I am outraged. Over what? I don’t know, what have you got? It just seems that being outraged these days is big business and I want to get in on it. I’m too late to get outraged about the uproar regarding David Letterman and Sarah Palin, but that’s what got me thinking about this. As most of you have probably heard, last week Letterman told a couple of tasteless jokes about Palin surrounding her visit to New York City. One was about her daughter getting “knocked up” by Alex Rodriguez.
Palin was outraged. And certainly she had a right to be. The man was dissing her daughter. What mother wouldn’t defend her young when they’re attacked? But in expressing her outrage, Palin, in my opinion, totally took advantage of the situation. It was obviously aimed at her 18-year-old daughter Bristol, who recently gave birth to a baby out of wedlock. Palin took the position that Letterman had directed the joke at her 14-year-old daughter Willow. According to Palin, he was joking about sexually attacking a minor. The comments from her husband Todd included the word “rape.” By inferring that, the Palins were able to ratchet up the furor. Would this have gotten anywhere near this amount of traction if they had assumed the comment was about Bristol?
Many sensed the opportunity and pounced. By the time the outraged reached its peak, pundits right and far right started insinuating that Letterman is a misogynist, a pedophile, or something worse. It’s still a bad joke and Letterman deserved to be called on it. And no one realizes that more than Dave. He’s apologized... twice. Yet some are planning protests outside his studio while others are organizing sponsor boycotts.
Why do this? I believe it is because those protesting the most want attention and what better way to get it than by being the most outraged. In today's Los Angeles Times (June 16, 2009), Scott Collins writing about the situation includes thoughts from conservative talk show host John Ziegler about the “proper punishment” for Letterman. John who? Exactly! Ziegler just started a new radio talk show last week and what better way for him to drum up some publicity for his new venture than by being outraged at something that might draw listeners to him. If he weren’t appalled, who would give him the time of day?
The same article also mentions the National Organization of Women. Expressing its outrage over Letterman’s jokes, the group is sentencing the comedian to its Media Hall of Shame. And in doing so, NOW gets its name back in the news.
So, I guess I am outraged by sanctimonious outrage. How dare anyone manufacture ire for the purpose of self promotion!
But whereas my ultimate goal is to have anyone and everyone with access to the internet visit Media Mischief on a regular basis, maybe I should be getting my anger up a little more. Perhaps if I’m as mad as hell and not going to take it anymore, I’ll get more attention.
With that in mind, here are some things that outrage me.
I am outraged that ...
... more people would rather read a tweet than a newspaper.
... the puppets in the Nike commercials look nothing like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
... people don’t understand the difference between fewer and less. (It’s “ten items or fewer” people!)
... the television show John and Kate Plus 8 became one of cable’s most popular shows after stories started coming out about problems with the couple’s marriage.
... the majority of the people in the United States don’t know the difference between the Paralympics and the Special Olympics.
... some paparazzi are so stupid they’ll run in front of a moving car to get a picture. (I had several jump out in front of my car yesterday.)
... there’s a market in this world for such photos.
... people forward chain emails to me containing a politically skewed message filled with misinformation.
... people will accept and spread factually inaccurate information without taking a moment to even wonder whether it is correct.
... someone will vote for a political candidate solely based on party affiliation without having a clue as to his or her actual positions or policies.
... so many evil acts are being committed around the world in the name of religion.
And if you are outraged by any of the above, please feel free to tell others. Just please make sure you get my name and url correct.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
