No Room for Dissent in Country Tent (Dixie Chicks' CMA shutout)

[VolcanoJen]

Although this editorial concerns the Country Music Awards, I think it's an important read, as it shows that the country music industry isn't about to forgive their #1 artists, the Dixie Chicks. It doesn't matter that they're multi-platinum superstars, critically respected, and just finished one of the year's highest grossing tours. It's not about the money (the fan's money, that is) to Nashville.

When the author states that the Dixie Chicks "no longer fit in the tent, which now seems to require a political loyalty oath for inclusion," I'm afraid this confirms how mired in their pro-war opinions a significant part of the country remains.

http://www.msnbc.com/news/988946.asp

Excerpt:

While country music has always swung in wide arcs between emphasis on “authentic” sounds and perspectives, and more “accessible” pop and crossover stylings, the differential has rarely been as starkly political as it is now as a result of the firestorm set off by the Dixie Chicks’ anti-Bush and anti-war statements in the midst of a nation- and industry-wide surge in patriotism inspired by the September 11 terrorist attacks.

<snip>

Jingoistic aggression vs. internationalist tact: which side do you think the country music industry and country radio took? Who performed at the awards show?

The Chicks have been vilified, burned in effigy, boycotted, denigrated, and debated ad nauseum because one member made a rather mild anti-Bush statement from a stage in London. Why? The country establishment sees itself as about patriotism and the core American values of loyalty and respect for tradition (in addition to drinking, fighting and cheating, but that’s another story), all of which were perceived as being violated by Natalie Maines’ comments: “You have turned on us and our values.”

But in a country built on the notion of free speech, isn’t there room for a woman to express her political opinion without being cast from the shrinking Big Tent? Isn’t it supposed to be about the music anyway?

[Ohio Dem]

1. Toby Keith didn't win anything either.

For what it's worth.

[GR]

4. Yes, Thank God For Johnnie Cash...

He kept Keith from winning anything....And that "I'm a Celebrity" is a great song which has a lot of meaning and keeps running through my mind...

[pinkpops]

2. I wish they would put out another CD

so I could buy it.

[MiddleRiverRefugee]

3. The Dixie Chicks are Musicians. Toby Keith is a hack.

This I believe.