Kid Rock’s on one side. Sean Penn’s on the other. But there is a middle ground between them, as the unlikely pair demonstrate in their new web video, titled simply “Americans.” Can’t we all just get along? (Warning: video contains some colorful, NSFW language.)
The video, which runs nearly 11 minutes, was posted on Kid Rock’s website Wednesday, along with the following description:
“Americans” is a short, public service film starring Sean Penn and Kid Rock, directed by Jameson Stafford. The goal of the film is to tear down the one-dimensional political stereotypes portrayed by the media by confronting them head on. It reminds us that what really matters is that we’re all Americans, with diverse thoughts, opinions and stances on issues. We are millions of unique, individual parts, the sum of which comprise a whole that is the shining beacon of freedom throughout the world.
The film reminds us to be proud of our differences, and to never forget that we’re all in this together as Americans.
The short film opens with Kid Rock and Sean Penn sitting at the same bar. Penn is disgusted with a news clip on television showing Romney, Rock rolls his eyes at a video of Obama — whom he calls Obummer — dancing with Ellen DeGeneres. They see each other across the bar — the ultimate Republican and the ultimate Democrat — and get into it, trading barbs back and forth. Rock calls Penn a “commie” and the insults continue, “Do the Right Thing”-style, until both Rock and Penn are interrupted by a news clip saying soldiers died in Afghanistan. They toast each other, “to freedom,” and realize maybe they’re not so different. They hug it out, and over a clip of Uncle Kracker’s “Smile,” the two are shown palling around Malibu. Penn brings Rock to the Prius dealership, Penn brings Rock to a gay wedding, and so on. They don’t completely swing to the other’s side — Penn spits out the beer Rock tries to give him, and Rock doesn’t seem to be too big a fan of that gay wedding — but they agree to disagree. The message at the end of the video: “Don’t let politics divide us. Thinking differently is what made this country great.”
With the election less than a month away and the two sides as divided as ever, togetherness is a message few are preaching. And just for putting that out there, Rock and Penn deserve kudos.
What do you think of the video? Would you vote for a Kid Rock-Sean Penn ticket, and are you ready to see these two hit the road together?
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