To think it's odious to thank 'God' when you win a (celebrity) award?

[Vagabond]

I don't get celebrity acceptance speeches. Why do they always thank God?

I watched the MTV movie awards and a young girl of 8 years old won an award for best somethinig-or-other. She started her speech by saying, "First, I'd like to thank God". And everyone whooped and hollered like they were at the second coming.

Serena and Venus Williams do the same thing. A lot of celebrities do it too. Specially, ironically, hip hop artists. It's just so bloody odd.

Why do they do this?

Frankly, it just adds them to my shitlist of Scientologists and other total eejits.

Your thoughts.

[fruitshootsandheaves]

Thank God you brought this up!

[worraliberty]

My thoughts are that if they believe in a higher being...it's normal for them to want to thank that higher being.

[worraliberty]

[thursday]

i just assume their religion is important to them and they genuinely believe God has helped them be MTVs favourite actor (but he doesn't like to interfere when it comes to children dying of preventable disease in poverty stricken countries)

it's very American isn't it? have to wonder how much is for the whooping audience. i can't see a UK audience getting all excited if they did it at the soap awards!

[HorseWhisperer]

If they believe in God why shouldn't they thank 'Him'?

Serena and Venus Williams do the same thing. A lot of celebrities do it too. Specially, ironically, hip hop artists. It's just so bloody odd
No, most US recording artists do this, watch the Country Music awards. Not just black people. ffs.

Bloody hell.

[twinklypearls]

I guess they think that God has given them a talent.

[fatlazymummy]

It's just an individual thing, isn't it. People can say whatever they feel like saying.
I never watch award programmes, so I don't give a shit.

[MumblingRagDoll]

Odious? Your attitude to other people is odious...

[GothAnneGeddes]

Why, specially, ironically hip hop artists?

YABU. People can thank who they want. I fail to see the connection towards thanking God and being a member of a religious cult, but insha Allah, I'm sure you'll point it out super quick.

[GothAnneGeddes]

Why, specially, ironically hip hop artists?

YABU. People can thank who they want. I fail to see the connection towards thanking God and being a member of a religious cult, but insha Allah, I'm sure you'll point it out super quick.

[DontCallMePeanut]

Erm, why odious?

Surely, as a religious individual, they feel God has had a major impact on their life?

So yes. YABU. Have a

[GreenEyesandHam]

It's down to their massive egos.

God 'took a break from giving babies malaria, and popped down to their local area' to bestow their tremendous talent and good fortune.


(pinched a bit from Tim Minchin)

[Vagabond]

I didn't say black people. I mentioned two tennis players who are renowned for thanking god. Nothing to do with race. Horse - why would you bring race into this. That's so destructive.

And yes, the Country Music Awards was full of invoking God too. I noted that. I just didn't think it would be a point of reference in England. Country music is the tableaux of the Bible Belt so I'm not surprised. Mention God and everyone wants to have a hillybilly party.

More importantly, if GOD awards a gift to one person, doesn't that mean that he denies it to another?

If GOD gave the gift of a reward to a recording artist, does that mean that he DENIED nutrition, health and freedom to a refugee.

Do you see my point? God doesn't give material rewards to some. If he did, it would mean that he denied others. Then the universe and all faith would be destroyed.

My point is that we can all "Thank God" but it's unreasonable to do so in the realms of competition. My God does not prefer people or make choices that result in one person winning something. That's just wrong on every level.

[sharbie]

usually americans and it is because of the bible belt imo

[worraliberty]

My God does not prefer people or make choices that result in one person winning something. That's just wrong on every level

Well I wont even get into that argument considering the pain and suffering in the world!

But back to your original point...Thanking god when someone wins an award is just a way of being humble. They are probably thanking God for the opportunity/luck/being born to supportive parents...or a whole host of things they believe are out of their own hands.

[HorseWhisperer]

Of all the US sports stars, actors, musicians who 'Thank God' in acceptance speeches you pick two black players and then you pick a genre of music that is predominantly black artists and state 'ironically'... seriously? You wonder?

[Vagabond]

Hip Hop artists are renowned for having sexually explicit music videos of women debasing themselves, pole dancing and writhing with little clothing, bending over and showing off their asses. Great music. I love hip hop. But I pity the poor girls who dance in their videos and I wince when Flo Rida thanks God.
MadamDeathStare: EXACTLY! Thank you!

[Vagabond]

Please, Goth Anne Geddes,

Don't invoke Insha'llah on me. I know my onions and I know my Insha'llah and it's all the same shite.

Please though, explain to the others. I'd be amused.

[GothAnneGeddes]

Yes, I thought that might rile you, sensitive type that you appear to be. However, since it is not against MN rules, I am free to say Insha Allah if i so choose.

[DontCallMePeanut]

"But back to your original point...Thanking god when someone wins an award is just a way of being humble. They are probably thanking God for the opportunity/luck/being born to supportive parents...or a whole host of things they believe are out of their own hands."

Once again, I agree with Worra.

"My God does not prefer people or make choices that result in one person winning something. That's just wrong on every level." Really? He doesn't? Are you suuuure?

[Vagabond]

Horse Whisperer: Again, you bring race into things. It's so reductive.

I consider all people to be equal so why would I have to choose a group? You are seeing my point from your own racist filter.

[DontCallMePeanut]

Well, you mentioned the hip hop artists, 99% of whom are black, Vagabond. I interpreted it the same way.

[Tyr]

Between plagues, wars, natural disasters etc, isn't it touching that God still finds time to bless the odd country or rap artist? What a guy...
Actually, when I see some of the recipients of his dubious blessings, I'm almost grateful that I'm going to hell in a bucket.