Dancing with the Devil

I recently discovered the writing of Andy Whitman (fellow Ohio University alum) in Paste, where he most recently found himself relating to Bob Dylan's "melodic middle-finger salute." Whitman admires Dylan's "When the Ship Comes In" from The Times They Are A-Changin', and believes it to be the "greatest apocalyptic revenge song ever written." "Why settle for a mere insult when you can summon wholesale destruction on an epic, biblical scale?" Whitman asks.

Whitman says, deep in his heart he wants to smile on his brother--but it's so hard to hold on to that sentiment as you are being cut off on the freeway, or when a "brazen telemarketer" interrupts your dinner.

Though I'm sure I've probably read his stuff in past issues of Paste, this particular piece in the Scrapbook really sang to me. After learning he is from Westerville, Ohio--a place where I've had the pleasure of munching on freshly baked doughnuts in a quaint bakery at 2 a.m. on a balmy winter night--I wanted to know more about him. I googled him and found his blog, Razing the Bar. A particularly old post about his beef with American Idol hit a nerve with me. I felt strongly compelled to leave a comment along with the 57 other people. I signed up with blogspot, and acquired this very blog that you are reading now--just so I could tell Andy the story below. Unfortunately, his blog only allows comments from "team members." I'm still new to this blog thing, but I think that means, "You weren't invited to this party. Loser-face."

I don't want this venting to go to waste. So enjoy:

Andy,

I've only recently discovered your writing, but consider me your newest fan. Though I'm rather late to the table on this post, I'd like to contribute to the discussion. This reminds me of an equally soul-sucking show that is brainwashing our country. Dancing with the Stars. Maybe you've heard of it. I've never sat through an episode, but it is something my mom has been known to watch... and therefore I am fully aware of the spectacle. I have to say I'm with you on the possessing a true desire to love mankind... but this show is only one of the many reasons why that is a most challenging goal.

Let me cut to the chase and share with you a conversation that I overhead in an elevator about a month ago. Two women, one in her early 30s and the other approaching 40, were discussing what a blessing Dancing with the Stars is for the citizens of this great nation. They continued to praise the show saying it is exactly what people need--it is bringing culture to our dumbed-down society. I bit my tongue. Held my breath. Tightened nearly every muscle in my body. Waited till I reached my floor, and exited the elevator. Suddenly, I could breathe again. Forgive them, for they know not what they do.