Okay. Up front I'll say that I don't like country music any more than I like hearing a werewolf drag its claws down a chalk board but I am impressed that in a country where even music is a divisive issue that the Dixie Chicks can win awards.
Shortly after the invasion of Iraq turned sour, lead singer Natalie Maines voiced her opinion about president Bush and the group has been paying the price ever since. Nearly banished from many country music radio stations, the group overcame the lack of publicity and while not burning down the house with CD sales of "Taking the Long Way" they did make a statement with the lead single "Not Ready to Make Nice" which was essentially a big 'fuck you' to all of their naysayers.
And to all of those who say that I am apologizing for their "actions" I have this to say: since when is free speech bad? When did it become wrong and nearly criminal to publicly criticize someone you disagree with?
Music is powerful and has always been a voice for the people. The single which brought the Dixie Chicks back into the limelight is legitimately good music regardless of their political leanings and any statement being made.
4 comments:
I agree with you on this. Free speech is right we all share.
But...on the other hand, the public is the one that treated the Dixie Chicks this way...not the government.
I will add that the media played a HUGE role in swaying the public's opinions though.
Yep agree, they dissed the pres on foriegn soil..not many countries where you can do that with impunity.
I think the Dixie Chicks were naive to think that what they said wouldn't create a huge backlash (were they really that not clued-in about their own demographic?), and I think it was a stupid career blunder. However, lots of us were feeling the same way at the time, and I can see how it would be tempting to use such a large podium to voice your political opinions. I was really disgusted by the public's reaction. I hate it when people can only see other people for their politics.
LOVE the Chicks! You go girls!
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