|
Post by myshelly on Sept 17, 2019 22:41:18 GMT
I just asked my 12 yr old and he knew who Ken Burns is, so yes, I would expect adults to know.
|
|
|
Post by cakediva on Sept 17, 2019 22:48:29 GMT
Better make it a super long couch, cause im parking on it too! We can have popcorn! And twizzlers. I'm Canadian - I don't know who he is - but can I have popcorn and twizzlers too?
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 11:29:55 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2019 22:54:14 GMT
I know who he is BUT only because of one of my photography courses. We had to shoot a documentary so of course his work was discussed. Otherwise, I would be clueless and happy to join the clueless bench for popcorn and twizzlers. To me this isn't something the average person "should" know or anyone should be shocked that someone doesn't know.
eta: I did not vote because none of the options fit my. I know but I don't think everyone should know.
|
|
|
Post by pierkiss on Sept 17, 2019 23:07:13 GMT
We can have popcorn! And twizzlers. I'm Canadian - I don't know who he is - but can I have popcorn and twizzlers too? Of course you can!
|
|
luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,428
Jun 26, 2014 2:34:35 GMT
|
Post by luvnlifelady on Sept 17, 2019 23:12:00 GMT
Absolutely. He has done some great documentaries on the national parks and baseball plus other things. I think he has one on country music coming out very soon.
|
|
|
Post by pierkiss on Sept 17, 2019 23:13:51 GMT
You can be aware of what's happening in the world but not aware of what is on PBS. I don't find it shocking that someone may not know who he is. I understand not necessarily being aware of what's on PBS. But Ken Burns' name is EVERYWHERE, especially when he has a project in the works. He's on the news, and in the papers, and online everywhere... I politely disagree. I have never heard his name mentioned on the news. Morning news or nightly news. Perhaps he is mentioned on days I don’t catch the news. I have also never seen him mentioned on any website/social media site I frequent. I don’t think he is on the same level as Spielberg or Kubrick in terms of household name recognition.
|
|
|
Post by pierkiss on Sept 17, 2019 23:24:41 GMT
Better make it a super long couch, cause im parking on it too! I’ll bring my own folding chair ! LOL Fantastic! Let’s set up an outside movie screen for our completely ridiculous movie we’re going to watch.
|
|
|
Post by pierkiss on Sept 17, 2019 23:26:27 GMT
For what it’s worth, I asked my husband if he knew who he was. He said, of course. Docu guy” and then rattled off 4 of his films and then proceeded to give me a visual description of what he looked like. 😂
He also really really loves history and documentaries. I do not. Makes sense that he would know who he is and I wouldn’t.
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Sept 17, 2019 23:28:14 GMT
I seriously can't imagine what American adults wouldn't be familiar with him at all. It’s me. 🙋♀️ I’m an American adult who doesn’t know him. I don’t love documentaries, and I def don’t watch war/historical docs. Not a documentary fan either, but I saw parts of his specials on national parks. He looks just unique enough that I remember his face and hair.
|
|
eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
|
Post by eastcoastpea on Sept 17, 2019 23:31:02 GMT
Yes, I do. I've been watching his stuff for years and enjoy his work.
|
|
|
Post by questioning on Sept 17, 2019 23:38:59 GMT
I'm posting before reading the thread, would assume most in would know him. He's done a broad spectrum of documentaries. There was a jazz series years ago and baseball, I'd have to google to name more, the war ones seem to get the most press.
I equate it to knowing about Tupac, you didn't have to listen to his music or watch his videos to be aware of who he was. But maybe I'm just old - it seemed like they both became well-known figures around the same time and lots of interviews in the regular old press / television.
|
|
|
Post by Sorrel on Sept 17, 2019 23:44:27 GMT
I hear stuff about Ken Burns all the time, but I’ve never seen one of his documentaries ... unless wait, did he do one on the dust bowl? I did see that one...I guess I’m also surprised more hadn’t heard of him, but no biggie.
|
|
|
Post by refugeepea on Sept 17, 2019 23:47:34 GMT
Do you know threads...
They never make me very comfortable. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I do not. This time I do. I don't want to answer the poll because no, I don't think every American knows.
|
|
|
Post by questioning on Sept 17, 2019 23:51:48 GMT
I didn't realize that! Gosh I am o-l-d, I remember the Shaker program! It fed a mini-design trend IIRC I didn't realize that was one of his until I googled.
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Sept 17, 2019 23:56:00 GMT
I seriously can't imagine what American adults wouldn't be familiar with him at all. It’s me. 🙋♀️ I’m an American adult who doesn’t know him. I don’t love documentaries, and I def don’t watch war/historical docs. But he also has done series on baseball, the national parks, Jazz, country music, in additional to more clearly history subjects. It isn’t as though he has stuck to wars - he has covered a huge range of popular culture. Ken Burns, imo, is one of our national treasures. We are enjoying the Country Music series right now. eta: sorry, I should have read the whole thread before responding. Everything I’ve said has been said upthread, and better.
|
|
|
Post by questioning on Sept 17, 2019 23:56:16 GMT
Do you know threads...
