I have to say I thought about the same things you mention when I first began making the Can Can dancers. But then I thought that if the people depicted in the video weren't taking their positions seriously, then I could take a break from the seriousness from Hartford's dire situation.
As far as "mockery and buffoonery", isn't that what people like Bob Engelhart and other political cartoonist get paid for everyday?
And as far as the second group of videos, two of them were made after people depicted in them asked why they weren't included in the first one.
I agree it is not my typical posting, but the numbers on the blog were also huge today, so someone enjoyed watching them and none of them were done to be distasteful.
Sorry if they offended you, but it does break up the pressure of focusing on the tremendous hurdles facing Hartford day in and day out.
You did not "offend" me, I have just com to expect better from you.
Yes Bob Englehart and others do get paid to mock, but you know going in that that is what they are going to do. that is the job description of a political cartoonist or a satirist. I view you as a journalist, one with a point of view, but a fair journalist.
The video was first made when Dr. Deutsch jokingly asked why I left him out, so I made the video with Pres. Segarra and Dr. Deutsch.
After posting it, I had phone calls from a couple of people that I value their opinion very much. As funny as they thought it was , they also thought it could be seen as making fun of Pedro as an openly gay male. I respect what Pedro is doing and have the utmost confidence in him if and when he takes over as Mayor.The last thing I wanted to do was offend him. So I swapped out his head shot with Calixto Torres, I thought he would make a better Hula dancer than Matt Ritter.
After speaking with Pres. Segarra, I think he was more upset that I removed him and he actually asked for a copy of the original. It was fun doing them, but I don't see it as adding a lot of value other than a quick break that bought some humor to many people.
From what I understand even David Panagore laughed as he watched his Can-Can video.
If you haven't figured out yet, I can definitely take the heat and having people object to a couple of comical videos is no where near the heat I have felt over other issues addressed here. I do though value the opinions of people I rely on heavily to keep me somewhat sane. Although I felt up front that Pedro has a great sense of humor, I erred on the side of caution.
Kevin-
ReplyDeleteThis is beneath you and the good work that you are doing.
Post the truth. As you always have.
Be tough. As you always have.
Hold Hartford's elected official to the highest standards.
This is mockery, buffonery and not worthy of someone that cares for Hartford as much as you do.
I have to say I thought about the same things you mention when I first began making the Can Can dancers. But then I thought that if the people depicted in the video weren't taking their positions seriously, then I could take a break from the seriousness from Hartford's dire situation.
ReplyDeleteAs far as "mockery and buffoonery", isn't that what people like Bob Engelhart and other political cartoonist get paid for everyday?
And as far as the second group of videos, two of them were made after people depicted in them asked why they weren't included in the first one.
I agree it is not my typical posting, but the numbers on the blog were also huge today, so someone enjoyed watching them and none of them were done to be distasteful.
Sorry if they offended you, but it does break up the pressure of focusing on the tremendous hurdles facing Hartford day in and day out.
Kevin-
ReplyDeleteYou did not "offend" me, I have just com to expect better from you.
Yes Bob Englehart and others do get paid to mock, but you know going in that that is what they are going to do. that is the job description of a political cartoonist or a satirist. I view you as a journalist, one with a point of view, but a fair journalist.
Please keep up the good work.
Why did you take out Pedro and substitute Calixto?
ReplyDeleteToo much heat!!
Ok, here's the explanation.
ReplyDeleteThe video was first made when Dr. Deutsch jokingly asked why I left him out, so I made the video with Pres. Segarra and Dr. Deutsch.
After posting it, I had phone calls from a couple of people that I value their opinion very much. As funny as they thought it was , they also thought it could be seen as making fun of Pedro as an openly gay male. I respect what Pedro is doing and have the utmost confidence in him if and when he takes over as Mayor.The last thing I wanted to do was offend him. So I swapped out his head shot with Calixto Torres, I thought he would make a better Hula dancer than Matt Ritter.
After speaking with Pres. Segarra, I think he was more upset that I removed him and he actually asked for a copy of the original. It was fun doing them, but I don't see it as adding a lot of value other than a quick break that bought some humor to many people.
From what I understand even David Panagore laughed as he watched his Can-Can video.
If you haven't figured out yet, I can definitely take the heat and having people object to a couple of comical videos is no where near the heat I have felt over other issues addressed here. I do though value the opinions of people I rely on heavily to keep me somewhat sane. Although I felt up front that Pedro has a great sense of humor, I erred on the side of caution.
Hopefully that answers your question.