America's Moral Outrage Over Kanye West!

Full disclosure: I didn't watch the VMAs last night. Besides having an almost allergic reaction every time I hear/see anything on MTV, there were much better things to watch. But I didn't need to see it to know that something "shocking" happened between Kanye West and Taylor Swift. While obviously an abnormal event, the indignation over what happened and the reaction to the incident are really surprising in light of both history and the reality of the situation. If you will:

1. Let's not forget that he was right. Beyonce's video was better. Audra said it. I'm saying it. It's not debatable.
2. The most incredible thing about the reaction is the apparent shock. Not that it's an excuse, but he's done this time and time and time again. The last thing anyone should be is surprised.
3. So Kanye stole Ms. Swift's "moment." Really? Winning an MTV Video Music Award is a "moment?" I mean, obviously, it matters to Kanye (a lot). But we're talking about a girl who's had experience with award nominations AND wins. Granted, her breakthrough as a "country" artist on MTV is significant, but let's not make this a bigger deal than it is.
4. More indignation: "She's just a girl!" Yeah, she's 19, but she's also a platinum-selling recording artist who's listed on Forbe's Most Powerful Celebrities list. Maybe she's a little more mature than your average 19 year-old. And by the way... anyone who looks like that isn't allowed to talk about how the football players don't notice her. Period.
5. If you're a conspiracy theorist, consider this: everyone benefitted from the situation. MTV did... the VMAs are all anyone talked about this morning. Beyonce looks like a gracious matron of pop stars. Taylor Swift (if possible) becomes more sympathetic and even more popular. And Kanye, ever the purveyor of the old adage "no press is bad press," has people talking about him. Who's to say this wasn't cleverly planned? (Note: I don't believe this because the reactions seemed genuine. But still...)

I don't think anyone would defend Kanye's actions. He's a dolt, and yes... undoubtedly egotistical. But why anyone would be up in arms, surprised, or self-righteous about his award-show improvisation is either ignorant to the past or just looking for something to complain about. Let's not forget, these are musicians worth millions and millions of dollars. They'll probably be okay. Let's save the outrage for things that really matter.

That being said, I'd probably cry if he did that to me, too... I'm just sensitive like that.

(Photo: Jason DeCrow/AP via LA Times)

"For God and the Gays" - VMA Ruminations

The VMAs no longer have as much cultural influence as they did in the heyday of MTV but they still provide some entertaining moments. I came into the show really looking forward to the Michael Jackson tribute and Lady Gaga's VMA debut. Here are few of my thoughts from the show.

Maybe it was because I was focused on cooking my dinner but at first I thought Madonna's speech was awkward. Listening to it a second time at the beginning of the replay I appreciated her honesty and it actually seemed to come from the heart. The tribute was perfect in that it focused on the moves that made Michael a star and helped make MTV a success. Janet's appearance gave me immediate chills and I love that how she was able to dance alongside her brother once again in one of my favorite dance routines ever. It was also awesome how she was surrounded by some of the most prominent choreographers of today (Wade Robson, Tina Landon, Laurie Ann Gibson, Brian Friedman, Tyce Diorio..I couldn't place the others) who no doubt wanted to support their friend.


Kanye vs. Taylor Swift - I totally agree with him in that Beyonce was WAY more deserving but you just DON'T DO THAT! Looks like he'll have to do some heavy lifting to regain any shred of likeability after this gaffe....aaaaand the VMAs just broke Twitter.

Lady Gaga's first bold move was performing "Paparazzi" instead of her other singles. I'm pretty sure one of her dancers was on the audition episode of SYTYCD this week - can anyone confirm this? And just in case you didn't believe the dance world is small there goes Mark from Season 4! You knew things couldn't stay relatively tame for too long with Gaga on the stage - out comes the wheelchair, crutch and blood. Performance art much? Regardless the choreography was tight and you gotta give her props for always bringing something new.

Beyonce comes out looking ridiculously amazing per usual and sounded great - actual singing! Some people may think Single Ladies is played out but the visual of having all those girls up there in unison was spectacular.

Eminem is scary skinny now...and did he really need a bodyguard onstage?

Pink gets credit for pulling off her acrobatic act even if she wasn't singing (it was hard to tell)

How many outfits did Lady Gaga bring tonight?

Beyonce totally deserved Video of the Year and by letting Taylor Swift come out and have her moment showed that she is just as classy a person as she is amazing performer.

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys killed it. Period. But who told Lil' Mama to go onstage?

Another VMAs has come and gone and it again has done what it does best...got people talking. The internets are abuzz and heaven knows we'll be hearing about Kanye for days to come. Odds that the Today show covers it tomorrow??