Thumbs Down, Rush!

[dgridley]

Rush Limbaugh apparently featured this song by impersonator Paul Shanklin entitled, "Barack, The Magic Negro" on his radio show. I'm surprised given the recent disturbance regarding Don Imus' remarks that Rush is/was able to play this on the radio. By the way, this is supposed to be Rev. Al Sharpton singing (watch video):

http://www.dav1d.net/2007/04/24/limbaugh-barack-the-magic-negro-video-youtube/

I'm wondering how many find this to be racist, as opposed to simply political in nature? Myself, I consider it more than just a bit below the belt politically and demeaning. Boo to Rush!

Hm...

 

[RJ]

In context with the LA Times article published last month, this seems like a fuss over nothing.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion...r19,0,5335087.story?coll=la-opinion-rightrail

 

[dgridley]

Kinda puts a different spin on things from that perspective but I still see it as a kind of below the belt political positioning.. bah!

I really think it brings the issue of race into the mix where the main focus should be on ability..

In context with the LA Times article published last month, this seems like a fuss over nothing.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion...r19,0,5335087.story?coll=la-opinion-rightrail

 

[Mark]

I've seen several "Late Night" comedians push the "New" limits "POST Imus" already .... I guess it all depends on who you are and what Media Company you work for.


BTW - Spike Lee is one of the ones who made this term popular.

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

 

[RJ]

Rush is an entertainer, his job is to entertain. Same as Jon Stewart, Howard Stern or Carlos Mencia for that matter. If he was a Senator or Presidential Candidate, maybe I could see the point. But really, people get too hyper-sensitive over what other people say, imho.

 

[dgridley]

Hm, granted.. but then there are those who confuse Rush the Entertainer with Rush the Mouthpiece of God

I DO think people tend to be too thin skinned on these matters but my point is Rush positions himself as a commentator and not an entertainer.

By the way, I added your LA Times link to my blog post for an added perspective..

Rush is an entertainer, his job is to entertain. Same as Jon Stewart, Howard Stern or Carlos Mencia for that matter. If he was a Senator or Presidential Candidate, maybe I could see the point. But really, people get too hyper-sensitive over what other people say, imho.

Thanks for the link as well. I'd seen that.. just don't agree with that sort of useage to make a political point.

I've seen several "Late Night" comedians push the "New" limits "POST Imus" already .... I guess it all depends on who you are and what Media Company you work for.


BTW - Spike Lee is one of the ones who made this term popular.

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

 

[fonzie_007]

Rush is an entertainer, his job is to entertain.

The sad fact is that people actually believe this bag of hot air. Rush is a miserable existence of a human being (just as Imus). Rush is endemic of a wider trend of individuals and media outlets that actively mislead citizens. In his word, ideology trumps facts.

Lesson: if you're getting your news from Rush, you are being duped.

The ironic aspect of Rush is his utter hypocracy. Prescription drugs anyone?

 

[RJ]

Rush is endemic of a wider trend of individuals and media outlets that actively mislead citizens. In his word, ideology trumps facts.

Fortunately the World balances itself by creating entertainers on the other side of the imaginary fence too -- Al Franken, Bill Maher, Jon Stewart, etc. I enjoy all these guys as entertainers. I guess misleading is one way to describe guys like Rush Limbaugh and Al Franken if people really buy into it. Who really does though?

 

[fonzie_007]

While I agree there are problems on both side of the aisle, I have yet to find any concrete evidence of Al Franken ever pulling facts out of his arse. I cannot say the same about Rush and his ilk.

 

[RJ]

While I agree there are problems on both side of the aisle, I have yet to find any concrete evidence of Al Franken ever pulling facts out of his arse. I cannot say the same about Rush and his ilk.

I have no idea. He's a comedian (and damn funny too). I'm sure he stretches things to make a point just like everyone else. You can't take any of these guys too seriously.

Update,
quick Google result http://www.frankenlies.com/ :hehe:

 

[dgridley]

I love Bill Maher and alot of the other guys too.. and I usually (not always) take what they say with a grain of salt and a willingness to hear the other side too.

Like I said, the whole business of raising up what seems like an "Uncle Tom" issue is beneath what these guys should be striving to project to make their points.