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OPINION – by Alyssa Askeland
Is Rebecca Black the new Justin Bieber? She has a popular video, and a whiney voice just like the Bieb. This “song” has taken the world by storm with its whopping 73,678,738 views, and I’m sure it won’t stop there. This video has gone viral for its horrible lyrics, singer and video. With over 4,000 parodies, it’s hard not to laugh at this poor girl’s so called talent. If you look at the official music video on trizzy66’s youtube you’ll find the like bar 90% red! The dislikes greatly out number the 176+ thousand likes.
On Friday, April 1, Ms. Hayden’s 2nd hour class convinced the school to play this “song” over the intercom when school was dismissed. Seriously, I think my brain melted with the enhanced horror of the intercom.
As I looked farther into this girl’s life as to why anybody would want to let her open her mouth, let alone sign her, I found over 6 million search options on Google. According to mashup.com, Rebecca Black has been crowned a genius by the international music sensation Lady Gaga.
Rebecca Black is now considered a “thousandaire” but isn’t planning on keeping all the money. She will be donating the money to Japan and to her school. But I wouldn’t go buy her song on iTunes even if she is being a good person. As I watched her sing her “anthem” on the Tonight Show with Jay Lenno, I gotta tell you, she is just as horrible in real life. As a singer, my ears burn with her terrible vowels and the nasal tone escaping the clutches of her jaw. Why on earth would she put herself through this terrible experience?
As much as I hate this song, I can’t get it out of my head. It just keeps on playing over and over. That whiney “Friday” just rings in my ears, I think I’d rather be deaf than have to hear it once more. And seriously, what’s up with the random African American rapper cruising the streets singing about a thirteen-year-old girl? He seems a bit to old to be hanging out with her, don’t you think?
Personally, I feel sorry for this poor girl. She must have some serious emotional problems after all the harassment of her music video debut. As the topic of conversations on talk shows, at work places and even at the lunch table, this girl is an epic starter too chat with friends.
Thankfully, there is a silver lining to this fiasco that is giving the world the giggles. Parodies and spoofs keep us laughing at this miserable song and more are sure to appear over the next few weeks. As this song is set on the back burner as a new “sensation” enters the world wide web, don’t forget to support our local spoofers. Samual Johnson, creator of Fuzzywumpus Theatre, has recreated the song into a well crafted tale called Monday – a parody. This video is featuring Sam Johnson as “Rebecca Black,” Cody Ihnen as “The Bieb,” Aaron Johnson as a bum and many others were involved in the making of this film.
Warning: These films are not rated and may not be suitable for all eyes. Viewers discretion is advised.
Aaron Buboltz • Apr 7, 2011 at 8:37 pm
Her song is number 56 on iTunes, and you have to put yourself in the other persons shoes. What if people were talking about you on the internet like this. Would you like it?
Gage Eden • Apr 7, 2011 at 9:18 am
“This video has gone viral for its horrible lyrics, singer and video. With over 4,000 parodies, it’s hard not to laugh at this poor girl’s so called talent.”
“Seriously, I think my brain melted with the enhanced horror of the intercom.”
“As I looked farther into this girl’s life as to why anybody would want to let her open her mouth, let alone sign her…”
“As I watched her sing her “anthem” on the Tonight Show with Jay Lenno, I gotta tell you, she is just as horrible in real life. As a singer, my ears burn with her terrible vowels and the nasal tone escaping the clutches of her jaw. Why on earth would she put herself through this terrible experience?”
Alyssa I’m not on here to slam on you but there is no way you can justify what you said. “I wasn’t saying she is absolutely horrible and should have her vocal cords ripped out. Just that she simply needs some work because even in the acoustic version, she has (some) issues.” And no way to take back what you said. I have four examples (exact quotes copy/pasted right out of your article) that absolutely disgust me. And again, I’m not on here to cause problems, but you seem to put yourself on a level above her and other singers with your “as a singer” obviously she is a singer too. And many famous singers never learned the “proper” way, if one exists, which I also doubt as everyone sings their own way. I think you should take a second to put yourself in her shoes and read the article as if the topic was about “Alyssa Askeland.”
I just feel this article was an attack on Rebecca Black which was labeled an “opinion.” I also feel many of your opinions were composed in a way of factual information “my ears burn with her TERRIBLE VOWELS and the NASAL TONE” you should have emphasized that as your opinion.
