Friday Free-for-all
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MsInterpreted found this blog post today and I though it was kinda cool, so I thought I’d share it with the rest of you:
remember when jared diamond on the colbert report changed my life?
i do.
today jack asked as he walked away “how does a redneck girl from rural pennsylvania end up in ithaca as an anthropology student?” this only came after i said i may have enjoyed shooting guns at our cabin (in a safe place, not at animals.) well, i guess it was jared diamond. he who hath given an excellent interview on colbert to urge me to buy his book to urge me to read it and love the idea of anthropology and me to change my major at 3 am on a summer night. ja.
and now look where i am, doing what i think i really love to do.
So here is my question to all of you: How has ‘The Colbert Report’ changed your life in a positive way? I’d love to hear your stories.
And here’s the video in case you don’t remember the interview.
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22 Comments
June 27th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Am I the only one that’s a little sad about Laura Kraft leaving?
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June 27th, 2008 at 12:27 am
See the two posts that have gone up in the last 20 minutes. :)
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June 27th, 2008 at 2:48 am
I was always somewhat interested in politics, but ever since I started watching TDS/TCR two years ago, I’ve become even more enamored with the topic. I hope to be a politician someday. I also would love to have my own show just like TDS/TCR. And Jon and Stephen are pretty much my inspiration for everything I do. <3
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June 27th, 2008 at 3:39 am
In all honesty, ever since I started watching The Colbert Report regularly I’ve become a lot more happier and optimistic person. The ability to laugh almost every day brightened my whole perspective on things. Also, I was NEVER that interested in politics or government, and just sort of put it to the side without thinking of it that much. Now, I regularly watch the news and enjoy engaging in it a lot more.
There was once a time when I was in a really rough spot in my life, where even at home I felt like I was being frowned upon, but because Colbert and The Daily Show were on, I was able to keep an optimistic attitude, and for at least an hour every day I felt like things were alright. =)
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June 27th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Can’t say it’s life changing, but I was perplexed as to what to buy my FIL for Father’s Day, went to the bookstore, looked around, saw The Candy Bombers that was reviewed on TCR, and it was a hit :-).
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June 27th, 2008 at 9:54 am
there are surely a lot of ways, big and small.
I’ve been exposed to all these great guests being recognized by TCR. I see them and think about how much they accomplish, how much they’re working to improve things, and I am motivated to learn a lot and hopefully contribute something myself. I’m smart enough, I just need to put some effort in. it’s a timely message, as I’m headed off to college next year.
in addition, I’ve been wanting to visit NYC since forever. I have lived my entire life in NYS, but I’ve never had a reason to go to the city. now, with tickets to TCR next month, I have come up with a very good reason indeed! I’m very excited for the trip, since I’ll be there for a few days, sight-seeing and basically being a crazy tourist at every turn! I am, it goes without saying, VERY excited.
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June 27th, 2008 at 11:46 am
The shows have definitely made me care more about current events. I’ve even thought about eventually going into local politics. Also, whenever I see a book at the library that has been on the show (I’m poor; I can’t afford bookstores, hehe) I grab it and invariably I learn a lot from it. And too whenever I feel depressed they make me laugh. That’s no small change.
Here’s to the life-changing power of TDS and TCR!!! *clink of wine glasses* :D
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June 27th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
It’s really hard to know where to begin with a question like that…
Oddly enough, my husband started watching The Report before I did. I became a Daily Show fan first, as many of us have. It wasn’t until later that I realized Stephen’s persona on the show as just a character, and I was truly amazed at his ability to say some of the things he said with such a straight face, and even more amazed at how brilliant the writers are on the show.
As someone who’s always loved to write and always adored satire, I was just in awe of their talent and how sophisticated this type of comedy was. It sort of blew my mind…
Both shows helped me and my husband get through exceptionally hard times at our jobs, that left us generally miserable at the end of the day. We were able to laugh 4 nights a week until our faces hurt — it was like therapy.
I too also felt more obligated than before to follow politics much more closely than I ever had and see it with new eyes. It helped to really learn how to cut through some of the spin and really try to digest what information had been “spun”, and what was actual fact.
It also helped reinvigorate my interest in reading that had been lost after spending 6 years in college being forced to read some stuff that was painful on a level you can’t imagine. That, and I don’t think I’d read a *good* book in a long time.
