Conservative and cool (????)

[wyldwolf]

Conservative -- and cool - How the right has come to reflect middle America's pop culture

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/08/24/PK302088.DTL

My comment? Yeah, right!

[roughsatori]

1. Neither pick-ups or Ozzy Osbourne are "cool" anymore

I got to that line and stopped. It reminded me of a "Square" claiming to be a "Beatnik." Absurd Daddio!

Pop culture is rarely "cool" and always a product for consumption. And Repukes love selling garbage.

[ewagner]

2. Cool if

your definition of cool is a middle aged man in the 6-figure salary bracket, wearing polyester bermuda shorts, a floral colored shirt, black oxfords and calf-length black socks.

AND, your wife is wearing a bright floral print mu-mu, sporting a 2-carat diamond, a large navajo silver and turquoise necklace, sipping her 6th dry martini.

[CastorTroy]

3. Beware of any article that uses Ann the Man Coulter

as an expert source.

Just because Georgie uses a pick-up truck as a prop and mangles his words doesn't make him "hip".

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

4. If you read no more...Please read the first 2 paragraphs.

Doesn't get any cooler than that.

[Pronsack]

5. Drowning

I am surrounded by conservative drones at work, usually in management. All they talk about is Bush this and Bush that. I can't stand it. I've tried to argue with them, but I'm just not very good at it. I didn't really get into politics until we invaded Iraq. They are such arrogant pricks!!

So I'm not in management. I'm not making a ridiculous income, but my heart is in the right place. I just need to pay more attention and start learning what to say to these shmucks.

[RandomKoolzip]

6. Welcome Pronsack!!

My advice: Don't accept your managers' "conversational frame" (as Deborah Tannen would say), instead know in your heart that you're on the side of the angels, put your money where your mouth is, and donate money to a democratic candidate of your choice,. You can also sign the online petition at ImpeachBush.com, collect any and all information about the evils of the Bush Misadministration, attend meetups, protests, and tell receptive/friendly co-workers about what you've found. Heated political arguments with disagreeing supervisors is NOT FUN and could get you fired. Voice your dissent with how you vote and spend your time and money...and know silently that you are right.

DU is probably the best forum on the net to talk about these issues...tell your friends! Welcome to DU!

[newyawker99]

19. Hi Pronsack!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[mitchum]

7. Conservative and cool? Only if you're William Freakin' Holden

otherwise, forget it

[Democat]

8. This article is not without merit, do not ignore it

The Democrats are slowly becoming a party that is out of touch with what young/cool people care about.

If you haven't read Danny Goldberg's book, it's worth taking a look at.

It can't be denied that the Gore/Lieberman ticket in 2000 lost some of the youth vote because of their previous support of censorship.

This is a real issue that needs to be analyzed. Why are Democrats becoming uncool?

[RandomKoolzip]

9. The youth doesn't "Suddenly" find dems uncool

it's just that the wretched public school system in America has made high school kids purposefully apathetic. They particularly think politics is uncool. I don't believe it's a concious decision on most teenagers' part. Politics is unhip, and were you to ask most young people today how they feel about certain politicians, all you'd get is a blank stare. They care about 50 Cent and Eminem and Evanescence, and ON PURPOSE haven't taken the time to absorb the import of politcial thought. Increasingly, young people are "herd" thinkers and will parrot anything they see others doing, be it joining the Young Republicans club, or putting Flag stickers all over their cars, or whatever. Were Dean or whoever to go on MTV tomorrow and act LIKE A HUMAN BEING, like Clinton did in 92, the dems would have the election in the bag, simply because it's MTV and they all watch MTV. Until that happens, they're gonna lean rightward, because that's all they know of politics, what they see flipping through cable channels.

[JohnKleeb]

10. well I am an exception

Just your regular old high school kid, dress pretty casually, not popular at school but far from an outcast, normal classes and no AP and I read about Kucinich, it brings a smile to me. Also Kucinich has this fine group of younger kids who support him. Also one of the reasons I like DK is he talks like I do, he actually wants to repeal Taft-Hartley, thats been my dream for a whiles.

[goobergunch]

31. Unfortunately, you're mostly right...

you should see what I get when I start randomly spouting off about the latest Congressional activity.

I agree with what the article says about Lieberman. I have a friend who thinks Lieberman is a fascist because of the music stuff.

[Iris]

38. ummm - ok

forced pregnancies, outlawing certain birth control pills, no maternity leave, shitty educational system, filty air. . .

Yeah. that's a fair trade off for making sure you can hear the word "fuck" in a song 15 times.

[Redleg]

12. Are only young people cool?

You seem to imply that in your post.

[SavageWombat]

21. Yes.

Only young people are cool. They define what cool is. If you're older than that (quick, define young) then you may think you're cool, but you're either (a) cool by the standards of your generation, which is not the standards of today, or (b) trying to be cool when you aren't, which makes you a poser.

The coolest thing adults can do is not try to be cool.

[the_real_38]

22. Um, this may not be too cool ....

"which makes you a poser."

