Wow. It appears that choreographers Mia Michaels and Wade Robson whipped up quite a bit of controversy in response to the 10 anti-war dance solos that were performed on Wednesday night's episode of the Fox TV reality series So You Think You Can Dance. I hadn't realized that Mia Michaels was wearing Marine Dress Blues with upside down Marine emblems on the sleeves when I wrote yesterday's article discussing the solos. (video here)
According to Michaels the blouse was a gift and she had no idea that anyone would be offended. But her explanation misses the point. (all emphasis mine throughout)
Emmy-nominated choreographer Mia Michaels thought she was going to have a wonderful day. She woke up this morning to find hundreds of messages posted on her website. "And I thought, wow, I must've been a really good judge last night," says Michaels.
But then she opened the messages and was shocked by their tone and content. "It was hate mail," she says simply. "Saying things like, 'You should be ashamed of yourself.' It was really intense. It was awful."
The writers were responding to a jacket worn by Michaels on Wednesday's show. She had no idea that anyone would be offended by it, she says. She simply thought she was being fashionable by wearing a navy blue military jacket that happened to have a Marine emblem, upside down, on the sleeves. After hearing the feedback, Michaels tried to make amends on the air. "I understand why people were upset and I respect that," she says. "That symbol is sacred to the Marines, it's what they earned. The problem needed to be addressed and I'm glad we addressed it. That's why I made a public apology."
First of all let's dispense of the notion that the phrase "You should be ashamed of yourself" is anything related to hate mail. That is simply ridiculous. Why is it always considered hate mail when people disagree with the views of anti-war expression? People are rightfully upset.
I accept the fact that perhaps Michaels' didn't realize how strongly people would feel about the issue but this goes beyond a simple upside down emblem. The dress blues themselves are sacred to the men and women who have earned the right to wear them. Military personnel follow strict guidelines pertaining to dress codes. Even more importantly, fallen Marines are often buried in their dress blues. The uniform is important to the families and members of the U.S. military and it should be respected.
The fact that Mia Michaels wore the blouse (not jacket) with an upside down Marine emblem on the same night that Wade Robson choreographed an anti-war dance solo is not some mere coincidence in my estimation.
Getting angry e-mails from people who are sensitive to these facts should be expected.
Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe also apologized for the misunderstanding on last night's follow up show.
But the problem didn't stop with her. Adding to the perfect storm of controversy on Wednesday night's show was Dance's other Emmy-nominated choreographer, Wade Robson. He had fashioned the 10 identical solo dances around an antiwar theme. Set to the music of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change," the dancers wore peace symbols and printed slogans. That put executive producer Nigel Lythgoe in the crosshairs of more angry feedback from those who believe that an antiwar dance means the show and its dancers are unpatriotic and do not support the troops. "Who would've dreamt - with the dancers using words like 'humility,' 'love' and 'passion' - that I would be defending a television show that uses words like that?" asks Lythgoe, who also apologized on air.
But at the same time, Lythgoe stood his ground. "Art should be allowed to make statements," he said. "I'm so proud to be part of a show that allows freedom of expression," says Michaels. "Nigel has allowed us to be who we are. He never edits us and he lets us express ourselves as artists. I think that is rare and extraordinary."
I agree with Lythgoe, art should be allowed to make statements. But as an entertainer he must also be aware that not all people who enjoy the tremendous talent being presented share the same views. You should expect people to react if you are going to present an anti-war or pro-peace performance with Vietnam era anti-war symbols. This isn't rocket science yet all of these people act as if they are absolutely stunned that people would react to such artistic statements. Isn't that the point?
That being said, both Michaels and Lythgoe did apologize and perhaps we can all move on from this incident. I personally believe that people tune into shows like So You Think You Can Dance as a form of escape. Entertainment is a way to get away from the realities of life. That is the winning formula that most everyone can appreciate.
Terry Trippany is the editor at Webloggin
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Didn't realize upside down was not correct?
July 27, 2007 - 13:52 ET by Lame CherryReally like these liars in deliberately taking a shot at the US Marines disgracing them and then in clever Clinton speak didn't think anyone would be offended.
Cute line as what she is stating is she knew it was wrong and did it anyway as a cowardly attack against the United States.
Then she is like Timberlake boob Superbowl show not character enough to say she did it.
I think John Wayne in True Grit would term Mia a "squat assassin".
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Well you know what, Mia?
July 28, 2007 - 06:46 ET by motherbeltWell you know what, Mia? Those who wrote to you "had no idea [you] would be offended" by them saying you should be ashamed of yourself.) That's what you consider "hate mail" and "intense" and "really awful"????????