Again I mean no harm in what I said, but in MY opinion this was downright uncalled for, and I do find inappropriate, but that is just my personal opion.
Gage Eden • Apr 7, 2011 at 9:18 am
opinion*
Alyssa Askeland • Apr 7, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Gage,
Yes, my article has a few things that could’ve been tweeked. But in all honesty, it is my opinion, my words, my thoughts. You, too, are entitled to your opinion, just like everyone else is able to voice theirs. She put herself out into the limelight and yes, many things have been said. Many things have been said worse, coming from the mouths of your own peers, Gage. But when you put yourself out for the public eye, criticism and praise will be thrown left and right. Sadly, this child seems to be getting more negativity than encouraging comments (yes, I did not encourage her in my article).
Alas, my article will soon fall to the back burner and then to the trash until some other writer’s opinion comes across as rude. People say things all the time that offend people. You may not be trying to offend me, but you are. You are kind of telling me that my opinion hasn’t any place in this world. You may consider my opinion article to be cyber bullying, but trashing me about my article is just the same.
In no way, shape or form was I intending to offend anybody. But just like all other critics, we get wrath from the public for something that was read the wrong way. In your eyes, this thirteen-year-old girl may have some potential. But for me, I feel as if she’ll be off the market soon, if only for a while. Only because she has a lot of learning to do. The best thing for her would be to step out of the limelight and learn what it takes to be a singer. Sure, there is deff. some auto-tone, but even in an acoustic performance she still has a very immature voice. In a few years she might be the best singer in the world. Who knows, but until them my opinion will stay strong, regardless of the insults and smashing of my article and thoughts.
Further more, I’m sorry that you don’t agree with my message. But as a writer I am encouraged to learn from my little mistakes. This article was well put together and has given us the most views for quite a long while. Even though parts of my message come across as harsh, I never intended them to be. I am keeping my article up and the comments open. Criticism is something to take into consideration, to get better. I had a few conversations today with my editors, whom encouraged me to take disapproving comments lightly. This is what I plan to do. In the future, I plan on toning down my “aggressiveness” that comes across in my choice of words. I’m learning from my mistakes as a young journalist and with practice, this type of opinion may come across more openly to the public.
-Alyssa.
Zoe Krueger • Apr 7, 2011 at 10:51 am
Exactly what I’m not pleased about. The vocabulary and harsh tone should not be acceptable on a school news website. The statements made could have been revised and changed to a manor that displays more of a professional tone, rather than simply “she IS” this, and “so-called” that.
I would feel the same way no matter who the author of this article was.
Just because we all have the right to an opinion and are allowed to speak freely, does not mean that everything we want to say should be said. What I’m saying is, have some class.
Behka • Apr 7, 2011 at 6:44 pm
Zoe argues a very strong point.
A great rule to go by is if your wouldn’t say it to their face, your certainly shouldn’t write it.
Lisa Gearheart • Apr 7, 2011 at 6:09 am
Personally, I find this article just straight up disrespectful. I agree with Zoe. There are plenty of songs that are on youtube, the radio, etc. that have horrible lyrics compared to the song “friday.” Even if you don’t like her song, there’s no reason to slam on Rebecca Black like that, or Justin Bieber in the beginning of the article. He’s been very successful, too. If you don’t like the song, just don’t listen to it.
Behka Koontz • Apr 6, 2011 at 7:29 pm
I would like to say, your writing is very well put together. However, the content is a little harsh for a thirteen year old girl who is just chasing her dream like everyone else is.
I understand that the lyrical content of the song is mediocre at best but the best example of lyrical nonsense and fame is the Beatles. They made NO sense in their later years and people still listen to them religiously so the argument that her lyrical content is a reason for her not to earn her spot is completely ridiculous.
As far as her voice, she is thirteen, she has just come in to her mature voice. Oh course her voice may sound strange. She’s just now learning how it sounds. Gage argues a strong point by saying it may have been her studio editor who changed her voice because it very well may have been.
Also, even if she did have no talent, she’s doing GREAT things for her school and for Japan. Things we couldn’t do on our best days. She could have kept all that money for herself but she insists on doing the best for everyone and I think that in itself is enough to let any problems you have with her go.