But shouldn't that be 'poseur'?.

I agree that the young define cool, but they very definitely don't have a monopoly on 'authentic'.

[SavageWombat]

23. True

Poser and Poseur, to my understanding, are different words with the same meaning. But what do I know, I'm 33.

"Authentic" is a good thing to be for all ages, and usually gains tremendous respect - except from those who don't respect anything.

The important thing is that teens, like most other people, recognize authentic when they see it - and if you're not it, but trying to look like you are, you get nothing from them.

Like someone else in this thread said - get out there and act like a human being, instead of playing to your image person claims teens would like, and you'll do better.

[the_real_38]

24. I don't know...

"The important thing is that teens, like most other people, recognize authentic when they see it - and if you're not it, but trying to look like you are, you get nothing from them."

I don't buy that. I think there are a lot of things out there that are 'cool' (as we've resolved is determined by the young) which are not in any way authentic. I also don't think one should make looking authentic to teens his raison d'etre. the kids of today have been brought up in a scam culture, and I don't think a lot of them recognize how much that's hurt them on different levels. I think what we need in society is a resurgence of the power of grown-ups. For example, a lot of Bush's economic policies rely on the notion that everyone can be in debt forever, a lot of his environmental and energy policies depend on a complete lack of accountability, and everything he does relies on doublespeak and secrecy. The other day, Paul Krugman said we were going to have a real mess to clean up when the grown-ups were in charge again, and I think he really penetrated to the heart of the adolescent nation we've become.

By the way, what's Ashton Kutcher up to these days?

[hiphopnation]

32. I don't think that's what Savage Wombat was saying.

He said that young people, just like most of us, can easily spot a fake. He may not disagree with your assertion that most of what is considered as 'cool' may not be authentic. The line you quoted does not negate that assertion.

MTV culture pushes alot of crap as 'cool' and young people, being endlessly consumed with 'cool' lap it up. The most recent example I have is 50 Cent. I thought that the thug, gang bangin rap artist went out of style after Tupac and Biggie got gunned down. Why is it still cool to be locked up and shot at?? And I even like his music?!?! :shrug:

But I do agree that it is more important (and that you are likely to get through to more people) if, as a politiciaon, you concern yourself with authenticity and not coolness.

BTW, there's a cover story on Ashton over at Salon.
www.salon.com

Enjoy!

luke

[hiphopnation]

34. Woops!

posted twice. Having problems.

:argh:

[the_real_38]

42. no , not really

He actually does say "teens, like most other people, recognize authentic when they see it". And I'm saying no, they recognize cool when they see it (since they determine it), and what's cool is not necessarily authentic - I think my logic is straight there.

[hiphopnation]

33. I don't think that is what Savage Wombat was saying.

He/she said that young people, just like most of us, can easily spot a fake. He/she may not disagree with your assertion that most of what is considered as 'cool' may not be authentic.

MTV culture pushes alot of crap as 'cool' and young people, being endlessly consumed with 'cool' lap it up. The most recent example I have is 50 Cent. I thought that the thug, gang bangin rap artist went out of style after Tupac and Biggie got gunned down. Why is it still cool to be locked up and shot at?? And I even like his music?!?! :shrug:

But I do agree that it is more important (and that you are likely to get through to more people) if, as a politiciaon, you concern yourself with authenticity and not coolness.

BTW, there's a cover story on Ashton over at Salon.
www.salon.com

Enjoy!

luke

[mitchum]

43. Wrong Junior, marketing defines what is cool...

and you young pup's lick it up.

[mitchum]

44. The "Junior' and "you" are not ...

directed at SavageWombat, but at the hypothetical youth. Realised this sounded kinda of prickish, but the glitch wouldn't let me edit.

[Redleg]

50. This is true.

And that ain't cool!

[ProudGerman]

47. Only young people are cool..

..because only young people decide what is cool?

Please, young people think something is cool because a group of men and women (in their mid 40's mind you) decided it for them, and successfully marketed it.

Yes, capitalism has even destroyed "cool".

[blondeatlast]

51. Nike, Pepsi, Abercrombie and Fitch define what is cool nowadays.

Fashion (in dress, music, activities) used to follow the streets. Now it is spoon fed and defined by the corporate slave traders (not just those who make the clothes, but those who slavishly follow every new shipment at A&F).

[Redleg]

11. 20 pounds of bullshit in a 10 pound bag

Who do these fools think they are kidding? G.W. Bush is cool? Wingers are cool? Bullshit. Looks like another big lie from the right.

[maggrwaggr]

13. that's like saying "Fat and Sexy!"

no......no..............no...................

Keep trying, conservatives. Maybe some day you'll get it.

[Aaron]

17. Define fat? (n/t)

[maggrwaggr]

45. Sumo wrestler fat

nt

[neuvocat]

48. Elephant in a bunny suit.

[maggrwaggr]

14. theyr'e not cool, they've simply taken over the media

which is a rather common theme addressed here at DU.

Young people did hate Lieberman, but hell, so do most of us.

