Debates and "The Gong Show"
 

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.

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?

Yes.

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!

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

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

The truth is only in your mind…..

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

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. 😃😁😆😂😵*💫

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.

[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.

Gene Gene the Dancing Machine was the best part.