Friday, July 25, 2008

Views on "I Kissed A Girl"

There is a large group of people who have issue with Katy Perry's song "I kissed a girl." Some people have valid issues with the song, and nothing should be said to tear down or disrespect those opinions. People are free to think whatever they want to think about the song.
The thing that bothers me the most however, is people who mask their real reasons for having issue with the song. I'd rather someone come right out and tell me why they hate the song. Then, we can agree or disagree like civilized adults.
There are certain people, however, who will put up a smoke screen under the idea of "we are making a difference by standing up to this." The easiest way to stand up to a song you don't like.....change the station. Period. End of story. You're done. Then, when the song is over, you can change back. That way, you've still made a point even if it is only to yourself.
But, in making that personal statement for yourself, you aren't hurting anyone else or tearing down anyone else in the process. You can still make a difference and feel better about yourself for not listening, but you aren't putting yourself above anyone else. That is the kind of protest I can stand behind. But, when you start attacking people, intentionally or otherwise- even people you haven't even met or come in contact with- in your quest to make a difference, then you lose the whole reason you began the journey.
For those people who don't like the song, you are free to not like it, you are free to not listen to it. Me on the other hand, it's not going to change who I am, it's not going to corrupt or corrode me in anyway. I'm going to tap my foot and sing along at the top of my lungs......because that's what a catchy song does.
Then, at the end of the day, I'm going to sleep knowing that it's just a song. ONe of the most popular songs in the world....yes......for now. And two, three, six months from now another song will be just as catchy and maybe just as controversial. By then, it will be interesting to see if we have learned anything.