Is this Really Appropriate?

[Eagle400]

See here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9TAhcBEnMM

I understand that this creative video was designed to be a morale-booster, but I think that making a parody of a rap song with lyrics that are defamatory and obsene goes a bit too far.  Plus, wearing the uniform in such a video is disrespectful, I would think.   I have seen this video played at both a cadet programs conference and COS (03').   

Is this really appropriate?

[afgeo4]

I thought it was hilarious and not at all inappropriate for cadets on youtube.com

Look... everything has to be seen in its own context. We aren't about to make a recruiting TV commercial out of this because THAT would be inappropriate, and I'm not sure it's the right thing for COS or conferences, but as cadets joking around and having fun goes... I think it's appropriate. Are you offended by it?

[Eagle400]

I thought it was hilarious and not at all inappropriate for cadets on youtube.com

Look... everything has to be seen in its own context. We aren't about to make a recruiting TV commercial out of this because THAT would be inappropriate, and I'm not sure it's the right thing for COS or conferences, but as cadets joking around and having fun goes... I think it's appropriate.

I agree that making a recruiting commercial out of "The Real First Sergeant" would be inappropriate, as would playing it at CPC or COS.  And I understand the cadets were just joking around and having fun, but did they have to do the video in uniform?

Are you offended by it?

Yes, sir.  Why?  Because they were wearing blue service dress uniforms.  I wouldn't have minded had they worn civies. 

[Al Sayre]

Well, that's 2 min and 10 seconds of my life I'd like to have back, but inappropriate; not really.

[lordmonar]

Are you offended by it?

Yes, sir.  Why?  Because they were wearing blue service dress uniforms.  I wouldn't have minded had they worn civies. 

Take a chill pill.  I've seen AD people do better and more "explicit language" videos.   Seeing as how this video is over 4 years old....it's a little late to be asking these sort of questions.

[afgeo4]

I thought it was hilarious and not at all inappropriate for cadets on youtube.com

Look... everything has to be seen in its own context. We aren't about to make a recruiting TV commercial out of this because THAT would be inappropriate, and I'm not sure it's the right thing for COS or conferences, but as cadets joking around and having fun goes... I think it's appropriate.

I agree that making a recruiting commercial out of "The Real First Sergeant" would be inappropriate, as would playing it at CPC or COS.  And I understand the cadets were just joking around and having fun, but did they have to do the video in uniform?

Are you offended by it?

Yes, sir.  Why?  Because they were wearing blue service dress uniforms.  I wouldn't have minded had they worn civies. 

Are you offended by their words/actions, the uniforms themselves or the combination of the two?

Please explain what about it is offensive to you. Perhaps it's worth considering.

[Eagle400]

Are you offended by their words/actions, the uniforms themselves or the combination of the two?

Please explain what about it is offensive to you. Perhaps it's worth considering.

The fact that they wore uniforms that people fought and died for in a video that is a parody of a rap song is offensive to me.  There may have been no profanity, but actions speak louder than words.   

Here's my reasoning:

When it's military personnel doing a creative morale-boosting video in uniform because OPTempos are high and they just want to let loose, I don't mind.  They've earned the right to wear the uniform.

These cadets in the video didn't earn their uniforms - they were given to them.  That's true of all cadets who are not members of the military.  So they really have no right to do such a video in uniform.  Like I said, I wouldn't have minded had they worn civies.     

[lordmonar]

Are you offended by their words/actions, the uniforms themselves or the combination of the two?

Please explain what about it is offensive to you. Perhaps it's worth considering.

The fact that they wore uniforms that people fought and died for in a video that is a parody of a rap song is offensive to me.  There may have been no profanity, but actions speak louder than words.   

Here's my reasoning:

When it's military personnel doing a creative morale-boosting video in uniform because OPTempos are high and they just want to let loose, I don't mind.  They've earned the right to wear the uniform.

These cadets in the video didn't earn their uniforms - they were given to them.  That's true of all cadets who are not members of the military.  So they really have no right to do such a video in uniform.  Like I said, I wouldn't have minded had they worn civies.     

As a member of the Armed Forces.....let me tell you......we don't care, neither should you.  The video was in fun it did not call anyone a baby killer, it did not invoke politics, religion or alternate life styles. 

They have the permission a decorated, combat vet of two wars to make fun of them selves all they want.

[DNall]

I thought it was hilarious and not at all inappropriate for cadets on youtube.com

Look... everything has to be seen in its own context. We aren't about to make a recruiting TV commercial out of this because THAT would be inappropriate, and I'm not sure it's the right thing for COS or conferences, but as cadets joking around and having fun goes... I think it's appropriate. Are you offended by it?

Second, and go check chairforce.com if you think the AF is any better.

[flyguy06]

You guys are a bunch of old stuck inthe mud fuddy dddies. I thought the vidieo was hilarious.
Youguys first problem is youthink Rap music is BAD and all of it isnt. But I guess your parents thought the music you listened yoo when you were young was bad also.

I thought it was tasteful. Now if hey had been running around grabbing parts of their anatomy or wearing their pants down, then I might have a problem. But I didnt see any of that.It was G rated and nothing outrageous.

