Perhaps if he were drugged up and fucked up he'd get more respect. Seems like he is not allowed to voice his opinion on ANYTHING without attracting many spiteful comments. The only real 'crime' he committed in the eyes of some here is they don't like his music or harsh copyright attitude, don't like the new website and don't like him as an idividual based on stories of past relationships with colleagues and lovers.
I have been critical of his music BUT i damn well know where to draw the line. If we disagree with the fact that he continues to try and learn about things in society / religion do you really have to be THAT hateful in your comments?.
Please have some pride in the man, be grateful that his work ethic is unlike any other person in music, be pleased that he is trying to educate himself and keep clean and just enjoy the ride!.
I am NOT an ass kisser / fam / hater etc, just a regular guy with a sense of perspective / decency and secure enough with myself that I don't feel the need to be bitchy hiding behind an org thread to make myself feel better!.
Sorry, just had to get that off my chest!.

Right on.

Dignified, articulate, in control, as U said, but also playful, funny, and quite personal on more than one level... his Dad, being teased, epilepsy, what is hurtful 2 him...

Couldn't have been better in any way.

...and the folks that don't like Tavis likely aren't previously aware of his style, which I like. I've listened 2 his radio show 4 years.

funkyhead said:

Hi, I agree with you. I started a thread where I said the same thing. Just watch, there will be a ton of people attacking you for this post. Be prepared to defend yourself.

Giovanni777 said:

The thing is though Gio' in the UK if P appeared on a programme like Parkinson [UK TV Ledgend!!] he would have an equally easy time, likewise Johnathan Ross would be all over him. Look at Jay Lenno and Oprah, they all go quite easy on their guests. P like praise, who doesn't + it gets him relaxed. Tavis seems like a really nice and genuine guy.

candy2277 said:

hi, I saw you thread and sorry I didn't round to supporting your comments. I just think enough is enough. The mans just given 3 CD's, that used to be a reason to jump for joy.

i think the people who go to extremes to say hateful or overly snarky things on a fan site would be the same people who would find it impossible to say those same things to his face.

that said, i think it's fine to disagree or criticize anything he might have to say, since he's just a person like anyone else. some people might find his comments illuminating and inspiring, and some other people might be like "hey, hold on a minute now..." either response is just fine.

Anxiety said:

I agree. I don't have an issue with criticism but when people start calling him an idiot because he happens to believe in the JW religion, thats going to far. For the record, I'm not a JW but I respect everyones beliefs.

funkyhead said:

I'm glad you did cause I agree with you 100%. Prince is doing Prince as you reading this are doing you and that's the way it's supposed to be. I don't agree with everything P does either but it's his life and his career and I respect that as I would want respect for how I live my own life too, whether one is down with my choices or not. I'm just grateful that the man is still giving us music and it's music that I enjoy. I wouldn't be here if I didn't. Great thread funkyhead.

Some of the things he says sometimes make me scratch my head, but I think that's part of the appeal. I like people/artists who make me question my ideas/beliefs/knowledge. Prince's music is as challenging to me as some of his general views about the world. I find it all stimulating, agreement is not really the point.

Anxiety said:

I'm with you on that. It makes me wonder as I agree with you Anx that the majority who rip P apart wouldn't do it in his face, I wonder if we would do the same with each other in an org meet-up the way things have been in here lately. Not to take OT but it's the same idea, I think.

purplecam said:

Imagine a live TV debate with say the biggest 5 org critcs and P! Lol. Better still imagine them round to dinner at P's with all his more intellectual guests!!.

Anxiety said:

totally agree Anx, but there's a fine line between a difference of opion expressed through reasoned argument and just a bunch of abuse thrown out without thinking. I know that BVH is hated by many on here and recently he does seem to have overboard[!] BUT he is nearly always able to back his commnets up with hard fact, now if we could work a little on his presentation....!

I also agree with these statements and believe that P. deserves more respect than he gets. His long-standing dedication to his craft alone is commendable! I believe that you really could let it go at that, and not try to impose your on interpretations, desires, and beliefs on someone whose just living their life and allowing you to be observe it but people feel the need to try and define the man or put him in their box so they feel comfortable!

by the way, "Pearls before Swine", and "Don't play me" speak on the nature of people and his attitude about this aspect of public acceptance.

The one thing I think of often when it comes to Prince is what a HARD worker he is (another JB attribute)!!!

candy2277 said:

Well said. Can't believe people criticize him because he has turned to religion. Ok, it might not be my religion but I have to admire someone in his position who tries to better himself and turn his back on rock 'n roll excesses. It's like the OP said - nobody would say a word if he turned to drugs.

Thanks for the positive post!

funkyhead said:

That's would be something.

just before I sign off can I just say that over many, many years I have met so many great P fans from all over the world, I just wish their voices were heard a little more on here!.

SugarnSpice said:

That irks me too. I'm a Born Again Christian and I respect all people and their faiths. I get amazed when I see all the hatred spewed at P for being a JW. I'm not down with that faith but I won't rip him for standing by his convictions as I don't wanna be ripped for mine. I'm sure many atheists and agnostics or other people of other faiths wouldn't wanna be ripped to shreds for not believing in God or God as they see fit to see Him. It says a lot more about the people here than it does Prince.

funkyhead said:

Me too. I think a lot of folks are afraid to say something cause they don't wanna be ripped apart and judged just for liking a CD like New Power Soul or Planet Earth. I'm sure the opposite is true too.
[Edited 4/30/09 10:06am]

'time to celebrate & stop hatin', life really IS too short!.