TJ Questions, What's New, Pussycat?
Here’s where we post our “Question of the Month” and where you can send in a question about Tom and we’ll do our best to answer. To submit a question, please click on the “contact” link on the bottom right side of the page. Looking forward to hearing from you!
TomJonesInternational’s December Question of The Month: Why So Emotional?
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009From time to time — occasionally on this site and too frequently on other message boards and forums — fans get really emotional about various facets of Sir Tom. There have been discussions of his hair color, set lists, concerts, wardrobe and, just yesterday here, of a rivalry some fans feel exists between those in the US and those in the UK. Sometimes, it gets ugly. There has been, at various times and in various places, name-calling, rudeness and vitriol. Of course, much of it is on the maturity level of “My dad can beat your dad!”
So, the TJI Question of the Month for December is:
What is it about Tom Jones (or any other entertainer, for that matter) that causes all this emotion among fans? (IMPORTANT NOTE: The question deals not with the times people listen to his music or go to his shows, but with those other times when there’s discussion of other facets of his life.)
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:56 am
As I am Welsh too,and coming from the same valley,I feel a certain connection with him, and I’m so proud that his amazing talent has carried this small country around the world.So therefore, when things go wronge I feel for him. As he is public property,he is everybodies, when infact we all want him to be mine!
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:21 am
I don’t think it’s Sir Tom that causes all the emotion, I think it’s human nature to dislike change, and rocking the boat, so to speak, makes us emotional, and at times puts us in a defensive mode. We become protective. I have been a TJ fan since I first saw him in Lake Tahoe, CA, many years ago, and I feel that, it’s remaining a fan that’s what is important, no matter what happens within the organization.
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:33 am
Judging from the furor unleashed by my comment yesterday (sorry Moderator:)) I’d say that something makes fans believe they know the star and they respond the way the would when a friend or family member is involved in a discussion.
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:56 am
As`others have put it,sometimes because we get used to something we feel is perfect the way it is,we don’t like change.I guess we feel some sort of entitlement to something we really have no right to have.A fan is simply that,It embodies all the devotion and energy put forth to keep that alive within us.It takes getting our mind wrapped around a new thing in order to accept something new ,which usually with time does come.Disappointment is part of life.After much thought from reading all the comments I ahve come to this conclusion:Those who are true fans will caress the new with fond memories of the old and realize that personal choices are someones elses right to makeA talented person is still in our prescence and negativity towards him does nothing to enhance his show or feeling of well-being
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:53 am
I wish I knew as I really can’t understand such behaviour. But I agree with Jane.
I think that a lot of people confuse their dreams with reality. But I still don’t see why this would happen? We all like to escape reality sometimes, but why make yourself miserable over something that should be fun?
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:08 am
I believe everyone is correct in some way but, once again, the term “real fan” has reared its ugly head. A fan defies definition. Some just enjoy. Others participate. Remember, even Mark David Chapman was a “fan.” And, sadly, some “real” fans seem to believe it is their job to “protect” their star and their star’s image from what they perceive as negativism. I know one person who claims she’s a “real fan” who tells anyone who will listen that she is “over” Tom, “never” wants to see him again and, yet, who goes to see him every time she can. Is this a “real fan?”
There’s no accounting for what goes on in the mind and definition is elusive. In my (probably delusional) opinion, everyone is cocooned in a warm glow of affection and that’s what a fan is. I know I am wrong, but I choose to believe that and, when I see strong, incontrovertible evidence to the contrary, I prefer to keep that person at a distance.
For more on “real fans” check out the February Question of the Month.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:23 am
I’m a new TJ fan and an old Michael Jackson fan (since 22 years!) and I can say that people can react so emotional about their idols because in some way they help to deal with the daily problems of your life, your little personal crisis, the boring routine and so on….their music, and sometimes their lifestyle influence you and after that you feel grateful about it but also you feel that you have the “right” to support or not support their career decisions…if we see this with a very cold mind, they work for us, to entertain us, their big talent and hard work, but also our money and preferences give them the position they have reached. However there is a limit, and some fans don’t know where the border is and everything becomes insane.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:31 am
Wow, all I said was the concerts I attended in the UK were sold out in reply to Jane’s comment, I am cerainly not an obsessive fan, and as far as I am concerned the matter is closed,
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:55 am
Patricia: It was not your comment that chileanpussycat meant. She has clearly had some experience with MJ’s fans and, perhaps, with other TJ message boards and forums. No reference was made directly or indirectly to what you posted yesterday. That subject is closed, isn’t it?
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Chilenpussycat makes some good points. “Fans” expend a lot of time, money and emotions on their idols. Making some fans feel entitled and making some fans feel protective. The TJ fan emotions may be more heighten because Tom is so talented and has had such a long career that the bonds are stronger than for a fan of a teenage idol.
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
SusannePDX: That is spoken like a true fan.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Way to go SusannePDX. You hit the nail right on the head.
December 5th, 2009 at 5:22 am
I’m not sure if I fully understand the question. Is it,”What is the definition of a true fan?” Thanks