The Coolest 8 Year Old In The World Talks About O'Reilly

[BurtWorm]

Run time: 02:25 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8x14cLGh5o   Posted on YouTube: November 01, 2006 By YouTube Member: bastardfairies Views on YouTube: 1907644   Posted on DU: November 02, 2006 By DU Member: BurtWorm Views on DU: 5208

 
(Discovered at http://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com/2006/11/i-totally-agree-with-this-cool-8-year.html)

[Ignacio Upton]

1. She sounds a lot older than she really is

Either way, I'd love to see O'Reilly's reaction to her video. He would probably say "SHUT UP, SHUT UP!" like he did with Franken.

[Freedom_from_Chains]

76. Here it is:

Bill's response

Bill O'Reilly takes on YouTube

The Response to Bill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVRbMfh52Ts&mode=related&search=">Rise of the Falafels[br />

[thereismore]

2. she has mannerism of Lewis Black. nt

[RoyGBiv]

3. I LOVE this person ...

And I love her parents.

Brilliant.

[ClayZ]

4. Bravo!!! K and R

:kick:

[flamingpie2500]

5. LOL Nazi's, KKK and the Republican Party. Brilliant!! The truth hurts.

[ClintonTyree]

6. I'm guessing that this is her Mom.........

Vavavoooooooom!! :wow: :loveya:


From the bastardfairies.com web-site, linked to her myspace page. There's some pretty good music you can download for free there as well. Check it out!

[2008]

7. wrong link

it's http://www.thebastardfairies.com

(you left off the word 'the')

[YOY]

8. Homina...homina...homina

Yummy! And obviously not too shy in the talent or brains department!

Double Yummy!

[al bupp]

9. Right on, kiddo!

[ms liberty]

10. K&R - wow!

I agree - this is the coolest 8 year old in the world!

Thanks for posting this BurtWorm - this is an awesome find and I'll be sharing this one with everyone!

[Generic Other]

11. Okay, when she went off on Christians I spewed my tea on the keyboard

She was the cutest thing. Olbermann needs to see her video!!

[Justpat]

12. .

:kick:

OK, now this is too funny.

[Auggie]

13. Empathy -- that's nailing it!

[JudyM]

14. 'zactly. That's where the parties differ, IMO. nt

[StraightDope]

15. I have mixed feelings about using children like this...

One the one hand, it's nice to see that this little girl can recognize that O'Liely and the majority of the Republican party are nothing more than evil liars.

On the other hand, it's troubling to see a child who likely does not possess developed critical thinking skills indoctrinated with sombody else's politics.

I doubt many of you will agree with me on this, but that's my $.02.

[SouthernBelle82]

17. How do you know

if anybody is using her? If you can prove it than yes I agree but I don't see any proof that anybody is 'using' her. If she is as smart as she is being portrayed as on the video I'm sure she's doing this on her own.

[StraightDope]

20. Well, I certainly don't have any proof...

But this whole video is suspect. First of all, I have known many, many extremely intelligent children from 7 - 10 years old. Even at the upper end of this age range, it is VERY rare to find a child this erudite and politically aware. Second, I used to work in professional video production, and it's obvious that this thing has been heavily edited, and not very well-edited at that. Notice all of the sloppy jump cuts, and you'll see what I mean. Third, children who aren't actively exposed to religion don't usually develop a strong antipathy towards organized religion without hearing adults in their life expressing similar views directly to them. Fourth, the whole thing smacks of being staged, with the little girl reading off of cue cards or something similar. Not that there's anything wrong with that in and of itself, but I'm guessing that whoever transcribed the words onto the cards also composed them as well.

But hey, enough armchair analysis. I could be, and hope that I am, 100% wrong about this. Even though I agree with the politics down to the last detail, I think that using children in such a way, if such was the case in this instance, is ALWAYS wrong.

[ShortnFiery]

23. Perspective people ...

The Right Wing will use ANYTHING to get their point across. If the view of a little girl picking daisies as a nuke goes off "is game," then this precocious 8 year old is cool.

Damn! Must you over-analyze everything when the true essence of our Civil Liberties is at stake? The child is standing up for our LIBERTIES, note cards or not.

Chill out, stand up and fight back for our CIVIL LIBERTIES.

If we realize a totalitarian state, this little girl will live in abject poverty and serve HER CORPORATE MASTERS. Oh yeah, it's more important to be puristic. NOT! :P

[StraightDope]

26. Um, the '64 Daisy Ad...

Was pro-Johnson and anti-Goldwater. I.E., pro-Dem and anti-Republican. Semantics aside, is this to be the new party mantra? "WIN AT ANY COST. IT'S OK TO DO IT IF THE REPUBLUCANS DO IT. Om. Om. Om..."

With all due respect, Fuck THAT! We are better than they are. We should not have to stoop that low, and in fact, DO NOT have to stoop that low. This reminds me of the asshat who would bring his daughter to Dem campaign events and stage a ruckus, complete with children's tears, and a cohort to "menacingly" rip signs out of his hands. Those antics were roundly condemned on DU when they came to light, condemned in no small measure because said antics involved the exploitation of children. This is barely less exploitative. Children should not be used as tools to advance one's political agenda. That's what Republicans do!

Incidentally, I doubt that this child even KNOWS what she's standing up for. Oh, sure, she has some rudimentary idea that Bushco is bad, and what freedom of speech is, and that the war in Iraq is a disaster, but it's been filtered through Mommy's (or Daddy's, or who ever else's) eyes. Her beliefs aren't truly her own, they're an amalgam of the beliefs of the adults in her life.

[BurtWorm]

28. This is a video that is intended to provoke thought through shock and laughter.

It's not a campaign video.

If this is not appropriate, is there any non-documentary use of children in film that is?

[StraightDope]

30. When the production of the film necessarily involves...

...the indoctrination of children with extraneous political beliefs, then I say no, there is no legitimate "use" as you say for featuring children in overtly political video material. This little girl most likely is not just an actress. She's the child of someone related in some fashion to the band for whom there is an advertisement at the end of the piece. But hey, as always, I must admit that I could be wrong. Hell, I HOPE I'm wrong, because otherwise, I'm disgusted that anyone would think of exploiting their kids in such a way.

[BurtWorm]

31. How do you know she was indoctrinated?

Either she believes what she's saying, so there's nothing wrong, or she's just mouthing words like any other actress of her age, in which case, it's only as wrong as child acting in general is wrong.

[StraightDope]

35. Yeah, OK.

I'm done arguing this with you. I think that putting this girl on spectacle for all to see is wrong, and you don't. End of story.

[BurtWorm]

37. Nice.

You have a very low threshhold for discussion, I see. That's too bad. I find discussion of ideas with people who don't share your own provides about the only means of sharpening your thinking. But I can understand that some people may be satisfied with their opinions as they are. So be it.

[demwing]

41. I believe I can settle this easily : Imagine if the child were pro-Bush

I can hear the catcalls from DU already, proclaiming this child an indoctrinated Bush bot, and her parents only interested in using her to promote their right-wing political agenda.

If you doubt that, just think back on the shock and indignation that swept DU when the Jesus Land videos hit the screen.

This door swings in both directions.

[BurtWorm]

44. The Jesus Land children are being taught to want to die for Jesus.

That is what real indoctrination looks like. That is not an apt comparison to this at all.

As for imagining a conservative monologue in a precocious child's mouth, the same point I made to StraightDope about this girl would hold. Either the child would be saying what she believed, in which case, too bad if we don't agree with her; or she'd be just a blank medium for someone else's words, in which case, she'd be like any other child actor in the media.

[demwing]

46. Perhaps the Jesus Land compare was too much, BUT...

I stand behind my larger point.

There's no doubt in my mind that a good percentage of DUers would accuse her parents of brainwashing the child.

[BurtWorm]

47. Of course.

No argument from me on that point. I've been here long enough to be sure you're right about that. ;)

[BurtWorm]

25. I think she is doing an act.

I love the act. It's very well done, in my opinion.

[Marnieworld]

39. My thoughts exactly

I couldn't even finish watching it.

[DuaneBidoux]

55. You say...

"Third, children who aren't actively exposed to religion don't usually develop a strong antipathy towards organized religion without hearing adults in their life expressing similar views directly to them."

Children also don't actively EMBRACE religion unless they are exposed to organized religion as a positive and necessary force in their lives either. Very few of these beliefs one way or the other are isolated from influences taught to the child young.

[goddess40]

62. My son at 8 could have done this

It would have been edited too as he can get stuck on something and repeat it several times. He's aware because we, his parents, are aware and talk about what's going on in the world. We also take our kids to political rallies.

[Auggie]

18. I was thinking the same thing,

though kids today are much more media and current events hip than I was at that age (in the '60s). We didn't have cable news running 24/7 and the WWW.

[Finder]

27. My 8yo holds the same views as this little girl...

as do some of his classmates...

Of course having a parent who is a political junkie could have something to do with it...

He reads Mother Jones, watches KO and the Daily show, etc...His editorials are a hoot.

[StraightDope]

29. And does your eight year old have the wherewithal...

To express himself in such an eloquent manner? Does your 8 year old know about the history of religious warfare? Does your eight-year-old have such disdain for organized religion?

I await your reply, but I think I already know the answers to my questions...

[BurtWorm]

32. Is your objection that she's disparaging religion?

If she were just disparaging Republicans, would that be okay?

[StraightDope]

34. Dude, I wasn't talking to you.

For that matter, I'm done talking to you. We disagree, and that's that. Sheesh...

[BurtWorm]

36. You didn't put a warning on your post.

Your post reminds me of Al Franken's Lies and the Lying Liars chapter on Barbara Bush, who keeps telling Franken on a flight they're on together, "I'm through with you." Did you ever read it?

[Finder]

33. Not as eloquent as this little girl...

but close. As far as religion, he loves reading the bible but does not believe in god. He is an avid reader who loves historical fiction--especially medieval stuff.

[goddess40]

75. Yes he did when he was 8

He's a bright kid and my sister is a born again wacko, when her daughter started telling my son he was going to hell I let him in on the truth. So yes he knew those things and had and still has disdain for organized religions - especially the fundies.

[PreacherCasey]

52. I agree 100%

[DuaneBidoux]

54. I understand your feelings and share them somewhat.

I would even say that we cannot actually know that she DOES understand anything about O'Liely and the Republican party. Chances are she accepts this as the truth because the adults in power around her say it is true (regardless of whether or not it actually is true).

[gully]

66. I have to agree with you.

I feel like the child is being spoon fed what to say as well.

[BurtWorm]

67. No shit?

Unlike most other child actors?

[gully]

68. Yes, but the presumption on the part of many here is

"wow, this child was wise beyond her years," which was why I pointed out the obvious.

[BurtWorm]

70. I really would have thought the Peanuts-style delivery and choppy edits

would have been a giveaway that this is not a child speaking off the cuff. She's delivering political commentary for the makers of the film.

Some people really need the :sarcasm: tag with their sarcasm, I guess.

[gully]

71. Unfortunately, I don't think all those praising her knowledge of

world events, past and present - were being sarcastic. ;)

[BurtWorm]

72. I'm not disagreeing with you.

At all. I'm saying people who think this girl is the author of those words might have needed a little :this girl is not the author of these words: tag with the video. ;)

[gully]

74. Gotcha.

.

[Buzz Clik]

78. My reaction precisely.

I agreed with her points, but I despised the concept dressing up a child in adult clothing, have her swearing like a training sergeant, and lecturing "adults".

I loved the song at the end. I laughed out loud.

[SouthernBelle82]

16. That was good

I liked that. She has a little potty mouth though that shocked me at first. I agree that instead of religion kids should be learning empathy for other people.

[demwing]

19. That was embarrassing

does anyone think that child wrote those words?

That child was used, plain and simple.

[ShortnFiery]

21. The Child was awesome! She stood up for our FREEDOMS.

Bravo young American patriot!

Our civil liberties is what has made the USA "The Land of the Free."

LET'S NOT EVER FORGET THAT FACT? :applause:

[StraightDope]

22. I agree.

We appear to be distinctly in the minority, unfortunately.

[BurtWorm]

24. She's an actress.

She was no more used than Mary Kate and Ashley. At least she was used to better and funnier purpose.

[demwing]

43. And I didn't find it particularly funny either

But neither can I tolerate the twins. Talk about being used...

[Finder]

38. I am sure she had help...

and was in play-acting mode but I would not say she was used.

[ddbaj]

40. It's called acting...

[demwing]

42. If its acting, then she's not the coolest 8 year old in the world

She's just mouthing words she may or may not agree with, or even understand.

Either way, is she were pro Bush, DU would be buzzing with indignation. Thats a near given.

[BurtWorm]

45. Her character is the coolest 8 year old in the world.

I think she does a pretty convincing job of it.

[demwing]

48. OK. If she's acting, she doing a good job.

But I still think she's just saying what makes Mom and Dad click. Call it acting, or call it using your kids.

Does it all depend on whether we like what she says? It shouldn't, but I suspect it does.

On edit - Burtworm, I'm not pointing the finger at you, I'm just being rhetorical. Peace.

[BurtWorm]

49. Don't worry

I don't take it personally. I enjoy (and learn from) discussing disagreements, so I appreciate your discussing yours with me.

:toast:

[BurtWorm]

51. Just to prove your point in a sideways sort of way

Here's a comment on this video's YouTube page:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8x14cLGh5o&eurl=

A wonderful piece of democratic propaganda using a script from Howard Deans desk. The same party who thinks if your dumb and uneducated you'll end up Iraq. Now resort to using 8 year old to push the party line. Very low.

[Gelliebeans]

50. I loved it

woo hoo!!!!!!!!

[tinfoil tiaras]

53. That video was all and well until

she started, imho, stereotyping all Christians as being fundie asshat nutjobs or something. FYI, there are ALOT of liberal Christians out there, they just don't get as much publicity as the whackos do.

I really hate stereotypes about Christians, especially the one's that, imho, this video perpetuates. Ignorant, don't belive in science, fundie nutjobs. They're in the minority actually. You just hear their voices over the rest because they're so loud. Most Christians i know are very sensible, rational, sane people who think that the fundies are absolutelyfuckingnuts.

just my 2 cents though...

[David Zephyr]

56. K&R.

Masterful.

[GOPFighter]

57. Of course she's acting...

...kids love to pretend to be grownups. They pretend to be school teachers, astronauts, whatever. I'm sure this was written by an adult and the child was extensively coached on inflections and mannerisms. She was obviously taped a couple of times and then the different pieces spliced together. I thought the girl did a great job enunciating (except for "genocide") and her facial expression were excellent. I thought she was cute.

I can understand why some people have misgivings about having a child so young saying things that are profane and inflammatory, but I think this was done more for entertainment (Meet Andy Rooney as an 8 year-old girl) than indoctrination. This isn't Jesus Camp in reverse. I can easily believe her parents don't let her use that kind of language in everyday life and I'm sure she doesn't even understand everything she was saying.

I think it is so obviously an act, I would have had a good chuckle even if her rant was pro-Bush. It was written, rehearsed, coached, taped, and cleverly spliced together. IMO, no children were hurt making this video.

Unlike Jesus Camp.

[FredStembottom]

58. This is terrible!

It's the same kind of icky kid-acting you get on TV commercials.

Just put pancake syrup or vitamins in front of her and it's the same.

"...get medeival on someone's ass". No 8 year-old has ever said that - or ever will.

Ish. Ish. Ish.

[ShortnFiery]

59. "...get medieval on someone's ass".

Oh I beg to differ. Our neighborhood is kids-central and you can hear all the latest buzz phrases.

Gee, George Carlin was right. IMO too many parents want kids treated like "little cult objects" and ruin their lives shielding them from everything that might be the least bit tainted.

I don't block channels nor the Internet. However, I monitor. My kids know many others who *sneak* and watch porn because their parents put all kinds of LIMITS on what they can see and can't see.

Like the Bush twins turned out (most especially Jenna), if you raise them puristic they often turn out 18 years later as "drunken sailors."

Kids have every right to be exposed to politics and even "act." They are human beings with rights like us grown-ups. Keep treating them like "dolls" and you'll regret it. ;)

[StraightDope]

60. I have nothing to say, except...

That I am appalled. Children are not adults. Treat them like, "dolls"? No. Treat them like fully grown, fully cognizant individuals? Absolutely not. I don't know what to say...

[Jeroen]

61. I agree

[Blue Fire]

63. I hope I'm still alive

when she runs for president so I can vote for her!

[ClusterFreak]

64. Love the message....

...don't love using an 8 year old like that.

[chefgirl]

65. I have to agree

I also agree that it is just acting, and as such, we probably shouldnt take it so seriously.

That said, however, when the little idiot stole the White House in 2000, my own son was 11 yrs old. He's a gifted kid, and has always been WAY more savvy about the world around him than those of his peer group.

Hearing me rant and rave about Bush etc..., it was obvious that he could inherently absorb the truth of what I was saying to him, and that he had a pretty highly developed sense of the principles this country was founded on (I'll take credit for that, thanks), but, I got really upset when he came home from school one day and told me that one of the kids in his class punched him because he was repeating some of the things he had heard me saying about George Bush. (nothing profane, thank God)

The really upsetting thing about it was that the teacher took them both aside, and challenged my son about the things he was saying. Being only 11 years old, he simply wasnt able to support the arguments he had heard me make, even though he knew (still knows) in his gut they were valid.
The teacher proceeded to spew just about every RW talking point she could think of until she completely shut my child down. (This is the teacher who would hand out xerox worksheets every day while the Dr. Laura show was on the radio, and force the class to listen to it along with her while they did their worksheets.)

Obviously, I did have a rather 'lively' chat with this teacher and with the principal, and she was no longer allowed to play the Dr. Laura show during class, but, the point that I'm taking so long to make here is, after that incident, I was always VERY careful to temper my comments by giving my son the unvarnished version of the Republican point of view on whatever subject I was ranting about.
To this day, if I hear him repeating something he may have heard from me, I make it a point to challenge him, and really make him prove to me that he has some reason to believe the way he does, and not just that he's heard it at home.

The lesson I learned is that it really puts a kid at a disadvantage to inundate them with your own political views, if you dont also offer them the opposing side's argument and let them truly decide for themselves.

As it turns out, I would call my son something of a moderate liberal, more moderate than me, but at least I know those are HIS opinions, arrived at in his own way. That's not to say that if he had been displaying RW ideas, I wouldn't have attempted suicide...Im just happy he hasn't.

-chef-

[gully]

69. Yep

agreed.

[philosophie_en_rose]

73. What an awesome video!

When I was eight, I felt the same way. :)

She kind of looks like me, too.

I think it's wrong to exploit children, but giving them the words to express what they already feel is not exploitation.

[bridgit]

77. she's precious, and having been trained as a Shakespearean Actress myself...

i applaud her reading of her parents script k&r'd :applause: :thumbsup:

[Printer70]

79. Excuse me while I throw up

onward christian soldiers
genocide
fictitious god
medieval
empathy

Do these sound like words and phrases that an 8-year old can use fluently? Leave the kids out of it. It disturbs me when we bring them into politics like this. Let kids find their own way, guide them; but don't cram ideology down their throat. Politics and partisanship is one of the ugly but necessary responsibilities of adulthood; there's no need to burden them with it at that age.

[SmellsLikeDeanSpirit]

80. Damn I wish I was that cool when I was 8. She is throwing it down. In yo face O' Riles.

LOL!