tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post115942000194333419..comments2011-03-28T10:39:57.067-07:00Comments on Debunking the Myth - Clay Aiken Really <i>is</i> Cool.: Debunking the Myth of the Claymatestouchstone2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00839142270006956764noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-24154771117713896162007-04-10T19:50:00.000-07:002007-04-10T19:50:00.000-07:00Its a shame that it has come to this. Why do you h...Its a shame that it has come to this. Why do you have to defend yourselves? You are accomplished, multi-faceted, multi-cultural, diverse women. Its makes no difference whether your hair is blonde, blue, brown, grey, black, red, purple, green or whether you're 18 or 80. Society's double standards have caused the blog author to spend valuable time setting up a place for all of you to waste energy justifying why you are a fan of Clays'. Life is too short Ladies. You don't owe anyone anything, especially, the media, people you don't even know. Instead focus on this bond that is so clearly shown in your comments. Don't let the media accomplish its mission to divide and conquer. Stay true to yourselves and united to and with the one thing that brought all of you together in the first place: Clay. Nothing else matters. Why is personal and should only be shared if you choose to do so. I have yet to see him live and I do hope that will change very soon. In the meantime, I will say, more than anything that I look forward to and welcome the opportunity to meet the exceptional women that make up the Claynation. God Bless you all. Have a Heavenly Day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1161452918155412022006-10-21T10:48:00.000-07:002006-10-21T10:48:00.000-07:00Great blog! I saw it linked on the CB and had to ...Great blog! I saw it linked on the CB and had to post. I get tired of people assuming we're all the same. I don't fit the stereotype that the press and even some other fans have of "Claymates." I'm a liberal Democrat, a healthcare professional, a political activist, a vegetarian, and a lesbian. I usually prefer alternative music, but I love Clay's voice and admire his humanitarian work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1161382127693274342006-10-20T15:08:00.000-07:002006-10-20T15:08:00.000-07:00LOVE THIS BLOG!I'm a 45 year old married mother wi...LOVE THIS BLOG!<BR/>I'm a 45 year old married mother with a 13 year old son. I have a BS in Social Work and I'm a Medicaid Specialist. My two life-long passions have been music and sports.(Can't DO either one of them, but truly appreciate people who can!) Prior to discovering Clay, my best friend and I took yearly "girl's only" vacations that usually involved our favorite athlete/sports team. (Andre Agassi, NY Yankees) I'm thinking that most guys would have been impressed by our enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, sports. When we discovered Clay, however, HE became the focus of our yearly trips. We've seen him 24 times now, with plans for 4 of the Christmas concerts. Those who have a problem with Clay and his fans (usually, but not exclusively, men!) and those who just like to spread their ugliness and hatred around, are very SMALL people- in every sense of the word! I refuse to allow them to bring me down with their words and their lies, because they are inconsequential. Clay is a mad-talented,funny, charming, intelligent, socially conscious MAN- and yeah, he makes me swoon!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1161319689759930482006-10-19T21:48:00.000-07:002006-10-19T21:48:00.000-07:00My actual age is 49, but I am once again reliving ...My actual age is 49, but I am once again reliving my teen years thanks to Clay. Since first seeing him on American Idol, I have made tons of new friends, traveled all over the country (and plan to travel internationally if he tours overseas), donated time and money to the charities he is involved with, and had the time of my life. And my life was not boring by any means before Clay. I ran a successful business for years, then took a year off to "find myself". Instead, I found Clay. And I found out that I wanted to be the kind of person he is, someone who goes my own way despite what others think, someone who cares about making a difference in the world, someone who finds joy in the simple things of life. Being a fan has enriched my life so much. I have started a whole new career working for an agency that finds homes and jobs for persons with intellectual disabilities, helping them be independent--I love what I do. And I love Clay Aiken and his beautiful voice. Who he is as a person just shines through all the crap flung at him--he continues to persevere. I admire him alot and I am proud to be a card-carrying member of this amazing Claynation.