Life Without The Chicks
Ever since I heard the song "You Were Mine," I've been a huge fan of the Dixie Chicks. They are excellent musicians, writing most of their own music and playing various instruments extremely well. In the world of popular music, they have a unique sound, combining bluegrass, country and a dash of rock and roll.
In 2003, the Chicks found themselves in the throes of controversy. During a performance in London a few days before the invasion of Iraq, Natalie Maines, Lubbock, TX native and lead singer of the band, said, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas.” This sparked massive criticism and, even after several attempts to clarify the statement and apologize for being disrespectful to the President, their music was boycotted by fans and radio stations. (See Wikipedia for more details on the controversy.)
Making a statement like that in a foreign country when the U.S. is on the verge of war is reprehensible. Don't get me wrong – I fully support the Dixie Chicks' First Amendment right to say what they want, when they want. But when you exercise that right, you have to expect consequences, even when (especially when?) you're famous. Granted, some of the unpredictable consequences they have faced (radio promo events to crush the Chicks’ CDs, vandalism of one of the Chicks’ homes, threats on their lives, etc.) are disgusting and inexcusable, but they brought the rest on themselves.
On May 23rd, the Dixie Chicks will release their first album, TAKING THE LONG WAY, since this whole debacle occurred three years ago. As much as I'd love to own this album and listen to it obsessively until I know every word and can belt each song as I'm driving or cleaning, I won't buy it.
I’m a firm believer in the power of the dollar and being conscious of who and what you’re supporting when you spend your dollars. It’s not that I’m a Bush supporter by any means. Yes, I voted for him, but only as a vote against John Kerry. Now I’m counting the days until Bush is done (589 to go). The comment made during the Chicks’ London concert was a stupid mistake; mistakes are forgivable. But pile on the fact that the Chicks performed in the MoveOn.org concerts supporting John Kerry’s election and that's no mistake.
I do respect the fact that, even though they have alienated many of their fans in the red states, the Chicks haven't cowered at the threat of losing money and haven't backed down from their beliefs. But, respect or not, I can't support a band that supports a group like MoveOn.org. So, unless I happen to win the Dixie Chicks new CD in some random contest or the DNC offers it as a free download (hey, you never know), I'll make do without it.
No one said having principles has to be fun.
In 2003, the Chicks found themselves in the throes of controversy. During a performance in London a few days before the invasion of Iraq, Natalie Maines, Lubbock, TX native and lead singer of the band, said, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas.” This sparked massive criticism and, even after several attempts to clarify the statement and apologize for being disrespectful to the President, their music was boycotted by fans and radio stations. (See Wikipedia for more details on the controversy.)
Making a statement like that in a foreign country when the U.S. is on the verge of war is reprehensible. Don't get me wrong – I fully support the Dixie Chicks' First Amendment right to say what they want, when they want. But when you exercise that right, you have to expect consequences, even when (especially when?) you're famous. Granted, some of the unpredictable consequences they have faced (radio promo events to crush the Chicks’ CDs, vandalism of one of the Chicks’ homes, threats on their lives, etc.) are disgusting and inexcusable, but they brought the rest on themselves.
On May 23rd, the Dixie Chicks will release their first album, TAKING THE LONG WAY, since this whole debacle occurred three years ago. As much as I'd love to own this album and listen to it obsessively until I know every word and can belt each song as I'm driving or cleaning, I won't buy it.
I’m a firm believer in the power of the dollar and being conscious of who and what you’re supporting when you spend your dollars. It’s not that I’m a Bush supporter by any means. Yes, I voted for him, but only as a vote against John Kerry. Now I’m counting the days until Bush is done (589 to go). The comment made during the Chicks’ London concert was a stupid mistake; mistakes are forgivable. But pile on the fact that the Chicks performed in the MoveOn.org concerts supporting John Kerry’s election and that's no mistake.
I do respect the fact that, even though they have alienated many of their fans in the red states, the Chicks haven't cowered at the threat of losing money and haven't backed down from their beliefs. But, respect or not, I can't support a band that supports a group like MoveOn.org. So, unless I happen to win the Dixie Chicks new CD in some random contest or the DNC offers it as a free download (hey, you never know), I'll make do without it.
No one said having principles has to be fun.
posted by Amanda at 10:49 AM
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