Not Ready to Make Nice With Dixie Chicks Either
By smagar Posted in User Blogs — Comments (19) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
This past Wednesday, Bill O'Reilly spoke positively, overall, of Natalie Maines, lead singer of the Dixie Chicks, in his Memo: ( Link )
Natalie Maines has paid the price for her remarks. Her life has been threatened and she remains under siege. That is wrong as well. The woman has a right to believe what she wants to believe. You have a right to reject her beliefs and not to buy her stuff. But to punish her further is not in the spirit of America.
O'Reilley goes on to critcize the country stations that won't play Chicks music--especially their new single "Not Ready To Make Nice."
Bill, here's two reasons why I'm still mad at the Chicks. I'm not ready to make nice, and I'll gladly "punish" (avoid) country stations that play their music:
- I don't like narcissists and posers
- I don't like it when I and my friends are directly and deliberately insulted.
The Chicks, back in 2003 (when Natalie first insulted President Bush on that London stage) and now, fit both bills.
To see the evidence that leads me to think that way, read on.
In early March of 2003, in a London concert, Natalie Maines took it upon herself to tell the crowd that she was ashamed the President came from Texas.
At the time she said that, the Chicks were the biggest thing in country music. "Long Time Gone," "Wide Open Spaces", and the soulful "Traveling Soldier" were staples in country radio playlists the nation (and world) over.
Also at that time, our nation--and especially our soldiers and their families--were girding for war.
Throughout our country--and in Camps Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and the other pre-OIF assembly areas in Kuwait--men and women were "getting right" with themselves, and with God. They were thinking through how they would handle it if they, or their loved one, had to face their "great getting-up" morning (as I remember that phrase from the movie Glory. ) How would they handle it if they didn't make it through battle. What would they do if the one knocking on the front door turned out to be your minister, accompanied by a somber officer in uniform? How would you and the kids get along without Mom/Dad?
As a junior officer in an infantry division during DESERT SHIELD, I was assigned to division HQ. A relatively safe assignment. But, we all knew that, if battle raged on long enough that our line artillery units would have to be reconstituted, we might find ourselves commanding ad-hoc batteries or companies, which we would then lead into battle. So, even from behind my desk, I tried in my thoughts to "get right with God" and myself. Just in case. In the meantime, I carried my friend's last letter home for his wife, again just in case. He was a Fire Support Officer with an infantry battalion, so my odds were better. (He made it home, carrying that letter after I gratefully returned it to him).
LOTS of that kind of thinking and soul-searching was going on in early March. All the talking was done; we were going to war. I'll bet many soldiers and families instinctively turned to the radio to hear something soothing.
Instead, they heard what Natalie Maines had said. From their new song:
How in the world
Could the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they'd write me a letter
Saying that I'd better
Shut up and sing
Or my life would be over
Ms. Maines, when you speak selfishly at a time when people are vulnerable and their emotions are raw, you should expect an angry response.
BEFORE I WRITE ANOTHER WORD, let me be clear that I DO NOT condone the threats the Dixie Chicks have received. Those threatening the Chicks' safety, or that of their families, should be found, prosecuted and incarcerated.
However, the Chicks didn't seem willing to come to grips with what they started. They acted offended and outraged when people criticized them. Yes, they received lots of vicious mail and a fair number of threats.
BUT, the Chicks entered politics when Natalie chose to say what she did. And, sad but true, in our uber-connected world, those who speak out often get vicious mail and a fair number of threats. Ask Michelle Malkin.
To be fair, the Chicks did put out an apology on their website shortly after the London comment furor got going. I read it, and it was a pretty good apology.
But, the Chicks didn't really publicize that apology, or show any real public sign of contrition. They didn't do anything to really let the wound heal. Instead, they started poking at the scab, so to speak.
They publicly took on Toby Keith. Remember the "FUTK" (that's an acronym, Redstate Editors) T-shirt Natalie wore in public? Does that sound like someone wanting to smooth over ruffled feelings...or someone wanting to ruffle them more.
The Chicks did a "20/20" interview with Diane Sawyer. When she asked Natalie if she had anything to say publicly to President Bush (such as "I'm sorry for what I said--it was unfair"), Natalie said "well, you don't have enough time on your program." In reality, we call that "ducking the question."
Then, the Chicks reportedly put out a Christmas card poking at the Bush administration. Natalie, meanwhile, did an ACLU ad which depicted herself as a noble victim, and Heroine Of Free Speech.
Now, we have their new album, and their new single, "Not Ready To Make Nice."
When I watch the video and hear the song, which you can do for free on their website , I can't help that the Chicks want to have their cake and eat it too. (Cliche switch to OFF position). They want the benefits of being both victims and heroines.
