American Idol: Is discrimination a normal part of life?
I’m not sure what to make of this. Writing for Newsweek, Ramin Setoodeh gave several reasons why American Idol contestant, Adam Lambert, did not win, including…
5. The gay factor. Adam Lambert hasn’t talked about his sexuality publicly, but TV Guide reported that he was “openly gay,” Perez Hilton reported on his (alleged) boyfriend and there are photos circulating online of someone who looks like him kissing another guy. This shouldn’t be an issue in 2009. But if you’ve read any of online chatter about Idol this year, you know that sadly, there’s still plenty of hate out there. Adam has millions of fans, and it looked like he could strike an emphatic blow against homophobia, much the same way that Obama broke through the race barrier when he became the country’s first black president. But his ambiguous sexuality still cost Adam votes. — Newsweek: 7 reasons why Kris beat Adam
I’m not sure this was a factor. Though I don’t really follow American Idol, I preferred Kris Allen for the simple reason that he played his own instruments. That a significant portion of the American population or Christians would vote against a person because he is gay doesn’t figure. Gay musicians are quite successful, even among Christians. That a portion of America or Christians would vote against someone because he is “flamboyant” or “flashy,” well, perhaps that’s true. That style doesn’t appeal to everyone. Perhaps his style (influenced by his sexual orientation?) dissuaded voters.
What is certain is that people do face “discrimination” on a regular basis. As a Christian artist, managers of venues often request that I not play religious music, or not much of it. I’ve written many songs on different subjects, so this is manageable. But it is frustrating. I understand that people don’t want to be preached at, but at the same time, excluding gospel songs because they might offend certain members of the audience is unfortunate. Of course, you can’t help it if the audience simply doesn’t like your music.
What troubles me is that I have no objection to hearing a Muslim or a Hindu sing a religious song. I can appreciate all types of music. But even I have limitations. I don’t like songs laced with profanity or violence. I don’t like “preachy” songs, whether they be religious, political or environmental. I don’t like polka music. So, if I choose not to buy a CD or hear a band play, am I discriminating against that band?
In one sense, I am discriminating — I’m preferring one type of music to another. In another sense, I’m not — I’m not preferring a type of music based on who a person is, only his style. You won’t find gay-themed music on my iPod (though I probably have Bronski Beat’s “Small Town Boy” in my collection). But I’ve got every R.E.M. album there is. I like their style. Learning that the lead singer is gay (this didn’t come out until only a few years ago) hasn’t compelled me to yank the R.E.M.’s music off my iPod. Conversely, I don’t like Christian music simply because it is Christian. Some styles just don’t appeal to me.
It comes down to this: I do wish people would be more “open-minded.” I’d like to be given a chance. I don’t think my music will appeal to everyone, but I’d at least like a chance. I think Lambert was given that chance, but not everyone is.
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