They never make me very comfortable. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I do not. This time I do. I don't want to answer the poll because no, I don't think every American knows.
I understand, sometimes they take an odd turn. I always seem to learn something, even if I know the original question. Maybe not a poll, but on the original board I learned the aluminum foil box has a circle on the side to hold the roll. I still don't use it, but now I know its there.
|
|
|
Post by refugeepea on Sept 18, 2019 0:03:12 GMT
I loved his Civil War series It's the only one I've seen! I do LOVE watching documentaries, but his are very long. I'm a fan of the one hour type right now.
We can have popcorn! And twizzlers. I'll bring Redvines! They are a must for movies/documentaries.
It feels to me that anyone who doesn't know him is considered "out of touch" by several posters on this thread. Or uneducated
I also don't know the names of very many stars, actors, tv series, singers, dancers and the like. That is me!
I understand, sometimes they take an odd turn. I know. I don't mind the actual questions, it's usually the comments.
|
|
cycworker
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,387
Jun 26, 2014 0:42:38 GMT
|
Post by cycworker on Sept 18, 2019 0:04:56 GMT
Yeah he's the historian guy who did the baseball series, I think.
|
|
|
Post by gmcwife1 on Sept 18, 2019 0:05:09 GMT
I know who he is, but I didn't answer the poll. The yes answer with "I thought everyone did" struck me as snobbish. That is why I didn’t select an answer too.
|
|
|
Post by pierkiss on Sept 18, 2019 0:07:41 GMT
It’s me. 🙋♀️ I’m an American adult who doesn’t know him. I don’t love documentaries, and I def don’t watch war/historical docs. But he also has done series on baseball, the national parks, Jazz, country music, in additional to more clearly history subjects. It isn’t as though he has stuck to wars - he has covered a huge range of popular culture. Ken Burns, imo, is one of our national treasures. We are enjoying the Country Music series right now. eta: sorry, I should have read the whole thread before responding. Everything I’ve said has been said upthread, and better. Yes, but I don’t like most documentaries. I find them to be pretty dull. I’ve seen a couple that I have enjoyed, but overall documentaries is not a genre I enjoy. I definitely don’t love them enough to seek out info on the documentary maker. I do not love historical films or shows in general. My husband keeps making me watch various series about popes and various royal houses. It’s all a snooze fest to me. Horror movies (and shows), on the other hand, are fantastic! 😁. I will watch them all the time. I’m always up for a solid conversation about a well done horror movie or show. We all have our things.
|
|
|
Post by lucyg on Sept 18, 2019 0:18:42 GMT
I hear stuff about Ken Burns all the time, but I’ve never seen one of his documentaries ... unless wait, did he do one on the dust bowl? I did see that one...I guess I’m also surprised more hadn’t heard of him, but no biggie. Yes, that was Ken Burns, too. And just so everyone knows, since I’m probably being tarred with the “snobbery” brush, I had no idea who Freddy Mercury was until everyone got in my face with that movie (which I still haven’t seen). I mean, I knew the name, knew he was some kind of rock star, but that’s it. Could not put him together with his music and knew nothing of his personal story. I suck when it comes to popular culture.
|
|
|
Post by Darcy Collins on Sept 18, 2019 0:27:28 GMT
I'm actually finding this thread a really interesting case study in how disparate our media has become. The insistence that everyone would have heard of him when clearly everyone hasn't. For the record, his name sounded vaguely familiar, but little more. Based on previous polls, I'm a bit on the younger side of the bell curve here and I think that plays a role. The biggest part though is I was an early, early adopter of the DVR. Way back when people were still debating why you'd want one. We've always been very, very light TV watchers and with busy jobs watched a handful of shows that we recorded and little else. The biggest impact though, was no commercials, so we've always been VERY out of step with current movies or frankly most pop culture. I watch a bit of local news, but really 90% of my media consumption is online - and I typically focus on world, political and business news - not entertainment. Other than the occasional People magazine at my annual doctor's appointment I rarely use print media and never watch any version of talk shows. I think of my teens and frankly if it's not on instagram explore or Apple news they probably won't hear about it unless we talk about it at the dinner table.
|
|
Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,168
Jun 26, 2014 8:22:26 GMT
|
Post by Gennifer on Sept 18, 2019 0:43:09 GMT
Based on previous polls, I'm a bit on the younger side of the bell curve here and I think that plays a role. I wondered this, too.
|
|
likescarrots
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,879
Aug 16, 2014 17:52:53 GMT
|
Post by likescarrots on Sept 18, 2019 0:47:03 GMT
I know who he is but I honestly wouldn't expect most people to?
