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October 05, 2006
Guns, Gawd and Nascar
It's as if the big-city, coastal libs are living on a different planet than the folks in the heartland. The difference is astutely observed by the author of The Right Stuff, one of my favorite books.
TOM Wolfe says a jarring scene he recently witnessed in Tennessee convinced him that writers who live in New York and on the Left Coast are out of touch with the rest of the country.
In the upcoming book, "Telling True Stories," the "Bonfire of the Vanities" novelist says he watched in amazement at a NASCAR race last month as a National Rifle Association honcho got a rousing standing ovation, and was followed by a minister who "asked the Lord to look out for these brave drivers and these loyal fans . . . in the name of Thy Only Son, Christ Jesus."
Writes Wolfe: "Anyone who introduced an event that way in San Francisco or New York would risk arrest for a hate crime. New York writers really must cross the Hudson River, and writers in Los Angeles really must go as far as the San Joaquin Valley. Most of the meaning of America lies in between the coasts, I'm afraid."
The same thought struck me when I was watching the premiere of NBC's new series Friday Night Lights, previously mentioned here.
There were several scenes featuring characters praying together, speaking of there being a higher purpose to their existence, and unapologetically incorporating religion into their lives, in what felt like a completely authentic and uncharacteristically un-snarky Hollywood portrayal of Christians.
I turned to my wife after the players prepared for a game by thanking Jesus Christ by name and said, "all across the East and West coasts, secular humanists' heads are exploding." Even as a Jew, I found the professions of faith to be touching, their non-ecumenical nature notwithstanding.
If you have an opportunity to catch a repeat of the show, give it a try.
Posted by Mike Lief at October 5, 2006 12:51 AM
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Comments
Most of the meaning of America lies in between the coasts, I'm afraid."
He's right, but he sounds like it depresses him. The piece is too short to get an accurate idea of his POV.
Posted by: Anwyn at October 5, 2006 09:39 AM
When I watch television I see the values as totally foreign to me. I'm Christian, I'm white, I'm from Ohio, I'm a former soldier, and I don't apologize for any of it. I reject the Hollywood liberals who spit on my way of life. I don't recognize this country as anything that I'm worth fighting for.
I won't let my boys join the army if I can help it. I am teaching them to earn an honest living, to enjoy the outdoors, and to live by our values above all else. When they have families of their own one day I want them to be willing to fight for their loved ones and to defend their homes. That's it. The rest of the world can go to hell.
Posted by: Red Stater at October 8, 2006 07:12 PM