A great lesson in a most unlikely venue

[Charles L. Cotton]

I don't watch American Idol, not that there is anything wrong with it. However, my son sent me a link to a video of a contestant on "Britain's Got Talent," the British version of the show, that I think is a great lesson. It has nothing to do with guns, shooting or self-defense, but I find it quite moving.

If you watch it, pay close attention to the mocking faces and rolling eyes of audience and judges.

Chas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR_N9iljeMk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ScubaSigGuy]

That's a great post Charles, and a great lesson.

Talk about a confident woman... It just makes me wonder how she just now decided to pursue her dream at 47.

Just one more reason not to judge a book by it's cover.

[LaserTex]

It has been shown repeatedly on ABC News (including GMA this morning - with an interview of the lady). Quite remarkable and shows again ...

YOU CAN'T JUDGE THE BOOK BY THE COVER.

Thanks Charles

Doug

[ClarkLZeuss]

That's a great video, wow. I loved how the same people that were rolling their eyes later had their eyes full of tears as they stood on their feet applauding. You gotta love surprises like that. It was great to see Simon smiling so openly, too.

Here's another one in this category, in case anyone out there hasn't seen it yet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DelJrP3P7tA

[TxDrifter]

They were covering that on American Newsroom this morning. I loved the complete reversal of assumptions and the jaws hitting the floor once she burst forth the initial notes of her song. She has an amazing voice. Cheers to her.

[WildBill]

A great lesson indeed. Thanks for the post Charles.

[Keith B]

I saw that too. I like this show as it is amazing who they find hidden in the contestants that have EXTREMELY amazing talent. This is the second time in they have been fooled on the British version, and also here in the states. Last year (maybe year before) in Britain they had a timid cell phone salesman named Paul Potts that sang opera and won. Last year on the American version an overweight insurance salesman from a little town in Missouri about 50 miles from where I grew up named Neil Boyd won. Now this lady. Just goes to show you don't judge a book by its cover!

[DJB.45acp]

I have to admit that, even knowing beforehand that she was extremely talented, I am ashamed that I found myself judging her by her looks - when I saw the video. Her voice is amazing. I am reminded, once again, that we are all part of the human family and even if she had zero talent, I would in no way be justified in any self-righteous judgment.

Thanks Charles for posting the link.

David

[longhorn_92]

I have to admit that, even knowing beforehand that she was extremely talented, I am ashamed that I found myself judging her by her looks - when I saw the video. Her voice is amazing. I am reminded, once again, that we are all part of the human family and even if she had zero talent, I would in no way be justified in any self-righteous judgment.

Thanks Charles for posting the link.

David

I agree!!

The word prejudice refers to prejudgment: making a decision about, before becoming aware of the relevant facts of, a case or event.

We are ALL guilty of Prejudice. What a lesson to be learned here... God judges us by our heart and not by the outward appearance - may we all learn how to be more like that and not look at the outward appearance. I am sorry to say that at times I am guilty of that.

The crowd was absolutely mocking her and laughing at her before becoming aware of the fact that she has a voice like an angel! They are not laughing now!

God Bless her! May she remind us to never give up... no matter what everyone else may think or say about our dreams...

Awesome!!

[pbwalker]

I agree!!

The word prejudice refers to prejudgment: making a decision about, before becoming aware of the relevant facts of, a case or event.

We are ALL guilty of Prejudice. What a lesson to be learned here... God judges us by our heart and not by the outward appearance - may we all learn how to be more like that and not look at the outward appearance. I am sorry to say that at times I am guilty of that.

The crowd was absolutely mocking her and laughing at her before becoming aware of the fact that she has a voice like an angel! They are not laughing now!

God Bless her! May she remind us to never give up... no matter what everyone else may think or say about our dreams...

Awesome!!

Well said!

[bryang]

The word prejudice refers to prejudgment: making a decision about, before becoming aware of the relevant facts of, a case or event.

We are ALL guilty of Prejudice. What a lesson to be learned here... God judges us by our heart and not by the outward appearance - may we all learn how to be more like that and not look at the outward appearance. I am sorry to say that at times I am guilty of that.

The crowd was absolutely mocking her and laughing at her before becoming aware of the fact that she has a voice like an angel! They are not laughing now!

God Bless her! May she remind us to never give up... no matter what everyone else may think or say about our dreams...

Awesome!!

God give us the grace to see others as You see them and not to judge by what we see.

Thanks Charles,

-geo

[tfrazier]

I heard the guys on WBAP Dallas talking about it this morning but by the time I rolled in to work I had forgotten. I'm so glad I saw the link posted here.

What a lesson! And think of all the glorious voices we've probably missed out on over the years thanks to the advent of "music video" which resulted in many talented artists being rejected because they wouldn't look good on camera.

Now you all know why I never made it in show biz...

[ELB]

Here is a link to an interesting commentary on the effect the internet has had on both "Tea Parties" and Ms. Boyle. Basic thrust is that the internet and the rise of blogs and similar operations not only makes these things possible (e.g. widespread recognition and information dispersal) but that people are becoming aware of these well in advance of hearing of them (or never hearing of them) in the traditional MSM. As an example, there is a clip of her singing in 1999, and it got relatively little coverage then outside its immediate venue, even tho a CD was made of it. Now she's know worldwide -- and rightfully so.

RTWT

http://www.bobkrumm.com/blog/?p=2255" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Rollin2008]

I guess to make it a little more relevant to the forum she said at 1.26 "i've never been given the chance before" So i guess you could say "SHE MADE HER SHOT COUNT???!!!! LOL absolutely amazin my eyes watered a little.

[skip]

She is tearing up the internet and the TV...GOOD FOR HER!