"Why do people choose the substitute over God himself? Probably the most important reason is that it obviates accountability to God. We can meet idols on our own terms because they are our own creations. They are safe, predictable, and controllable; they are, in Jeremiah's colorful language, the 'scarecrows in a cornfield' (10:5). They are portable and completely under the user's control. They offer nothing like the threat of a God who thunders from Sinai and whose providence in this world so often appears to us to be incomprehensible and dangerous . . . [People] need face only themselves. That is the appeal of idolatry."
- David F. Wells
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
I've never heard his music or seen him perform and I probably never will. (I'm sure I'd hate it.) I've never even heard the kid speak out loud. But I still have 5 reasons to root for him.
Reason #1 - I'm not supposed to. I'm almost 40. I'm male. And he's the latest pop craze. Guys like me are supposed to roll our eyes and make fun of cute little teen idols like him. He's supposed to be the easy butt of jokes (like Barney the Dinosaur). So because I'm a rebel, I like to like people I'm supposed to hate. (I'm going against the grain...at least for my demographic!) Plus his Cinderella story is pretty cool. Kid got a record deal because his mom put him on Youtube. Man, put away your cynicism for a minute. That's cool. (Yaaay Mom!)
Reason #2 - Reviews of his new movie "Never Say Never." One minute movie review guy points out that it is a hagiography, so he isn't surprised that he comes out of the film liking Justin Bieber. Just the same, it seems that there is genuine material there to work with. (Making this "documentary" wouldn't have been like trying to make Charlie Sheen or Anna Nicole Smith likeable.)
Focus on the Family's Plugged-In Online has this to say:
"Me and the guy from Extreme Home Makeover have the best job in the world," manager Scooter Braun tells us at one point. "We get paid to make people happy." Illustrating the point, a lengthy, heartwarming segment shows the tour crew wading into throngs of people gathered before each show, looking for a few unfortunates who don't have tickets … and then giving them choice seats.
The movie also goes out of its way to show that the people around Justin are striving mightily to make sure his story doesn't turn out like that of so many other teen stars before him. Braun says, "Ninety percent of my job is helping him become a good man." And the camera pauses respectfully as several folks in Justin's entourage pray for him. Those around him are portrayed as being levelheaded and determined to help him navigate the almost certain pitfalls that lie ahead.
It's not fair, though, to end with dour doubts about the future when I began with such pleasant surprise about the present. Because for now at least, whether he's wearing a shirt or not, what Justin Bieber offers his legions of young fans is a relatively wholesome alternative to the racier offerings of many of his teen contemporaries—and most of his adult ones.
Reason #3 - The Plugged-In Online review of song "Pray" Now, I haven't heard the song, nor do I care to. But I liked what I read.
The tune—the only new song on Bieber's My Worlds Accoustic album—suggests that the pop star does pray. And not, apparently about his own celebrity weirdness. Rather, he prays "for the brokenhearted … for the life not started … for all the ones not breathing … for all the souls in need."
"I just can't sleep tonight," he sings, "knowing that things ain't right/It's in the papers/It's on the TV/It's everywhere that I go/Children are crying/Soldiers are dying/Some people don't have a home."
It's tempting to treat this song as just another bit of pop fluff from the prince of pop fluff—an innocuous slice of pseudo-spiritual milquetoast for fans always eager to believe the best of him even as adults worry that the boy is becoming ever more a part of (and perhaps a leader of) the cynical, soulless pop machine. But that isn't exactly fair. Bieber, we know, was raised by a churchgoing mother. And when secular record labels came calling, she was reportedly wary. "God, I gave him to you," Pattie Mallette recalled in an interview with The New York Times. "You could send me a Christian man, a Christian label!" Bieber, of course, did not end up on a Christian label. But "Pray," more than anything the young Canadian crush has recorded to date, perhaps indicates that his mother's spiritual convictions and influence have not been completely in vain.
Once again, let's give it up for Justin's Mom! (Update: I later looked this quote up, and in context, Mom's not making a strong statement of faith, she was reacting to the fact that Scooter Braun was Jewish.)
Reason # 4 - For his 17th Birthday, Justin is asking his gazillion fans to give $17 each to Charity: Water.
