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  Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 1948 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
A few weeks ago, we had a thread discussing teasing celebrities. As you well know, I definitely was strong on the idea of teasing being just fine. I stated my case quite vociferously & felt pretty strongly about it. However, I write this today with the understanding that my perspective was wrong. I was short-sighted & wrong & I must apologize for being so cavalier about it all. It's funny that I suddenly have come to realize this & downright ridiculous that I hadn't realized my error before this. Regardless, I feel pretty bad & I do apologize for my foolishness. It's quite ironic that all of this comes from observing someone who I jokingly (there's that word again) teased. Ironically, it was Denny Terrio & after further reflection & observation, I stand corrected. Even though I know that it's a joke & those who know me know that it was tongue-in-cheek, it was still inappropriate & I'll tell you why (as if you didn't already know). While at the special, I met Denny & we talked, more than a few times, at that. Denny is the kind of guy who just loves that music. LOVES IT!! He's the kind of guy who will walk up to you & shake YOUR hand. HE doesn't play the star & just wants to see people have a good time. I saw him walk up & shake peoples hand & just ask if they were enjoying themselves. He could have sat in the Green Room & played the star. However, that's not his personality. Later, he was on stage being interviewed & he talked about how he was working & that he had an 8 year-old son to put through college. Right then & there, I realized that it's not a joking matter to him, this is real life & that he has the same concerns that I do. Whether I liked some of the music he played or not, is immaterial. For, as I said to you Go Go, if it's not for you, it's not for you. As such, I should have made no comment about it at all. The second thing that gave me more insight, was something that happened near the end of the show & it involves Denny & St. Clair Lee of The Hues Corporation. As it approached 1:00 or 1:30 A.M., time was running out. The production was WAAAAYYY behind & things were being speeded along, as Asbury Park had ordinances, as regards how long an entertainment venue may remain open. Now, while Denny was being interviewed, it was understood that he was going to come out & dance on stage. But, due to the time over-runs, corners had to be cut & Dennys' dance portion was gonna be cut. I was backstage recharging my stupid Sony camcorder batterie. I walked to the production room to find out who was on next. While there, Denny came out of the room & said that his part was going to be cut. He was upset, because he had two young girls who were probably going to dance on TV for the very first time. He was upset, because he knew that the girls were going to be upset. I thought about the fact that these girls had been a bundle of energy all day long. They'd been sitting at the auditorium since 3 or 4 that afternoon, if not longer. I thoght about the fact that their families & friends would be looking forward to seeing them & how it would simply crush them now that their part was to be cut. That's all that Denny said to me. He didn't say, "Hey, I'm Denny Freaking Terrio". He said: "those girls are going be crushed". Now, this is the good part: enter one kind angel by the name of St. Claire Lee. A few minutes later, Denny came out with a smile & said: "St. Claire said that I could dance with The Hues Corporation" & you could see those girls brighten all over again. Mr. (And I say that with the utmost respect)St. Clair Lee of The Hues Corporation, kindly & generously shared his stage with Denny & gave two young ladies a night that they'll never forget. St. Clair could have done what many entertainers do....been for himself. He could have simply said: "Hey, I've been sitting here since 7:00, sorry about your loss". In one of the classiest & thoughtful acts I've ever seen, he brought Denny & his girls center stage & away from the side, where they had been dancing. St. Claire squarely placed them in the center, where they'd be sure to be seen "Rocking the boat" with The Hues Corporation. In that one moment, St. Clair restored my faith in the reality that there are still some people who are selfless. The night before, around 2 A.M. or thereabouts, St Claire, Bobby Eli & a few of us sat outside talking about the business & he related many painful stories about how he had been treated in the business. He didn't moan about it, nor did he harbor any bitterness. After Bobby & the others had to tend to business, I sat there & listened to St. Claire for about another hour. He had some very interesting stories about his experiences & I couldn't leave. The mans' decency just comes through & if you ever speak with him, you'll come away feeling good & realizing that this man LOVES music & performing. Then I thought about what he said about how The Hues Corporation had been dissed by so many people. And the one thought that came to my mind was that this man has done nothing to be disparaged for. St. Claire put his heart & soul into the music & people disparaged him??? Suddenly, the idea of jokes just didn't seem right anymore. It's not abot jokes.....it's this mans LIFE that people were making light of. As such, the jokes, however harmfully intended no longer seem funny to me at all. I though about many of the stars of that era, some of whom were unfairly labled as "DISCO" acts. I remembered the whole "Disco Sucks" campaign & all of that was for what? Why/ All that these folks ever tried to do was to make some music that would make you dance & go home with a smile & a new woman friend if you were lucky. I thought of some of my favorite artists that were there & how so many people