Debates and "The Gong Show"

[jebartle]

Wouldn't it be great when truth really mattered??? I can remember in debate club when that was a priority, hmmm! The good ole days. Loved that show.

[ThirdOfFive]

Wouldn't it be great when truth really mattered??? I can remember in debate club when that was a priority, hmmm! The good ole days. Loved that show.
"What is Truth?" (Pontius Pilate)

I think ol' Pontius made a valid point. If the definition of Truth was elusive in his day, then it is multiples times multiples more so today. Pilate didn't have to contend with the internet and "social" media. I can think of no point or belief so outrageous that you most likely cannot find hundreds of people agreeing with it in just a few mouse clicks, and in just a few more clicks find mountains of "data" to support it--as well as a variety of pundits and commentators more than willing to back it up.

I used to think that the atomic bomb was the biggest threat to our civilization. No longer. that threat is now Big Media.

We're light-years away from Uncle Walter being The Most Trusted Man In America.

[jebartle]

"What is Truth?" (Pontius Pilate)

I think ol' Pontius made a valid point. If the definition of Truth was elusive in his day, then it is multiples times multiples more so today. Pilate didn't have to contend with the internet and "social" media. I can think of no point or belief so outrageous that you most likely cannot find hundreds of people agreeing with it in just a few mouse clicks, and in just a few more clicks find mountains of "data" to support it--as well as a variety of pundits and commentators more than willing to back it up.

I used to think that the atomic bomb was the biggest threat to our civilization. No longer. that threat is now Big Media.

We're light-years away from Uncle Walter being The Most Trusted Man In America.

Granted, truth can be elusive, but when black becomes white and visa-versa, than we've gone too far. What I think would be fun, is the "Gong Show", we need some giggles in the world, Right?

[fdpaq0580]

Wouldn't it be great when truth really mattered?

Yes.

[ThirdOfFive]

Granted, truth can be elusive, but when black becomes white and visa-versa, than we've gone too far. What I think would be fun, is the "Gong Show", we need some giggles in the world, Right?
True enough. I remember back decades (before the Gong Show) a TV spoof about poor performers getting a hook (sort of like a shepherd's staff) around the neck and pulled offstage when their performance warranted it. Sorta like a Gong Show predecessor. I did enjoy Chuck Barris and his panel though. Terrible performers got their just comeuppance instantly. How unlike the world today!

[fdpaq0580]

I seem to recall that the gong show "acts" were not real acts. Just the same cast members pretending to be various outrageous acts and everyone was in on it. The panelists often times waited a looong time, faking indecision as to whether to hit the gong or not. It was silly, not unlike the 3 stooges.

[Stu from NYC]

I seem to recall that the gong show "acts" were not real acts. Just the same cast members pretending to be various outrageous acts and everyone was in on it. The panelists often times waited a looong time, faking indecision as to whether to hit the gong or not. It was silly, not unlike the 3 stooges.

Did not know that but it was a fun show

[Fredster]

I seem to recall that the gong show "acts" were not real acts. Just the same cast members pretending to be various outrageous acts and everyone was in on it. The panelists often times waited a looong time, faking indecision as to whether to hit the gong or not. It was silly, not unlike the 3 stooges.

I often watched the show, and did some current research, and that wasn’t necessarily true!

[Topspinmo]

The truth is only in your mind…..

[fdpaq0580]

I often watched the show, and did some current research, and that wasn’t necessarily true!

Didn't say it was. But I do recall an interview with someone where I got that impression.

[Stu from NYC]

Didn't say it was. But I do recall an interview with someone where I got that impression.

Irregardless of that would love to be a gonger

[fdpaq0580]

Irregardless of that would love to be a gonger

I know. I love silly stuff too. I was a huge Soupy Sales fan as well as Peewee's Playhouse and Monty Python's Flying Circus. Laughing is good for you. 😃😁😆😂😵*💫

[PJ_Smiley]

A friend I grew up with was the lead singer in a rock band in our home state in the early 70's. He was a winner on one of the Gong shows. Some of the acts were made up and stupid, but some of the performers (even some truly bad ones) were real people.

