Just got this e-mail from Dave Seidman. Being out in the sticks, I doubt I’ll have the opportunity to see this film in theaters, but…
“Back in 2003, when one of the Dixie Chicks criticized President Bush,
conservatives denounced the Chicks, and radio networks and radio
networks refused to play their records, I think you announced on your
website that you bought a Dixie Chicks CD, just to support their right
to free speech and defy the denouncers.
I just got back from a screening of SHUT UP AND SING, a documentary
about the controversy. The directors (who were at the screening) said
that — in a replay of 2003’s radio blackout — the film is facing some
of the same resistance that the Dixie Chicks did. For instance, NBC is
refusing to accept or air paid ads for the film.
So I’m passing on a recommendation to you and others to see the film.
I don’t think it’ll disappoint you. It’s an interesting story well
told. Besides, the music’s terrific (and I’m not a Dixie Chicks fan).”
A week from today, we’ll have a chance to see just how much the rest of the population has caught up with the sentiments the Chicks expressed.
PAD
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OMG BILL! The Bono thing? Hadn’t heard that before, but that’s funniest dámņ thing I’ve read in quite some time! 😀
Me:”I think my issue with the Chicks and their supporters is this: They didn’t offer a criticism of Bush or his policies.”
The Dixie Chicks aren’t politicians. They’re entertainers. A concert, no matter which continent it’s on, is not the proper venue for the discourse that would’ve been excusable to you. The fact that they were in Europe at the time they made their statements only adds to the innapropriateness of turning a concert into a political discussion. I’d imagine there weren’t too many American policy makers in this European audience. Personally, I’m embarassed to come from the same country as either Bush OR the Dixie Chicks. Give me a nice metal or Goth band any day.
Give me a . . . . Goth band any day.
Edited and quoted for truth.
Posted by: Sean Scullion at November 8, 2006 04:32 PM
The Dixie Chicks aren’t politicians. They’re entertainers. A concert, no matter which continent it’s on, is not the proper venue for the discourse that would’ve been excusable to you.
Why not? As I’ve mentioned in a prior post, using art as a vehicle for political commentary is nothing new. It’s not “inappropriate.”
Posted by: Sean Scullion at November 8, 2006 04:32 PM
The fact that they were in Europe at the time they made their statements only adds to the innapropriateness of turning a concert into a political discussion.
I disagree. They were criticizing their government, not giving away state secrets. Why should a U.S. citizen’s right to free speech end at our borders?
Posted by: Sean Scullion at November 8, 2006 04:32 PM
I’d imagine there weren’t too many American policy makers in this European audience.
Maybe the Dixie Chicks felt it important to get the message across that not all U.S. citizens support George W. Bush’s abysmal foreign policy. Maybe you find that distasteful. That’s your right. But that doesn’t mean they did anything wrong.
Posted by: Sean Scullion at November 8, 2006 04:32 PM
Personally, I’m embarassed to come from the same country as either Bush OR the Dixie Chicks.
I am not proud of everything our country does, but on the balance I am proud of our country. One band, or even one president, is not enough to make me embarrassed.
Posted by: Sean Scullion at November 8, 2006 04:32 PM
Give me a nice metal or Goth band any day.
If you’re talking Metallica or Nickelback, I’m there.
But Goth? Ugh.
Anyway, while I love the U.S., it was Canada that produced what is indisputably the best rock band ever: RUSH!