Love that phrase Reg.

My main issue with this Hung phenomenon is comparable to the reason I think I understand some women's trouble with nudie bars and so forth.  For all the people saying "it is their right to dance nude if they want to make their money," I have to say, yes, I agree.  Fine.  But when we allow the freedom to do that, do we consider what we give up?  Is it okay for men to view women as sex objects?  (Not that I'm on any high horse here . . . just asking the legitimate question that I think women ask.)  What answer do the nudie bars contribute to the discussion?

So here we have William Hung, shrieking out "She Bangs" for the delight of the masses of screeching young children (and old children too).  The next day come auditions for the school musical.  Is it okay for the kids to laugh at the people who do poorly, as if the less-talented kids were in on the joke, just like William Hung?

This is the behavior I believe we sanction by, as a society, having William Hungs and Wesley Willises paraded around like this.  If it is okay to laugh at this one untalented singer, then how do we make the distinction as to when it is not okay?  Yes, he's arguably in on it, and free to do what he does, but by doing it, doesn't he participate in the continued trend toward uncivil and/or indecent behavior?

So, I don't want legislation . . . I just want more thoughtful, decent, humane behavior extended to people.    I don't want people lying to Hung and telling him he's a talented singer--a person has to face reality, and I think Simon and crew were right on the money.  But in a world concerned with decency, it would have stopped there.

The children in your wife's class may object that whatever music is chosen for their class to perform is not to their collective taste.  I answer, quoting Flannery O'Conner, "their tastes are not being consulted; they are being formed."

Herring405