joked about their music. To be honest, I didn't like it when people disparaged the music that I so loved. I mean, I loved that music & many of them took a lot of heat for it. It would be totally hypocritical of me to continue to make jokes about folks, because I don't know them, yet, be angry if someone were to joke about my heroes. That's total B.S. & I can't excuse nor condone me doing so. As is said: "Physician, heal thyself". Well, consider the healing to have begun. Then, when I met those heroes of mine like The First Ladies Of Chic: Luci Martin & Norma Jean, Hazel Payne & Janice Marie Johnson of A Taste Of Honey, Carl Carlton, Anita Ward, Carol Douglas, in fact, 99.9% of them were extremely warm, friendly & genuine. Not that fan club: "Glad to see you garbage". But hugs, embraces, pats on the back if you made a joke. Not a hissy fit among them & they treated their fans like friends. Now, if I didn't want to hear people disparage them before I met them, I'd be pissed off if anyone was to make jokes about them now. I saw them & we talked like people who have regular jobs & concerns. I met Janices' son who was a trooper throughout & one sweet & protective young man. The realization became quite clear that if anyone were to joke about her, he wouldn't like it. Frankly, no kid deserves to have to suffer from some adults idea of a joke. What may be "jokes" to me, was someone elses heart & soul. As such, I have no right to joke about it. Because I did so, I realize what a (EXCUSE ME PLEASE) a total asshole I was. Whether I was joking or not, I didn't take into consideration that what was funny to me, could have been unpleasant for others. I was wrong for doing that. To that I say, thank you Denny for recognizing & giving due credit to whom it belongs. Finally, thank you Mr. St. Claire Lee for being a total class act & a true professional. Regardless of his "stature" in the recording industry, St. Clair Lee will always be a STAR in my eyes, as well as a new friend.  Go Go, Vickie, Tyrone, Linda Di, et. al. I stand corrected & I was wrong. I now understand the point that you were trying to get across. As such, I'll keep those types of jokes to myself. Somehow, it just doesn't seem very funny to me anymore. Ralph or David, I'd appreciate it if you could remove those thoughtless posts. Frankly, I think that they're most inappropriate. I humbly apologize to anyone whom I might have offended in the name of "jokes". I should have realized that a joke is always funny when the joke's not on, or about you. (Message edited by juicefree20 on August 19, 2004) | ||
David Meikle (david_meikle) 5-Doyen Username: david_meikle Post Number: 333 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 81.130.211.124 |
JuiceFree20 Thanks for your message. We've come a long way on this forum and it will continue to thrive with such positive ideals. Unfortunately it would be a major task for me to find the messages you refer to, but please remember that you have the ability to delete any messages that you have uploaded to the new forum. David | ||
Funkyone D.J. Dollar Bil (funkyone) 4-Laureate Username: funkyone Post Number: 79 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 216.221.81.99 |
Wow Juice,powerful post.Everything you said is right on the money,it is a whole different story when you meet people and realize they are just...people.We all poo the same colour my friend! Just don't go losing your great sense of humor all together!You can make fun of me anytime and I am going to investigate starting a recruitment firm that finds celebrities that enjoy being the butt of a joke.Where's Don Rickles and the Friar's Club when you need them? | ||
DyvaNaye (westside314) 6-Zenith Username: westside314 Post Number: 761 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 209.212.74.198 |
Acutally Bill, If you take IRON TABS your POO will come out unlike a colour you have ever seen. Ok sorry, could not resist. Juicefree20, you never cease to amaze me Brother man. Great insight and self assessment. But eventhe Bible states 'No dry bones'...Jesus has a sense of humour too. DyvaNaye | ||
Nosey (nosey) 5-Doyen Username: nosey Post Number: 233 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.138 |
Juice, I read your WHOLE post and that's a milestone for me! LOL! Yep, entertainers are just people who are just trying to make a living just like us and you never know whose reading this board. I will continue to "check" myself and not tease ANYONE in general. | ||
Charise (mistrivia1) 5-Doyen Username: mistrivia1 Post Number: 395 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
Juice, I've been told that life is for learning and it is true we learn something new about ourselves and the world EVERYDAY!!! Most of you all have either met by chance or have known, many a singer/musician/entertainer for a long time, as is noted by the stories you tell of the famous. I smile most of the time, at these stories, because I'm am seeing it through someone else's eyes, basically it is like I'm reading a book. I hear people at my job talk about celebs and make jokes, some are downright nasty in their comments and this pertains to atheletes too. I don't really get into arguments or conversations with them about this. Internally, I say they have a lot of nerve, they don't know these people have never sat down and had a conversation with about regular things, all they see is celebrity and what they think celebrity is. Most of the time as you stated Juice, "celebrity" to them is someone who has an ATTITUDE and acts like their Mr. & Mrs. Perfect. Some of them feed of what the "Media" says, which in most cases is not true. I think, though I know it is not the case with you Juice, that people are really envious and don't have anything better to do or say. Some talk so much crap and say what they should and should not do, they want too much from these celebrities and they