Philosophy
"Weird Al" Yankovic - Word Crimes
You may remember that about a year ago Robin Thicke's song "Blurred Lines" created a storm of controversy when many critics complained that it trivialized sexual consent, thereby implicitly (if not explicitly) promoting rape culture ("I know you want it," "I hate these blurred lines," "I'll give you something big enough to tear your ass in two," etc.). Thicke and company defended themselves by citing other parts of their song ("Just let me liberate you," "That man is not your maker," etc.) as endorsements of feminist empowerment and liberation. Make of that what you will.
What no one should be able to disagree about, however, is that 'Weird Al' Yankovic's parody of the song is a comedic
tour-de-force and a poignant wake-up call to self-respect in the way we express ourselves (kind of how Stephen Fry did a while back with this incredibly powerful essay):
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Has Woody's Ameirca Been Homogenized?
On Woody Guthrie's 100th birthday, let's think about the country he loved so much. He was born in Oklahoma, driven to Texas by the dust bowl, ended up in California, New York, the Pacific Northwest, and here and there all over the country. He...
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Humility As An American Virtue
Thinking about George M. Cohan's patriotic song, "You're a Grand Old flag." The line that sticks out is: Every heart beats true 'neath the red, white, and blue where there's never a boast nor a bragIn a song extolling the virtues...
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Funny Songs: The Elements And I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-general
My Fellow Comedists, This week I begin work on a new theological tract. Yes, the annual meeting of the Lighthearted Philosophers' Society is almost upon us and my paper needs writing. I am looking at particular mechanisms for non-joke-based humorous...
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How To Find A Masculine Halloween Costume For Your Effeminate Son
So, Halloween is here, and you're probably excited about the chance to use your children as a great excuse to go trick-or-treating again. But this year you're kind of concerned that your son's effeminate mannerisms and his fervent desire to...
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Europe According To The United States Of America
Before anyone complains that the following picture is a huge misrepresentation of our levels of education in America, just remember what we really do say when asked to locate various countries on a map. And if you need a geography refresher, check out...
Philosophy