I could go on, but I’d be here for more paragraphs than I think anyone would want to read. But I will say, The Report has, in fact, changed my life. Great topic!
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June 27th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
The Colbert Report has definitely increased my thirst for learning…and more importantly understanding the complexities of politics and religion.
I can’t tell you how often I hear a reference to something featured on TCR just a few days beforehand….and then I mentally raise my hand saying “Hey! I know about that! Let me explain further.” It truly is amazing how much information they pack into each show. I like to think that TCR is often the instigator of bringing to light certain issues and gets the ball rolling, but I’m biased:)
On a more personal note, Stephen has definitely inspired me to face my fears and not take things so seriously. I love his line “I defy you to be afraid when you’re laughing.”
For a long time, I wanted to try acting and I was afraid there would be too many jaded people in the industry (note: I’m in LA!), but Stephen struck me as such a decent guy who made it in the industry (err…maybe I should move to Chicago)that I thought I would give it a go. I just began an intro to acting class at couple of weeks ago at a community college and I love it. Whether or not I’m good is debatable, but Stephen has inspired me to try which is the most important thing at the end of the day!
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June 27th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Your story is just like mine! Seriously, it’s a little creepy (but in a good way)!
Thanks to both TCR and TDS, I’ve become more interested in current events (even if I’m not always so confident of my comprehension of it). It’s motivated me to switch my teacher certification to social sciences instead of elementary. One of my professors (“foolishly”) gave me the idea of using “America: The Book” in my lessons (okay, I’d have to be careful, but the idea is amazing), which sealed the deal of teaching an upper-level subject.
As for the “defy you to be afraid” quote, I actually used that in class a few days ago. Someone was giving a presentation and mentioned writing down a famous quote. She asked us to give an example, and that was the one I gave. She asked who said it, and she didn’t know who Stephen was. Sad face. Oh well. I also mentioned the Water Day episode to a middle school science teacher, which I was supposed to get her a link to…whoops >_<
Finally, from watching Stephen, I too remember how much I want to get into acting. I’ve kicked myself over not trying out for plays or not going to callbacks for too long. I recently got back in touch with my former acting professor to see if he recommends anything I could do. I really hope it works out!
Regarding the industry…I got my degree in television production and worked in the film department. While there was some pessimism in my classes (the standard “hauling cables and getting coffee for a living” lines), I’ve actually found MORE in my education classes. I actually am beginning to miss the “cautious optimism”, if you will :)
Oh yeah…and of course, when I’m having a bad day, I watch TDS and TCR and I feel better in an instant.
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June 28th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Wow! I think using “America: The Book” as your primary text in a social sciences classes would be groundbreaking and make you a trailblazer, but I know that would be a rather daunting task to take on. I wouldn’t use it in an elementary school setting, but I think your high school setting would be appropriate. You know…you could always integrate your work as a teacher and film professional!
It saddens me as well when the name “Stephen Colbert” doesn’t register with people. I feel like saying “Your life hasn’t begun.” OK. That’s a little extreme, but you know what I mean:)
So did you have some experience as a stage actor in college? When is the last time you performed? If I entered the acting arena, I would definitely prefer the stage to film since I love the idea of a live audience and continually being in the moment. Every time I’ve gone to a play, I’ve yearned to be up there on stage with the actors and that feeling has never left me. Luckily, I’ll have an acting professor to contact now as well!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and understanding!
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June 29th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I’m not so certain about it being a primary text (the district may have their own thoughts about that), but I could try to use it as supplementary text. I have a feeling my students will either love me or think I’m insane xD I am dying to integrate my TV background (I *wish* I got a film degree!) into the curriculum…little less teach it! I just got an idea for shooting a “TDS”-esque show on campus…boy would administration like that xD Curse my youthful energy!
I feel the same way. I guess I take my knowledge of Stephen for granted in a way; I sometimes can’t believe people haven’t heard of him. I feel like saying, “Really? What rock have you been under?” So yes, I totally know what you mean! :D
I wish I had some experience. The most acting experience I had outside of class was an extra in my friend’s senior film (with considerable face-time!) and filling in for an actress in rehearsals of our studio production. Both experiences were a blast…the rush of hearing people laugh is the best! I would do both film and theatre, but I’d love to do a film someday (to see yourself on the screen is the ultimate “out-of-body experience”). I, too, have always felt that same thing you described, and I hope we both make it someday!