<BR/><BR/>Oh, almost forgot to add that Mr. Aiken, with his freckles, green eyes, shiny hair, and cute grin is VERY easy on the eyes. =)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160814239861649782006-10-14T01:23:00.000-07:002006-10-14T01:23:00.000-07:00Thanks for the Blog. Yes, I'm one of the middle a...Thanks for the Blog. Yes, I'm one of the middle aged fans who adore Clay's voice, face, personality and charm. I'm a Special Education teacher and more conservative than liberal. I have money to spend and prefer to spend it on anything Clay. The bigotry of the critics, tabloids and others would not be tolerated if Clay were an ethnic or racial minority. It would not be tolerated if so many of his fans were not middle-aged white females. This new bigotry is not only hurtful it borders on hate. We have done nothing to hurt the sales of media favorites. We just want to enjoy Clay. We want the bigotry to stop. Thank youAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160796448882811392006-10-13T20:27:00.000-07:002006-10-13T20:27:00.000-07:00Well, I fit the mold. I'm 36, a full-time stay at...Well, I fit the mold. I'm 36, a full-time stay at home mom of two who happens to love the voice, the man and the whole package. He's "hometown boy who made it big" and he makes those of us from small Southern towns proud. The boy can sing--bottom line. He can do justice to "Row, row, row your boat..." He's adorable. He's personable. He's the geeky crush you had in school but would've never admitted to. He's precious. He's a mama's dream and a middle-aged woman's fantasy. He's good stuff. He's a good boy. Why can't they just leave him alone and let him enjoy his 15 minutes of fame? Let's make sure he gets 15 minutes more. <BR/>Cindy loves Clay from Central VAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160795412402362012006-10-13T20:10:00.000-07:002006-10-13T20:10:00.000-07:00I'm 60 years old - blonde (not grey), 5'9" 140 lbs...I'm 60 years old - blonde (not grey), 5'9" 140 lbs. I work for a Bank, I'm French-Dutch-Irish - I have grown up in California and loved the Beatles and the Beach Boys - but they don't hold a candle to Clay Aiken. I have never been a "fan" of anyone, but I became a fan of Clay's when I first saw him on American Idol. I first fell in love with his voice, and then his personality. I love this man and respect what he has and will do for the disabled. He is a magnificent singer - and he doesn't look bad either!!!I'm not blind or deaf "yet" and what I see and hear from this gorgeous hunk of man keeps me walking without a cane!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160794941418042992006-10-13T20:02:00.000-07:002006-10-13T20:02:00.000-07:00Let's see. Well, I'm a 17 year-old female. I am cu...Let's see. Well, I'm a 17 year-old female. I am currently a student and I will continue to be one within the next 4 years of my life! I'm asian and I'm from Orange County, California. I don't have blue hair, but I DO love to experiment. <BR/><BR/>I love Clay because I truly think he has the best male voice. Some people <I>may</I> want to shoot me down for being a fan of his, but I'm more than proud to say I'm a card-carrying Claymate. True, there are some smooth crooners out there, but none of them come even close compared to Clay. He's just the real deal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160794404799595792006-10-13T19:53:00.000-07:002006-10-13T19:53:00.000-07:00Oh I love this! I am 26, female, married and I liv...Oh I love this! I am 26, female, married and I live in St. Louis. I am one of those fans that want to take Clay to bed. Ha. Respectfully of course. *g*<BR/><BR/>I swear like a sailor. A lady sailor of course. I am a graduate student. I have a wicked sense of humor and I love Clay. His music, his shoes, his rolled up shirt sleeves and his ability to make me travel across the country to see him. <BR/><BR/>I don't hide it but I don't rock out Clay earrings either. But it's fine if you do, that is just one of the many things that makes us all "enthusiastic" fans. Expressing your Clay love any way you want.<BR/><BR/>This fandom has given me a lot of friends, hilarious memories and a lot to blog about.<BR/><BR/>Whew. I feel better already!Princess of Powerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05936301719606785429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160794278414322642006-10-13T19:51:00.000-07:002006-10-13T19:51:00.000-07:00I work in a medical office with several people tha...I work in a medical office with several people that range in age from 25 to 57. We all love Clay, both the voice and the man. I also belong to a local Clay Fan Club. Our members range from 16 to 75. It doesn't, and shouldn't, matter what age a fan is. We are a very diverse group of people that are all drawn to this amazing man. Our reasons are probably just as diverse as our ages, but we all love and support Clay with everything that's in us. We admire his strength of character, his integrity, his honesty, his very real desire to make a difference in this world. He makes us want to be better people, and has opened our eyes to things we weren't even aware of. He is using his voice for the betterment of other people's lives, and I for one am very grateful that he came into mine.