Broadcasting Hate - s/o of "autism is a fraud"
Comments (22)
RE: Broadcasting Hate - s/o of "autism is a fraud"
Why don’t you just listen to the show – it’s on tonight at 6.
RE: Broadcasting Hate - s/o of "autism is a fraud"
formerly known as Michael Weiner until taking on the self-descriptive name “savage”
I think “Weiner” was adequately descriptive. ;)
That may help to explain Michael Savage. But, how do we explain his listeners and the people who actually believe and support his peddling of hate?
Jody, I think I’m going to have to be a cynic here and venture that there are a lot of people who believe what he says, whether he actually believes it or not. I think to a lot of people he “tells it like it is without any of that PC bullcrap.”
It makes me sad for the state of this nation, but I really think that’s what it is.
Any fool can know. The point is to understand. -Albert Einstein
"RE: Broadcasting Hate - s/o of "autism is a fraud" Why don’t you just listen to the show – it’s on tonight at 6."
RE: RE: Broadcasting Hate - s/o of "autism is a fraud"
Just my opinion, but I’ve read enough of his show through transcripts and quotes to never ever want to waste a second to actually listen to his bile with my own ears.
Not listening to his show doesn’t mean I can’t have an opinion about the man. Nor would listening to his show give me any insight into why people tune in and support his hate-mongering.
I’ve never understood the appeal of shock-jocks in general, and this one in particular. I just don’t understand the mindset of a person who wants to bring more negativity in their lives through the media.
But then, I’ll admit, I’m very much an oddball. I do not watch TV, I don’t listen to commercial radio, I don’t read newspapers and I rarely frequent mainstream news sites online. News is a huge Entertainment industry and it is not one I choose to support because I think it does way more harm than good.
-Tracy
Mom of Gayatri 01/02/06 and Lavanya 11/24/07
Currently Reading: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver The Sandman by Neil Gaiman
RE: Broadcasting Hate - s/o of "autism is a fraud"
Jody, I have to confess, I’ve never heard of the guy until I read your post. And like most people, I am curious and will now pay attention, but only for a moment. ( I can’t deal with a world in which there are too many Rush Limbaugh and others). Is this guy on TV? If so, details.
"RE: Broadcasting Hate - s/o of "autism is a fraud" Why don’t you just listen to the show – it’s on tonight at 6."
RE: RE: Broadcasting Hate - s/o of "autism is a fraud"
Oh, I have. I listened to his show on talkradionetwork.com before I wrote this post.
Still not a fan of his pyschological nudity.
*Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
RE: Broadcasting Hate - s/o of "autism is a fraud"
I was doing some reading on Savage too. Some people just need attention. Savage seems to be one of those people. I mean, he sued Berkeley because he was mad that he didn’t get a job. (per Wikipedia), come on! According to Wikipedia (which I know isn’t always the best source of info), he is pretty sue happy (suing advertisers who pull support after he offends them, etc). Again, doesn’t speak highly of his character.
IF he does care about social issues as he and his followers are claiming he does, then he should go about advocating for them in a helpful way. All his autism rant did was convince 8 million listeners (or lemmings) that autism isn’t real. Instead of getting a platform to talk about an issue, real autism advocates are wasting time trying to defend it. Real helpful, Savage.
Just based on the reading I did, including his own website, Savage certainly seems to be in love with himself. I am really not impressed. And kinda scared that so many people are impressed with this narcissist.
RE: Broadcasting Hate - s/o of "autism is a fraud"
Ah Jody, I’ve been wanting to initate a post like this for so long. But I’m not very eloquent and I couldn’t find the words.
I am truly interested in understanding his (and Rush’s,etc.) appeal. I’m generally of the opinion that reasonable people can disagree yet still be civil – and also that most people truly have good intentions and want the best for all of humankind. So I just can’t reconcile those beliefs with people who find these guys appealing/entertaining or whatever.
I like to think deeply about important issues and enjoy factual, reasoned, calm conversations so that I can come to a reasonable opinion. Obviously, these guys offer none of this. Yet, so many people seem to like/listen/agree with them. I do listen occasionally, because I wouldn’t feel right forming an opinion without first hand knowledge. But truly, I can only take the logical fallacy’s, blustering, lies, hate for a few minutes at a time.
I know my response has been quite biased – but it is based on actually listening to Savage/Rush, et al.
If anyone can help me understand, I’m listening.
