2008 Woodie Awards
Should Rock Stars Share Their Political Beliefs? - Pro
Music "Idles": Rock vs. Politics
Chelsea Banks
Issue date: 9/8/04 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
Musicians have opinions too, they shouldn't be condemned for taking action and not sitting back and ignoring the world around them.
Who has a direct affect on people's emotions, speaks to large groups of people on a regular basis, and has more sway over people's opinions than any politician? Rock stars, of course.
Anyone can go through the same situation as you, but only your favorite song can describe how you feel. Your friends and family can sympathize, or even empathize, but only your favorite artist can find the words that describe your emotions. People feel connected to musicians, and their opinions and beliefs can mean more than family and peers. So when rock stars start talking about political views, they can have a lot of sway in what you'll think.
Rock has always been controversial. When it began in the 50s, it was deemed "a product of the devil" and there were even movements attempting to ban it. In the 60s, rock became very political, boasting such artists as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. With all the political upheavals during the 60s music was a natural reflection of the time, it seemed to be more of an expectation than a trend.
But sometime during the 80s rock and politics became disassociated, which can be blamed on the emergence of Pop Rock. It then became about anger, relationships, humor - everything but politics. There were exceptions, but they were few and far between, and nowhere near the mainstream.
But then something happened. Some would say it was the "stolen election" in 2000. Some would say it was the war that resulted from 9/11 in 2001. Whatever it was, the mostly liberal rock society (as well as other genres, Dixie Chicks ring a bell?) didn't like what they were seeing and an idea suddenly occurred: "We don't have to only sing about love and hate and partying! We could sing about the world around us! We could sing about politics!"
Finally, for the first time in decades, rock stars are using their voices to say something that matters.
So after almost 20 years, popular rock idols are speaking out about their political views. Band members from Blink-182 are making speeches at rallies for John Kerry, bands like Green Day are releasing albums such as "American Idiot," and entire tours, such as the "Rock Against Bush Tour" have scheduled dates all over the country.
It's about time!
For what could be more important than politics, government, and laws that affect our daily lives?
Rock stars may or may not dictate what you believe, but they do something far more important. They've done something that nothing else could do. They've cleared the shroud of mystery that surrounded politics and opened discussion.
Who has a direct affect on people's emotions, speaks to large groups of people on a regular basis, and has more sway over people's opinions than any politician? Rock stars, of course.
Anyone can go through the same situation as you, but only your favorite song can describe how you feel. Your friends and family can sympathize, or even empathize, but only your favorite artist can find the words that describe your emotions. People feel connected to musicians, and their opinions and beliefs can mean more than family and peers. So when rock stars start talking about political views, they can have a lot of sway in what you'll think.
Rock has always been controversial. When it began in the 50s, it was deemed "a product of the devil" and there were even movements attempting to ban it. In the 60s, rock became very political, boasting such artists as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. With all the political upheavals during the 60s music was a natural reflection of the time, it seemed to be more of an expectation than a trend.
But sometime during the 80s rock and politics became disassociated, which can be blamed on the emergence of Pop Rock. It then became about anger, relationships, humor - everything but politics. There were exceptions, but they were few and far between, and nowhere near the mainstream.
But then something happened. Some would say it was the "stolen election" in 2000. Some would say it was the war that resulted from 9/11 in 2001. Whatever it was, the mostly liberal rock society (as well as other genres, Dixie Chicks ring a bell?) didn't like what they were seeing and an idea suddenly occurred: "We don't have to only sing about love and hate and partying! We could sing about the world around us! We could sing about politics!"
Finally, for the first time in decades, rock stars are using their voices to say something that matters.
So after almost 20 years, popular rock idols are speaking out about their political views. Band members from Blink-182 are making speeches at rallies for John Kerry, bands like Green Day are releasing albums such as "American Idiot," and entire tours, such as the "Rock Against Bush Tour" have scheduled dates all over the country.
It's about time!
For what could be more important than politics, government, and laws that affect our daily lives?
Rock stars may or may not dictate what you believe, but they do something far more important. They've done something that nothing else could do. They've cleared the shroud of mystery that surrounded politics and opened discussion.
