America has an obsession with anointing geniuses, legends, icons and masterpieces. And the good news for those who've been admitted to the club: It's damn near impossible to get kicked out. The result is an ever-growing list of sacred cows and untouchables, their value certified in perpetuity.
We beg to differ. Not everyone who's made a great album or film is a savant; not every book that struck a chord within a generation is a timeless masterwork; not every longstanding local hangout deserves to be a venerated institution. Some are just … overrated.
After often contentious negotiations (but no chair-throwing), the CL editorial staff presents for your consideration, and perhaps your ire, our Top 40 overrated items — eight each in the realms of music, film/TV, literature, the culture at large and Tampa Bay.
After we compiled the list, we noticed that it was zeroing in on white males and considered forcing a bit of diversity in there. But then we figured that white males are a pretty overrated group in general, so we went with our first instincts.
We don't suppose that you will agree with all of our choices (ahem). We, of course, invite dissenting opinions. Call us out; defend your turf; make it personal if you want. We can take it — mostly because we know you're wrong. E-mail your responses to overrated@creativeloafing.com.
—Eric Snider
Overrated
This article appears in Nov 22-28, 2006.
