I'll be on BBC 5 radio today at about 4:20pm ET discussing the mood of the nation regarding the war on terror, especially as reflected in popular music. Are artists afraid to express dissent? Why aren't there any anti-war anthems? Would things be different for the Dixie Chicks had they expressed their embarrassment with Bush today?
And what of Elton John's latest statement?
- Elton John has said stars are scared to speak out against war in Iraq because of "bullying tactics" used by the US government to hinder free speech.
"There's an atmosphere of fear in America right now that is deadly. Everyone is too career-conscious," he told New York magazine, Interview.
Sir Elton said performers could be "frightened by the current administration's bullying tactics",
The singer likened the current "fear factor" to McCarthyism in the 1950s.
"There was a moment about a year ago when you couldn't say a word about anything in this country for fear of your career being shot down by people saying you are un-American," he told the magazine.
The singer said things were different in the 1960s.
"People like Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, The Beatles and Pete Seeger were constantly writing and talking about what was going on.
Backlash
"That's not happening now. As of this spring, there have been virtually no anti-war concerts - or anti-war songs that catch on, for that matter," he said.
He voiced concern that it appeared acceptable to speak out if you were pro-Bush, using the example of country singer Toby Keith, but not if you were critical of the President, as in the case of country rock band, the Dixie Chicks.
"On the one hand, you have someone like Toby Keith, who has come out and been very supportive of the Bush administration and the war in Iraq - which is OK because America is a democracy and Toby Keith is entitled to say what he thinks and feels.
"But, on the other hand, the Dixie Chicks got shot down in flames last year for criticising the president. They were treated like they were being un-American, when in fact they have every right to say whatever they want about him because he's freely elected, and therefore accountable." [BBC]
Article comments
1 - Jim Carruthers
Yeah, it was really too bad about Toby Keith giving up his career, enlisting and then getting killed in Iraq.
2 - Eric Olsen
short but sweet, you've gotta talk fast on the BBC, ran about five minutes from 4:55-5:00
3 - Patrick
That is what is great about America. The people said fuck the Dixe Chicks in the name of free speech. I didn't see Michael Moore comming to their resuce.
Treated un-american? So speech is free as long as a cowardice liberal left whore is making the statement?
4 - Patrick
I think Elton John is a paranoid loon. If there is a backlash against him or others that is fine. He can voice his opinion but the "people" don't have to accept it. His opinion is no better than a jobless person's from the inner city.
Elton is a butt-huffing pole smoker.
5 - HW Saxton Jr
Eric,Any transcription from your spot on
the "Beeb" forthcoming ???
6 - Jim Carruthers
Heh, I first saw the above as reading: "translation", and thought, yep, it's really gotten that bad in the States where they need managing to turn English into 'murrican.
But then I saw it said "transcript". [edited]
7 - RJ
The beautiful thing about freedom is that it applies to everybody. If people don't like what the Ditsy Chicks have to say, they can stop buying their albums. No musical group is entitled to riches and adoration.
If people were disgusted with Toby Keith's politics, his sales would be in the toilet. The people are free to decide which artists they want to support with their hard-earned money.
Elton John is rapidly losing his mind, IMO. First he accuses American Idol of being racist, even though two out of three winners have been black. Then he compares the current political climate in the US to that of 50 years ago. Which is completely bogus, since it seems like half of Hollywood has publicly attacked the President in very harsh terms, and only a handful have been punished by the market for it.
Elton should stick to what he knows: Good music. He should avoid that which he is entirely ignorant of: American politics.
8 - Jim Carruthers
Yep, that's what freedom is all about, what you can buy. Never mind if the music is any good, does it toe the Party line, because I wouldn't want to be thinking anything not approved or popular.
Because everybody knows that sales are the only indication of musical merit.
Remember:
War Is Peace
Hate Is Love (may or may not contain partially hydrogenated courtney)
Music Is Entertainment
9 - Jim Carruthers
So, I guess the whole of cultural commentary in 'murrica is who is a cum guzzling fool like AIF (that could mean anonymous internet fucktard, who is best represented by mister "Patrick", who neither has an email or postings here, just cowardly shots at the topic). Because freedom of speech is best represented by who can shout it down the loudest.
So yes, political diversity is alive and well in 'murrica, just as long as it is approved and agrees with what the majority wants to hear.
Remember, buy what everybody else is buying. And listen to your local Clear Channel station, because it brings you what everybody else wants to hear.
10 - RJ
Semi-relevant: READ THIS
Canada has little use for free speech, it appears...
11 - Eric Olsen
no transcript I am aware of - I basically said Elton is a little out of touch as there are plenty of protest songs out there and certainly artists haven't been shy about speaking out. The Jadakiss song is about as anti-Bush as you can get.
The fact that there hasn't been a grand unifying anthem is a factor of - I think - a very divided public, and there hasn't been a great song that has struck a chord with the general public.