Not a problem! I, too, am glad someone out there feels the same way I do! :D
June 29th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Love the idea of shooting a “TDS”-esque show. You said “on campus” so I’m guessing you teach at a college? Well, good luck to you and keep me updated through the Friday Free-For-All!
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June 27th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
P.S. I’ve mentioned this before, but seeing Stephen so open about his Catholic faith and wating to explore it further has meant a lot to me.
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June 27th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
It hasn’t necessarily changed my life, but it makes me smile and that can’t be hurting me :p
Well I guess I pay a little more attention to current events because it helps to know some background on the subject to get the jokes.
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June 28th, 2008 at 7:13 am
I’m going to Charleston SC this fall for a long weekend. I’ve always wanted to go, but knowing it’s Stephen’s hometown seals the deal. I want to see the portrait at Sticky Fingers!
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June 28th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
You should walk around with a sign that reads “Who here remembers little Stephen Colbert? Please share your story.” It could be an oral history project:)
Have fun!
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June 29th, 2008 at 12:14 am
oh that’d be amazing!! lol
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June 29th, 2008 at 12:26 am
IMDb’s quote of the day:
PRINCIPAL BLACKMAN
Attention! Harken to my voice! An insidious cult is intent on controlling your actions. I command you to avoid it at all costs! That is all.
Always liked that one.
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July 1st, 2008 at 5:30 am
Mine is exactly like all of yours.
Being a teenager, I was never interested or enlightened by the topic of politics… until I watched The Colbert Report. I can’t remember the exact day, but it was around the beginning of his short-lived presidential campaign. Of course, being a newbie, I didn’t really understand the jokes that well (since I didn’t know jack-squat about politics/current events and most of the jokes were running gags that you only understood if you were an avid watcher) but I still found myself laughing. I think it was his priceless facial expressions that did the trick. Since I was in love with his show, I wanted to watch CNN so I could understand his jokes. Then, I gradually began to watch CNN because I wanted to and not because of his show.
Like all of you said, Stephen made me want to be involved with politics and current events. He influenced me to care by teaching me not to care. His show made me realize that politics wasn’t just boring black suits and long speeches. He brought out the fun in it and made it appealing to me.
His water-day show also made me environmentally friendly. Funny how crazy running water makes a person.
Oh, and before I forget. I once asked the teacher in charge of ECTV (a once a week news show at my highschool) if I could have my own segment similar to The Colbert Report and the idea was totally rejected! My main goal was to educate our students about the 08 campaign and other current events in a fun way like Stephen does, but I guess Soulja Boy and texting was more important.
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July 1st, 2008 at 11:33 am
I can thank (or blame) The Colbert Report (and The Daily Show) for increasing my consumption of non-fiction by a factor of ten. I was always a bookworm, but I used to read fiction almost to the exclusion of all else. I still read more fiction than not, but I’m nearly always in the midst of at least one work of non-fiction now; it’s a nice accompaniment to the novels I otherwise gorge myself on. (I’m reading Bill Moyers’ On Democracy now, among other things, and he really humbles me. The essays/speeches in this book are well worth your time!)
However, I must also blame The Colbert Report for allowing me much less time in which to indulge my reading habits. I spend more time than I’m going to admit to working on this site, especially on those nights when it’s my turn to recap. ;)
Oh, and I should also probably thank Stephen and The Report for enticing me up to NYC for a taping a couple of years ago. Once I discovered just how easy a trip it was to make, I started making other jaunts to NYC to take in shows, etc. Having met (however briefly) some very entertaining people along the way has really upped my “cool” factor with my nieces and nephews. Nice!
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July 2nd, 2008 at 9:06 am
HAHAHA. Has anybody else seen the new Aussie Comedy Channel commercials advertising the Report’s shiny new timeslot of 7pm? It made me grin. Stephen makes a joke about the reports on current affairs shows about things that could kill you and warns that the only way you can save yourself is by watching The Colbert Report at 7pm weeknights, right after The Daily Show – “which, incidentally, could also kill you.”
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