Good grief. Get a grip. Sheesh.
I have a great idea for a
July 27, 2007 - 13:59 ET by Airforce_5_OI have a great idea for a reality show.
We will call it “So you think you can be a Solider?”
We get all these whining Libs from across the USA. Rosie, Baldwin, Penn, ect… We put them through basic then a 18 month deployment to Iraq and see if they survive.
Compelling TV? Probably not. Great to watch and laugh your a$$ off watching them do the obstacle course. You bet.
The only thing you should feel when shooting insurgents is the rifle recoil.
In praise of a great idea
July 27, 2007 - 18:07 ET by UnsaneIf they put that on PPV, I'd gladly pay for the privilege of viewing it. Great idea. :-)
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Watching them fail at
July 27, 2007 - 14:40 ET by mvfreemanWatching them fail at something they claim only losers and retards sign up for would be compelling tv for me.
;)
I watch the show, and I
July 27, 2007 - 14:21 ET by Reality CheckI watch the show, and I recall feeling a bit uncomfortable with the 10 identical 'anti-war' solos. However, it's dance. You can interpret it as you wish. Quite frankly, I think that Mia Michael's apology was genuine, and I believe that she really had no idea she was wearing upside-down Marine emblems.
I was surprised to hear Nigel describe their position, regarding "both of our countries being at war", as "totally supportive".
I think Nigel made a good point when he explained that no one is really "pro-war". I have always supported what we're doing in Iraq, and if you doubt that, check out my blog... but look... if Saddam had never been an oppressive, brutal dictator, and had never been a threat to my country, his people, and his neighbors, than this war would not have been necessary, and that would have been better. So, I guess I'm "anti-war" the way that Nigel describes.
As a fan of the show, I'm happy with the way they handled this.
Reality Check
I agree with your comments.
July 27, 2007 - 14:41 ET by contraryI agree with your comments. Having anti-war dance solos that do not denigrate the troops are something the artists have a right to preform. (not that I am deciding what rights they have) Freedom of expression and all. Just as I have the right not to view their art, or make up my own in support of what we're doing over there. JMHO.
Good summation of how supporters of the Iraq policy are labeled "pro-war." I can't think of anyone I know who wants to go to foreign countries just to kill lots of people, or provoke a world conflict.
HI Reality Check, The
July 27, 2007 - 14:52 ET by Darth DutchHI Reality Check,
The main issue I had with the dances was the choice of song. Yes, you can be anti-war, and as you said, who is "pro-war" in the strict sense of the word? Choosing the John Mayer song isn't just about being anti-war; it's about being anti-Bush and this administration. Again, that's fine if one feels that way, but when you choose the topic (anti-war), the song (anti-Bush) and the clothing and put it all together, it doesn't seem to be just a coincidence and they shouldn't be surprised when people express that kind of feedback.
Most people in the performing arts & in Hollywood are liberal as it is, so it's not very surprising to see them want to bag on the war & on Bush.
Dutch
Ok reality, you just went
July 27, 2007 - 15:11 ET by Airforce_5_OOk reality, you just went the long way around to get to the point.
You thinking is flawed as to how Saddam was a threat. If he had stayed in power in Iraq the way it was going, continued sanctions and illegal money use under the UN's cash cow called Oil for Food, he had an open door for terrorist to walk right in.
The area of Iraq is the key to stabilizing the region and fighting the terrorist off our soil.
Hollywood, including your dear Nigel, are idiots. Supporting the Troops and not the war is a stupid concept. Ask any solider and they will tell you the same thing. It is an excuse to make them feel good. They should be thankful these people are there to defend and protect there rights to "Peace Dance'" their a$$es off.
The only thing you should feel when shooting insurgents is the rifle recoil.
Airforce...
July 27, 2007 - 15:15 ET by LionKingWell stated, again.
Liberals, remember this:
You got me all wrong
July 28, 2007 - 08:29 ET by Reality CheckAirforce_5_0 said:
Please don't misunderstand me. I totally agree that Saddam needed to be removed from power as soon as possible, and I believe that we did it exactly the way it needed to be done. It will be hard for you to find anyone more supportive of what we're doing in the middle east, and again, please take a look at my blog if you doubt this.
I was only saying that had Saddam not been an oppressive, brutal, power hungry anti-American thug, we never would have had to ask you guys to put your lives at risk. So, just to be abundantly clear: I believe this war is just, necessary, and critical to win. I also believe that things are going a lot better than the press would have us believe.