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Sept 18, 2019 0:47:25 GMT
But he also has done series on baseball, the national parks, Jazz, country music, in additional to more clearly history subjects. It isn’t as though he has stuck to wars - he has covered a huge range of popular culture. Ken Burns, imo, is one of our national treasures. We are enjoying the Country Music series right now. eta: sorry, I should have read the whole thread before responding. Everything I’ve said has been said upthread, and better. Yes, but I don’t like most documentaries. I find them to be pretty dull. I’ve seen a couple that I have enjoyed, but overall documentaries is not a genre I enjoy. I definitely don’t love them enough to seek out info on the documentary maker. I do not love historical films or shows in general. My husband keeps making me watch various series about popes and various royal houses. It’s all a snooze fest to me. Horror movies (and shows), on the other hand, are fantastic! 😁. I will watch them all the time. I’m always up for a solid conversation about a well done horror movie or show. We all have our things. You are right - we do all have our things! If horror movies, outside of psychological thrillers or those with a strong psych component - like those by Stephen King or Jordan Peele - were banned, I wouldn’t notice. You couldn’t pay me to watch a regular horror film - I turned to my date when we were watching Alien (the first one - when I was in high school) in the theater and asked how much longer I had to sit there. We left. I haven’t seen one in a theater since then. (Poor Marc G. - my date) So, together, you and I make a well-rounded viewing audience!
|
|
Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,168
Jun 26, 2014 8:22:26 GMT
|
Post by Gennifer on Sept 18, 2019 0:49:37 GMT
I equate it to knowing about Tupac, you didn't have to listen to his music or watch his videos to be aware of who he was. I’m not quite sure I agree. I couldn’t tell you any of Tupac’s songs, but I know he was a rapper that was shot. I don’t know what team Colin Kaepernick played for (or even his position) but I know he’s a football player. I have no idea what movies Stanley Kubrick directed, but I know he’s a director. These people are all very well-known within their field, but even someone who doesn’t listen to rap, watch sports, or pay much attention to movie directors knows their name... I don’t think this guy falls into the same category at all.
|
|
Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,168
Jun 26, 2014 8:22:26 GMT
|
Post by Gennifer on Sept 18, 2019 0:52:50 GMT
So, the results of my super-scientific FB poll are significantly different than the one here: about 25% knows who he is, 75% do not.
|
|
|
Post by pierkiss on Sept 18, 2019 0:57:13 GMT
Yes, but I don’t like most documentaries. I find them to be pretty dull. I’ve seen a couple that I have enjoyed, but overall documentaries is not a genre I enjoy. I definitely don’t love them enough to seek out info on the documentary maker. I do not love historical films or shows in general. My husband keeps making me watch various series about popes and various royal houses. It’s all a snooze fest to me. Horror movies (and shows), on the other hand, are fantastic! 😁. I will watch them all the time. I’m always up for a solid conversation about a well done horror movie or show. We all have our things. You are right - we do all have our things! If horror movies, outside of psychological thrillers or those with a strong psych component - like those by Stephen King or Jordan Peele - were banned, I wouldn’t notice. You couldn’t pay me to watch a regular horror film - I turned to my date when we were watching Alien (the first one - when I was in high school) in the theater and asked how much longer I had to sit there. We left. I haven’t seen one in a theater since then. (Poor Marc G. - my date) So, together, you and I make a well-rounded viewing audience! 😄😄😄. I love this so much! And see I would be so bummed if there were no more movies from Peele or King adaptations. And James Wan! That guy can make a scary movie! I love them. They are thrilling and make my heart pound and give me that nice, creeped out feeling. Or, sometimes you get a really really good one. One where you can dissect it and pull apart all the layers and themes and figure out the underlying message or how it relates to politics or other global events of the time. Those are the best ones. I have seen Room 237, the documentary about The Shining. And it is so good. I especially loved the part where they break down the floor plan of the hotel and explained how it doesn’t make sense in a variety of ways.
|
|
|
Post by Darcy Collins on Sept 18, 2019 0:57:39 GMT
I equate it to knowing about Tupac, you didn't have to listen to his music or watch his videos to be aware of who he was. I’m not quite sure I agree. I couldn’t tell you any of Tupac’s songs, but I know he was a rapper that was shot. I don’t know what team Colin Kaepernick played for (or even his position) but I know he’s a football player. I have no idea what movies Stanley Kubrick directed, but I know he’s a director. These people are all very well-known within their field, but even someone who doesn’t listen to rap, watch sports, or pay much attention to movie directors knows their name... I don’t think this guy falls into the same category at all. Also unscientific - but as Stanley Kubrick fell in the same "vaguely familiar" category for me - clearly I don't pay attention to film makers. Although the sample is particularly skewed as I have family in the Bay Area.
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Sept 18, 2019 0:59:12 GMT
So, the results of my super-scientific FB poll are significantly different than the one here: about 25% knows who he is, 75% do not. I can guarantee that if I ran a FB poll of my 200 or so friends - mostly my age - the results would be drastically different than yours. We are friends with people we have things in common with.
|
|