really don't owe them(myself included) a darn thing, other than to be entertained, whether they be athelete, singer, etc. For me if I hear something negative about someone, especially if it is someone that I like or have admired, I just say a prayer for them, because we are all people and we have are ISM,s and they are no different than us or someone else we know, other than they are in the spotlight and have money. They have a daily grind just like we all do. I mentioned two weeks ago, in the thread of Rick James passing, how the DJ had made a sarcastic comment that was not called for(this was before any of us, including him, knew that Rick had passed. When I got the news a few hours later, I reflected back to earlier, when he made that comment and I was really angry! This DJ is always adding his 2 cents, but this time IMO, he went to far. He has been on vacation since going off the air that day, I was ready to hear what he had to say the following Monday, but I guess I'll have to wait and see. I am thinking seriously about writing him a letter! I applaude you, Juice and everyone else who realizes and understands that we are basically all the same. Yes, it is okay to joke, we just have to make sure that we don't go overboard. Okay, I'm done for NOW!! Everyone have a blessed and GOOD day!!!!! | ||
Vickie (vickie) 4-Laureate Username: vickie Post Number: 76 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
Great Post Juice, All of us are always learning .... you are a stand up guy and you're A-OK in my book | ||
GO_GET_GONE_GIRL (gogogirl) 5-Doyen Username: gogogirl Post Number: 296 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 69.1.9.65 |
Greetings All, I'm back from the dentist office - and wanted to respond to Juice's post. Juice - you didn't need to apologize to me - for you didn't injure me. But - I appreciate it. Yet - my opinion is no better than yours. I am not saying I'm right. I am saying how I view it. My thing is - why dwell in any negatives? As it is - we see and hear about so many of them on a daily basis. My other thing is - we don't know who might be checking out this board. David and Lowell have more noteriety than ever before - I would bet - and because of this here Forum - Soulful Detroit. You go boys! And I think one of the points Isaiah was making is really a simple one. Why crack on - beat on - and talk negative and smack about anyone - and especially celebrities? One can not condone talking and dissing one - but not another. That makes no sense. So none of is should be welcomed. And that's just my opinion. Many of the folks we discuss may have friends and relatives that visit this board. None of them would like to see their loved ones being bashed. See when negative talk sometimes creeps in - it could lead to all kind of confrontations - and/or challenges from the person actually being discussed or one of their friends and relatives. Why even go thru something like that - to where you have to defend your position? And......what if the person defending their opinion - position and their right to them - are challenged - who would come out on top? IF I have NO firsthand knowledge of any given situation - why would I put myself out there like that? Hearsay is not the God's honest truth all of the time. If we weren't there - we can't say - and I don't care if we heard it from someone that says they were there. Could they lie? Do they speak the God's Gospel truth all of the time? I try not to collect enemies as I live my life - and I hope I have none here. So why come to a public forum and bash another person and whether it is true or not - and just because we can? Is it because said gossip is juicy and fun? If so - then isn't gossiping and talking mean-spirited about another a negative thing? How can it be positive? I am not calling no one out about any of my points. Because after it is all said and done - I still love. No one can make me say I dislike or hate anyone. So it is still all good as far as I'm concerned all up in here. Again well said Juice - and good on you for opening up. (Message edited by gogogirl on August 19, 2004) | ||
Charise (mistrivia1) 5-Doyen Username: mistrivia1 Post Number: 398 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
Go-GGG, SAY THAT!!!! Exactly to the POINT!! That is the same thing I think about when this particular DJ runs his mouth. You never know if these people have relatives in town or who live in the Bay Area and are listening to the radio!! What is it benefitting you to be NEGATIVE about someone else. Does it make you feel GOOD??? Like the saying goes IF YOU DON"T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY ABOUT SOMEONE............. You know the rest. | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 1967 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
David: Thank you for your kind words. I had really never meant any harm. But, as is said, "Loose lips sink ships". It was a lesson well learned & I'm grateful for the experience. And, I will go back & remove those references. Please just don't say that I have to apply this new found position to the songs of the ERRGGGH thread. That would be going TOO far Dollar, Dyva & Nosey: It's REALLY good to see you gus here....It's a very good thing Thanks for the kind words. Oh, I'll still joke around....about my hairline, on the ERRGGGH thread. Just not about other people whom I don't know. Hey Go Go: Thanks for understanding Vickie: Thanks for your kind words. Re Re: Thank you as well. You know, your DJ sounds like one whom we have in New York. Ironically, in todays' News, there are a group of Ministers who are going to have a meeting with the Radio Station, regarding the unsavory content of the show. | ||
Gil (gil) 4-Laureate Username: gil Post Number: 114 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 66.156.31.169 |
Powerful post (and responses)! Been away...just catching up. |