Nigel is not 'dear' to me. I was just saying that I thought his point was valid, and that I was suprised to hear him describe the show's position as 'totally supportive'. It told me that he didn't want us to think that the whole show was an overt anti-Iraq-war Bush bash. As a supporter of the war, I appreciate the clarification. Not knowing much about him, I am willing to take him at his word.
I am, in general, opposed to war. I would prefer that you guys get to be home with your families because there's nothing out there to fight. Sadly, because of scum like Saddam, because of Al Qaeda and other extremist groups, and due to the military incompetence of so many of our supposed allies, it falls on you guys in the US military (I assume you're in the Air Force) to address just about every threat to freedom that comes along.
This is why I am very supportive of just, necessary wars, like the war in Iraq. I believe in what we're doing, and I also know that we're winning. I don't want you guys to come home yet because while things are improving, you're not quite done yet.
Thank you for what you'e doing to keep us free and safe, and I apologize for my half of the misunderstanding. Here's to victory and a safe return.
Reality Check
I think her apology was
July 27, 2007 - 15:18 ET by Conservative VoiceI think her apology was genuine. You could see it in her face. Nigel looked like he was walking the tight rope, saying just enough to appease those who were offended, but not too much to offend the anti-bush crowd. I did like what he said about no one is pro-war, and he seemed supportive of the Iraq war.
The only thing that I was surprised by his statement is it seems artists are allowed to make statements -- and everyone is suppose to say wow...no one is allowed to make their own statement of dislike, unless its on the artist's ability to perform, but not on the overall message. I don't hold the dancers responsible, as that was a job.
The fact that they even apologized I think says something about the audience.
I'm not sure if any of the
July 27, 2007 - 17:42 ET by Darth DutchI'm not sure if any of the dancers were in this position or not, but I feel badly for them if they were forced to perform a dance that was anti-war when they are for the Iraq War. They were forced to do something in support of someone's political opinion in order to keep their job.
Imagine if the choreographer was pro-war and wanted them to do a dance on that? Anyone here think that wouldn't cause an uproar?
Dutch
Most of them wouldn't even
July 27, 2007 - 14:27 ET by ricklailMost of them wouldn't even survive basic. If you said a cross word they would run to the nearest media and let it be known what was said.
A bonafided and certified member of the beer guzzling, NASCAR watching middle class.
Most of them would probably
July 27, 2007 - 14:35 ET by balboaMost of them would probably acknowledge that they couldn't survive basic, too. I don't think they claimed they could.
I have only one question:
July 27, 2007 - 16:08 ET by Sonny LykosI have only one question: Would anti-gay dances be considered "art" too.
anti-American is A-OK with the left
July 27, 2007 - 16:34 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsHow about anti-islamic dances? Does stomping on the quran count as art?
D
I don't support our liberals or their mission.
Not that the Marine's image
July 27, 2007 - 16:44 ET by mostlymoderateNot that the Marine's image could ever be diminished below anything but superb, this was just a feeble jab by a low-class show on a low-class TV network. I never had the privilege of serving as a Marine, but every Marine I ever knew (and LOTS of them) have been the most fantastic people I have ever known. Both in business and in the law.
I kinda think this hits the
July 27, 2007 - 17:48 ET by UndercoverConservativeI kinda think this hits the meat of the matter. the only folks who'd feel anything less for the USMC because of a few fruit flies buzzing around making half arsed autistic(err artistic) statements, aren't going to be the type of people the USMC would want showing them respect.
As for the apologies and other staged BS, I don't buy any of it. I don't care how "sincere" she seemed. How many takes were needed to film the proper "sincerity"? Does being a good actor or an outright sociopath make these 'accidental' insults blame-free?
As someone else posted, if it had been even remotely anti-gay, it wouldnt have mattered if the artist had committed ritual suicide to atone, they wouldve still been burned at the stake for their "hypocrasy".
You watch, there will be more idiotarians doing more political left statements, some anti Christian stuff soon.
This is why I will not have cable or satellite installed in my home. I get enough mental crap on the Internet news and at work. I'm not gonna pay $60 or more a month for a high pressure sewage hose into my living room.
EvilCon555 Let's see....a
July 27, 2007 - 18:34 ET by EvilCon555EvilCon555
Let's see....a "peace dance" competition....a Marine symbol purposely askew...Even if one does not know the correct way to wear the symbol, ignorance is not an excuse - you use the symbol, you should know what it stands for and how it should be displayed.
