Tell me about your mother....
Nice article, but I don't buy that American kids aspire only to the entertainment arts. Gee, my son's circle of friends are aspiring lawyers, chefs, doctors, business owners, and journalists. There is one guy who wants to get into "film." And who actually WISHES to be a soldier? Not many, I'm afraid. Perhaps the Rabbi is a bit out of touch with American youth (or he lives in NYC or LA?)
All true, Nat- nevertheless, the Rabbi does make a good point- Why are only the entertainment awards so well known?
Further, irrespective of Garofolo or Heston- why are actors considered worthy spokespeople for political ideologies?
The entertainment awards may be so well known because they presented via an entertainment medium, television Before television, these awards were presented at small dinner gatherings. Once television became a staple in the American household and advertising dollars were to be had, the awards shows blossomed into a full-throttle media circus.
I don't know why we tend to put so much faith in the stars' politics (whatever it may be.) I guess they are practicing their American right to speak? Doesn't mean I have to agree or even listen to what they have to say.
Everyone has a right to speak, Nat- no one is arguing that- yet irrespective of the medium, it is intersting to note that entertainers are somehow perceived as having great influence. The question remains as to why that is so.
Yes, why is that so?
Aw, Nat, I was hoping you knew! In any case, I'm going to write a bit more about it.
Great post.
I read "Collapse" instead of watching the Oscars. Same difference, really - just a different point on the path.
The rabbi is right!
In literature -- Shakespeare in particular -- the fool, the jester, was always the smartest person around and could demonstrate how foolish everyone else was without their realizing it.
Now our jesters do exactly the same thing (there are people out there who will actually buy a ticket for The Pacifier when it comes out!) for lots of cash, clothes, cars and accolades. How smart of them is that? 
You have a point, La Nina!
This is the reason I don't go out to the theater very often. I do want to catch "Sideways" at the cheapo theater, though. (cheap seats, cheap popcorn..so what if it's not first run!)
I bet (well, I HOPE anyway) that there are zillions of Americans who don't give a shit about the Oscars or the latest sports scores.
So another chord is struck. Where I agree with nat in some instances, I also remember as a kid saying, "i want to be a movie star!"I don't think I know a single person who didn't want to be a movie star at some point in their young life.
As far as their sway when speaking about politics and such... well they are quite simply America's royalty. They are the wealthy and beautiful people of our nation that everyone knows... so on the forefront... they must know what they're talking about or they wouldn't risk the ridicule. For me however I realize they are actors... they practice a trade... and that trade is plied for the highest bidder... and the highest bidder is not always a director in Hollywood.
We are obsessed with movies much as the Romans were obsessed with the Colliseum... and i see us heading in very much the same direction.
Hmmm. I can't remember any of my friends when I was growing up wanting to be a movie star. I know one who wanted to be come a *serious* actress (ie theatre) and is well on her way to doing so. But then I'm not American and grew up in the Maritimes so some would say that has something to do with it.
I agree that such entertainment should not become the focus of anyone's life but I don't think that having a passing interest in the Oscars means that one's brain is hollow.
Anyway I'd like to nominate nurses as a profession worthy of ahh..."kingship".
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