There are a number of issues where the line between entertainment and politics becomes somewhat fuzzy. A movie like MILLION DOLLAR BABY brings up the issue of euthanasia. An episode of LAW AND ORDER gets involved in abortion issues. Even the old movie, INHERIT THE WIND, is about the evolution vs creation argument. And tv comedians, like Jon Stewart on THE DAILY SHOW and Bill Maher on REAL TIME, or George Carlin any time, are certainly engaged in political satire.
Cafe Society is for discussion of issues about arts and entertainment. Thus, a discussion about political satire is acceptable here. But a discussion about politics is not: Great Debates is the appropriate forum for discussion of the political issues of our day.
The Moderators are the first to admit that the line is fuzzy, but there is a line. We therefore establish the Rule*:
Quote:
Discussions about arts and entertainment are acceptable in Cafe Society forum. Discussions about political satire, so long it is about the satire, is acceptable. Discussions about politics is not, and belongs in Great Debates.
Thus, acceptable:
- “Wow, Jon Stewart’s line comparing George Bush to Thomas Edison was so, so funny!”
- “The NY Times Cartoon depicting Bill Clinton as a racoon was the best drawing I’ve seen, what great shading and contour with a minimum of lines!”
- “Paul Martin made a surprise guest appearance on LAW AND ORDER last night, playing a petty pickpocket! what a hoot!”
Not acceptable:
- “Yeah, Stewart really nailed Bush as a stupid, moronic, useless President.”
- “Clinton has no moral standards whatsoever, does he?”
- “Tony Blair is such a loser.”
Got it? Again, it’s a very fuzzy line, but if you’re just out to bash a politician, it belongs in Great Debates or the Pit. If you want to discuss the art/entertainment of the show, Cafe Society is the right place.
Just because something is on TV and is comic doesn’t necessarily mean that the thread belongs in Cafe Society. Just because a question is about astronomy doesn’t mean it belongs in General Questions. We’re organized based on the type of discussion, not on the subject matter per se.
- OK, it’s more a guideline.