Let's imagine this scenario - you "give the finger" to someone in the next car over who just cut you off. That individual returns your display and leans on their horn, showing that they are "ashamed of you". You then state you had "no idea" that this particular finger was offensive - you dear sir, are an idiot of monstrous proportions. You displayed that finger at a moment of anger, and you darn well knew it would raise some hackles, even if you didn't know what it's true literal meaning might be.
These morons displayed that upside down Marine symbol during a moment of anti-war "peaceiness" and called it "art" - a protective veil for many pathetic cowards these days. I would respect them all more if they owned up to the use of the symbol. At this point we are victims of their cruel joke, all of us. Or are we?
These so called Choreographers are liberal weenies who have been paid by the network to make a political statement. And we watched it!! And OK'd it!! They are laughing all the way to the bank...and influencing countless members of society in a very sinsiter way, under the guise of art and entertainment. SHAME ON THEM ALL!!! And us for allowing it....
Boycott this hideous show and the network - NOW! They are hypocrites of the worst kind and many of you posting here have fallen for their garbage because we all "enjoy a little entertainment". Shame on YOU!
And yes - the idea of sending the Rose O's of the world to try and see if they can make it through the first 5 minutes of boot camp is more than compelling TV, it should be mandatory for anyone who wants to make money dishonoring our troops. Shame on all of you who think this is a good thing to watch on TV. Here - see this finger? It really isn't the middle one and I had no idea what it meant when I figuratively displayed it on this blog. Please forgive me....
"Not the cry, but the flight of the wild duck, leads the flock to fly and follow" Chinese Proverb
Oh, come on...
July 28, 2007 - 08:55 ET by Reality CheckEvilCon555 said:
...are you sure you're not overreacting just a little?
It's totally believable to me that a professional dance choreographer has no idea which way is up on the Marine Corps logo.
I still say that the real story here is the number of Iraq war supporters who wrote in. I figured I had to be the only one who watched the show! That's the good news in all of this.
People... c'mon... it's a dance competition!
Reality Check
Exactly RC, The real
July 28, 2007 - 16:28 ET by Conservative VoiceExactly RC,
The real story isn't the apology, its they felt the need to apologize immediately and forcefully, because of pressure from the audience.
I do think her apology was genuine, and I think Nigels was as well, though I did sense that Nigel was chosing his words rather carefully.
Yep
July 28, 2007 - 18:19 ET by Reality CheckI would agree with all of that.
Reality Check
I didn't know the song
July 28, 2007 - 07:57 ET by Reality CheckDarth Dutch said:
I'll defer to you as to whether the song is an outright repudiation of the Iraq War - I'll confess to never having heard it before (but boy, after hearing it 10 times in an hour and a half, I sure know it now!).
I agree with the rest of your comments, and honestly, I'm very pleasantly surprised that enough people got their dander up to get the attention of the show's producers. When the press echo chamber preps the Hollywood left to expect near 100% agreement with their anti-war view, I bet it was a shock to realize how many people disagree, and are willing to speak up about it.
It also must have been a shock to discover how many dance fans disagree - that's probably not a big war support demographic!
My point was merely that the interpretation is totally personal. For example, suppose the show does a patriotic piece next week. To me, that wouldn't necessarily imply support for Bush! Others might disagree, and write in, and boycott. I would laugh at them, but I would respect their interpretation and encourage them to speak up.
Reality Check
Agreed. Your point here is
July 28, 2007 - 11:17 ET by Terry TrippanyAgreed. Your point here is great. There must have been an over whelming number of upset fans to prompt a public apology.
They also made a point to note that Lauren was doing her dance for her brother in the air force who will likely be deployed next year. Something I am not sure they would have emphasized if there wasn't so much attention.
The combo of the song choice, 10 renditions of Wade's anti-war dance, Vietnam era anti-war symbols and the dress blues with upside down Marine emblems came together as a package that was interpreted by many to be offensive. I don't doubt that there is a diversity of views by the cast members and contestants, many who may be completely out of synch with the Hollywood left.
But it also highlights how certain messages are pushed onto others in the business. None of the contestants could have chosen not to do the song because that would have resulted in certain elimination. It's not really a prejudice in this case but is in line with actors and producers who have had issues working in the Hollywood community because they don't support the anti-war left. Unemployment is a huge incentive to buy silence and submission.
Conspiracy? I think not. Eye opening to the producers? I hope so.
Silence is interpreted as validation so I am glad that so many people spoke up about this.
The funny thing is that many anti-war people are upset about the apology. Not much middle ground here.
I would hope that it doesn't result in a boycott and I doubt it would. There is no doubt that many were turned off. It all seems to have turned out fine in the end.