A Message To Hanson Bashers
The issue is NOT whether 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 lader 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 appropriatley, the ganeral publics
lack of it.
People said they looked like girls, they laughed at their high voices in an
industry dominated by adult acts, but lets face 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 Hanson 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 there
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 of America 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 fufill 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 who know nothing about you, and have no respect for what you
have or will achieve?"
Look into the 12, 15, and 17 year old eyes of Hanson during the heckles and
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 #1 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 I have come across dislike Hanson because they think
it's the cool thing to do, the cool thing to be. It is 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 reasons like their long hair or their age is silly
to say the least.
The bottom line to this I guess is 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
3 kids, all under the age of 20, who write, play, and sing their own music, and
have had songs be #1 over the entire globe. That sort of accolade is not
something to brush off or make fun, it is something to RESPECT and admire in a
group so young.
The next time someone asks you what you think about 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.
~Written by Jared Barter. October 21, 1997~
bAcK hOmE
Email: redjellybeans@alloymail.com
