Janet exposed!

Backstory:

The Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy occurred February 1, 2004. During the halftime show, Janet Jackson performed with Justin Timberlake to a live audience of more than one hundred million people. Janet sang along with Timberlake on his song Rock Your Body. When Timberlake sang the lyric “gonna have you naked by the end of this song,” he tore open Janet’s top exposing her right breast, which was partially covered by a nipple shield. Timberlake called the incident a “wardrobe malfunction…” Janet apologized, calling it an accident and that Timberlake was supposed to pull away the bustier and leave the red-lace bra intact; however, she later said to an interviewer for Genre magazine that she wishes she had not apologized at all. The incident was also known as “Nipplegate.”

This entry written by The Unknown Blogger around February 3rd, 2004:

weapon of mass distraction

The FCC is going to investigate the “stunt”

FCC Chairman Powell says:

Like millions of Americans, my family and I gathered around the television for a celebration. Instead, that celebration was tainted by a classless, crass and deplorable stunt. Our nation’s children, parents and citizens deserve better. I have instructed the commission to open an immediate investigation into last night’s broadcast. Our investigation will be thorough and swift.

Justin Timberlake says:

I am sorry if anyone was offended by the wardrobe malfunction during the half-time performance at the Super Bowl. It was not intentional and is regrettable.

MTV says:

The tearing of Janet Jackson’s costume was unrehearsed, unplanned, completely unintentional and was inconsistent with assurances we had about the content of the performance. MTV regrets this incident occurred and we apologize to anyone who was offended by it.

CNN says:

Despite its official apology, MTV did not hesitate to promote the “unrehearsed, unplanned, completely unintentional” incident after the fact.

These apologies give some insight into our conflicted American culture - especially when it comes to the sex/guilt game. If you are a recovering Catholic (like me), you will know this game - some piecemeal sex (occasionally purchased and delivered through media like TV and DVD) followed by bouts of guilt for what you have just done, which incidentally, is engaging your natural sex drive. Is it necessary to ask God for forgiveness for indulging in something God-given? A lot of Americans think it is. I think it’s some kind of sick joke the nation plays on itself.

OK, some declining pop star popped a puppy on prime time. Big deal. I don’t see the sky falling.

wow! I really did get you naked by the end of this song!

I’d like to take this opportunity to address CBS, MTV, Justin Timberlake, and Janet Jackson:

You pussies! Why are you apologizing to these ass-clowns? Are you people really going to bend over for these moral hypocrites with delusions of grandeur? What the hell do they know about what’s good for this country, and why do you need to feel sorry about a one second boob shot during a game where people celebrate the throwing of pigskin and the violent thrashing of human bodies against one another? So, maybe you’ll have to pay a fine. Who cares? CBS/MTV/Viacom can’t afford a silly FCC fine? Take some responsibility and defend yourselves, you cowards!

the breast of shame. how could God let this happen?

Janet is small time; the biggest boob is sitting in the White House and is on your TV every day.

- The Unknown Blogger