Country Ignorance

Lately I have been thinking about things I've wanted to blog about. But, I'm not a good writer. I don't have one of those blogs that people love to read because they're so entertaining. But, even bad writers like me still have thoughts and soap-boxes and opinions that we have to write down. Yes, even me. I haven't written any of these thoughts in our family blog, because it's a FAMILY blog. A place for pictures, and cute stories, and updates, etc. Not a place for Becca to vent or get on her soap box. (Did I just talk about myself in third-person? Oh boy.)

I hadn't thought I'd make a personal blog. I'm too lazy to do it. I don't remember to update my current blog, so how could I deal with another one? But last night's American Idol show got me so mad that it propelled me into making my own blog. Yes, I was THAT upset! I get so defensive when people who don't know much about a genre of music, say thoughtless things about it.

Setting up the scene...

Last night was the infamous country week on American Idol. Traditionally, it's a week that's somewhat uncomfy for most of the contestants, since Country music is not widely loved. But, the singers usually do really well in country week, because the genre allows the singers to just go back to the music, and sing their hearts out, forgetting about showing off, or dancing about the stage. Everyone who watches the show knows that Simon Cowell HATES country week. He is not a fan of country music. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I'll admit openly, although I like most types of music, I'm not a fan of Heavy Metal or Rap. Not my style. But, there's a difference between politely stating that you're not a fan, and being disrespectful.

Kris Allen had just finished singing Garth Brooks' song "To Make You Feel My Love." He did a great job. Just sat on the stool and sang the song. Pure singing. Pure heart. Pure Country. (Pun intended - since the song is from the movie "Pure Country.") Anyway, the judges were giving Kris good comments. Paula, then Simon, then Randy. Then, Kara. Or at least she tried. Her exact quote was: "I didn't even know that it was Opry Land when I was hearing that song. It wasn't even Country! It just....was....BEAUTIFUL!"

First of all, don't get me started on her bad grammar. That's another post. But the way she said that last part made me SO mad! Made it sound like country music can't be beautiful. That Kris's song had to sound NOT country in order to sound good...Excuse me, but Country music already has some of the most beautiful songs out there! Granted, in Country music, there is definitely your fair share of twang. There are plenty of songs about dogs, or losing a girlfriend, or riding in a truck. The stereotype does have a basis in fact. And I used to be one of the people that made fun of some Country music for those same reasons. But, I learned to appreciate Country music. Granted, there are a bunch of great old country twangy songs that I admit - I LOVE. I grew up with a lot of that stuff. But, there are also hundreds and hundreds of amazing country songs that are just beautiful for the stories they tell, the emotion they convey, the spiritual aspects they show. It's not the same words over and over. It's not yelling and screaming nonsense. It's wonderful music that has a lot of heart in it.

To me, Kara's comment just showed that she is uneducated in the world of Country, as a lot of people are. She isn't familiar with it, maybe. Maybe she hates a lot of the songs she has heard. But, to insinuate that Kris's song was beautiful because it DIDN'T sound like Country, is just plain ignorant and rude!!!

That's all I have to say about that.