Two of which are religion and politics (so naturally they get a forum all to themselves).

But I feel like Prince is the last member of that particular triad.

My experience is that when I bring him up, people change the subject before a minute goes by. Almost as if he's just as a sensitive "issue".

So I ask: What do you think it is about Prince that makes people uncomfortable about him or about bringing him up in conversation?

Is it his explicit lyrics?
Flaunting his sexuality onstage during his shows [past tense, of course]?
His screaming?
His voice ranging from baritone/bass to a really high falsetto [aka: the "weird" voice]?
His wardrobe [most likely is past tense as well]?
The quirky things his voice does (aka: "Owwwwaaa!")?
The fact he changed his name to an unpronouncable symbol?

So, tell me your thoughts.

Its the overall "ick" factor.


Most non-Prince fans just find him terribly icky. It doesn't help that when he's interviewed he doesn't answer any questions. He thinks he's being mysterious--the general population thinks he's icky.

what's the third thing? bathroom sex?

sosgemini said:

On the org, the 3 things are (bootlegs, hate speech, and of course, Princes sexuality).

sosgemini said:

Prince is the third thing in this particular case. That's why I started the thread.

Here's my question again.


Sure, sex could be the third thing... but that discussion is meant for the General Discussion boards... not the boards specifically about Prince & his music.

DreamyPopRoyalty said:

don't roll your eyes at me...i'll roll your head across this floor!!!

Typically it's religion, politics and money. However, I'll happily debunk religion to anyone that wants to listen. :

Anyway...

I've actually found more casual fans than I ever thought I would since going mental at the O2 over the summer. I've been very surprised by the number that have said, 'Oh, I like Prince, would have been good to see him'.

However, there are many that don't want to know and it's basically because he's a dick. At least that's how the general public see him. He's gay, squeels a lot, acts stupid in interviews, hasn't released an album since 1992, isn't on the radio, changed his name, wrote slave on his cheek, moaned about being a slave while earning millions. I could go on with many more opinions I've heard recently.

sosgemini said:

I don't have to much trouble talking about Prince to people.

Fans will vibe with you.

Enlightened non-fans will respect his skill without lingering on the subject

and ignorant-ass mofos will drop one of the typical gay/short/weirdo/creepy
comments

The UN-enlightened will always shy away from the ENLIGHTENED.
[Edited 10/18/07 8:49am]

Is this a secret society?

Sure, there are people who might not have the time or inclination to engage with someone else in a topic of conversation because the subject itself is one which swtches them off. Perhaps a past experience results in them taking a very close-minded approach whenever someone raises a certain subject.

It's usually my experience, however, that most any subject is capable of being the topic of a discussion that will last more than a minute.

However, it takes two to have a conversation. If the person starting the discussion (whatever the topic) comes across as obsessive, self-delusional or irrational, then the person they are engaging with is quite possibly going to switch off fairly rapidly.

Some people can appear like that about religion, for example. They seem so tied into their belief system that there's little apparent room for a serious and objective debate that might roam beyond or contrary to the subject - perhaps because the believer finds it near on impossible to relate beyond their own belief system. Ultimately, the follower can come across as being self-obsesssed. It isn't that they necessarily even want to talk about the belief system per se. The belief system is just a vehicle to satisfy a craving. Rather, they are seemingly crying out for attention by saying, 'Look at me who believes this'.

People can appear to be like that about politics too. 'Look at me. I'm a committed (enter any political tendency in this space). How can you not do like me and vote like me? Wait! Why are your eyes glazing over???'

And I guess some people can come across like that about Prince too. Whatever their own intention about how and what they want to communicate, if what they convey comes across overwhelmingly as: 'Look at me. I have chosen to follow Prince's path. How could anyone not acknowledge his greatness?', my guess is that the conversation will not last that long with some people.

.
[Edited 10/18/07 9:49am]

thekidsgirl said:

Anyone think that people that've spoken with have the following thoughts about Prince and therefore prefer not to talk about him.



Not many people know about the fight with WB or "Slave", I don't think... but I think that would have something to do with it.
But the interview thing... I think he's just doing them the best he can. He can't help looking at least a little uncomfortable at times because its not what he's made to do. He's made to perform and speak his mind through his music.

Prince makes uncertain people question their own sexuality. Beyond that, Prince is like the species Cats: People either love them or hate them. Lastly, if you attempt a conversation about Prince with another person who already likes Prince, then you'll have a conversation. Aside from that: .

Anyone who is quick to Judge Prince negatively, has little understanding of his talent. Anyone that is going to judge him on appearance alone, whether positively or negatively, has a superficial outlook on the world in general.
In some cases I believe people are intimidated by his unique musicianship, and business oriented success.

Nine times outta ten I find it's because Prince did 'em, and they're not allowed to talk about it.

langebleu said:

Damn. That pretty much outlines it right there.

As someone who pretty much likes to discuss anything and is absolutely impossible to offend, I can assure you that this is often not the case.

If someone isn't really participating by intently listening and/or conversing, they probably aren't too thrilled with the topic and it would be best to move on.

Try to engage the other person with topics that do interest them and I think that you'll find the person in time (perhaps in weeks, months or even years) returning the favor.

"Hey, he or she has been very cool with me and I've noticed that they're very interested in Prince, I think I'll ask a question."

And if they never do, obviously they don't want to talk about it.

I think people still don't know what to make of Prince in reality they never have, and that's just the way he likes it. There are no sure fire answers to any questions about him and if your not a fan most people just don't care! but they're too polite to tell you.

wlcm2thdwn said:

Oh, that makes so much sense. Thanks for putting that in perspective for me.

Wow...that first sentence just blew me away because that's what I feel too.

So I guess its everything about him that makes people not want to bring him up?
Wow...

edit oops!
[Edited 10/19/07 16:43pm]

Perhaps it's a perceived obsession, especially if it's a guy obsessed w/Prince or Michael Jackson.

If they don't get his music they might just see it as similar to a guy obsessed with Justin Timberlake, where it's actually more like being obsessed with the Beatles or Miles Davis (at least for me).

It might look odd to some people, but that may go beyond Prince & music and into prejudices regarding sexuality & even race.

I know plenty of guys who appreciate Prince, but mainly because they "had girlfriends" who loved him or "because he's a player" etc. But me simply loving his music doesn't quite compute to them
[Edited 10/19/07 16:43pm]

I've been thinking this over for a bit.

I'm thinking it might be an interesting experiment to do a survey of the people at my college and what they think of Prince.
I've been working out the questions in my head this afternoon and I figure I'll start light and then I'll do 2 big questions and leave it at that.
I'll go to the girls on my floor and to the people at the computer lab.

I figure I'll start with:

Where are you from?:
What's your major?:
What is your favorite musical artist/group currently?:

Then I'll do a few simple questions:

Have you heard of Prince, the singer/musician/artist?
Where have you heard of him from?
Which of his songs are you familiar with?

Then here are the two important questions:

When you think of Prince, which of these come to mind:
* prolific musical genius
* arrogant, selfish, eccentric musical genius
Or
* flamboyant/gay, strange, weirdo

Why do you believe this? (media/televised apperances/his movies/his music)
*be as specific as possible

Any other questions you think I should add?

i very rarely meet people who consider prince anything less than cool. maybe its different in the us?

dont think his sexual lyrics put too many off...in fact, recently i played come to a group of friends just for the dodgy lyrics...was a right laugh, and they like him a bit more because of it i think.

i think his whole name changing thing is a big factor though, the period of not being in the mainstream.

generally though...never trust anyone who says they do not like prince; might as well be talking to a shoe.