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160753389360920792006-10-13T08:29:00.000-07:002006-10-13T08:29:00.000-07:00I'm 46, female, remarried, 3 kids (24,10 and 7). B...I'm 46, female, remarried, 3 kids (24,10 and 7). BS in Chemistry. MS in Civil Engineering. Put career on hold because two youngest have special needs. Thank you Clay for fighting the "good fight."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160717686634851212006-10-12T22:34:00.000-07:002006-10-12T22:34:00.000-07:00I saw this on the fan club, so here I am. I guess ...I saw this on the fan club, so here I am. I guess I bust the stereotype cause I'm 20 and goth and people's eyes fall out when they find out I love Clay. <BR/><BR/>But I don't care. He has an aura that tells me he has a certain power. Hes beautiful, inside and out, and his voice is magical.<BR/><BR/>Those songs arent my favorites but his voice is so mesmerizing I play that cd all the time!<BR/><BR/>Clay may not know it, but he has his own angel. He should feel good about making this whole adventure into something fun and rewarding. <BR/><BR/>He will always prevail.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160638359815938952006-10-12T00:32:00.000-07:002006-10-12T00:32:00.000-07:00I am not going to tell my age. It doesn't matter,...I am not going to tell my age. It doesn't matter, nor should it matter! I am a fan of a lot of artists. I love singing, music and have very electic taste!<BR/><BR/>Demi Moore married a much younger man, Ashton Kutcher! Where was the outcry? <BR/><BR/>How old was Kevin Costner's last wife? Rod Stewart's? <BR/><BR/>Who gives a fuzzy rat's ass what a fan's age is? Really? Is it hurting anyone? I am a fan of Clay Aiken's. I shall remain a fan of Clay Aiken's. I shall continue to buy his CDs and go to any concert that I can. Why? Last time I checked, I am alive and breathing. I love to see the people of all ages enjoy themselves at his concerts!<BR/><BR/>Now, I am going to slip into my new purple dress. I have a fablous new red hat to go with it. <BR/><BR/>Darn, one of those pesky blue hairs is straying out of my hat!<BR/><BR/>JudyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160629551174608122006-10-11T22:05:00.000-07:002006-10-11T22:05:00.000-07:00I am 36 - ok 37 in a few days - and I won my first...I am 36 - ok 37 in a few days - and I won my first Clay CD on the radio. Back when the radio recognized what really constitutes good music, that is. My six year old is very high functioning but still on the autistic spectrum (pervasive developmental disorder), so I was interested right away after reading the liner. The voice captured me soon after. (So I guess that means I encountered the man by accident and stayed for the voice!)satscouthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12022568179898066721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160626400310844622006-10-11T21:13:00.000-07:002006-10-11T21:13:00.000-07:00I'm a 20 yr. old medical clerk. Studied Sports Sci...I'm a 20 yr. old medical clerk. Studied Sports Science at the University of the Philippines. I consider myself a atrist. Music is my life. I love different kinds of music.. from country to broadway.. pop to R&B.. alternative to rock. <BR/>Singing and Fencing (and my Faith) are the only things I've always been passionate about.. until Clay came along and injected the importance of 'giving'. Because of the man, I have become a more caring and generous person. He inspires me to be a better Christian. I honestly never had an ulitimate dream before.. but now, with his example, I aspire to one day be able to make a difference in this restless world.. and be an inspiration to many. <BR/><BR/>It hasn't been long since I first saw Clay. Never knew him til that stunning performance on AI5. Never been to any of his concerts. I don't collect memorbilias. Neither do I doodle his name on my workpad. But I do admire the man a lot. Yes, I came for the voice and stayed for the man. His amazing talent is one thing.. but he's also such a beautiful soul. and that heart... is undoubtingly pure. <BR/><BR/>Clay is blessed. And he makes sure he shares this with others. We choose to support him and his good deeds. And we absolutely know that there will always be oppositions. We can't make everybody like us.. or Clay, for that matter. But these harsh words keep raining on us and we hurt (I know I do). I just hope these people would leave us be. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for the blog! It speaks for many of us, if not all..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160626118201092382006-10-11T21:08:00.000-07:002006-10-11T21:08:00.000-07:00How can liking Clay and his music be threatening t...How can liking Clay and his music be threatening to these grown men? Is it because Clay makes them see how inadequate their little and narrow lives has been so far? <BR/><BR/>They thought that besmirching Clay will turn off his myriads of fans. When they realized their smear campaign didn't work, now they are denigrating his fans who support him. Looks to me like a desperate attempt to destroy the person who makes them see what fruitless and useless lives they have led so far.