Here is a topic that is tricky to broach without saying something stupid. Not that that ever stopped me before.
Comments from Elton John
"The three people I was really impressed with, and they just happened to be black, young female singers, and they all seem to be landing in the bottom three," said John, commenting on the tally in which the lowest vote-getter is eliminated."They have great voices. The fact that they're constantly in the bottom three -- and I don't want to set myself up here -- but I find it incredibly racist," John said at a news conference promoting his Radio City Music Hall concert backed by an orchestra of students from London's Royal Academy of Music and The Juilliard School of New York.
I've do enjoy the show American Idol mostly because of my daughters, though I'm probably a bigger fan of the show now. I've wondered about how the demographics have affected the voting. The three young black women really were, arguably, among the best talents, but they were three out of seven. That's going to split the vote for voters that are somewhat affected by factors other than talent.
The show is probably sexist to some extent as well. With only two male performers left, it makes it more likely that a female will be voted off, if voters vote on sex rather than just talent.
I think it would be hard to prove racism, especially given past winners, but it did look bad seeing three of the best singers getting the lowest votes. It'll be interesting to see how the voting goes tonight for tomorrows show.
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Comments (7)
The problem isn't racism - ... (Below threshold)1. Posted by michele | April 27, 2004 10:52 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
The problem isn't racism - it's 70 year old ladies with cell phones
1. Posted by michele | April 27, 2004 10:52 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on April 27, 2004 22:52
2. Posted by Rodney Dill | April 27, 2004 11:06 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm sure thats the only reason that John Stevens (skinny red haired kid) is still around. :)
2. Posted by Rodney Dill | April 27, 2004 11:06 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on April 27, 2004 23:06
3. Posted by Paul | April 27, 2004 11:35 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I had been considering posting on this very topic but passed.
It is real hard to say the vote is racist. You can't vote to dump people you can only vote in the affirmative. If the black women got booted by negative votes it would be be one thing. Failing to receive positive votes is another.
That begin said, race (not racism, there is a difference you know) did come into play. Not as many people in the country like to hear black women sing. Get over it.
But the biggest point and the one most overlooked is that when you have 3 black female singers who are effectively clones of each other they split their own core voter base.
If 1 Republican is in a race with 3 Democrats the odds are real good the Republican will win.
Anyway, my money on on Latoya London.
I love that goofy red haired kid but his time needs to come in the next 2 weeks.
3. Posted by Paul | April 27, 2004 11:35 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on April 27, 2004 23:35
4. Posted by Jim | April 28, 2004 5:48 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
What's up with that kid anyway? I thought American Idol was for amateurs. I could swear Rick Astley had some songs out a buncha years ago.
4. Posted by Jim | April 28, 2004 5:48 AM |
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Posted on April 28, 2004 05:48
5. Posted by Aaron | April 28, 2004 11:57 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I agree with Paul. I would also like to add that this is not a talent show based purely on vocal talents. Overall appearance and stage presence is a huge factor. Probably the most important x-factor being the person's appeal to the audience. Elton seems to think this is Star Search, but it is a very different format.
5. Posted by Aaron | April 28, 2004 11:57 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on April 28, 2004 11:57
6. Posted by Fritz | April 28, 2004 1:16 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Jasmine Trias is my nephew and nieces cousin. I was really afraid that she would get voted off when she and Camile Velasco ended up in the bottom three a few weeks ago (both are of Phillipino heritage). That would have crushed the kids and probably would have left us thinking that it was the result of racism.
But, Jasmine is still on the show. I would think that if racism really were a factor, all of the people of color would have been voted off by now.
6. Posted by Fritz | April 28, 2004 1:16 PM |
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Posted on April 28, 2004 13:16
7. Posted by Mike | May 13, 2004 11:51 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I just find it frustrating that when something doesn't go your way there always has to be some conspiracy. Race, aliens, etc. I am sure that the KKK is behind all of it! The majority of people in this country do not discriminate against people on the basis of color. Cultural differences is the main factor with people not getting along. If one were to argue racism, it would be reverse. There are a disproportionate number of minorities in the final rounds. Let's move on and enjoy the karoke.
7. Posted by Mike | May 13, 2004 11:51 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on May 13, 2004 23:51