I'm going to do something that will surprise some of you: I'm going to defend Donald Trump. There was a video circulating online several days ago, and it appeared to show the president ignoring or intentionally refusing to acknowledge a little child in a wheelchair who wanted to shake his hand. Many well-known critics of the president tweeted and re-tweeted the video, labeling the president's actions cruel but typical-- after all, this is a man who mocked a disabled reporter during the campaign, and here he was snubbing a little handicapped child.
But as we often find with online memes and videos, there was much more to the story. Mr. Trump had not ignored him; he had already gone over to the boy and greeted him before the speech he was about to give, and yes, there is video to document that. At the end, it's true he was looking beyond the child, shaking a few hands and-- as often happens when any speaker is leaving the stage-- focusing on making an exit. Yes, the portion of the video that circulated did make the president look callous, but it was taken out of context. Fact-checkers caught it immediately and even took several of the people forwarding it to task, including author J. K. Rowling. http://www.politifact.com/punditfact/statements/2017/jul/31/jk-rowling/jk-rowling-falsely-accuses-trump-not-shaking-disab/
Now, I know what some of my conservative friends are thinking: SEE? The internet is biased, everyone is against Mr. Trump, liberal media, fake news, blah-blah-blah. And if that's what they are thinking, they are not being entirely honest. Truth be told, there are just as many taken-out-of-context videos and just as many fake quotes/memes about Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and even Bernie Sanders. I've refuted hundreds of them-- not because I'm (gasp) a liberal, but because I believe in accuracy. I have NO problem with folks who disagree with Mrs. Clinton or any other Democrat. I have a big problem with putting false statements in their mouth or doctoring videos to make a partisan point. That's why I thought it was important to be fact-based in discussing the anti-Trump video. I only wish my conservative friends (who are OUTRAGED whenever they believe Mr. Trump is being unfairly attacked) would be equally outraged when they see fake quotes or distorted videos that unfairly malign Democrats.
But above all, I wish both sides would avoid forwarding false claims and distortions about the folks they dislike. Retweeting or re-posting fake quotes just because it makes you feel good has become a huge problem with our political discourse. It's also hurting our ability to communicate-- on social media, we're often talking past each other, throwing talking points and memes rather than having an actual conversation. It's largely due to confirmation bias-- seeking out sources that reinforce what you already believe, and only trusting folks who tell you that you're right to believe it.
It's easy to get into that mindset: for those who already believe Donald Trump is cruel and heartless, a video that seems to show him snubbing a helpless kid in a wheelchair fits perfectly with their belief about him. And for those who believe Hillary Clinton is a crook or Barack Obama is a secret Muslim or Bernie Sanders is a Commie, there are numerous online "proofs" for you to choose from, even if what they seem to show is utterly false.
So I have a favor to ask of those who read this blog post, whatever their politics or their ideology. Please consider the importance of critical thinking: before you retweet or re-post, take a minute to find out if it's actually true. In other words, don't just rely on sources that are nothing but opinion, or sources that tell you your side is perfect and the other side is evil. Be skeptical whenever you are sent something that has been widely retweeted: there may be more to the story. Don't be afraid to use fact-checking sites (no, they're not all "liberal"-- there are many reputable sources that will tell you if some event actually occurred, or if someone actually made that controversial quote).
In the end, there's plenty to criticize about Mr. Trump (or any political figure from either side) that is based on actual facts. Don't be one more person who thinks it's okay to spread misinformation just because it fits your own beliefs. And if you can, find out what "the other side" actually does believe-- not to start an argument, but just because it's good to be informed. Who knows-- you may end up defending someone you never expected to...
Opinions and commentary about politics, the media, history, religion, and current events.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Monday, July 10, 2017
It's My Turn to Drive: Finding Inspiration in the Lyrics of Rush
For some reason, I got a number of new followers on Twitter this past week. Some came over because of a friendly exchange I had with Fox News anchor Bret Baier (he and I probably don't agree on politics, but he's a good reporter, plus he likes the music of Rush, so he's definitely okay with me). Others came over because every time I mention Rush on Twitter, new folks find & follow me. I hope I am not going to disappoint all of them: sometimes I blog about Rush, yes, but a lot of the time, I blog about politics or sports or religion or some other subject that captures my interest.
But as it turns out, today happens to be a good day to blog about Rush. I often find that music reflects my emotions. For example, I turn to it whenever I'm feeling frustrated or discouraged, or when I want a temporary (and harmless) escape from problems that seem to have no immediate solution. And of course, I turn to music when something wonderful happens too. In fact, if you're anything like me, you have songs that are the soundtrack of your life. These songs remind you of people you once knew; or places you went; or events that hold a special meaning. There are also certain rock bands whose music consistently resonates, year after year. As a former deejay, I feel that way about the Beatles-- much of their music is timeless, and it sounds as good to me now as when it first came out. And of course, I feel that way about Rush.
I'll be honest: I don't like every song on every album. If I had to be alone on a desert island, I'd want to take "Moving Pictures" or "Permanent Waves" or perhaps a greatest hits collection like "Chronicles." But as I've told people before, when I've been interviewed, I can always find at least one song on every Rush album that speaks to me. Most of the time, it's the lyrics that attract me-- even a simple song like "Working Man" speaks to those trapped in a routine, who wish things were different but don't see anything changing immediately. (And haven't we all felt that way at one time or other?) But then, sometimes the change isn't what we hoped for-- I witnessed my profession (radio) change, and not necessarily for the better, so I can really relate to "Spirit of Radio."
