Final Gravity

It happens every political season. We get the parade of Hollywood actors and musicians… and journalists and athletes and comedians… alright… everyone else who is on TV. They all faithfully give us their liberal take on the candidates and issues. We have Matt Damon spreading internet rumors and rambling about the “absurd” choice of Sarah Palin. We get Susan Sarandon parroting a bumper sticker slogan about Jesus being “a community organizer” (another veiled reference to the deity of the democratic candidate… so stupid). We have Lindsay Lohan, of all people, adding Palin Derangement Syndrome to her long list of mental problems. And then there’s the poetry from the advanced intellect of Pam Anderson… “Suck it.”

Why does this irritate me so much? Why? I think it irritates me because I am a consumer of popular culture. I watch the movies and TV shows that these people produce… and I enjoy them. Please don’t ruin my enjoyment of these things by injecting your own unsolicited political opinion into the conversation… please. The only time I want to see your face is when you are entertaining me. That’s it.

In reality these people are nothing more than modern-day court jesters. They come out wearing the funny hat and jumping around for our enjoyment. That’s the job… stick to it. No one wants to hear what the court jester thinks about the war or the economy or anything else that real people struggle with. These aren’t real people. They are empty calories… enjoyable, but not suitable for a real diet. They are the hot fudge sundae after the meal. There’s nothing of substance to be found there. Why do they continue to think otherwise?

I realize that by writing about this I am adding to the very thing that I am criticizing, but I’m compelled to do it anyway.

On October 27th a new documentary will be released called “Shut Up and Sing.” As if it hasn’t been covered enough, this documentary focuses its attention on the fallout from the Dixie Chicks political statements made, gosh… ten thousand years ago?

I’m not even sure how to address this. The original politics isnt even important anymore. The real story is the incredible amount of publicity mileage that the Chicks are still trying to get by portraying themselves as McCarthy era victims. I’m just tired of hearing the endless whining. Its really starting to look pathetic.

This so-called political oppression has turned into a full-fledged publicity campaign, and its very disappointing. I was honestly ready for a new album from them when they released that stupid “Ain’t Ready to Make Nice” business. Give me a break. Its been nearly four years since Natalie opened her mouth at that concert. Time to move on.

My question is, why? Are they unable to write a good song anymore? Do they need this press to sell records for lack of talent? I’m at a loss. Why keep this thing going?

First, I want to refute the idea that these women are victims of any kind of censorship at all. The tag line of this film is, “Free speech is fine as long as you don’t do it in public.” How stupid is that statement? Free speech means that people are allowed to talk back. Free speech does not shield you from lawful consequences of that speech. Free speech allows you to speak. Do they think that they are above being challenged when they speak out? Speak out and people will speak back… FREE speech… hello?

If they are victims of anything, its the free market. If you offend 70% to 80% of your market with the things that you say, do you expect that there will be no consequence? I’m not defending the nuts that sent death threats, but a person deciding not to buy a CD, or attend a concert is a perfectly reasonable response. Don’t shit where you eat. Pretty simple.

If I stood up for a presentation in a meeting with clients and started off with, “Just so ya’ll know, we’re ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas.” I can guarantee that I’d be looking for a job the next day and it would have nothing to do with politics, and everything to do with not knowing when to shut up about my personal opinions. Theres a time and a place for everything. This is something that the Dixie Chicks just cant seem to learn.

Honestly… Shut up and sing.