"I have had an incredible year and it is all due to the fans helping me live my dream. I'm turning 17 years old on Tuesday and have so much to be grateful for!" Bieber wrote on the charity's website. "So this year, I really want my birthday to be all about helping others. Instead of asking for gifts, I'm asking friends, family and fans to consider donating $17 for my 17th birthday to help make a change," he continued. "One hundred percent of all donations go directly to building clean water projects in developing countries with Charity: Water, and we'll be able to see photos and GPS of the projects we helped build!"
The teen star then gave his fans some facts about they should get involved. "Together, we've made a big difference for many causes. Did you know that about 4,500 kids die each day from waterborne disease?" he shared. "By building clean water projects for villages that need them, we can prevent this! I want to make my birthday matter this year — let's make it so more kids can grow up to have a 17th birthday like me. Join me to make a change.
"I'm really so grateful for my family, friends and fans — and I believe we can do something big to help bring clean water to people in need," he added. "Even if you don't have $17 to give, I just ask you to go out in your community and try and make a positive difference. Even the smallest act of kindness can go a long way. Thanks and God Bless! #makeachange."
As it turns out, his call has already been answered by his fans. Charity: Water tweeted, " Thanks to all you Beliebers, we hit $7 million raised on mycharity: water today! #makeachange."
(Source.) $7 Million dollars all because Justin was willing to take a few minutes to write a note to his fans. Wow. The kid seems to realize the power he has right now, and wants to use it as a force for good. It seems that at least right now, he is trying to be a good steward of what he's been given and not squandering it on riotous living.
Reason #5 (And possibly the best) - Kid's got mad B-Ball Skillz, Yo.
UPDATE: Don't go out and buy Bieber records for your daughter based on this post. I don't actually think he's a "Christian role model."
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Comments on "Why I Like Justin Bieber":
2. Milly
- 03/01/2011 7:23 pm CST
He's a good kid. I like that about him and his mom seems to be a good mom. I just pray that he can stay that way in a world that wants the kids to go bad. My daughter and I plan on seeing the movie.
3. Shrode
- 03/01/2011 9:27 pm CST
Andrew,
Good insights. Thank you for sharing that. It was interesting to me, that you said a lot of the same things the plugged-in guy did. Including the "One less lonely girl" thing.
Likewise, there was hardly a dry eye in the theater during a segment showing Justin inviting a lucky young lady onstage to be serenaded with "One Less Lonely Girl." As Justin sang, she could barely restrain her tears at her good fortune. It's an element of the show that could have seemed like a calculated gimmick instead simply seems … genuine.
I really liked your last paragraph. You are right. I hope he "makes it". Whether it be as a "star" or just becomes a regular guy (like the kid who played Alec in the original black stallion).
I remember wishing the same thing for Britney Spears when she first started. Seriously. I think guys may have a better shot at becoming well-adjusted adults, than famous girls. It's like they don't have a choice but to become sexualized. The last thing I saw about Miley Cyrus seriously disturbed me. I actually thought she had a chance.
Stay human, Justin Bieber.
4. Shrode
- 03/01/2011 9:30 pm CST
Oh, Andrew, quick question, as a musician and a person of taste when it comes to music...
how would you rate Bieber as a musician?
As a song writer?
As a singer?
As a performer?
I mean, does the kid actually have skills? Do you think he'll ever graduate to real music? (Of course, I've still never heard even one Justin Bieber song, so I don't know what I'm talking about. I'm just assuming it's bubble gum pop.)
5. Andrew
- 03/01/2011 11:43 pm CST
how would you rate Bieber as a musician?
As a song writer?
As a singer?
As a performer?
Shrode,
I don't know whether he writes his own songs or not. My guess is not. If he does, he's pretty amazing for his age. The lyrics aren't memorable by themselves, but the best pop lyrics usually aren't. The lyrics are there to interact with the melody, and in that sense, they do rather well.
He is, far as I can tell, an exceptionally talented musician. In the movie, they had him playing three instruments, and he apparently plays two more. He wasn't faking. He's a fantastic drummer. I saw him do a drum solo on live TV a few months back and I was blown away.
As a singer, he has a great voice. Recording can be glossed, and there are a lot of ways to cover up live performance, but I think the videos prove that his voice is for real. It won't appeal to everyone, but technically, it's solid.
