View Full Version : When do we cross the line?
I love this board, and it's fun to talk about (and argue) about our favorite idol contestants. But...
Just curious: what determines "crossing the line"?
To me, it's perfectly fine not to like someone's singing, clothes or whatever. It's even okay to just be "annoyed" by a contestant. For instance, Blake just irritates me for some reason. (Okay, let me have it--I'm ready!)
But when does it cross from fun-spirited chat to cruelty? I expect mindless posts from junior highschoolers, but some of the REALLY nasty comments about Melinda and Sanjaya (in particular) are coming from adults...
RushDog
04-19-2007, 01:23 PM
You're always going to have people who cross the line every season. Last year was pretty bad. Some of the vile things posted about Kat, Pickler, and Paris were pretty horrible. Mandisa, of course was an easy target because of her weight.
I think it's okay to comment on someone's appearance, but it depends on how you say it. I've stated that I don't find Melinda and Lakisha attractive, and they probably aren't very marketable, but I've pretty much left it that. I do think that alot of people go over the line with some of the things they say about those two. Especially when they compare Melinda to Shrek, E.T. and other characters, or the Aunt Jamima comparisons to Lakisha, which I think is very racial.
People forget that these are real people and that they do go online and see some of things written about them. Kat stated last year that she was very hurt by alot of the things written about her.
I've stated that I don't find Melinda and Lakisha attractive, and they probably aren't very marketable, but I've pretty much left it that. I do think that alot of people go over the line with some of the things they say about those two. Especially when they compare Melinda to Shrek, E.T. and other characters, or the Aunt Jamima comparisons to Lakisha, which I think is very racial.
Great post, RushDog. I have no problem with anyone who finds a contestant unattractive. That's life, and it's part of the equation.
But let's face it, lots of nasty comments about Melinda, Lakisha and Sanjaya have been motivated by something other than their entertainment value. Not cool, people!
NewAIFan
04-19-2007, 01:49 PM
Great thread! I agree with every post here. Even Simon, at his meanest, doesn't throw out personal, racist, or senseless mean insults.
I think people who get so agitated over a TV show obviously have other issues!
TaylorHicksRocks
04-19-2007, 05:17 PM
I don't believe I have ever said anything racist or commented at all on looks because to be truly honest I really do listen with my ears...If you don't sound good to me I will let it be known...The eyes are nice to go along with a beautiful voice but when it comes right down to it you have to have the pipes!
IluvUBlake
04-19-2007, 06:49 PM
I will admet i have said some pretty nasty things here on these boards, and now i do believe i was wrong. i think alot of us now realieve how harsh ppl can really be
I don't believe I have ever said anything racist or commented at all on looks because to be truly honest I really do listen with my ears...If you don't sound good to me I will let it be known...The eyes are nice to go along with a beautiful voice but when it comes right down to it you have to have the pipes!
Not to worry THR, you've never said anything vicious or racist!!
TaylorHicksRocks
04-19-2007, 07:17 PM
Not to worry THR, you've never said anything vicious or racist!!
Thank you it is not a part of who I am....I just don't want to be grouped with those that have....
edgeover17
04-19-2007, 07:56 PM
Well. let's see.....
I know I've said with regard to Sanjaya's facial hair that I thought it was real because a makeup job would have been done better.
I know I've said that someone with ears like Phil's probably shouldn't shave their head, because thick hair can de-acentuate ears.
I know I've said I thought a full-figured girl like Lakisha might be smart to not show so much skin.
Those observations were made without malice, but I can see how some might construe them as insensitive. If that has been the case, I extend my sincere apologies.
As to the issue of race, I'm from Alabama, and I'm damn proud of it. My home state received a black eye because of many events connected with the civil rights movement in the 1960's that has never completely gone away. Nor has racist thinking and behavior completely gone away, but believe me, folks, it's absolutely nothing like many people in many other parts of the country think. Neither I nor anyone I associate with even casually are racist, and I'm one Alabamaian who damn sure isn't going to feed the misconception by coming on a public message board and exhibiting any behavior even remotely reminiscent of the atrocities of those times long past.