--- In [email protected], "Ann" <awoelflebater@...> wrote: > See Ravi's sample letter he posted yesterday re: Curtis possible response to > the interpretation of the song lyrics. This is a perfect example of a road > not taken by Curtis in response to Ravi.>
Because it is all self serving to Ravi and misrepresents my view completely perhaps? <However, the sample letter itself demonstrates exactly the principle of statement B. Here is the quote from Ravi's excellent post: Lets see: > > "Ok as promised, a sample response with due respect to your disabilities - > which earlier were only limited to your honesty and integrity - now > seemingly extending to the intellectual realm as well. > So he has framed it within a string of insults, did you somehow miss that Ann? Are you trying to take it out of the context of his whole post? > (Sample Letter starts here) > > Hi Ravi - yes I re-read Raunchy's post again - here are the most > objectionable part of the lyrics based upon your agreement of her post. > > "I'll tell you where I found her > Lying down in the pines > A gang of boys around her > Some was higgin it > Some was kissin it > Some was huggin it > Some was kneeling down > There more rascal hangin round > Try to tear my kingdom down" > > I can see how this evokes strong images of gang-rape,> It was never an issue that it COULD be interpreted this way. The question I raised is where or not it is consistent with the rest of the lyrics. < the objectification > and derogatory references to women > Yeah gang rape is bad for women. That is not the issue. If it is not a gang rape but a consensual encounter then none of this applies. - in the form of gang of boys, the usage > of "it" to refer to his wife and "my kingdom" that shows his sense of > portraying his wife's sexual organs as his private property.> He is making that up in a contrived attempt to paint the meaning but it is not in the text, it is imposed. And if he listened to the song he would find that the transcription is a bad one, in most versions Mike does not sound like he is saying it. > > I think I got defensive because of my attachment to my role as an > entertainer. I can now see that you are not questioning my right and > creative expression as an artist and an entertainer.> This is a straw man and has never been the issue I was challenging. > > The fact that my GF gave a positive interpretation perhaps shows the > forgiveness, the acceptance of women. And perhaps, sensing my initial > unease - she was trying to make me feel better.> Here he is projecting thoughts into my GF's head. And surprise surprise, they are uncomplimentary to me. No my GF actually believes that the song is about an consensual encounter. I might know a little more about her POV than Ravi. > > I can appreciate your perspective of the lyrics as gang-rape and as being > > objectifying and degrading to women.> Reporting a gang rape in a song is NOT inherently objectifying and degrading to women. This is idiotic. Many artists show scenes to invoke moral outrage. If it was the intention of the author to show a gang rape I guarantee you it was not because he was for it. Does Ravi think Billy Holliday's song Strange fruit is degrading to women because it has them depicted as hanging from lynching trees? I also know get a sense that you are > portraying the lyrics as being alien to modern culture and not condemning > > my artistic expression.> MY artistic expression has NOTHING to do with this. It is not MY song. I didn't write it. I am trying to understand the intention of the author. > > Sorry I got off an tangent by calling you racist> I didn't call him a racist, this is a lie to garner sympathy. I objected to a statement he made. He has since proudly embraced his racism so this is a moot point. and I suppose you are > entitled your opinions and judgement and call it as you see fit.lt> And when you see fit to call it that black culture is full of men in prison making their wives have more babies for food stamps I will identify it as overgeneralized for a race of people. We both > here agree that artists have a freedom to be provocative.> This means nothing. > > Thank you - it was good a exchange and helps me understand where you were > > coming from." Yeah Ann this is Ravi the peacemaker. I am so glad you held him up as an example of what you consider respectful communication here. > > > > > > > > > Hint: One of these answers is sane. The other...not so much. > > >