<BR/><BR/>Contrary to the stereotyping that I, as a Claymate, have unhappy life. I do not have blue hair although I think it's kind of neat. I am happily married for 39 years to the same man. I am a professional female making a six figure income. I have earned two Bachelors and a Master's Degree. I am well respected and considered an expert in my field. I have a very comfortable life. My children are professionals and are contributing members to society. I found Clay not because I was wanting some music in my life. I have them. My likes in music has always been eclectic. I love rock and roll, alternative rock, jazz, blues, reggae, Puccini, and oldies but goodies. I have those albums to show you. Although I can not abide rap or too much vocalizing when a simple note would do, I enjoyed hip hop when it first came into the music scene. The later metamorphosis of these sounds turned me off completely. The violence and preoccupation with sex became too much for me. Self absorption became the norm for these performers. <BR/><BR/>In reality, I think Clay found me. I heard his voice on TV and he took my breath away. I have never felt that way before towards a voice. I was mesmerized by that voice. He is a magnet. That personality reached out to me from my TV screen. He is magic. He shook my comfortable world. I was intrigued. I read more about him. I liked what I learned about this young man. He says he wants to make a difference. He talked about it, then by golly, he followed through with actions and worked his fanny off to make it happen. He actually walked the talk. He is reachable, he is human with perfect imperfections. <BR/><BR/>He reamined true to this promise. He has character, he has integrity and he showed me that perseverance does work. This young man is indeed a teacher. He taught me to expand my horizon. He reached out for me. And I am here to support his every endeavors. Not to worry, I can afford it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160625132934445792006-10-11T20:52:00.000-07:002006-10-11T20:52:00.000-07:00Ok here's my contribution to this wonderful blog. ...Ok here's my contribution to this wonderful blog. I'm 72, my daugher is 46 and my granddaughter is 5. We are all Clayverted - my daugher and I since AI when this kid walked out to be interviewed and opened his mouth to sing. My granddaughter has grown up listening to Clay Aiken's music and knows the lyrics to a lot of his songs. She has posters of him up on her bedroom wall. Our husbands enjoy Clay as well. We all attend concerts, meetups, planned a cd release party and follow Clay's wonderful examples in all his charitable endeavors such as UNICEF, his Bubel/Aiken Foundation for children with disabilities. Now, I am not blue haried either -white maybe, but I do have the spunk and enthusiasm to enjoy this fandom to the utmost and have met many, many great people along the way. I have been a realtor for 30 years and still going strong, a legal seretary for 32 years, am married to a great guy and have 2 married daughters and 2 grandchldren. I have worked for a former Governor of New Jersey, a Mayor of New York City and several judges in my life. I know how to make very rational decisions and, for the past 3 years, my best decision has been to be a Claymate. I intend to be here for Clay Aiken for the duration and do what all Claymates do - support and love this man for everything that he is and all that he gives to the world.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160623131564983222006-10-11T20:18:00.000-07:002006-10-11T20:18:00.000-07:00What great stories you all have to share! Your sta...What great stories you all have to share! <BR/><BR/>Your statements about Clay are so heartfelt and touching.<BR/><BR/>Your humor is wonderful!<BR/><BR/>Your righteous indignation is awesome! <BR/><BR/>Spread the word - let's get more fans to tell their stories, who they are, why they like Clay, and let's beat those stereotypes!<BR/><BR/>Keep USING YOUR VOICE!touchstone2https://www.blogger.com/profile/00839142270006956764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160614456524903592006-10-11T17:54:00.001-07:002006-10-11T17:54:00.001-07:00The only blue on my person is the color of my eyes...The only blue on my person is the color of my eyes. I am a fifty year old woman who keeps very busy as a Reading Specialist, a Reading First Coach, a trainer of teachers for the state of California, a professional development trainer for teachers, a ballet teacher for under-privileged children, a quilter, a mother of two sons in college, and a happily married wife of 28 years. With all the running around I do, I choose my passions carefully. And, I am proud to admit that Clay Aiken has become one of my passions. I love his voice, his character, his wit, his actions and good deeds, and his music. I actually chuckle when I read media comments that stereotype his fans as I so know that is not true. If anything could serve to dispel those stereotypes, it would be the wonderful comments your blog has inspired!!! I so hope the critics are reading!