Get over yourselves.

[PA Guy]

See here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9TAhcBEnMM

I understand that this creative video was designed to be a morale-booster, but I think that making a parody of a rap song with lyrics that are defamatory and obsene goes a bit too far.  Plus, wearing the uniform in such a video is disrespectful, I would think.   I have seen this video played at both a cadet programs conference and COS (03').   

Is this really appropriate?

Get a grip. If this is all you have to be upset over you have entirely too much time on your hands.

[Al Sayre]

Nice of you to tell us what we think flyguy06.  

Different people have different tastes in music.  I personally don't care for 99% of what RapI have heard, but there is some that is ok.  

It's the whole Gangsta' culture that I object to, and what I really dislike is when I have to listen to someone else's music rattling the windows in my car or my house as they drive down the street, and I don't particularly care what they are listening to.  If I wanted to hear their music I'd steal their stereo.  If someone wants to listen to rap fine, just don't force me to listen also.  

Have a little common courtesy.

[SarDragon]

To quote Sgt Hulka: "Lighten up, Francis!"

As a member of CAWG, and a former cadet, and someone who doesn't particularly like rap music, I thought it was funny, and inoffensive.

[afgeo4]

So there you have it. Most people find it funny and not offensive. It also doesn't break any regs or laws and thus, it's perfectly ok, humorous, and entertaining.

People HAVE died in CAP uniforms, but that doesn't mean we should always act like we're at their funeral, does it?

[DNall]

I thought it was pretty stupid myself, but whatever. Little embarassed, but not really offended. Won't be putting my own Sq's funny video up there anytime soon.

So the original poster, who shall remain nameless is the only person offended right? Everyone else has a sense of humor & we're all moving on now right?

[fyrfitrmedic]

I thought it was pretty stupid myself, but whatever. Little embarassed, but not really offended. Won't be putting my own Sq's funny video up there anytime soon.

So the original poster, who shall remain nameless is the only person offended right? Everyone else has a sense of humor & we're all moving on now right?

Yeah, except all of a sudden I wanna be like the nameless poster and make an attempt at a cryptic numerical username... perhaps

3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937510

or something to try to be extra-cool 

[Pylon]

The fact that they wore uniforms that people fought and died for in a video that is a parody of a rap song is offensive to me. 

Hey buddy - let me clue you in, just once.  You're probably the only one who's offended.   The other CAP senior members and cadets here don't seem to be offended, the "Real" Military personnel chiming in here don't see any reason to care either.

Second, this agency has a lot of issues to address. The Real First Sergeant video is not one of them.

Third, Tap dancing on thin ice is ill advised.

[dwb]

These cadets in the video didn't earn their uniforms

Sure they did!  They joined the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.  They (presumably) took a cadet oath.  They are to uphold the CAP Core Values.

The uniform is just clothing; it's fabric and buttons, with some geegaws pinned/sewn on it.  Yes, it is a privilege to wear the military-style uniforms, and we should honor that.  But let's not get carried away with the symbolism here.

If you can accept that active duty military folks can make silly videos while in uniform, it's not a stretch to think it's okay for cadets to do so as well.  In fact, you would almost expect it, since cadets are rabble-rousing teenagers, whereas the active duty folks are adults.

IMO, I think this may be a case of hypersensitivity.

[LtCol White]

See here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9TAhcBEnMM

I understand that this creative video was designed to be a morale-booster, but I think that making a parody of a rap song with lyrics that are defamatory and obsene goes a bit too far.  Plus, wearing the uniform in such a video is disrespectful, I would think.   I have seen this video played at both a cadet programs conference and COS (03').   

Is this really appropriate?

I think you are way over reacting. First of all, there is no profanity in the lyrics of their video. Have you ever looked at Chairforce.com and seen the videos posted there with USAF personnel in uniform?

Lighten up. Beisdes, what are you? Master of questions here??? Geezzz.....you ask more questions than a 3 yr old at a disney movie. Whats up with the million threads???

[RayHayden]

To me, from a completely non cap, professional videographer point of view (with former Air Force veteran thoughts)...

I think the video is fine - it was done a while ago, but this is what I saw:

Cadets got together and worked on something - what we saw was a few minutes, what it actually took to do, took a lot longer - this means that the cadets worked a long time together doing something fun - positive and though it won't win any mainstream awards - it was actually quite good.

The video meshed together well, the music and lyrics had been "looped" meaning that the words you hear are not from the actual video, but re-recorded later in post production... I'll give you a Star Wars perfect example of it...

In Episode IV, Obi-Wan meets up with Darth Vader for their Light Saber battle - during the fight, Obi Wan speaks to Darth Vader (before the fight), if you listen carefully, you will hear the spinning blade they used for that movie.

I am a stickler on video and television and I know how long things take to put together, so these folks did a fine thing working together to make this video - and besides, in doing so, they learned what it takes, how long, and how much work really goes into a short 2 plus minute video...

Learning something new is almost always a good thing, not learning it the hard way is great!

fwiw