What about political celebrities...? For example, Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks said...?

Question

see this article on Wikipedia...not referring to her "embarrassed Bush is from Texas" remark...but the one about patriotism. Especially today, Independence day...I know she has the right to free speech...that's not the question. How do you feel about celebrities using their captive audiences to push views on them? Don't you think it ultimately undermines the democratic process if people are swayed a certain way because of their favorite band, etc...?

she can say whatever she wants...what I am asking mainly: How do you feel about her "patriotism" comment? See the link.

Answer 1

I agree with you. Ultimately, people have the right to express their opinions, like Harry Belafonte hugging Hugo Chavez and calling the President a terrorist.

Unfortunately, too many Americans give credence to what they say. If we sat and thought about it, why should anyone care what Natalie Maines thinks? She's not a political genius, just a singer.

Actors are my big pet-peeve. Why would anyone listen to what they say. They get paid to say other people's words! They don't write the scripts they get paid for. They just stand there, look good, and say what they are told to say.

Answer 2

Well, there are really a couple of issues here. First, it goes without saying that one shouldn't make their political decisions based on what their favorite band says- not this alone. However, many times ppl who before really had no opinion, hear the views of their fav star or band, etc and start becoming involved. Secondly, I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing that stars use their position towards getting their views across- if you feel strongly about something wouldn't you use it for that advantage? I know I would! Angelina Jolie, for instance is using her stardom to get the message out that there are terrible things happening in other countries- and it's working! I would be willing to bet that there are many, many ppl that are more involved and better informed because of stars like Jolie. I think that many Americans showed their true colors when they not only turned away from The Chicks ( which is their right ) but sent Maines hate mail and death threats. Just because you disagree with a HUGE decision that the president made- a decision that has effected hundreds of fellow Americans- doesn't mean you aren't patriotic. Patriotic doesn't mean you should threaten and hate those who opinions differ from you. Ironically, it's really UN- American!

Answer 3

It's all advertising and if that's what someone wants to use there fame for. GREAT at least it has meaning. There will always be musicians talking about the government that's one of the reasons they sing. Most people can make up their own minds on how they want their country run and if their favorite country band happens to have the same views sweet. I doubt if the vote would be swayed by the dixie chicks fans, not saying if everyone voted they wouldn't cuz The Chicks rock but people don't vote yet complain about how things are run.

Answer 4

I didn't see the article link... but I think if "your fav band" sways how anyone votes... it's a bit of a sad day...

but I think the conservatives have their cheerleaders... O'Riley, Coulter, Hannity and Co.... and that's what they are paid to do... even Toby Keith for the music fans...

I think the "undermining the democratic process" has been underway for a while and it's only going to get worse...

Answer 5

How is a celebrity expressing his/her views to an audience any different than a president using airtime to express his views? If people can be swayed by actors, singers, or politicians, and can't make up their own minds, then they deserve the crappy government they get.

Answer 6

They have the right to express their views, no matter whether you disagree with them!! Some Republicans didn't have an issue when they were expressed in their favor!

Lets take another liberty away, the First Amendment!

I love the way people think, while people are dying over Freedom of Speech!! Yea right!!!!

Answer 7

We elect politicians and civic leaders specifically for their views. We hire singers to sing, not espouse ill-informed political messages. During the state of the union address, I don't want to hear the president croon Willy Nelson tunes. Likewise, I don't want to hear political messages from actors and singers. A person who gets his political ideology from these people has bigger issues to deal with. So shut up and sing already. It's true that everyone has the right to free speech, but shouldn't use it inappropriately.

Answer 8

If people base their views on political issues or anything else on thier favorite celebrity, then they are pathetic people who can't think for themselves. Natalie Maines has just as much right to say what she thinks as you and I do. When she became a celebrity, her rights did not change as an American.

Answer 9

Shinead O'Connor was a singer who got into a lot of controversy by stating a political view point her statement about it all after wards was that she was just a singer and if you don't want to hear her view point don't ask her for it.
If you want to hear music listen to the musicians, if you want politics listen to politicians. what about Clinton on the sax, or Bush on the Guitar, should politicians be allowed to use their political position to force their music on us a captive audience

Answer 10

Not at all, when something is wrong we must all do everything we can to stop it and use any and all avenues to eliminate it.Having celebrity status is just a tool that the people have to inform the population that a Government is corrupt and bent on Global domination for oil and profit.