I've paid a price
And I'll keep payingIt turned my whole world over...
On their website, there's a detailed description of a specific threat they received in 2003, one that got law enforcement called in in a big way. Again, for those who missed or ignored the boldface above , I do not condone these threats. BUT...Perhaps it's my cynical side, but I got the sense the Chicks felt that they were uniquely put upon for what Natalie said. Seems to me that the threats they got happen frequently to celebrities, especially ones who make and sustain provocative statements/images. Anyway...
I suppose you could chalk it up to the Chicks being naive. Until you look at the rest of the website. Where you will see...
The video for "Not Ready To Make Nice." In it, you'll see the Chicks smearing themselves with a fluid that looks a lot like blood. You'll see Natalie looking at her hands covered with said fluid. And what illusion will that leave you with? BINGO!
More words in the song:
It turned my whole world over
But I kind of like it
Natalie goes on to say that she sleeps like a baby, with no regrets. So, is she glad she said what she said in London? Well, guess what...the website just doesn't say.
The Chicks are still playing the aggrieved victim. They've apparently ignored Whoopi Goldberg's advice--if you're going to speak in public, you had better be ready to deal with the consequences of what you say.
But that's not all. The Chicks aren't dumb. They're crafty. Yes, they are burning bridges to country. But, seems they have no interest of going back to country. Beneath the link to the precis of their upcoming 60 Minutes interview is this gem:
ROLLING STONE REVIEW
Following in the bootsteps of other Nashville renegades who eventually outgrew country radio, the Dixie Chicks answer their critics...
Let me run that by you again: eventually outgrew country radio
Wait, it gets better. From the 60 Minutes preview:
The album coming out soon with the new single straddles country and rock genres. "Since country music's turned into this redneck theme, it's become kind of a negative thing in my mind, where I didn't think it was negative before," says fiddle player Martie Maguire. "I think for a while, a lot of artists were doing a lot of great things ... that were broadening the audience so that country was cool. So it makes me sad that it's kind of reverted back to a place that I'm not that proud of -- and this is coming from a true country fan. I can't listen to the radio right now," Maguire tells Kroft.
Don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining. That's an insult. And pretty dang snobby to boot.
But, if you're the Chicks, why do you care? You're rich, and getting richer. Plus, you've figured out that the Manhattan/Hollywood/Daily Kos crowd LOVES the idea of a country group that "grew beyond" country. Such an idea validates their belief that country music is for the untermenschen. And they'll gladly pay for music (and musicians) who reinforce the stereotypes they hold so dear.
There's money to be made in dissing them thar rednecks! And the Chicks know it.
But, the Chicks won't be elaborating on their political views anytime soon:
When asked by [60 Minutes host Steve] Kroft why the band just doesn't try to make country music fans happy, Maines tells him that's not the way the Dixie Chicks work. "We don't make decisions based on that. We don't go, 'OK, our fans are in the red states, so I'm going play a red, white and blue guitar and put on my I Love Bush T-shirt,'" she says. "We're not like that because we're not politicians. We're musicians," Maines tells Kroft.
Yes, they're musicians. But they're also posers. They start political controversey, but refuse to engage in it when challenged. Instead, they retreat behind their "We're-jes-little-ol'-musicians" shield. Until it's time to make more money or gather more notoriety. At which time they'll poke the scab some more, and start the whole process all over again.
So, Bill O'Reilley, it's not violating the spirit of America to keep opposing the Chicks. They're bringing a lot of this on themselves. And, this little old redneck suspects, they're doing it to cement their place with their new audience (the Manhattan/Hollywood crowd).
The Chicks are posers, and they're being deliberately rude. Good enough reason for me to not buy their music, or listen to radio stations that play them.
And that's my Memo
I'm right there with you. There is much to be said for hypocrites that decide they prefer hollywood sentiments to staying true to their country.
They flirt with controversey...no, in fact, they invite it. But, when the other side starts to speak, they cry foul and retreat.
Check out that video. They're not trying to let sleeping dogs lie. They're fanning the flames of controversey...all the way to the bank.
Smart businesswomen--definately. Noble--hardly.
Plain and simple. No other way to explain it. But, then again, that's a hallmark of libs . . . "Let them eat cake."
Hi. First off, to let you know, I'm 20 years old, a republican from Texas, though I go to school in Boston. Just letting you know so that you don't think I'm some liberal out to get you because many people would think that based on what I have to say.
While I agree with your observations that the Chicks are being contradictory, I find some holes in your arguments.
"LOTS of that kind of thinking and soul-searching was going on in early March. All the talking was done; we were going to war. I'll bet many soldiers and families instinctively turned to the radio to hear something soothing.
