Jun 25th, 2008
Posted by Joel Engardio, ACLU at 12:15pm

Supreme Court v. American Idol

Working for the American Civil Liberties Union is serious business. We carry a heavy burden. Our slogan, after all, is “Because freedom can’t protect itself.” So it is understandable that in a time of Constitutional erosion, the ACLU is known for its furrowed brows and press releases that “Decry!” “Condemn!” and “Object!”

But there is a lighter side to the ACLU. We are happy people and we like to laugh — even at ourselves. I wanted others to see the well-rounded reality of the ACLU, which is why I made a video that highlights our sense of humor. Hopefully it shows us as more hip to pop culture, though it certainly doesn’t diminish the fact we are a serious and dedicated bunch when it comes to our issues.

My idea was to spoof Jay Leno’s “Jaywalking” segment on NBC’s Tonight Show. There, Leno stops tourists at Universal Studios and asks them grade-school civics questions. The tourists, who represent typical Americans, give glaringly wrong answers and the results are sometimes hilarious. I often thought ACLU staffers would ruin Leno’s comedy bit. They’d know all the right answers. But what would happen if I did “Jaywalking” in reverse? Maybe it’s funny to see clueless tourists try to decipher politics and the Supreme Court, but what do ACLU types know about pop culture and American Idol? I had my theory when I set up a camera and lights at this year’s ACLU Membership Conference in Washington, D.C. But there were plenty of surprises.

I want to thank all the ACLU staff and members who participated. Everyone had a lot of fun, even if it meant poking a little fun at themselves. The conference covered many weighty issues and our priorities were clear: in attendance were three U.S. Supreme Court justices and no American Idols. But my hope is this little video also proves that we know how to have a good time. Yes, we at the ACLU actually enjoy living in these United States — which is why we work so hard to protect its freedom.

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Tags: video

1. stupid Says:
   Jun 29th, 2008 at 3:41pm

   1.

   this is the most stupid video I ever seen, what is the point, you call this fun, I call this guy stupid.

2. Torch Says:
   Jun 30th, 2008 at 6:58pm

   Don't be hostile.

3. Whitney Says:
   Jul 9th, 2008 at 2:05pm

   This is great!

4. Proud to be a Member Says:
   Jul 9th, 2008 at 8:34pm

   I love this video--I have the biggest smile on my face having watched it. . . Thank you!

5. Joe Says:
   Jul 10th, 2008 at 3:33am

   Loved it at least we have our prioritys correct :)

6. Pike Says:
   Jul 11th, 2008 at 12:30am

   Still waiting for those podcasts that should supposedly be here already.........

7. thatboyaintright Says:
   Jul 13th, 2008 at 1:35am

   Good video. It is needful to show the lighter-side at times. Pretty funny, too, actually.

8. Poses Says:
   Jul 17th, 2008 at 4:31pm

   This video is rather problematic, in that it posits ACLU members are more knowledgeable and intelligent than the average American. I understand your intent in trying to humanize ACLU members. However, it comes off just seeming really elitist. You should seriously consider taking this video off your website.

9. Nick Says:
   Jul 22nd, 2008 at 8:42am

   For those that dislike the video, think it's stupid and so forth, I would have to say you missed the entire point of the video. It was meant as a joke, a parody, humor.

   As for the comment of ACLU seeming "elitist", that is the most asinine thing I have ever heard. Once again, it was meant as humor. How are they elitist? Just because a few knew who David Cook was they are considered elitist? It's not like they one a million dollars on Jeopardy answering tons of questions. They answered "A" question about an American Idol person.

10. Bill Says:
    Jul 25th, 2008 at 3:04pm

    It just shows you how hard we active members of the ACLU must work to save typical Americans from themselves. How sorry is it that most Americans cannot name or pick the Supreme Court Justices ? A few months back I asked my coworkers to name are 2 New Jersey State Senators out of 12 people 1 knew the answer.

11. The Chemist Says:
    Jul 28th, 2008 at 8:25pm

    Elitist? First of all, how is knowledge of civics elitist? Quite the opposite. It shows that they aren't pop-cultured, if there is such a thing. The Leno skit was an exhortation to learn more about our nation's government. This is an exhortation to the members of the ACLU that it's more than okay to watch a little TV now and then.

