You've got to be taught

I watched the Good Morning America interview Clay Aiken did this past week with Diane Sawyer. I've read his article that appeared in this weeks People Magazine. I'm reading the various fan reactions on his fan boards and they range from full support for Clay to some of the most hateful words possible.

One fan posted the lyrics of a song from South Pacific and it dawned on me that I was never taught to hate. Yes there were a few my parents didn't care for but it was because of what they did, not who they were. Those lessons I didn't know I was learning were the same ones I passed on to my children. I never taught them to hate. I did teach them to look at each person as an individual and either like them or not for what they do, not who they are.

There have been times when I'd hear one of my kids say something prejudicial and my response was always "You didn't learn that from me." I never connected the dots until I saw these lyrics.

You've got to be taught to hate and fear
You've got to be taught from year to year
It's got to be drummed in your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught

You've got to be taught to be afraid
Of people who's eyes are oddly made
And people whose skin is a different shade
You've got to be carefully taught

You've got to be taught
Before it's too late
Before you are six, or seven, or eight
To hate all the people your relatives hate
You've got to be carefully taught
You've got to be carefully taught

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Clay Aiken, Diane Sawyer, Good Morning America, People magazine, hate

Sorry Charlie!

It's been a good year to be a Clay Aiken fan. However, that just fries some who would like nothing better than to see Clay disappear. The naysayers out there want to throw a bucket of water on any fan having fun with this years happenings in Clay Nation. Like I said, Sorry Charlie!

This year started off with Clay making his Broadway debut as Sir Robin in the Tony award winning Spamalot.


While performing in 8 shows a week, Clay was also in the studio recording his new album On My Way Here. We had lots of interviews and video of him in the studio, then more when promotion for the album took place.

The Official Clay Aiken YouTube Channel!

Someone leaked Clay's news about his impending fatherhood at the end of May and boy did the negative Nancys and Neds have fun with that. They just couldn't stand it that a lot of fans were thrilled to hear his long time wish to be a father was going to come true.

Then in early June Clay Aiken sang Sarah at the annual Ford’s Theater Gala for the President and First Lady.

Late June, early July saw Clay in Somalia and Kenya in his role as Ambassador for UNICEF.



With the arrival of August, along came the birth of Parker Foster Aiken. Two hours after Jaymes gave birth Clay was on his blog telling his fans that both mama and baby were fine and baby Parker was as loud as his Daddy.

Clay Aiken and Jaymes Foster

Clay carrying Parker out of the hospital for his trip home

Next we find out that Clay Aiken is one of the celebrities who will be roasting Matt Lauer at the annual Friar's Club roast in October.

That brings us to tomorrow when Clay reprises his role as Sir Robin in Spamalot at the Shubert Theatre in New York City.

There is more good stuff on the schedule. Clay will be appearing with Paula Deen September 27th on Paula's Party. There is a Champion of Change gala scheduled in Raleigh on October 18th and come January '09 another Golfing for Inclusion event.

All in all it's been a good year to be a fan of Clay Aiken. So sorry Charlie, we're having lots of fun.



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Clay Aiken, Jaymes Foster, Champions of Change, Golfing for Inclusion, Sir Robin, Shubert, Spamalot, Matt Lauer, Friar's Club