But that song isn't just about radio-- as I interpret the lyrics, it's also about the effort Rush put into being true to themselves: "One likes to believe in the freedom of music"-- but most record labels wanted artists who would produce lots of top-40 hits, something Rush didn't want to do. And then there were the "glittering prizes and endless compromises" which "shatter the illusion of integrity"-- the guys in Rush somehow managed to remain relatively untouched by the music industry. They never sold out, they never let it change them, and they never became arrogant. Yes, they wanted to make money (for their families, the charities they believed in, and their own personal pride), but they were not willing to compromise or give up their integrity to succeed. That's one of many things I've always admired about them, and it's a lesson worth learning: be true to your ethics, and don't sell out for money or fame or power, or you will lose your integrity.
Another song with lyrics that I find inspiring is "Freewill." I particularly like (and as my students will tell you, I often quote) the line about "if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice." Some people say the song is anti-religion, but I don't see it that way. I interpret it as a request to avoid substituting belief for action-- there's nothing wrong with faith, but just sitting back and thinking your beliefs are all you need isn't useful. Positive action is what's needed to make the world better, and so is critical thinking-- whatever side you are on, just believing everything you hear is no substitute for seeking out the facts and doing your part to make things better. (I see the lines in "Tom Sawyer" similarly-- the part about "his mind is not for rent by any god or government" to me says don't give up your ability to think, to choose, to decide. Don't rent out your mind to others, whether religious leaders or political leaders. Don't abdicate your responsibility; gather the evidence and make up your own mind, in other words.)
Maybe that's why the line in "Driven" about "It's my turn to drive" appeals to me-- we are all driving on a road with twists and turns, trying to avoid danger, but we cannot let our fears stop us from making the journey. Every day, we have an opportunity to decide what we can do; sometimes, the choices may seem equally bad, but at least we can decide how to react. And even if we make some wrong turns, we have to find a way to get moving in the right direction. No-one can do it for us: after all, each day, "it's my turn to drive."
I am sure you have some Rush songs that speak to you too. (I've also got a few interpretations of lyrics that some of you may disagree with, but we can do a blog post about that some other day.) What has always impressed me about Rush is that their music is multi-dimensional; it speaks to fans in so many different ways, and on so many different levels. And there are so many new opportunities for inspiration when you listen to their lyrics. It's just another reason why I love these guys, and why it's such a privilege to know them.
But as it turns out, today happens to be a good day to blog about Rush. I often find that music reflects my emotions. For example, I turn to it whenever I'm feeling frustrated or discouraged, or when I want a temporary (and harmless) escape from problems that seem to have no immediate solution. And of course, I turn to music when something wonderful happens too. In fact, if you're anything like me, you have songs that are the soundtrack of your life. These songs remind you of people you once knew; or places you went; or events that hold a special meaning. There are also certain rock bands whose music consistently resonates, year after year. As a former deejay, I feel that way about the Beatles-- much of their music is timeless, and it sounds as good to me now as when it first came out. And of course, I feel that way about Rush.
I'll be honest: I don't like every song on every album. If I had to be alone on a desert island, I'd want to take "Moving Pictures" or "Permanent Waves" or perhaps a greatest hits collection like "Chronicles." But as I've told people before, when I've been interviewed, I can always find at least one song on every Rush album that speaks to me. Most of the time, it's the lyrics that attract me-- even a simple song like "Working Man" speaks to those trapped in a routine, who wish things were different but don't see anything changing immediately. (And haven't we all felt that way at one time or other?) But then, sometimes the change isn't what we hoped for-- I witnessed my profession (radio) change, and not necessarily for the better, so I can really relate to "Spirit of Radio."
But that song isn't just about radio-- as I interpret the lyrics, it's also about the effort Rush put into being true to themselves: "One likes to believe in the freedom of music"-- but most record labels wanted artists who would produce lots of top-40 hits, something Rush didn't want to do. And then there were the "glittering prizes and endless compromises" which "shatter the illusion of integrity"-- the guys in Rush somehow managed to remain relatively untouched by the music industry. They never sold out, they never let it change them, and they never became arrogant. Yes, they wanted to make money (for their families, the charities they believed in, and their own personal pride), but they were not willing to compromise or give up their integrity to succeed. That's one of many things I've always admired about them, and it's a lesson worth learning: be true to your ethics, and don't sell out for money or fame or power, or you will lose your integrity.
Another song with lyrics that I find inspiring is "Freewill." I particularly like (and as my students will tell you, I often quote) the line about "if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice." Some people say the song is anti-religion, but I don't see it that way. I interpret it as a request to avoid substituting belief for action-- there's nothing wrong with faith, but just sitting back and thinking your beliefs are all you need isn't useful. Positive action is what's needed to make the world better, and so is critical thinking-- whatever side you are on, just believing everything you hear is no substitute for seeking out the facts and doing your part to make things better. (I see the lines in "Tom Sawyer" similarly-- the part about "his mind is not for rent by any god or government" to me says don't give up your ability to think, to choose, to decide. Don't rent out your mind to others, whether religious leaders or political leaders. Don't abdicate your responsibility; gather the evidence and make up your own mind, in other words.)
Maybe that's why the line in "Driven" about "It's my turn to drive" appeals to me-- we are all driving on a road with twists and turns, trying to avoid danger, but we cannot let our fears stop us from making the journey. Every day, we have an opportunity to decide what we can do; sometimes, the choices may seem equally bad, but at least we can decide how to react. And even if we make some wrong turns, we have to find a way to get moving in the right direction. No-one can do it for us: after all, each day, "it's my turn to drive."
I am sure you have some Rush songs that speak to you too. (I've also got a few interpretations of lyrics that some of you may disagree with, but we can do a blog post about that some other day.) What has always impressed me about Rush is that their music is multi-dimensional; it speaks to fans in so many different ways, and on so many different levels. And there are so many new opportunities for inspiration when you listen to their lyrics. It's just another reason why I love these guys, and why it's such a privilege to know them.