As a member of the fan base who did not catch the documentary at an exclusive college lecture, I am forced to embrace the virtue of watching these 2 documentaries with no time gap between them. And, admittedly, there is some satisfaction in being able to analyze them side-by-side. The heart-wrenching torture at the hands of Jeff Fenster, et al. becomes the labor pains giving birth to the freedom of true independence. Or does it? That story is still being written . . .

pessimist, optimist, realist
When Isaac has his epiphany regarding the temperament of each member of the band, the letter to Principal Vernon in "The Breakfast Club" came immediately to mind:

Saturday, March 24, 1984
Shermer High School, Shermer, Illinois, 60062

Dear Mr. Vernon:
We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. What we did was wrong. But we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. What do you care?

You see us as you want to see us. In the simplest terms, the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal.
Does that answer your question?

Sincerely Yours,
The Breakfast Club

This letter made me think of the torment that Fenster (Island Def Jam) inflicted, but it also made me realize that as we watch SETB, we find ourselves in this story. This is ultimately the story about each of us. About survival. The will to survive.

Never more poignant than in episode 5, the phone call that shifted their world. Each band member responding in raw emotion--Taylor outwardly tempering his only in veiled politeness.

taking the walk
Another thought preoccupied me during the viewing. I remembered the January 31, 2000 issue of Newsweek. In the article, "Rap's Unlikely King," the writer, Johnnie L. Roberts, asks, "Is [Lyor Cohen, co-president of Island Def Jam]—Developing a taste for bubble gum?":

It remains to be seen how Cohen's rap moves will play in the bubble gum world of Hanson, a group he now works with . . .. "If I knock the rock thing out of the park," Cohen says, "it's gonna be crazy around here." That kind of craziness would make the Seagram bosses glad they invited a rapper to their party.

I published this quote on the 2000 updates section of this site (Scroll down to January) just as soon as I came across it. My point being that I feel as if I took this journey with Hanson, in real time. Yet, not to glory in the band's pain, there is a satisfaction in fan survival as well. A genuine grasp of the true gist of "MMMBop."

Obviously, as a fan I have not had my creativity and integrity questioned to the personal degree that Hanson did, and may continue to endure--yet a conversation as recent as this week may serve as a possible parallel. Last Thursday, a colleague compared my Hanson appreciation to being a Precious Moments collector. I have nothing personally against these porcelain figurine collectibles that bring joy to many, but--for the record--I do not collect them nor do I believe this is a fair characterization of the band, in either their current or past evolution.

This exchange occurred in the staff lounge of an elementary school in the American heartland. Can you imagine a similar conversation among A&R reps wherever they gather (aircraft lounges?)? Unlike a small town 2nd grade teacher and thousands of other loyal fans, Fenster did not have the cajones to face down the band's critics and their extremely unfair misconceptions!

inside your head
Another thought played over and over--what Jeff Fenster was privy to in all of those phone conversations and demo sessions--Hanson fans would have sold their own souls to the proverbial devil to have possessed--Hanson's very soul. And Fenster simply dismissed it.

Hanson ultimately discovered what every fan experiences (even their wives), that the people we most hope will "get inside our heads" do not always match up with those who so desperately want to do so. Even when we've spent much of our time attempting to "get inside theirs" or maybe because of it!

This is not ultimately a morality lesson--a tables turned, "Now you know how we feel" moment. Oh no, it is yet another reason to love the band for inviting us, as much as they always have all along, into their hearts. They've never hid their creative process--every emphatic "I don't disagree" and "I have to disagree, strongly!" among themselves. They've demonstrated heartbreaking courage--encouraging each other in whispers and sarcasm, by turns.

are you listening?
My 2nd graders are learning the process of synthesis--the ability to keep changing our perspective as new facts are revealed. Never questioning the band's talent during the film, frankly I began to doubt Hanson's survival "outside the fold." My objectivity is so obviously suspect at this point. Yet, the documentary is not about their talent ultimately. It's about hope. Hope in the audience's (beyond the fans) ability to synthesize.

Although the band has acknowledged their appreciation for the fans, we can only hope to be a source of strength to them, not just their "jam n bread." Right back at you Hanson, "Are you listening?"

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