...who think they're jobs in the entertainment business are similar to soldiers in a war or being a police officer on the streets?
A few weeks ago, mega-ego actor Tom Cruise compared filming his physical scenes in a movie to a soldier fighting in Afghanistan. Cruise's obviously stupid statement was laughed at by some and attacked by others, such as Mark Walberg. Walberg, who had just finished a very physical movie in which he played Marcus Luttrell, the lone survivor of a vicious and deadly ambush in Afghanistan, told a reporter "I love Tom Cruise but he needs to shut the #!%* up!"
Recently, mega-ego rap star Kanye West said that when he's on stage he puts his life on the line just like a soldier or a police officer. Really, Kanye? A police chief in Brimfield, Ohio, took offense to West's remarks and posted an open response to him on the department's Facebook page. I have posted it below. Chief David Oliver was as polite as I'm sure he could be (and he probably had to hold back his emotions.) But I love what he said.
Dear Kanye West,
I am honored to be writing such an important star. I am a mere Internet sensation. I’m not sure I am worthy to address you, although the Huffington Post did say I was “Humorous and Insanely Popular.” I don't pay much attention to those things. Anyway, please excuse my interference in your life for a quick second.
I read your interview and also watched it on video. You said: “I’m just giving of my body on the stage and putting my life at risk, literally.….and I think about it. I think about my family and I’m like, wow, this is like being a police officer or something, in war or something.”
I want to thank you for putting your life on the line for all of us every day. I know that being a rapper is tough work. I have tried to rap, and it is very difficult to keep up with the pulse of the rhyme flow…although when Ice Ice Baby comes on the radio, I can usually keep up with ol’ Vanilla. Anywho, your job is just some very dangerous work. Most people don't consider... if you rap really fast, without a chance to inhale, you could pass out and hit your head.
That last paragraph was covered in sarcasm. I’m letting you know, just so you do not think I agree with your very ignorant assessment of your career (or any other performer) as it relates to a person in the military or a police officer’s service. You sir, are as misguided as they come. I do have a suggestion for you. Since you are accustomed to danger from your life as an international rapper, I am strongly encouraging you immediately abandon you career as a super star and join the military. After joining, I would like you to volunteer to be deployed in Afghanistan or one of the numerous other forward locations where our men an women are currently serving. When the Taliban starts shooting at you, perhaps you could stand up and let the words flow. It could be something like “I’m Kanye West, wearing a flak vest.” I’m sure they would just drop weapons and surrender. You could quite possibly end all wars, just from the enemy being star-struck.
Your line of thinking is part of the problem in the world today….which includes entertainers thinking they are something more than just entertainers. I know it is supply and demand and the demand for your services is high. I get economics. What I do not get is you EVER comparing what you do for a living to our heroic military members, who are always in harm’s way… and my brother and sister police officers who have to go to work carrying weapons and wearing a bullet-proof vest to protect themselves.
Check yourself, before you wreck yourself….Chief Oliver
Bravo, Chief! I am now going to "Friend" your department on Facebook. Since I grew up in Struthers and my dad used to live in Tallmadge I actually know where Brimfield is and have been through your pleasant little town many times. I am sure you are an inspiration to your officers and I salute you. Thanks to you and your department for what you do each day. And thanks to Kanye West for roundaboutly making me laugh!
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