Of savants, bigots and CBS 60 mins

[pauljacksonfan]

The other day I saw an episode of CBS 60 minutes (since I don't live in the US I've no idea when it initially aired). Anyway; they showed a fascinating a story about two musical savants, one ten and and one 25 years old, who both were extraordinary pianists despite not only being blind but also severly mentally challenged. A good example of their abilities was a little test in which the reporter, Lesley something or other, played a really big chord, using all ten digits. They nailed it dead on. But when asked how many notes it contained one of them guessed two or maybe one note. And, needless to say, he was an extreme virtuoso of both classical and jazz. Fascinating, no doubt.

Why am I writing this here then, you ask. Well, mainly because of the story they thought apropriate to follow. One of the anchormen (fat guy with big bushy eyebrows) had made a segment in which he critisized public art. They showed footage of really cool and beautiful sculptures on public display outdoors. He was basically on a quest to get all these works of art permanently removed. His greatest argument was something like "I don't get it, so it has to go". That got my frightened. A big prime time show like that packs quite a punch. And if he'd get his will they'd probably go on a witch hunt for every artist with a fresh idea. And I don't I have to tell you that we musicians wouldn't be far behind. Just a scary thought.

Oh well. Here's hoping that the kind of bigot will soon be a thing of the past. Have a nice day.

[guy n. cognito]

That "fat guy" you don't like is Andy Rooney. Here's the text to the commentary you find offensive:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/...in662013.shtml

This is an opinion piece not a news story. Rooney's shtick is to be an opinionated old man.

Now to address your use of the word "bigot":

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bigot

The key to bigotry is intolerance. Rooney was expressing his opinion on public art, but I don't see where he expresses intolerance for contradictory opinions. Simply expressing an opinion you disagree with doesn't make him a bigot. Quite honestly, I agree with his opinion that most of this "art" is anything but.

Edited to add: I hope that I never live through a time in which people like Rooney fear to express their opinions on things like this, simply for fear of being labeled. That is a type of "tolerance" we never need.

[superbassman2000]

Originally Posted by pauljacksonfan

His greatest argument was something like "I don't get it, so it has to go".

ignorance can be dangerous

since progress moves slowly with the arts (imo--my basis is how long a genre or painting style is famous, sometimes it can last several decades, and that's a long time in my eyes) people tend to like what they like and have an extreme disliking for anything new, or progressive...heck look at the "best era of music" thread...look how many people say how they hate today's music and love music from the 60s-70s...they listen to Rush's entire library and maybe hear 2-3 nsync songs and bases all of today's music to nsync...there is so much more art out there, music and otherwise and the reason that the good stuff isn't getting out there is because of people like andy rooney who is non-accepting of new art, that the art dealers (and music label execs) realize that people don't want experimentation and progression, they want a tried-and-true formula of art, and that goes for the 70's fans too...they don't want new music, they want more rush, more AC/DC, more metallica, more Lynrd Skynrd...and they don't even give a chance to a new progressive artist, because they don't sound like metallica or Rush or Lynrd Skynrd...

[CyanZad]

pauljacksonfan, you have a good point.

Andy Rooney falls quite comfortably under the definition of bigot. That is where he intends to be. That is his bit. I highly doubt he lives in fear of any "label" that only adds to his popularity.

However, for such negative, narrowminded and culturally squelching opinions to be aired consistently on such a world viewed and highly regarded news show is extremely disappointing. I hate to think that opinions like these are seen as the basis for this country's thought processes by the rest of the world.

This actually quite diverse country has come a long way in its ability to recognize the importance of, and help propogate, human expression and great arts such as jazz - which, if I am not mistaken, faced much of the same ignorant and outdated criticism in the past - to stunt it's own intelligence by putting the unwarranted opinions like those of Andy Rooney's to the forefront.

[Chunk-O-Funk]

I'll have to agree with guy n. cognito on both counts.

it's nothing more than his opinion, and his shtick it a big part of that show. I happen to agree with his opinion on this one. Art is subjective, but some of the example shown are hideous. My opinion of course. If you watch the video Guy linked, Andy Rooney says he is a "no nothing boob" when it comes to art. He's right though. Those examples say nothing as far as "art" is concerned.

I have seen it first hand. That gold colored Mr. Potato Head looking thing was in my home town. It was part of a tourist campaign but took some heat for being racist. The story

The fact is that the Mr. Potato co. (Hasbro) is in neighboring Pawtucket, RI and all the statues were done by local artist. So you would think there was some reason for them being there. Most of us who have seen them had the same reaction. (*** is that? A giant Potato Head?) Most of them got vandalized and one was even stolen and wound up on the campus of Brown University.

[bassteban]

I suggest you guys read the second link in post #2.

[guy n. cognito]

Here's your bigot.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Rooney

I'll say this one more time then quit: Having an opinion does not make you a bigot.

[bassteban]

Originally Posted by guy n. cognito

:

I'll say this one more time then quit: Having an opinion does not make you a bigot.

Well, that's your opinion...



Sooo kidding- good point, guy n.

[superbassman2000]

i dunno if i worry about the things andy rooney says...it seems to me that he is just someone who says outrageous things just to get people to realize he's not dead...

in a related story ->

[Rattman]

Hey Guy n Cognito

"I'll say this one more time then quit: Having an opinion does not make you a bigot..."

In this sissy-ass, politically-correct world, everyone is afraid to speak their minds, as it may not be "acceptable", or worse yet: "incorrect".. or at least it's starting feeling that way to me. So I appauld your clear-headed analysis of the savant story's narrator Andy Rooney. He is an actor, he is commentator, thats his style. Your take on this, in my opinion is correct.

Cheers

[Kickin'Fruit]

Originally Posted by pauljacksonfan

The other day I saw an episode of CBS 60 minutes (since I don't live in the US I've no idea when it initially aired). Anyway; they showed a fascinating a story about two musical savants, one ten and and one 25 years old, who both were extraordinary pianists despite not only being blind but also severly mentally challenged. A good example of their abilities was a little test in which the reporter, Lesley something or other, played a really big chord, using all ten digits. They nailed it dead on. But when asked how many notes it contained one of them guessed two or maybe one note. And, needless to say, he was an extreme virtuoso of both classical and jazz. Fascinating, no doubt.

Why am I writing this here then, you ask. Well, mainly because of the story they thought apropriate to follow. One of the anchormen (fat guy with big bushy eyebrows) had made a segment in which he critisized public art. They showed footage of really cool and beautiful sculptures on public display outdoors. He was basically on a quest to get all these works of art permanently removed. His greatest argument was something like "I don't get it, so it has to go". That got my frightened. A big prime time show like that packs quite a punch. And if he'd get his will they'd probably go on a witch hunt for every artist with a fresh idea. And I don't I have to tell you that we musicians wouldn't be far behind. Just a scary thought.

Oh well. Here's hoping that the kind of bigot will soon be a thing of the past. Have a nice day.

Have you been living under a rock your whole life? or just a christian extremist?

[slackerdefined]

"He's a potato. That's why he's brown," Szarko said.

Toilet paper is white. This highly offends me.