Season 12 General Discussion

[bluesbrother]

I've spent quite a bit of time on these boards today and I'm surprised by the backlash against AI, the judges and the obviously very talented girls who made it through last night - and the contestants on previous nights.

Many posters are implying, or stating outright, that there is some kind of 'anti-white' conspiracy going on. I really find such opinions distasteful. 

I'm just thankful that these boards are moderated, because otherwise the flaming race-based insults would no doubt be much worse.

I happen to agree with the judges' decisions about last night. I feel that those who gave the most talented performances made it through.

But that's not really the point. Professionals like the four judges did not get to where they are today through sinking to choosing one 'color' of skin over another. They are all highly talented and they appreciate talent. To suggest otherwise is demeaning not to them but to those who make such comments. 

[poisnivyred]

spending one day here isn't really enough to understand why such posts are made.. the whole "white guy with guitar" thing has been a topic for years, which just brings the discussion of the possibility that Idol is trying to skew things to avoid that type of winner this year.  It's not that anyone is against a certain race winning, or are thinking racist thoughts, it's just something that members here  have speculating about over the past few seasons.  I hope you don't read too much into it and stick around, there are many more topics here that you may enjoy.

[G_ Web]

If you think any of my posts implied such things you are way off base.

I did see the thread that was posted - and has already been removed - that I assume prompted you to start thread on the issue.

[AIMOD-Maria]

re: the post deleted. No ad hominem attacks.

[syblcat]

I agree, but I'm getting used to it as it is not new to this season.

I also think it's not so much race, per se as, "I identify with this woman or that man, and not with the other one." Race is just a part of it. Genre, regional affiliation, rural vs. urban background,, age, gender... I don't think too many here would flat out say "I wish there were more white people." But if you looked at the record collections of a lot of us, I think we'd see patterns that are relevant to what the poster is complaining about.

And Poison Ivy is right. A lot of what newer posters mistake as a race discussion is really an old topic about the streak of white male guitar playing winners.

[bluesbrother]

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poisnivyred wrote:

spending one day here isn't really enough to understand why such posts are made.. the whole "white guy with guitar" thing has been a topic for years, which just brings the discussion of the possibility that Idol is trying to skew things to avoid that type of winner this year.  It's not that anyone is against a certain race winning, or are thinking racist thoughts, it's just something that members here  have speculating about over the past few seasons.  I hope you don't read too much into it and stick around, there are many more topics here that you may enjoy.

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I'd rather not repeat some comments I've read on these boards - one that was made a few minutes ago was removed by a moderator.

The posts I'm referring to are not just about trying to prevent certain types of contestants from winning, but also about trying to sway the competition in favor of a certain demographic.

There is no way to prove such wild accusations. Competitions like this boil down to a matter of taste. The judges have stated their opinions/tastes. Soon the AI viewing public gets a chance to voice theirs. Why stir up such bitter discussions of which this country has had far too many?

[aharris33]

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bluesbrother wrote:

I've spent quite a bit of time on these boards today and I'm surprised by the backlash against AI, the judges and the obviously very talented girls who made it through last night - and the contestants on previous nights.

Many posters are implying, or stating outright, that there is some kind of 'anti-white' conspiracy going on. I really find such opinions distasteful. 

I'm just thankful that these boards are moderated, because otherwise the flaming race-based insults would no doubt be much worse.

I happen to agree with the judges' decisions about last night. I feel that those who gave the most talented performances made it through.

But that's not really the point. Professionals like the four judges did not get to where they are today through sinking to choosing one 'color' of skin over another. They are all highly talented and they appreciate talent. To suggest otherwise is demeaning not to them but to those who make such comments. 

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If someone feels like there is a "anti white" conspiracy then why should that offend you? It is the right of everyone to voice their concerns! Would you be as upset if people were saying it was anti AA or another race, or does that just apply if someone says it is anti white this year? I'm sorry to offend anyone but to me it does seem as if they are not letting as many white people through. Do I think less white people tried out? No, not from the crowds it showed at audition. If white is the majority wouldn't it make sense to you that  more white people make it? It just seems very "set up" IMHO only so please don't delete me for saying this. I just say what others think and are to scared to say. I don't care if it's not a popular statement, it is mine! And I have a right to it. As do you!

[boom-shaka]

I think you might also find that many of the worst posts are made by people with post counts of only 1 or 2, meaning they likely signed up just to be disruptive and start arguments with no intention of ever posting again.  I don't think you'll find that much vitriol from those who choose to stick around and discuss things, which I hope you do.

[poisnivyred]

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bluesbrother wrote:

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poisnivyred wrote:

spending one day here isn't really enough to understand why such posts are made.. the whole "white guy with guitar" thing has been a topic for years, which just brings the discussion of the possibility that Idol is trying to skew things to avoid that type of winner this year.  It's not that anyone is against a certain race winning, or are thinking racist thoughts, it's just something that members here  have speculating about over the past few seasons.  I hope you don't read too much into it and stick around, there are many more topics here that you may enjoy.

---

I'd rather not repeat some comments I've read on these boards - one that was made a few minutes ago was removed by a moderator.

The posts I'm referring to are not just about trying to prevent certain types of contestants from winning, but also about trying to sway the competition in favor of a certain demographic.

There is no way to prove such wild accusations. Competitions like this boil down to a matter of taste. The judges have stated their opinions/tastes. Soon the AI viewing public gets a chance to voice theirs. Why stir up such bitter discussions of which this country has had far too many?

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there's no way to prove most of the things people post about here, 99% of everything is just a matter of opinion or taste. Sometimes we state things in a way that makes it sound like we know for sure something is the truth, but we all really know that it's opinion.  And there's always going to be people that stir things up.  Especially after an elimination night.  Many, many people sign up here just to complain and stir the pot, sometimes, we call the really extreme cases of these posters "trolls" because causing a ruckus is their whole reason to be here.

[naimanlauren]

I too am concerned about some of the posts made today.  Time after time I've seen certain posters personally attack other posters that have a different opinion than they do.  While I may not agree with everyone, I'm certainly not going to assume or read into their posts to make sure that everyone is made aware of the fact that I feel my opinion is more worthwhile or deserving of praise than anyone else's. There are lots of wonderful, fun, crazy, smart, funny, intelligent, resourceful, happy, charming, snarky, sweet, enlightening, sarcastic, humble, kind, helpful and truly GREAT people on these boards and I for one feel very lucky to have taken the time to truly get to know so many of them. Some folks need to stop judging other people before they take the time to get to know them.  You might find that you have a new friend instead of creating antagonism and frustration.