February 13, 2004 Politics and Music – Do They Mix?
It’s funny but in the last month I’ve seen two political statements from musicians. It’s okay when it’s amusing and makes a point but I think it’s stupid when it punishes the people that like your music. For example, David Bowie’s upcoming concert is in jeapordy because of his drummer’s political views on Falun Gong (according to the SCMP). I think Bowie, if they deny him entry, should still get on with his tour since obviously his drummer does not want to spend his time in such an “oppressive nation” as HK/China. By not coming, he’s doing nothing more than denying the fans in HK the opportunity to see him. I think neither the government nor Beijing would care if he came or not. It wouldn’t further the ’cause of Falun Gong and it wouldn’t inspire people to “rise up” to change the government.
Just another typical Westerner (the drummer, not Bowie – yet to be determined) that likes to bandy about some opinion about a country that half way across the world from himself. He should highlight the problems in his own country before making public statements about other countries. I expect it’s his good will deed for the day. Maybe he should just stick to banging his drums. Anyone remember Sting and the South American Indian tribes fiasco? His goodwill deed sorta destroyed their way of life.
Political statements done by musicians are amusing when they are done in the same vein as Ricky Jervais (who is not a musician, but a comedian) at the Golden Globes with his.
“I’m not from these parts… I’m from a little place called England. We used to run the world before you,” joked Gervais, who will be a virtual unknown to most of the United States. Quoted from the BBC.
But even Coldplay’s dedication of their Grammy at the recent awards ceremony was a little out of taste and smacked of the uneducated politics that the musicians love to get out in one liners, especially if they are not particular familiar with the issues surrounding it.
“We would like to dedicate this to Johnny Cash and to John Kerry, who hopefully will be your president some day,” he told the star-studded audience. Quoted from u.tv.
I suppose my aversion to this abuse of their power as icons is because they gained their fame because of their talent not their political observations. There will be many who simply follow the views of the musical icons without really thinking about the issues. Most won’t care, but for some it might stick on a superficial level. And a little knowledge is dangerous.
Tags: Political Rants
- 2 comments
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Yan
said
I find you fascinating. You bring up interesting topics. You have lots of great ideas, and your points are valid. Somehow with the same set of ideas I always come up with a completely different conclusion.
We have such different paradigm of thoughts although we share a lot of similar ideas.
Music and politics have always mixed. Rock and roll has everything to do with a cultural revolution of sorts. It’s always been about then against the establishment.
I agree that some musicians and actors do smack of simple politics, however they are often a first point of contact for many people about issues, popular culture in some ways inform mass movements.
Also, just because they are musicians they have the right to make political statements as they wish. Much like anybody, they still have the right to do so.
Bowie was always counter culture it seems perfectly apt that his drummer would have strong political opinions.
Lates
See you on my blog.
Yan
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Eshin
said
I guess I’m just advocating your “checks and balances” again. Musicians and actors, while they can use their publicity to be advocates for causes, must be responsible in what they advocate.
I do feel that we sometimes place too much power in the hands of these people as idols, and we forget that the reason why they are famous is because they are there to entertain us.