The issue is NOT whether or not you like the band Hanson. Whether you dislike Hanson
because you truly do not like their style of music, OR are just playing some sort of
public-school like game of "Peer Pressure" follow the leader is not my concern. Those
opinions are your own, and no matter what method you came about getting them, they will
stay your own.
The real issue at hand is RESPECT. Or more appropriately, the general publics lack of it.
People said that they looked like girls, people laughed at their high voices in an industry
dominated by adult acts, but lets face the facts. Their cd was released over 5 months ago,
and if people aren't willing to let go of these silly criticisms by now, then they need to take
a serious look at themselves.
Believe it or not, Isaac, Zachary, and Taylor are people. Just because they have been
thrust into the public spotlight, and made larger than life by the media, does not take away
from the unbelievable fact that they, like everyone else, deserve respect. A title like "Pop
Star" or "Teen Idols" does not somehow make them invincible to the harshness and
uncalled for rudeness among both people in the general public, and in extreme cases the
media as well.
If you don't believe the above statements, I urge you to get a copy of the first game of the
1997 World Series. In the words of the announcer, Hanson was their to "Honor America",
with the singing of the National Anthem. No sooner did Hanson step onto the field, did the
crowd start to boo and heckle them. A crowd of most prominently 20-50 year old
individuals. This is the age group that the children look up to and look for guidance and
support, and what are they demonstrating to these kids.
Nothing.
They are demonstrating that they can heckle a band of kids all under the age of 18, who
have done nothing but fulfill their dreams of becoming famous. They are going against
every stereotype that children of today are being taught. "Become successful and famous
little Johnny", the parents say, "so you can grow up and be respected by those who are
around you for achieving your goals..."
What sort of message is the ignorance shown at the World Series teaching them? "Be
successful and famous little Johnny...so you can be hissed and booed by a group of people
that know nothing about you, and have no respect for what you have or will achieve"?
Look into the 11, 14, and 16 year old eyes of Hanson during the heckles and the boos and
tell me you don't see pain, hurt, or just plain confusion. They have fulfilled their wildest
dreams, and have had songs by them be number one all over the entire globe, but are they
respected? No.
They are mocked. But even more sadly, they are mocked by those who know nothing about
them. They are hated by people on the basis of silly criticisms and not on knowledge.
The majority of people that I have come across dislike Hanson simply because they think it
is the cool thing to do, the cool thing to be. It os never cool to hate, especially with no
reason or provocation. Hate is a terrible word, and a terrible frame of mind, and should
never be applied where knowledge is nonexistent. To hate Hanson because of silly reasons
like their long hair or their age is silly to say the least.
The bottom line to all of this I guess is that no matter what your personal feelings about
Hanson are, no matter what you think about their music, at least have the decency to
respect them as individuals for what they have achieved. They are three kids, all under the
age of 20, who write, play, and sing their own music, and have had songs #1 all over the
globe. That sort of accolade is not something to brush off or make fun of, it is something to
RESPECT and admire in a group so young.
The next time someone asks you what you think of Hanson, honestly stop and consider
what you are saying, why you are saying it, and who you are hurting.
You may find your answer has changed.
-Jared Barter, October 21, 1997
QUOTES
"I hate it when people say Hanson sucks...Hanson does NOT suck. They proved that at
the Grammy's they can rock. Face it people, bow down to Hanson. They rock, and will be
around longer than most..." ~Steven Jenkins (lead singer of Third Eye Blind)
"I know alot of people make fun of Hanson, but you know something? I don't give a rip!"
~Isaac Hanson
