You Can't Argue With That!

[Andromeda]

One of the things I've learned is that opinions can be argued with but feelings cannot. I'm referring to the subjectivity of all things artistic. For example, if I say the Beatles were the best band ever, that will open the door for someone that disagrees with me to argue my point. However, if I rephrase it and say, the Beatles are my favorite band of all time, I have made a statement you can't argue against because what I am saying is objectively true for me. Saying they are the best band ever is subjective and open to debate.

This goes with any subjective subject from sports or music. So when I talk to people about movies, a subject of passion for me, I never say that a certain movie is good or bad because that is subjective and open for argument. But if I say I liked or disliked a movie that is objective because I either did or did not like it (or I was ambivalent or disappointed) and that can leave the door open for discussion and not argument.

[Long Jon]

Ok Bill , I will rise to your challenge.


The Beatles are NOT your favourite band of all time !

[mdunn]

Your fondness for the Beatles is just a ruse.
You are obviously too embarrassed to tell everyone your favorite band is the Shaggs.

[SFCRetired]

You are quite correct. We always need to be aware of how we phrase things and not opine opinions as facts.

[buddyhu]

I'm betting that someone WILL argue with that...probably within 24 hours of your post.

[Denny B]

Ah, yes...the internet...the place where someone who knows nothing about you will tell you in 6 lengthy paragraphs and minute detail that your OPINION is wrong...

[patchmcg]

I think Ovations are fantastic guitars, so I have no idea what you're talking about at all....

Who, then, should be the arbiter of the worthiness of any form of artistic expression?

[BrunoBlack]

Originally Posted by Andromeda

One of the things I've learned is that opinions can be argued with but feelings cannot. .......

That may be your opinion!

[amyFB]

Originally Posted by A-Mac

Who, then, should be the arbiter of the worthiness of any form of artistic expression?

what if we left that to the individual to decide for themselves?

[Arthur Blake]

Originally Posted by Andromeda

One of the things I've learned is that opinions can be argued with but feelings cannot. I'm referring to the subjectivity of all things artistic.

This is true in other areas, too. Their motto is: "My mind's made up. Don't confuse me with the facts."

Originally Posted by amyFB

what if we left that to the individual to decide for themselves?

Exactly.

The market, the consumers should decide what artistic expression is worthy of their time, attention and money and what is not.

Why, then, do we have a National Endowment for the Arts?

[cotten]

Originally Posted by Andromeda

...opinions can be argued with but feelings cannot...

While this makes sense on the surface, I have paid close attention, and have learned a great deal from the internet. One of the main things I've learned is that MY opinion is correct and cannot be argued. YOUR feelings on the matter don't matter, because you're such a cry baby anyway.

It takes great wisdom to discern which of things we learn are trustworthy and which are not.

cotten

[architype]

"That's not an argument. It is merely contradiction!"

"No it isn't."

"Yes it is!"

"No it isn't."


Monty Python's "The Argument Clinic".

[ewalling]

Originally Posted by A-Mac

Who, then, should be the arbiter of the worthiness of any form of artistic expression?

Hmmm ... that's a good one. Just watch this clip, if you will. Well, as much as you can stand ...



And now tell me that the difference between ... that ... and the Beatles' "A Day in the Life" is all just down to opinion - that we cannot, in any way, say that the Beatles song is a superior artistic achievement. If you can make such a claim, then, as Doc Holliday says to Johnny Ringo in Tombstone, "Ah beg to diffa', suh!"