Who thinks that the Dixie Chics have a problem w/ mixing their political opinions w/ the entertainment forum?

Question

It seems to be obvious that political opinions have no place in the area of the entertainment mecca that is supposed to be enjoyable.

The country music industry doesn't seem to be impressed with the Grammys that they just recently won.

Me thinks that Nat. Mns. is the real trouble maker here.

Answer 1

I've always believed that actors and entertainers alike should stick to their craft and not take advantage of the public podium the media automatically presents. After all, everybody else in their respective profession manages to stay within their professional boundaries. I see no reason why entertainers can't do the same. If they want to make political statements, then they should present themselves as political candidates willing to become agents for change. Otherwise, who cares what the entertainers have to say about anything other than what pertains to their craft? Not I, nor do I understand why they think we as the great unwashed masses should be blessed with their outrageous opinions.

Answer 2

If Natalie Mains had been a screaming conservative and had praised ol' GW that evening in London, NOTHING would have been reported. Because she dared say anything against a tyrant and dictator, she has been vilified and threatened.

Music has always been an arena for political opinions all the way back to nursery rhymes.

The country music industry tried to censure these women and FAILED. Country music is so influenced by the Dixie Chicks that there are three or four female led groups out there that sound exactly like the Chicks. Sour grapes? Oh yeah.

You narrow minded conservatives have had a big ol' dose of the people have spoken. Get over it. What she did was THE AMERICAN WAY. We speak out over what we don't agree with. That, my friend, is why this country was created in the first place.

Answer 3

Why shouldn't they have an opinion? If you don't like their music or their opinions, exercise your right not to listen to it.

As for the "country" music industry, it's owned by the same people who own the Rock and rap-crap industries. It's all under one roof now. How much money do you think they stand to make off those 5 Grammy awards? They're "not impressed" all the way to the bank. Don't be a sucker.

Seriously, when Lee Greenwood records HIS political beliefs, "God Bless the USA", or when Alan Jackson asks "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning?", or Charlie Daniels says "If the Russians don't like it, they can all go strait to Hell," were they violating your civil rights too?

If so, take it up with Irving "God Bless America" Berlin.

And just for the record, as it turned out, Ms. Maines was right after all. Get over it.

Answer 4

Many entertainers have used their voice through history to influence their political opinions........the Dixie Chicks are no different. They are just showing that country music artists have a political opinion too because it has usually been rock and pop artists before now eg......John Lennon and The Beatles...Bono and U2...Neil Young and John Denver was very out spoken on the environment.
Look at Barbara Streisand how outspoken she is politically.
The Dixie Chicks do seem to go a bit overboard but I think they are using it now just to be controversial. Controversy sells.

Answer 5

Music is an art form and as a result, serious topics are often included in the material... actually, this is true more often than it is not.

If you want pop, listen to pop... but there aren't any good arguments for keeping politics out of music. The history of music just isn't on your side in this argument.

Edit: And what about all of the right-wing country music out there? I don't hear any criticism of them. If your argument is that politics shouldn't be in music, you should be talking about many more people than the Dixie Chicks... singling them out seems partisan.

Answer 6

Sailon, entertainers have been voicing their political opinions for a long time now.

In the 40s support for the troops and support for war bonds sales were helped by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby etc

In the 60s many entertainers voiced their protest of the Vietnam war.

Now, during another world conflict entertainers are again voicing their support (or not) of the president and his policies. Just like you and me, entertainers have a political persuasion - so why shouldn't they be allowed to speak up?

Answer 7

Their only problem is that it cost them sales of albums and tickets. If that's what they choose to do, that's their perogative.

Political opinions have always had a place in entertainment, ranging from Shakespeare to artwork to Doonesbury to the folk singers of the 60s and punk rock, to name a few. Some of it is both political and entertaining, some of it is only political. But it is important for the artist to communicate and becomes part of their art.

Answer 8

if you think music has no room for the artists political opinions, you are wrong. most of country music is about is fighting the war, and the american flag. if bush was not from the south, i don't think you kkk lovers would be singing to the same note. nat. mns. is not the trouble here, you bunch of oil grubbing hillbillies are the trouble. look at the polls, and you will see that your president is not in very good standing with the american public. in fact, even some of the republican party is not very happy with him. we can't even take care of our own country (look at the damage from hurricane katrina) litttle own someone else's. by the way, where's osama?

Answer 9

The Dixie Chicks have every LEGAL right to express their opinion. They also have to accept repercussions for that act. If its more important to bash the President abroad that to do what you are paid to do...then face the consequences. I personally like the Dixie Chicks' music. Do I listen to them since that remark...NO.
I also refuse to watch any movie or advertisement that has Jane Fonda or Whoppi Goldberg in it. Thats my right.

Answer 10

I think that just cause you get up and sing a few songs you dont lose the basic rights of an American. They have as much right to their opinion as does any one on here. They do not have to like bush and have the right to speak thier opinions.