But again I say, your writing is very well put together. The negative undertones are what is rubbing people the wrong way. Don’t take this as a personal attack on you, I simply just don’t agree with your basis for argument.
Hannah Jespersen • Apr 6, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Yeah, I definitely wasn’t trying to attack you with my comment, Alyssa! You really do make great points, and the way your article is written is just pieced together really well. While I don’t agree with you, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and your opinion. It was just a little harsh for my taste!
Alyssa Askeland • Apr 7, 2011 at 7:22 am
It wasn’t meant to offend. There are three sentences I should have tweeked to make them less harsh. I wasn’t saying she is absolutely horrible and should have her vocal cords ripped out. Just that she simply needs some work because even in the acoustic version, she has (some) issues. I also was not implying that I am the best singer on the planet, I just have been taught how to sing the “proper” way. Just like her, we all have things to work on. I don’t want you to agree with me. I was simply stating my opinion of the matter.
Hannah Jespersen • Apr 6, 2011 at 6:39 pm
I agree with Lisa’s comment. It is a very disrespectful article, especially if you are someone who truly appreciates Rebecca Black’s sound. While I am not a fan of Rebecca Black’s music, I do believe that she has potential. Sure, her voice isn’t beautiful, but no one’s voice is perfect. Also, Justin Bieber has more talent than I have the right to say I have in one pinky, and he sold out Madison Square Garden in less than a day. Whiney voice? I think not.
I also agree with Zoe. There are very few artists on the radio (or anywhere for that matter) that are not computer generated in some way or another. Rebecca Black is only 13, she doesn’t deserve, in my opinion, to be bashed to such an extreme. Think of how different voices sound when they are 13 year old voices versus 17 year old voices. Think about it from a different perspective. What if this were written about you?
On the flip side, this is an opinion article. Everyone has their own opinion, though this article was a very rough and negative way to express it.
Zoe Krueger • Apr 6, 2011 at 11:56 am
As part of the AHS Journalism department, I dislike having this type of negativity on our site.
I don’t approve of Alyssa’s use of “song”, as if it’s not?
There are plenty of songs on the radio, youtube, etc., that have lyrics that make less sense than hers.
As for her voice, how do you even know that’s not computer generated and tweeked with, as so many artists’ are everyday?
Delsin Arnold • Apr 6, 2011 at 8:15 am
I’m just gonna go ahead and say that i love Rebecca Black…..she is my sunshine
Kellie Jimerson • Apr 6, 2011 at 5:34 am
I think the article posted some food for thought. And at least it received responses. How about a follow up with an article about the local students who did the “Monday” video? From what I saw they put some talent into it and at least got out there and gave it a shot.
Taylor Monson • Apr 5, 2011 at 10:32 am
I agree with Gage. Although I don’t personally enjoy Rebecca Black, she doesn’t deserve to be slammed like this. She’s thirteen years old with a record deal. That’s more than most of us can say.
Gage Eden • Apr 5, 2011 at 9:07 am
This is definitely in the same ballpark as cyber-bullying. And the fact of the matter is regardless of your opinion of her, she’s made it big. She has a record deal signed and will soon be making millions. Personally I find her lyrics quite odd but I do enjoy the song. And if she signs with a different producing company she has some real potential.
Allison Berryhill • Apr 6, 2011 at 8:10 pm
I think we run the risk of watering down the meaning of “cyber-bullying” when we use the term to describe a negative review of a movie, song, restaurant, etc. A person (in this case Black) who willingly puts her work into the public sphere invites both positive and negative responses. Cyber-bullying, on the other hand, is ridicule, teasing, belittling or pestering that is directed at a private individual.
Zoe Krueger • Apr 7, 2011 at 6:20 am
Reguardless if this qualifies as cyber-bullying, it is causing negative attention towards the needle. The public can read this and I for one do not think we need any type of negative press as a young news site.
Josh Schorle • Apr 5, 2011 at 8:50 am
In a way, it’s a little like bullying. But it all depends on how Rebecca Black sees it. can’t wait to watch the fuzzywumpus video. 🙂
Cammi Nelson • Apr 5, 2011 at 6:39 am
Even though I think the song is absolutely HORRIBLE and she isn’t that great of singer, this post is very mean and disrespectful..