in the animation industry? 'Cause he's not. Unfortunately, John has pitched numerous original shows that many have said are pretty fucking unique and entertaining, but they have been passed on because it seems that everyone wants the next Spongebob or because the turnover rate for execs is fucking astonishing and if in the off chance you get one to notice and champion your work - by the time it's got any footing, their job is gone.
On another note, supporting the company that issues your paychecks shouldn't be knocked anyway - so you're attack is a little juvenile in and of itself. We all know that artists don't always get to do exactly what they want - but they take what they get and try to make the most of it. And it just so happens that Yin Yang Yo is pretty damn cute. Will I watch it? Sure, just to see what clever gags John threw in and what not and because I think it's good - but I'm not going to watch it religiously because I'm not a 10 year old. But I have watched other shows John has worked on - that appeal to an older audience, like Invader Zim. So is that the same unoriginal, boring fare you refer to? If so, then let's open a debate, because I vehemently beg to differ.
And John is far from a snooze-fest. If you knew him, you'd know that. He's funny as hell, creative as hell, considerate, sweet, cute, charming, smart, a great debater and yes, from time-to-time, a little juvenile in that he likes the Thundercats - but for me, that's part of the appeal. It's cute. Besides, do we all ever really grow up?
And really... what's with the Christian snob comment? The last thing in the world I would ever say about John is that he is any kind of religious snob, which is one of the reasons I love him. He has learned about numerous religions and has come to the conclusion that Christianity suits him. He doesn't care what anyone else is into, including me - and I'm not really into any of it. If he were such a "Christian Snob" he'd probably have issue - don't you think?
Anyway, you'd understand why I can't wait to marry the guy if you actually knew him.
Would this be considered defensive - or perhaps just an accurate accounting of my opinion against yours?
What... THIS is still going on? What about my cool Thundercats drawings!!!???
Sheesh...
Hey, Maddox... we agree on one thing: Leigh could do WAY better than me... but why would I walk away from a smart, hot, hilarious and fun gal?
Oh wait, you can't possibly answer that because you clearly don't have any contact with women like that. Sorry... that was really insensitive of me. My bad.
I love a good debate, Maddox... but ya gotta come up with something better than what YOU posted (please take note of Mama's post... she actually makes a point)... I mean, I'm not going to bother re-hashing it and going into everything that's wrong with it (what's the point?), but suffice it to say, you were not opening up a 'debate'.
Anyway...
I'm still thrilled with all of this 'cause your obvious obsession with me and (more to the point) Leigh is really entertaining. So, thank you for that.
You're clearly a bitter, angry little man and you're my online dancing monkey.
DANCE, MONKEY... DANCE!
Oh yeah, and Eddie... you're awesome!
I have to admit, I am wildly amused by Eddie's seemingly blatant arrogance, particularly because I think he's knows it's all a joke - which is a good place to be in.
And John - I knew I couldn't do better, which is why I've elected to spend the rest of my life with you. You're exactly what I was looking for. Sorry for making everyone reading this sick with icky love goo.
Fountain clearly needs your clearheadedness, Leigh. Look at how he resonds to debate-like a 4 year old who peed himself. I can only imagine the age difference must be a catalyst for attraction here. Isn't he kind..um..."chubby"? And maybe you don't draw..that always seems to have a mystical quality for some people.
Does it bother you that one of the adjectives he used to describe you is "hot"? Kind of an odd word to use in describing a future wife. Beautiful or pretty yes, but hot? Makes you sound like a stripper.
You know, I shouldn't even bother acknowledging your retarded post with a response, but I feel compelled to on account of the fact that if anyone here is juvenile, it's you. The fact that you're even here, picking on my soon-to-be-husband's traits is one of the most juvenile things I've been privy to on this blog. You're a complete loser. Go ahead and keep trying to figure out why I'm with him, because evidently, it'll keep you occuppied indefinitely because of your narrow-minded and warped perceptions. You are a hypocritical, annoying cretin. Oh - and by the way - hot is a compliment. And it's just one of countless others that my adorable fiance uses. He also calls me beautiful, stunning, cute, etc. But that wouldn't occur to you because of your aforementioned narrow-mindedness.
I am hoping this little attack might shut you the hell up because nobody here likes you, but unfortunately I fear that this will result in the opposite.
*Sigh* Guess there's not a hell of a lot I can do about it. I'm pretty certain that if you even bother to post again here however that we'll all just ignore you. Probably what we should've done in the first place.
Of course I will continue! May I leave you with an internet mirror for you to gaze lovingly upon your hot self:
pretentious
adj 1: making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction; "a pretentious country house"; "a pretentious fraud"; "a pretentious scholarly edition" [ant: unpretentious] 2: intended to attract notice and impress others; "an ostentatious sable coat" [syn: ostentatious] [ant: unostentatious] 3: of a display that is tawdry or vulgar [syn: ostentatious, kitsch]
"I -AM- an artist... for a living... these kids aren't really 'ganstas'"
I've seen the art on this site...you're about as much of an artist as those guys are 'gangsta's'
<3<3<3
the best!
Now THAT was some entertaining shit.
-Chris Graham
At least John leaves the comments up and doesn't delete them. That shows some balls.
Only when they're interesting or entertaining.
Oh - hey - y'know what else takes balls?
Signing your real name.
What's my name matter anyway?
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