Instead, they heard what Natalie Maines had said. From their new song:
How in the world
Could the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they'd write me a letter
Saying that I'd better
Shut up and sing
Or my life would be over
Ms. Maines, when you speak selfishly at a time when people are vulnerable and their emotions are raw, you should expect an angry response."
While their new song borders on narcism, you're making it seem like they came out with this song right after she made the comments about the President in March 2003. The comments she did make were during a vulnerable time for people (especially since most people strongly supported the war at this time) but saying she's ashamed that Bush is from Texas is in no way selfish. Though we are still at war, the majority of Americans no longer support the war so even having this song out now is in no way being selfish. Unless you count artistic expression and freedom of speech as being selfish.
For you to ban a radio because it plays a song or group that you disagree with is being selfish. Sadly, most country station aren't playing their songs and it's because of people such as yourself who find it too difficult to change the station for 3 minutes while their song plays, yet will take the time to call or email stations telling them that you'll stop listening to their station if the Chicks are played. Realize some people appreciate good music like the Chicks and IF there was a station that would play them, I'd be happy to turn the dial to that station, but sadly there's not where I'm from.
You mentioned their previous hits and how people liked them, but did it ever occur to you that "Travelin' Soldier" is possibly an anti-war song? The guy dies in the end and, as the song says, "nobody really cared." Doesn't exactly sound like a "Yay America! Let's go to war!" type of song. "More Love" also talks against war, yet nobody criticized that. What's the difference between her singing protests against war and her saying it?
In response to Martie's criticism of the current redneck trend in country music, it is true. While I personally enjoy this music, nearly every song nowadays is just another "Redneck Woman" and devalues the intelligence of a redneck and makes it seem like we'd rather chug a beer than do anything meaningful. And since most people associate country music with republicans, music like this only supports the backwoods republican stereotype.
Though I enjoy "Not Ready to Make Nice" for its quality and the way it evokes a response out of its listeners and makes them question things (which is what music should do), I feel the Chicks made a mistake making it a single because of people who can't appreciate a different opinion. As a Texan, I strongly disagree with Natalie's comments and am proud to say that the President is from TX, but I appreciate her for exercising her right to free speech. Hell, I've even met the President, have a picture of it on my wall, he's one of my role models, but did I burn the group's CD when they spoke out against him? No. What she did is no different than you voicing your opinion on here. It's to the public, just like her's was. Because I disagree with your entry and arguments against the Chicks, should I ban your journal and stop reading it? No, because I have enjoyed your past entries and even disagreed with some of those as well, but I appreciate being able to see what you have to say and expand my mind on different opinions. I realize the Chicks aren't begging for country music's forgiveness, but why should they? Do you call up every liberal you offend with your posts and say "sorry for having an opinion" or "sorry I used my right to free speech"?
It's not selfish of the Dixie Chicks to let their opinion be known. Okay. Free speech, whatever. It's all good.
But it is selfish on smagar's point because he chooses to not listen to stations that play thier music? Right, okay. Now I get it. The old double standard is in play here now.
Nice.
Thanks for playing.
Have no more right to radio play than you or I do. There are a lot of great musicians (some much better than the Dixie Chicks, I'm sure) that don't even have record deals. That's life. Nobody owes them anything.
about anything they want about 30 miles west of Midland. Stations that play their records should be chastised as Un-American.
You misunderstood my point. It's selfish of people who call in to radio stations saying you're going to ban their station if they play the Chicks, when that person can simply turn the dial and allow the people to hear the Chicks if they want to. Unfortunately, supporters of the Chicks don't have the option of turning the dial to a station that plays them because very few do.
Calling into say "hey I don't like that song/group" isn't selfish, but to threaten to ban the station? Chances are, stations are going to listen to the callers and therefore these people ruin it for the rest of us.
Well considering their music has critical acclaim, numerous Grammys, and chart success, I'm pretty sure they have more of a right to be on radio than you or I do because that's the way that industry works. And I'm sorry for the unknown singers who aren't on radio, but that has nothing to do with the Dixie Chicks or what is being argued about them.
Supporters of the Dixie Chicks are welcome to do the same thing. Call up the station or write a letter to tell them you won't listen unless they start to play the Dixie Chicks. People have a right to tell a company why they aren't using their services, whatever that reason is.
I'm pretty sure they have more of a right to be on radio than you or I do
Nobody has a right to be on the radio, whether it's the Dixie Chicks, Michael Jackson, or the Rolling Stones. If stations think it's in their best interest to play the latest from the Dixie Chicks or from Michael Jackson, they will. If they don't, they won't. That is how it's supposed to work. Awards don't enter into it.
