By Melissa Antoinette Garza
Admittedly, I was a Johnny-Come-Lately when it came to liking Russell Brand. I first heard about him during a controversial practical joke that he had done with famous comedian and talk show Jonathan Ross was played on an actor Andrew Sachs. Though it was a big deal, I didn’t pay much attention and when I finally saw him, I thought he was an idiot. When I saw the trailer for the remake of Arthur, I had no desire to see it. I was a pretty big fan of Dudley Moore so I couldn’t imagine the character being portrayed by anyone else. Generally, I don’t believe myself to be someone to judge one based on rumors and awful websites like TMZ. I never intentionally watch shows of that variety, but it’s sometimes impossible to avoid them. While I’m writing, it will be on as background noise or I’ll be visiting someone who will have it on. Nonetheless, somehow I came to the conclusion that Brand was a foolish, unfunny drugged out, sex addicted loser. I was completely off base and am actually ashamed to admit that I had that view.
I jumped on the Brand bandwagon when most Americans who love him did. I saw the MSNBC clip of Morning Joe where he was able to explain to so-called journalists what their job should be. The three interviewers made up of two women and one man began discussing Brand’s looks, his clothing, his boots and his chest hair all the while avoiding the topics discussed in his Messiah Complex tour or any topic of any real importance. If you haven’t seen the clip, Google it as it’s amazing. He politely and with great dignity and respect explained that their avoidance of real news and interest in discussing the trivial was at the very least disturbing. He then presents the way a news anchor should act and brought up Edward Snowden much to the dismay and horror of the MSNBC crew who did nothing but attempt to laugh it off. On a later episode they trashed Brand essentially saying that he was upset that he was unrecognized and that he hadn’t really done anything to be recognized. Similarly, FOX News said something similar. Brand had been interviewed and discussed the term profit. He stated that where this is profit there is deficit. Of course, FOX jumped all over this and said that since he had divorced Katy Perry he was a nobody. So one thing MSNBC and FOX agrees on is that they hate Russell Brand and enjoy taking cheap shots at him. Thankfully, I hate them both and get my news from outside sources.
What is hilarious is that the implication that his stardom is linked to Perry is ridiculous. Perhaps in the states, he was viewed as Perry’s ex, but in England he’s been a huge star for years. I actually went back and pulled up some of his old comedy routines and guest appearances on shows like The Big Fat Quiz of the Year. For Americans like myself, search for this on YouTube as that’s really the only way for us to find it.
Nonetheless, when I saw the MSNBC clip I was mesmerized. I realized then that Brand was the complete opposite of my perception and I had to take a step back and remind myself that even I can be brought in by tabloids. I made an assumption and I was wrong. Russell Brand is an inspiring, intellectual who spreads a message of love for all.
I purchased all of the episodes of Brand X from Amazon for $27.99. For some reason the HD was cheaper than the standard definition so I went HD. It is definitely worth the purchase. Americans are bombarded with TV talk shows and “news” programs where people scream at each other and hosts play to the audience to get applause all the while making their guests appear to be idiots. It’s television that attracts the lowest common denominator. It’s mind-numbing. Brand X is completely different. Brand would have guests with outrageous and controversial opinions such as a white nationalist, members of the Westboro Baptist Church, a woman who believed all illegal immigrants should be deported, etc; and instead of inciting riots and screaming at them, he simply talked to them. It was civil discourse and it’s beautiful because we don’t see it anymore. In the end, he hugged one of the members of the Westboro Church. Maybe, he didn’t change the guy’s mind. Maybe, the guy will still walk away believing that the Bible is the actual word of God and that homosexuality is wrong – but maybe something inside at some point in his life will click. He’ll think of the love that both Brand and the audience showed to him and let go of his homophobia. Perhaps instead of focusing on the negativity in the Bible, he’ll focus on the love Jesus encouraged as Brand himself had stated.
Brand also stands out as he is willing to fully admit the control we as a society are all under. I have been a fan of David Icke for years. I own all of his books and have read them several times. The man is a genius. Though dismissed by many as insane, Brand brought Icke on his show twice and allowed him to explain in detail his ideas and the evidence that supports his theories.
I have so much adoration and respect for Russell Brand. I ended up watching the Messiah Complex tour and honestly it was hilarious but it was also very political. He states hard truths. For example, Brand loves and admires Mahatma Ghandi , but he isn’t afraid to discuss how Ghandi married a 13 year old or how he was in many ways responsible for her death.
An idiot at FOX News stated that Brand was the equivalent of a college student in a coffee shop who believed he knew everything when in actuality knew very little. That statement like most from FOX News is as inaccurate as one can get. Brand has a vast amount of knowledge surrounding sociopolitical issues and spirituality. I am blessed that I have the ability to listen to this brilliant man enlighten me and I am humbled and a bit ashamed by the fact that I was so wrong about him in the first place.
I cannot encourage people enough to seek this show out. It’s absolutely amazing and I sincerely hope that FX has the smarts to bring it back for another season. Many people, including myself just learned of the show. I typically don’t watch American television. I spend my time watching my DVDs of QI and watching new episodes on Hulu and Youtube. I watch old episodes of Spaced. I watch Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe on Youtube which is another great show. I sincerely wish that we had a channel where we could pick these shows up. Another great program, especially for those who love The Daily Show (one of the few programs I still watch on TV) is 10 O’Clock Live. It’s hilarious and similar to The Daily Show format.
As for other American programs I watch. I religiously watch The Cinema Snob and any Brad Jones videos as he’s always hilarious. Really nearly any of the critics on ThatGuyWithTheGlasses.com is hilarious. I watch the Angry Video Game Nerd.
I watch Alex Jones and am a dedicated viewer of Infowars.com and have been for years.
Though I pay for cable, I really don’t watch too much on it. Thankfully my internet is tied into it because I get 99% of what I watch off the internet.
Otherwise, I’m just watching horror movies.
Anyways, I went on a little bit of an ADD rant there, but nonetheless maybe I gave you guys some cool shows to look up. If nothing else check out Brand X. I bought it off Amazon as I have Amazon Prime but for those who don’t, I’m sure VUDU probably has it and I’m sure other sites have it as well. I also highly recommend seeking out his interviews and his comedy special The Messiah Complex. The man is a genius and is simply spreading the word of love and attempting to connect the world. He’s a revolutionary thinker and someone the establishment is going to hate. I truly believe he has the ability to move enough people where we can make a difference in society and start reevaluating our political system and those in power. Maybe we do need to look at The Milky Way and the billions of galaxies we know about and see how little the trivial things matter in the realm of the universe to see how important it is for us on our planet to connect and come together rather than focus on our differences. Those are the teachings of Brand and though he may not be the first to say it, he certainly says it with genuine concern and without pomposity. That isn’t to say that he doesn’t have a certain flair or show signs of arrogance in his comedic routine, but when it comes to the serious issues, he comes from a place of heart. He isn’t talking down to his guests or his audience. He is talking to them and with them and attempting to bring together human beings who were torn apart by lies perpetrated by the media and those in power.
So not that he’ll ever read this, but I sincerely apologize to Russell Brand for falling into a trap I thought I was above; and more importantly I thank him for having the courage to stand up and fight for his convictions.
Scared Stiff Rating: 10/10
