Prop. 8: The Musical Backlash

by Lee Stranahan

Note:It’s posted everywhere and is becoming a nightly feature on Olbermann but in case you missed it, here’s a link.

Scott Mendelson at HuffPost is both amused and yet not amused by the viral video sensation…

Frankly, despite the good intentions, this almost feels cowardly. The vote has already been cast and there will be no consequences for this video one way or another. It’s almost disingenuous of these well-meaning comedians to wag their finger at the people who voted for Prop 8, after quite a few of them stayed silent during the run-up to the election ..

Courage requires speaking out before a calamity occurs, not merely criticizing the aftermath with righteous superiority. I agree with every sentiment expressed in the admittedly witty clip. I just wished they had put it out when it could have actually made a difference.

I, too, agree with every sentiment in the clip. It’s well produced. I like all the performers.

I’m glad they didn’t put it out before the election, though, because it’s exactly the sort of playing to the base which is why Prop. 8 passed. Finger wagging and righteous superiority don’t work on an issue like this, before or after the election. Jack Black as Jesus is something I enjoy; the people who voted for Prop 8, not so much.

I just hope the court strategy works to overturn 8 because the P.R. strategy really stinks.

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  • http://www.ieatgravel.com/ Alaska

    What do you mean, Lee? That video would inspire more people to vote FOR Prop 8, you think?

  • jane

    Hell, I doubt they could have released even the one song any earlier than they did…what a logistical nightmare, to write, produce, cast, rehearse, shoot and edit.Comedians’ job is to make fun, not to “display courage” or influence policy (even if that would be nice).

  • http://jennydemilo.blogspot.com JennyDemilo

    it wasn’t released before the vote because the composer was moved to write it AFTER his right were taken away. Something he spoke about on Countdown tonight.

  • Lauren

    Can I just add enough with the celebrities? The ones I recognized, I adore, but being lectured to by Margaret Cho isn’t going to actually get us anywhere. We need real people sharing their real lives. The people who voted for Prop 8 need to understand that their votes are hurting their neighbors, family, and friends – not just annoying Jack Black.