One might not understand what all three of these people/bands have in common, considering they all sing a different genre of music and gain a different level of population. Well, the one thing they do share in common is their strong and publicized opinions against "Mr. President", George Bush. Have it be Pink's "Dear Mr President" lyrics, Kanye West's unscripted tirade (Freaking out Mike Myers in the process) or the Dixie Chick's brilliant comment at a concert in London, England, all 3 opinions are strongly critisized by the media. But let's talk about the Dixie Chicks shall we? During that concert in London, singer Natalie Maines decided to tell a secret to the people of England: "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas". One might also wonder why she would say something like this as Natalie herself is from the Lone Star State.
Maines is a very opiniated woman and this did not help her cause during this concert. I'm sure she would love to have that one back, but after the concert, Maines and her crew Martie Mcguire and Emily Robison apologized for Natalie's comment. Maybe Natalie and the Dixie Chicks should take her comments and music to a new "country".
Pink, on the other hand just flat out rips decides to rip the president in her song "Dear Mr. President"..go figure. This pop song was actually popular as it made the top 10 and cracked a top 5 appearance in Australia. Was that just because Australia has something against Bush, or is Pink really that good? I think Australia might be flirting with Iraq but who that doesn't matter. Her song opens with:
Dear Mr. President,Come take a walk with me.
Let's pretend we're just two people and
You're not better than me.
I'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly.
Pink might be better than Bush in the president department, but I think big George can make up some better lyrics that that. Pink is obviously very opiniated also, and felt strongly enough to put her feelings into this song.
Finally, Kanye West blurted out: "George Bush doesn't care about black people". He said this while talking on NBC's Hurricane Katrina's fundraiser. He later said: "I hate the way they portray us in the media. If you see a black family, it says they're looting. See a white family, it says they are looking for food". This all being said while poor Mike Myers is speaking from his heart to help those in need. Unfortunatly, it seems Kanye is speaking from his heart also, which was made very controversial by the media as yet another famous singer decides to attack Bush.
Got to feel sorry for Myers in this picture
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I still do not understand why the Dixie Chicks comment was still more controversial than those of Kanye's and Pink's. Freedom of Speech is a right in the United States which means everyone has their opinion, and although it is not always the brightest thing to do, no one should be brought down so much like the Dixie Chicks did for it.
On the other hand, I believe Kanye West's comments on national television were unacceptable, and for the fact they were advertising for the red cross, that is even worse. Pink just straight up felt the need to sing about it, meaning these comments are going to be said more than once as one can hear this song everyday.
It is good to see the Dixie Chicks over this now when watching the end of "Shut up and Sing". They should not be feeling sorry for what Natalie said, Kanye and Pink in my opinion should be the one's to apologize.
(Class handout also)
(Handout also)
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