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160614447450055272006-10-11T17:54:00.000-07:002006-10-11T17:54:00.000-07:00I'm female, I'm 50, I am a paralegal by profession...I'm female, I'm 50, I am a paralegal by profession and I love Clay Aiken and thank him for sharing his talent and other "ass"ets with his fans!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160612707409763832006-10-11T17:25:00.000-07:002006-10-11T17:25:00.000-07:00Ok, couldn't resist adding my 2 cents to the lot. ...Ok, couldn't resist adding my 2 cents to the lot. Just loved your blog!!!! Very articulate and apropos. Add me to the list of 50ish fans going on 22. We definately have a right to listen to and support whomever we wish. Not only do we enjoy Clay's talent, but appreciate that he is a great role model and has a wonderful personality. We enjoy meeting and socializing with other fans who feel as we do. What's the big deal???? We speak out and speak with our wallets----our prerogative!!! Now if we are offending some-----sorry about that------Getting too old to let others opinions sway me. Mr. Aiken has brightened and inspired a bunch of lives----that's a Good Thing!!!! Wish there were more like him. Call me what you will---that won't change how I feel about Clay and those who support him. Thanks again for telling it like it is!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160610598818889682006-10-11T16:49:00.000-07:002006-10-11T16:49:00.000-07:00I'm female, 49, living in Buffalo, NY. What I love...I'm female, 49, living in Buffalo, NY. What I love about Clay is first his voice. To be able to listen to an artist and not hear screaming or see crotch grabbing brings back the err of music when singers sang. It is rare now of days to see young people care about more then themselves. Clay cares about people. Its this caring that make people love him. Clay might never hit big numbers on the charts, or get the radio play he deserves. But Clay will be a round for a long long time. He has what others don't have. And that is Heart. And a voice that will last through the centuries.<BR/>DebbieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160608821354612362006-10-11T16:20:00.000-07:002006-10-11T16:20:00.000-07:00A wonderful blog! I am 48, live in New England, c...A wonderful blog! I am 48, live in New England, co-direct a very complex, multi-faceted senior citizens center, write for women's spirituality magazines, volunteer for a number of organizations (mostly related to women's issues), have been a punk poetess in New York City, and am a lifelong feminist. I absolutely agree with you that much of the anti-Claymate rhetoric is based on untrue, outdated, ignorant attitudes about older women (who are actually quite powerful and wise people). My other favorite musicians are Patti Smith and a Tibetan Buddhist nun named Choying Drolma who writes and sings Buddhist chants. I am a supporter of Clay because I find his voice and artistry inspiring, I respect him tremendously as a human being, and I think the world is a better place because his "voice," in all meanings of the word, is in it and I want to do what I can to make sure he keeps using it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160607347374958272006-10-11T15:55:00.000-07:002006-10-11T15:55:00.000-07:00Exceptional Blog!I'm a 57 year old (next month)blo...<B>Exceptional Blog!</B><BR/><BR/>I'm a 57 year old (next month)blond female (except for the silver I've earned along the way). I'm an Admin. Asst. for a major mortgage co.<BR/><BR/>I've loved Clay since the beginning and will continue to do so. No one can take that away from me or make me feel embarrassed, guilty or ashamed. It's an honor to be his fan and he was well worth the wait!<BR/><BR/>It started with the VOICE, but there is so much more to Clay to love as expressed ^^^^ and no doubt, with future posts here.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for this blog.nonnymushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10775313165632441396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35157063.post-1160607278408759822006-10-11T15:54:00.000-07:002006-10-11T15:54:00.000-07:00I am 38 year old female. I'm an artist and my fav...I am 38 year old female. I'm an artist and my favorite subject is Clay Aiken. He is beautiful, passionate, sweet and "sings like nobody else on this planet." <BR/><BR/>My goodness, it's beyond me how anyone can not see what a beautiful, tender soul he is. It's in his face.<BR/><BR/>I'm proud to be a member of the Clay Nation. We are a diverse group and there's fighting and some days I get so annoyed I want to scream but I wouldn't trade it for anything because we've stuck together through thick and thin and we all want the same thing--Clay singing to us and we'll do whatever it takes to help him keep doing that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com