[SaucyJim]

[QUOTE=ThirdOfFive;2353474]"What is Truth?" (Pontius Pilate)

Pontius Pilate, eh? I feel for him. He invented Pilates all those years ago and did not live long enough to collect any royalties.

Two things of note about The Gong Show: Howie Mandel & The Unknown Comic.

[Caymus]

Gene Gene the Dancing Machine was the best part.

[LonnyP]

Sadly, lies and name calling have become acceptable to some.

[DPWM21]

Wouldn't it be great when truth really mattered??? I can remember in debate club when that was a priority, hmmm! The good ole days. Loved that show.
I do miss humor and truth. Lies mislead and people get upset.over things that are not true(!)…..almost like they are conditioned to be angry. I choose (to try to be positive and) happy; an old saying ‘I’d rather be happy than ‘right’ comes to mind.

[fdpaq0580]

I do miss humor and truth. Lies mislead and people get upset.over things that are not true(!)…..almost like they are conditioned to be angry. I choose (to try to be positive and) happy; an old saying ‘I’d rather be happy than ‘right’ comes to mind.

Not sure I agree, but I guess it depends on the circumstances. Like two cows walking up the ramp into the abattoir. One thinks they are visiting Sleeping Beauty's Castle. The other is looking for a way out before its too late.

[SHIBUMI]

Your personal truth is the only truth in life.....everything else is conjecture....... SHIBUMI


Besides. Americans can't handle the truth!!!! Thats why there is so much conjecture..........:confused:


Wouldn't it be great when truth really mattered??? I can remember in debate club when that was a priority, hmmm! The good ole days. Loved that show.

[JMintzer]

Pontius Pilate, eh? I feel for him. He invented Pilates all those years ago and did not live long enough to collect any royalties.

Two things of note about The Gong Show: Howie Mandel & The Unknown Comic.

I don't think Howie Mandel was ever on The Gong Show...

[zummy]

I still remember the day I was told “irregardless” is not a word😉

[DPWM21]

Maybe we can’t find ‘truth’ …….but lies and liars
need to addressed and called out.

Enough lies, some segments of society and individuals become more tolerant of lies and liars. It’s the new normal for some groups. Like the ‘frog in the water’ on a stove….where water starts cold and gradually heats and will eventually boil, the frog is unaware.

[Stu from NYC]

I still remember the day I was told “irregardless” is not a word😉

Actually it is a word and is in the Merriam Webster dictionary. Google it.

[Bill14564]

Actually it is a word and is in the Merriam Webster dictionary. Google it.

Good advice:

There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.

[SoCalGal]

I seem to recall that The Gong Show "acts" were not real acts. Just the same cast members pretending to be various outrageous acts and everyone was in on it.

The statement that the acts on The Gong Show were not real and were merely cast members pretending to be outrageous acts is false.

The Gong Show, created by Chuck Barris, featured a variety of genuine contestants who performed acts ranging from the absurd to the genuinely talented. While the show had a comedic and chaotic atmosphere, the performers were real individuals showcasing their unique talents or eccentricities. The premise of the show was to celebrate these acts, regardless of their quality, and the audience tuned in to witness the unpredictability of the performances, which often led to humorous outcomes when contestants were "gonged" off the stage.

The show's charm lay in its embrace of amateurism and the bizarre, with Barris himself often appearing disheveled and humorous, contributing to the overall absurdity of the program. The judges were typically celebrities who reacted to the acts in real-time, adding to the spontaneity of the show. Thus, while there may have been elements of theatricality and humor, the acts themselves were indeed real performances by actual contestants.

[fdpaq0580]

Actually it is a word and is in the Merriam Webster dictionary. Google it.

A double negative.

[Stu from NYC]

A double negative.

Irregardless of that still going to use it when I feel it is appropriate.:smiley: