Should the Oscars be cancelled?

[MiMi_of_4]

During this time of economic instability, should the Oscars, rife with opulence, be cancelled?

Discuss.

[BeanBabies]

No, I don't think so. Way more was spent on the inauguration then on 20 Oscar shows, so I don't see that as a factor.

I'd be very disappointed if it were cancelled.

[Babyblue]

No, I don't think so. Way more was spent on the inauguration then on 20 Oscar shows, so I don't see that as a factor.

I'd be very disappointed if it were cancelled.


I agree and it is also creating jobs, temp jobs, but still jobs.

[Justicedog]

I don't see why they should be cancelled. I don't even know if they should be that scaled back. Parties stimulate the economy. I think all the gifts from companies should be pared down. I've always felt that way though. However, those won't be getting pared down.

[still_me]

I don't see why they should be cancelled. I don't even know if they should be that scaled back. Parties stimulate the economy. I think all the gifts from companies should be pared down. I've always felt that way though. However, those won't be getting pared down.


This.

And JD, they do have to pay taxes on what they get now. IIRC. It supposedly stopped people from being extremely greedy.

[Justicedog]

Even though they have to pay taxes on it, I'd prefer that companies put a picture of whatever item they want to feature on a card saying, "$X" was donated to (whatever charity) in your name/screen actors guild name/oscar attendee names.

I don't know how those gifts work. Whether the companies just hand them out or whether folks have to go pick them up. All I get at conventions are pens and squishy balls. I could be jealous. (oh, I don't report them on my taxes either, do I qualify for a cabinet position now?)

[Kassandra]

People spending money creates jobs - hairdressers, make-up artists, limo drivers, caterers, party set-up and clean-up, dresses and jewelry are bought, clubs get business for after parties, etc.

Entertainment, especially free for those watching, is good during hard times. Takes your mind off your own problems. :)

[Earthmama]

Don't cancel them. If opulence bothers you, watch something else.

[QuiltyConscience]

Well, the Oscars haven't had to be bailed out by the govt., so they can do whatever the hell they want with that, IMO.

As for the businesses and the goody bags they aren't doing those goody bags because they adore the celebrities so much - They do that to advertise their coolest latest product - if the stars have a new red shiny whirligig, then everybody else wants one too.

[QuiltyConscience]

Even though they have to pay taxes on it, I'd prefer that companies put a picture of whatever item they want to feature on a card saying, "$X" was donated to (whatever charity) in your name/screen actors guild name/oscar attendee names.

I don't know how those gifts work. Whether the companies just hand them out or whether folks have to go pick them up. All I get at conventions are pens and squishy balls. I could be jealous. (oh, I don't report them on my taxes either, do I qualify for a cabinet position now?)


"cat" :snicker:

[MadHatter]

People spending money creates jobs - hairdressers, make-up artists, limo drivers, caterers, party set-up and clean-up, dresses and jewelry are bought, clubs get business for after parties, etc.

Entertainment, especially free for those watching, is good during hard times. Takes your mind off your own problems. :)

That was my thinking also.

[QuiltyConscience]

I was curious aboutthe goody bags and found this from 2 years ago:
http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/Oscars2006/Story?id=1686854&page=1

That's a nice haul.

[RaisingThemLeft]

I don't see why they should be cancelled. They are not using the government's money to put on the show.

[Wildflower]

No, they shouldn't be cancelled. I think doing so could do more harm by creating more 'lack of confidence' among people, causing them to spend less (even if they have $$ to spend), and exacerbate the problems in the economy even more.

[leosmommy]

I will never understand why the goody bags are needed. Most of the nominees have more money than I will likely ever see. I thought it was an honor just to be nominated ;)
As for cancelling, I don't think they should be cancelled, but I wouldn't care if they were, then I wouldn't miss Desparate Housewives tomorrow.