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Why I will never eat black-eyed peas again
November 3rd, 2009 Posted in The Literate LifeOh, in my rambling U2 review/Books and Culture plug/gratuitous John Piper sideswipe, I left out the best part of my recent U2 experience, which was the deplorable opening act. I was familiar with the Black Eyed Peas from a telephone commercial or some such thing, as well as general cultural osmosis, but never before had I been confronted with their glaring obnoxiousness in full force. It’s hard to imagine a more popular mix of tribal beats, misogynistic lyrics, borderline illiteracy, and astounding irrelevance. One expects this sort of thing from thug rappers and warring Third-World tribes, but what distinguishes the Black Eyed Peas is their success in bringing the worst of American culture into mainstream pop.
We endured an hour of their insipid booty-shaking. At one point, one of them tried to praise U2. He could only manage two adjectives (I think they were “greatest” and “dopest”) before he sputtered into silence. I was impressed that he knew the two, however. It was comical, and in retrospect I’m glad I saw it, in the same way that the survivor of a shark attack might appreciate being able to tell others about it for years to come. I’m haunted, though, by their existential question: “What you gonna do with that junk in your trunk?”
The answer, to me, is obvious: take it to the Goodwill. But I don’t think that’s the answer they were looking for.
7 Responses to “Why I will never eat black-eyed peas again”
By Rick
on Nov 3, 2009
Interesting… I put up a related post a few days back… someone thought the Black Eyed Peas were praise singers… no lie…
By Jonny
on Nov 4, 2009
The Black Eyed Peas are indeed praise singers. Now, what they’re praising may be open to discussion, of course . . .
The difference in lyrical quality between the two acts was striking. Switching from the deep lyrics of “My Humps” to the obviously shallow “Where the Streets Have No Names” was tough.
By Patrice Brink
on Nov 4, 2009
I was at the concert, too (I work at the University of Oklahoma) and shared your perceptions of U2 and the Black-Eyed Peas, church and John Piper (I used to live in Minneapolis and attended Bethlehem Baptist more than once - but not more than twice). If I’d known you were coming, I’d have asked you to join my husband, friends and me at our picnic in my office on campus before the concert. I’m sorry we missed you. I’ve followed your blog for several years now and always enjoy your perspective. Thanks for sharing it.
By Celesta
on Nov 5, 2009
I have nothing intelligent to add here, but felt compelled to say that while reading this post my mouth fell open and I laughed out loud. I like that with my morning coffee.
I was in the Atlanta U2 audience, but was not treated to the Peas. Instead, we got beMUSED.
Have recently discovered your blog (by way of recommendation from Candice Watters) and enjoy it thoroughly.
By Eli
on Nov 6, 2009
I lead worship at church. The biggest concern I have is creating a FALSE worship experience. Music is a potent drug that when used properly can lead you to the feet of Christ. When used by the secular world it is just a deceptive shadow of what worship could really be. My concern is that U2 uses just enough “religious” content to confuse less Bible-grounded individuals into actually believing that they are having a religious experience when in reality their hearts are being deceived.
Don’t even get me started on the Black-eyed Peas. PAleese!
By Beth
on Nov 7, 2009
Hearts being deceived by U2? I think not. I’m overly Bible-grounded and I had a more profound meeting with God at a U2 concert than I’ve had in many a church service. It was a month after 9/11/01 in Philadelphia (Elevation tour) and I felt loved, cared for and grieved with. I’ll never forget it.
Don’t sell the Holy Spirit short, please. He moves when and where he wishes. And he moves in mysterious ways.