Tipper sure didn't help the Gore cause either.

I blame the media for promoting the notion that it's cool to be STUPID.

MTV is the most STUPID fucking network ever to grace the television universe. And that's saying something.

They have no competition. If they did, they'd be gone. They're a weird monopoly of sorts. They must go out of their way to hire the most STUPID people in America.

[Ein]

15. Fascism is cool.

The right is full of the fundamentalists, the libertarian 'objectivists', the idiotic, the propagandized, and the angry-at-the-world-and-don't-know-what-to-hate crowd.

These kids, if not just plain dumb, are just looking to make a buck, at any cost. They can go fuck themselves.

I am angry at the world, but I know who got us to this point: the bourgeouis.

[Spentastic]

18. But it is

The right always seem to get better uniforms than the left.

I agree the problem is the borgeouis, unfortunately, all political strategy seems to involve appealing to their baser instincts. i.e. can't raise taxes, must have massive military etc etc.

[RummyTheDummy]

16. Yeah, I'm sure Bush and Ozzy are regular pals.

What a load of horse shit this story is. Yeah, because everyone associates Repukes with "cool".

[ComerPerro]

26. They have a lot in common

Both did drugs rather heavily and abused alcohol. And, their choice lifestyles have made both men almost completely incoherent.

[the_real_38]

20. Class privilege is cool.

Cool! Having a little rich-boy president acting like he's one of the guys is cool. Having him cut pay for federal workers, while he gives big tax cuts to his rich cronies is cool. Having him pass laws where his rich friends no longer have to pay their workers overtime is cool. Having him make working class people who join the military risk their lives in 120 degree heat in battle dress is cool (and they don't even know when they'll get to come home! Cool!). Having screeching Nouveau riches (Hannity, Limbaugh) flaunt their wealth and 'values', and uphold the Grand Hustler's every move is cool. Running up huge deficits that bankrupt Social Security and Medicare, so that only the rich will be able to afford being old is cool. Man, class privilege is just the hippest thing around these days.

[ComerPerro]

25. MTV made being conservative cool

By pretending to preach tolerance and liberal issues while brainwashing millions of kids to be good, obediant consumers.

[the_real_38]

28. Good point.

n/t

[Iris]

39. you said it all n/t

[blondeatlast]

52. Very well put.

[ElementaryPenguin]

27. Bullshit!! It's the part of ignorant rednecks and greedy bastard geeks!!!

Repukes are as UNcool as they come!!!

[K-W]

29. MTV is not cool

just so everyone knows.

The problem is that politics isnt cool. Thinking isnt cool. Debate isnt cool. The constitution isnt cool. Cool is making brash decisions based on stupid reasons. And im serious on that. Thats why presidential elections have become popularity contests.

I am a senior in college right now, and only now do I ever see people talking about politics and even now most people say "Im not really into politics or anything, I always voted so and so, cause my parents do." There is no sense that it is important to vote and be informed. That is why our democracy is in crisis, the citizens are not carrying thier weight to stay informed and place educated votes.

[EOTE]

30. Of course conservatives are cool.....

I mean, you can't go into a college dorm room that doesn't have a Lee Greenwood poster in it. And you go to any coffeeshop in the morning and you'll hear all the hipsters talking about last night's Toby Keith concert and how tore up they got.

[BlackRhino]

35. It's always been "cool" to be too hip to give a fuck about anything.

Selfishness is cool.

[Japhy_Ryder]

36. why do we care about "cool"?

That's part of the problem. No one knows what's "cool", they are told what is. "Cool" has been co-opted for consumerism and that's all it stands for any more. Product A is cool, because heavily promoted celebrity says so. It's complete crap. I'll think for myself and try to decide what I like and don't. If it's considered cool, well then fucking super. If it's not, I don't fucking really care. If people stopped trying to be cool, and hip, and follow the crowd (even if it's the nonconformist crowd) and just did what they thought was right, then this country would be a much better place. Would it be cool? Who fucking cares.

[stanwyck]

37. How the Young Democrats

at my daughter's college combatted the Young Republicans this past week during sign-up time. There were booths setup for all the clubs. The Young Repubs had two, according to my daughter, "geeky" guys. The Young Democrats had all their young women "manning" the booth in shifts. Guess who drew the crowds? Sure. It's sexist. But it worked. The girls drew their girl buddies and, of course, the guys. The Young Repubs were asked why they didn't have any girls working their booth. Simple answer: no girls in their organization.

[Iris]

40. "no girls in their organization"

Imagine that!

[GoneOffShore]

41. Republican women

How do we explain them?
I mean I know that Ann Coulter has great legs, but she isn't a woman.
Some of the Republican women I've met seem to be otherwise nice individuals, but with this blind spot about the Party.
Some of them I'd even do, but I'd probably have to do something really nasty to their curtains afterward.

[West Coast Democrat]

46. Pork Rinds are the Ultra Cool

Didn't all of you know that?

[veganwitch]

49. riot.....i mean rightgrrl

ugh :puke:

http://www.rightgrrl.com/