Your post reads like a rambling stream of consciousness. So, if people misread you, and you wonder who's responsible, find the nearest mirror. There you'll find the culprit.
But, don't worry. The more you do this, the better you'll get. Redstate offers a rapid response correction service--the comments of its other readers.
I find some holes in your arguments.
Likewise
While their new song borders on narcism, you're making it seem like they came out with this song right after she made the comments about the President in March 2003.
I presumed most Redstate readers understood the timeline. The post makes clear that Maines made her now-unforgettable comments in 2003.
saying she's ashamed that Bush is from Texas is in no way selfish.
Do you think it was helpful for her to say what she said, when she said it? Do you think she was making a greater political statement? Trying to be brave, and perhaps stop the war? If so, then why didn't she say it in November 2002, when the US and world were still debating going to war in the first place? By March 2003, the decision was made. We were going. Natalie wanted a cheap cheer from her London crowd. We apparently disagree, but I consider that in some way selfish.
Unless you count artistic expression and freedom of speech as being selfish.
I don't, and my post gave you no indication that I did. I consider this last statement of yours a strawman.
For you to ban a radio because it plays a song or group that you disagree with is being selfish.
No one's banning the Chicks from the radio. If one station won't play them, another will. The FM band goes from 87.5 to 107.5 MZ; that can accommodate a lot of stations.
Sadly, most country station aren't playing their songs and it's because of people such as yourself who find it too difficult to change the station for 3 minutes while their song plays, yet will take the time to call or email stations telling them that you'll stop listening to their station if the Chicks are played.
Cody, with respect, you have no idea how many radio stations I've called to urge them to adjust their playlist. However, what if I did? That is my right as a consumer. And, again with respect, if you can't find the Chicks on the radio, buy a CD or download their songs on Napster. I sense you're trying to play the victim here.
In response to Martie's criticism of the current redneck trend in country music, it is true. While I personally enjoy this music, nearly every song nowadays is just another "Redneck Woman" and devalues the intelligence of a redneck and makes it seem like we'd rather chug a beer than do anything meaningful.
??????????
And since most people associate country music with republicans, music like this only supports the backwoods republican stereotype.
Actually, many Republicans are proud of their backwoods heritage. They fly the US flag with pride in the backwoods. Serve their country. Funny, but the popularity of songs like The Boondocks , Georgia Rain and Deeper Than The Holler lead me to believe that many in flyover country take pride in their rednecks.
I feel the Chicks made a mistake making it a single because of people who can't appreciate a different opinion.
So that's it--we can't appreciate a different opinion! Actually, I think you should say that of Natalie. She's mad that people are mad at her--because of what she said and continues to say. To put it in more of a redneck way--she loves to dish it out, but can't take it.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to me, Cody. To say the least, we disagree on this matter. Fair winds and following seas.
God Bless the Dixie Chicks (from a devout Agnostic).
What if the colonists had stayed true to their country? The singlemindedness, not biblical singleminedness, of you people makes me sick. I will say i am a former conservative Republican because of people like you. There is a lot of dissent for this war from all over the political spectrum, And, instead of consider the dissent. You slam people and namecall and everything else of that ilk. It's not in every post, But it's in a lot of them. Go ahead and rest on your laurels because conservatives vote while i start working on getting the liberals i know to vote. I'm so tired of singleminded intolerance, Republican/Conservative or Liberal/Democrat. Once again, consider my first line. Where would we be if the colonists stayed true to their country?
Have a good day,
Jimmy
Hard to port, maties. Steady now...
Work the line, lads. Grab hold. Tack! Tack! Tack!
Ready harpoons.
On my mark.
Fire!
consider my first line
It seems as if your meds are no longer effective.
i am a former conservative Republican because of people like you
We are crushed beyond words. But, we conservative Republicans suspect that our collective IQ raised a point or two once you left.
"So, Bill O'Reilley, it's not violating the spirit of America to keep opposing the Chicks. They're bringing a lot of this on themselves. And, this little old redneck suspects, they're doing it to cement their place with their new audience (the Manhattan/Hollywood crowd)."
Yes The Dixie Chicks brought this situation on themselves in that they forgot to realize that their core audience is conservative. Now they will spend the rest of their career in K.D. Lang-land.
"The Chicks are posers, and they're being deliberately rude. Good enough reason for me to not buy their music, or listen to radio stations that play them."
I'm not sure if I'd call all of them posers. The two sisters (whose names I cannot remember at the moment) have played in bluegrass bands since they were little kids and honestly that is what the Dixie Chicks do best...play bluegrass. I just wish they would forget about being pop stars and just play bluegrass.