As a performer, he's good but not great. He doesn't have Michael Jackson or Madonna charisma, but he puts on a good show.
8. Daniel Ross
- 03/02/2011 8:15 am CST
Nothing to say about Biebs, 'cause I don't listen to him and am not a 13-year-old girl. ;-)
But that last pass (the alley-oop) was pretty nice.
9. Cara
- 03/02/2011 8:19 pm CST
The one thing I liked was this: he has courage.
He was interviewed and asked about his views on abortion and he answered with: I really don't believe in abortion," he told RS. "It's like killing a baby?" When further pressed by the mag what his stance would be in cases of rape, he replied: "Um. Well, I think that's really sad, but everything happens for a reason. I guess I haven't been in that position, so I wouldn't be able to judge that."
Well, of course it's not "like" killing a baby, it IS killing a baby... but the fact that he didn't give some PC answer was admirable I believe.
10. Andrew
- 03/02/2011 10:46 pm CST
I should make it clear that I'm not a Justin Bieber fanboy. I don't own his record, and I've only heard the songs that were in the movie and what's on the radio. I like him personally, and I'm a pop music enthusiast (it comes with being a Beatlemaniac), but I don't stare at a Tiger Beat Bieber likeness every night before bed.
I respect his talent, and think he's worth rooting for.
That's all. :-)
11. Lauren
- 03/04/2011 8:09 am CST
It's so nice to hear something positive about Bieber for a change. I feel like so many people are ragging on him for no reason. I never even heard of him until people started saying how terrible he was. He's just a kid and the little girls love him.
Anyway, I was just surprised that Beiber was the most recent post and not something on Rob Bell. Did I miss it? -'tis possible, I'm not very good at searching for things...I give up way too quickly.
12. Michele
- 03/04/2011 3:34 pm CST
As the mom of a musically talented teenage girl, (who is also a JB-freak) I want to tell his mom she needs to really have her head examined. Ask Billy Ray Cyrus, or better yet, read Proverbs--to put a teenage kid in that arena and expect him to not get screwed-up is like, well, putting fire in your lap and expecting not to be burned.
I saw his picture on the cover of Rolling Stones and felt like I needed a shower--he looked so sexual and vacant already. To imagine putting my daughter in that position, just so she could have her talent known world-wide is unthinkable--not worth all the fame in the world.
Leave a Comment:
I too, have a begrudging strain of Bieber fever. I actually saw the movie, and walked out feeling really good. Yes, it was hagiographic, but I didn't feel like I was being deceived. Was it a great movie? No. Did I feel gipped having spent 10 bucks to see it? Not at all.
Justin himself seems like a very genuine, very talented kid. He works hard, cares deeply about his fans, and does his best to keep his priorities straight. His mom seems like a wonderful person (which is actually a surprisingly difficult feat for celebrity parents to pull off), and his team seems genuinely concerned for his well-being. His vocal coach in particular was delightful. She was an older woman and a kind of wise grandmother figure. She is strict but kind, equal parts stern and loving.
I was touched about halfway through the movie, when they explained the "One Less Lonely Girl" segment of every show. His team pulls a girl from the audience and brings her out in the middle of the song, sits her on a stool, places a tiara on her head, and then Justin presents her with a bouquet of flowers as he serenades her. It could be construed as emotionally manipulative, but it came off to me as a really sweet moment. Poor self-image is endemic among young teen girls, and while being given roses and treated like a princess for a few short minutes won't fix that, I found it to be an overwhelmingly positive moment.
I worry about him as I worry for all child stars. These days, it feels like they're all doomed, but I know it doesn't have to be that way. I like the fact that he wasn't churned out by the Disney machine and that he seems to have made it, in large part, because he was talented enough to make it. I think he has the potential to be a star for years to come. It's difficult to make the transition from child star to adult star, but it isn't unheard of. Whatever happens, I wish him the best. If he finds a way to maintain his popularity and star power, I hope it doesn't go to his head. I hope he continues to be a positive role-model and that he does turn into a good man. And if his star-power fades, I hope he has the wisdom to realize that life has other things in store for him. I hope that he doesn't let year 16 be the greatest year of his life.