RE: Broadcasting Hate - s/o of "autism is a fraud"
Thanks for the information. After a brief thought, I don’t think I will listen. Once you hear one, you have heard them all.
With regards to your question, maybe it some form of self-loathing. However, for the brief time they are on the air or people are tuning in, while they preach their hate, they feel accepted and can escape their pain. Maybe it’s kinda like the addict who needs his fix and then he ok for a while. Sadly, it doesn’t last.
RE: Broadcasting Hate - s/o of "autism is a fraud"
Jody, I too am dumbfounded and, quite honestly, very saddened. Why anyone would support hate is completely beyond me. I’ve always preferred surrounding myself with those that lift children and adults alike up, rather than demeaning and tearing them down, be it for shock, money, or whatever reason.
This is a little off topic, Jody, but Greysmommy(sp?) made an excellent point last night. If people really want Savage and his brand of hatred gone, we need to let the station that airs his show we are boycotting it AND every sponsor or advertiser. Zero tolerance for advocating demeaning children, be it that they have autism or not.
Greysmommy, if you are out there, could you post the email address of the station manager again? Any way to get a list of sponsors for his show?
RE: Broadcasting Hate - s/o of "autism is a fraud"
Okay last post :) Keep in mind this is only my opinion but I think most of the people who listen to that show DO NOT take everything seriously, I most certainly don’t. Does anyone want to know why I listen to Rush though? A while back I coudln’t stand Rush I thought he was exactley what other people were saying he was. I was forced to listen to the show once and realized that it’s pretty funny and not at all what people make it out to be. If you really want to know about something you have to experience it – and not just sound bites, listen to an entire broadcast.
Post a comment
To write a new comment, log in.
HELP, Nursery workers Reconized
Need help....quick! :)
Submitted by Jody on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:24 AM
I will admit it upfront. I don’t get it. I don’t get the mass appeal of someone like Michael Savage (formerly known as Michael Weiner until taking on the self-descriptive name “savage”).
I’ve read a bit about Weiner since yesterday and sources agree that Weiner is someone who has spent the most part of his life trying to get noticed and be famous and has transformed his persona and reincarnated himself to make the most of any and every opportunity.
He has gone from his strict Jewish upbringing, to being a herbalist and nutritionist, married in a rainforest to his second wife, giving his son the middle name “Goldencloud,” traveling through the Fiji Islands, to living in Northern California, to transforming into the mouthpiece for his Savage Nation.
For years, he made a name cranking out a pile of books on alternative medicine, recommending bizarre remedies such as using vitamin C to stop AIDS and kicking cocaine with coffee enemas.
After many job losses and denials, the loss of friends from his bizarre and aggressive behavior, and the denial of a publishing company to publish yet another book, he still sought fame. He dreamed about being a stand-up comic but when that didn’t materialize either, he took his aggressive nature to radio.
He joked about Jewish celebrities. He spewed hate for just about anyone, except for conservative white males. His outrageousness knew no limits and he is, for whatever reason, an outraged white male.
He has joked about Ted Kennedy’s brain cancer, on the day that Kennedy’s diagnosis was made public. He has told a caller to “get AIDs and die.” He has ventured into about every area of hot button issues with hate, arrogance, insensitivity, and misinformation. He is like a child having a rant, instead of an adult having an intelligent conversation. And still people listen.
An old friend, Robert Cathcart, thinks Weiner intentionally exaggerates his politics and personality to get a rise out of his audience. “It’s showmanship,” he says. “He makes enemies of everybody. He doesn’t believe half the stuff he says.”
Former “Savage Nation” producer James Hilliard concurs. “I think Michael does have an excellent sense of putting on a show,” he says. “I think he learned or was told at an early point that this is an entertainment medium, and he thought of himself as an entertainer.”
The following quote may explain a lot. In one of his many, many books, Michael Savage wrote, “I was raised on neglect, anger, and hate. But growing up with little parental approval or praise was a good thing, he says. “Frankly, that’s why I’m driven the way I am.” (The Savage Nation)
I suppose anyone raised on neglect, anger and hate, will give back to the world neglect, anger and hate.
That may help to explain Michael Savage. But, how do we explain his listeners and the people who actually believe and support his peddling of hate? How does it explain the Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney appearing on Savage’s show and giving credence to the guy?
Are people just listening to see when he crosses the line for good? Are they not taking him seriously and just want to be entertained? Or, do they actually support what he says?
Try as I might, I don’t see the appeal of shock jocks and hate mongers. Can anyone explain it?
*Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”