    PS- On an administrative note: The anti-spam word was really illegible, I had to write this twice. I understand the need, but maybe a different spam word format would be easier?

12. Patrick Says:
    Sep 4th, 2008 at 2:48pm

    Bill, one of your own, says "It just shows you how hard we active members of the ACLU 'MUST WORK TO SAVE TYPICAL AMERICANS FROM THEMSELVES.'" That is a typical ACLU member response. Just so you know, most of us do not need or want your help.

13. Alden Loveshade Says:
    Sep 13th, 2008 at 2:05pm

    I agree this was slightly silly, but then a lot of funny things are silly. My favorite part was the woman at the end saying that she thought the American Idol contestants might have been fairer than some of the Supreme Court justices.

    But I have to wonder: what would the Supreme Court be like if its members were selected by television viewers?

14. Chris Says:
    Oct 3rd, 2008 at 3:12pm

    lol, the old lady at the end rocked! :D

15. Chris Says:
    Oct 3rd, 2008 at 3:25pm

    I agree with Poses. I want to believe that the ACLU is comprised of a bunch of "non-elitist" Joe Six Packs who know diddily about the law, but know LOADS about how to have a good time. That's why I'm paying my dues after all right? To finance a daily 9-5 office kegger. :D

    And Patrick, those who don't need the help of the ACLU are those who don't exercise their rights enough to cause a conflict. But what good is having rights in a free society if you live in constant fear of exercising them?

16. Amiris Says:
    Oct 3rd, 2008 at 3:31pm

    This vid gave me a good laugh on a sick day, and after reading about all those Denver Police Survalance reports yall gathered in PDF format (I confess I was trying to make sure I wasn't on their list lol) :-p so this help to bring me back to a fun reality on a day with sniffles and now cramps :| Keep up the great and fun work! =D

17. eddie Says:
    Oct 5th, 2008 at 2:16am

    This video was hilarious! I loved the older lady at the end.

18. Holly Says:
    Oct 14th, 2008 at 1:56pm

    The ACLU is the most disgustful and disgraceful organization in American today, and I can't imagine one that would ever compete with you guys. All you do is sit around and decide how you can cause trouble and attack the rights of hard working Americans with any moral and ethical beliefs, and take everyone to court to sue for everything that America was not built upon. Why don't you actually go make an honest living and quit threatening legal action on everyone who don't agree with your barbaric beliefs. Go get an education, get a job, and be an ASSET to society instead of a trouble making burden.

19. Donald Says:
    Feb 23rd, 2009 at 12:40pm

    For you with poor people skills, (ACLU members) this comes across as "lets make fun of the bookish nerds who are still losers." Yes that is you.

    Men with girly arms and women who are still unpopular. Please recover from high school and move on.

    Yes, you missed a lot of social skills development but it is never to late.

    This video is like a test I once saw for "nerds". It asked if you knew Avagadroe's number.

    If you know this number it is time to stop reading books and learn your neighbor's names.

20. f Says:
    Apr 18th, 2009 at 7:23am

    YOU HAVE TO PAY TO BE A MEMBER HA IDIOTS, FUCK THE ACLU YOU PEOPLE ARE A BUNCE OF LOW LIFES FIGHTING FOR TERRORISTS AND AGIAN FUCK YOU AND YOUR MEMBERS.

21. f Says:
    Apr 18th, 2009 at 7:25am

    YOU COULD NOT PAY ME TO BE A MEMBER WOULD NEVER WANT TO JERKS WHERE IS BUSH SO HE COULD PUT YOU IN YOUR PLACE

22. f Says:
    Apr 18th, 2009 at 7:28am

    Just so you know, most of us do not need or want your help. AGAIN FUCK THE ACLU (AC-FU) AND ITS MEMBERS

23. Overdue Says:
    Sep 2nd, 2009 at 10:30am

    So I'm new to this ACLU blog thing, but how can an organization that defends the US Constitution be despised by anyone? Especially another American?
    They defend the 2nd amendment just like they do the other amendments, right?
    They defend ANYONE'S right to peacefully march and protest, and I mean ANYONE.

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