Well, one thing is for certain, Bill O’Reilly knows how subtly divide people along divisive cultural issues like no one else! In this case he masterfully manipulates America’s so-called “Christian” and “Gay” vote. The question is did it work?
Adam Lambert lost the American Idol title last evening to Kris Allen. Frankly, I don’t honestly care who won or who lost American Idol, but I am interested in extracting something tangible from all the speculation that is popping up all over this morning’s blogs, namely: Adam Lambert lost “American Idol” because of the speculation about his sexuality. Consider the fact too that Kris Allen is not only a devout Christian, but also a former worship leader at New Life Church in Maumelle, Arkansas, as well as at the Chi Alpha campus ministry of the University of Central Arkansas, and the proverbial table is set for a vote that is divided along socio-religious lines.
Did the best singer/performer win, or did the most socially palatable contestant win? Did people naturally divide along socio-religious party lines? Would you buy the albums or art produced by a performer or artist whose personal social expression was different – or straight up antithetical (direct and unequivocal opposition) – from yours? Would you – and please be honest – vote against an artist/performer just because of his/her orientation or lifestyle? Thoughts?
Finally, I’ll say this about Adam Lambert, and I can say it because I somehow managed to watch the entire season of American Idol: Seeing him on stage with Queen was surreal. If there ever was a person who could step in and fill Freddie Mercury’s shoes, it’s Adam. I personally wouldn’t suggest that he become Freddie 2.0, because he is talented enough to stand on his own and he should simply be who he is as a person, artist, and performer. In fact, it’s probably a blessing in disguise that he lost the AI title. Now he can focus on just being himself.
Related posts:
Daniel Klotz
Homebrewed Christianity
Euangelion
The Blind Begger
The fact is that Adam and Kris represent America’s culture. We are divided. We want clean-cut image and values on the outside, yet are titillated by the outrageous and sentimental.
The fact that 5 of the top 10 were either worship leaders or raised in churches musically is another important observation.
I agree with some of the observations some of my gay friends have made – America still wants cute, married, Christian and straight…in spite of all the whining I hear from some in the Xian community about being a persecuted people in a secular land
Now, whether that’s “good” or “bad” or what that message is sending us is probably the better discussion to be having.
[...] The Antithetical American Idol [...]
Though barriers may sometimes stand in the way of your dreams, bring the air jordan shoes, remember that your destiny is hiding behind them. Accept the fact that not everyone is going to approve of the choices you’ve made, have faith in your judgment, catch the star that twinkles in your heart with michael jordan shoes, and it will lead you to your destiny’s path. Follow that pathway and uncover the sweet sunrises that await you.