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Ignore Alien Orders
Salute You in Your Grave
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Posts: 2026 | May 22nd, 2007 at 09:10am
....but if I'm wrong, feel free to delete this due to my idiocy. This recently became a big deal in my civic's class.
So, what does everyone think of musicians getting involved in politics? From P Diddy's Vote or Die [or whoever did that] to educated musicians like Rage Against the Machine or Sage Francis...
Do you think they have any right to get involved?
Do you think they're brainwashing kids in the same way the government does?
Do you think they're good, that they mobilize generations who would otherwise be entirely apathetic?
I'll post my opinion later, as I'm more interested right now in what everyone else has to say.
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druscilla.
Bleeding on the Floor
Age: 36
Gender: Female
Posts: 1671 | May 22nd, 2007 at 12:11pm I don't think there's anything wrong with musicians getting involved with politics.
They are citizens, after all. They have the right to voice their opinions.
I think it's better when they encourage people to vote and get involved than when they encourage people to think a certain way, but it's all fine.
And I think it's great to encourage teenagers who otherwise wouldn't be interested in politics to think about this stuff and find out where they stand. |
Blue_Demon
Motor Baby
Age: 39
Gender: Female
Posts: 940 | May 22nd, 2007 at 12:34pm Do you think they have any right to get involved?
To be honest, it annoy's the hell out of me when they do preach on and on about stuff like that; P Diddy's Vote or Die didn't actually do much anyway. I'm happy that bands want to talk about politics and stuff; but I don't want it shoved down my throat all the time; Bono is a prime example of this; the man does my head in he can go on and on about how Bush was slow in reacting to help the people in New Orleans; but he's not an American so why should he complain about someone who is not even incharge of his own country?
As far as I am concerned, yes they are citizen's, but who they vote for is no bodies business but their own.
Do you think they're brainwashing kids in the same way the government does?
Nope, they just keep complaining about it. Funny thing is these guy's are famous, they can easily move away should a goverment leader they can't stand or disapprove of becomes incharge of they country; the rest of the public can't.
Do you think they're good, that they mobilize generations who would otherwise be entirely apathetic?
Everyone votes for different reasons; one group might be standing for the enviroment, another for better health services, or for families and old aged pensioners; so to be honest, I don't think it's that big a deal.
Maybe I talked a whole heap of drivel; oh well.... |
Pandora's Box
Motor Baby
Age: 29
Gender: Female
Posts: 767 | May 22nd, 2007 at 01:45pm i think its awful the thing is they thing cus they can brainwash younger kids or kids my age or even older than me they think they cna brainwash adults who actually cant stand them!! lol xoxox |
J.D. Poe
Fabulous Killjoy
Age: -
Gender: -
Posts: 100 | May 22nd, 2007 at 02:12pm Caitlin Caustic;;:
Do you think they're good, that they mobilize generations who would otherwise be entirely apathetic?
Yes, I think thats the most positive thing about any famous person getting involved in politics.
Whether or not they say anything worth actually listening to is another matter. But if what they say gets the younger generation excited about being involved in politics and actually having and voicing their opinion by voting or getting involved in political groups then I really dont care what they say.
Blue_Demon: I'm happy that bands want to talk about politics and stuff; but I don't want it shoved down my throat all the time; Bono is a prime example of this; the man does my head in he can go on and on about how Bush was slow in reacting to help the people in New Orleans; but he's not an American so why should he complain about someone who is not even incharge of his own country?
Considering America makes it such a priority to get involved with every other countries politics and social reform I dont see a problem with those outside of America voicing their opinion on the government that seems to want to govern the world. |
Ignore Alien Orders
Salute You in Your Grave
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Posts: 2026 | May 22nd, 2007 at 02:48pm Well firstly I think that they have a right to say what they say because I think everyone has that right. If you don't like what they say, you have the choice not to listen.
As for Bono talking about New Orleans--he was probably doing that for the same reason people talk about Darfur--caring about other people, regardless of borders. He might be a rock star, but it seems he does care about people from all countries, and that's applaudable.
Sometimes they annoy me--like Vote or Die, because it was obvious that a lot of them were just talking about politics cause it was the cool thing to do--but even so they have that right, and it doesn't annoy me more than anyone who's ignorant. And then you get intelligent ones, like Tom Morello, who majored in political science at Harvard, and so on, who are definitely worth listening to.
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Fezzik
Salute You in Your Grave
Age: 33
Gender: Female
Posts: 2748 | May 22nd, 2007 at 03:27pm ^Vote or Die was annoying in ways (like Paris Hilton going on about how people should vote, and then not even registering to vote herself). And you're right in that a lot of people were only into it because it was trendy.
But it's also absolutely brilliant that, for at least a while, politics were trendy.
So many people say "I don't like politics; they're boring" or "I don't vote, it doesn't affect me either way". Which is utterly ridiculous, considering how much of our lives are dictated by the actions of politicians. I applaud really any source that can get people politically aware, however briefly; even ignorant sources who start talking politics can at the very least get people thinking. |
Cigarettes And Suicide
Bleeding on the Floor
Age: 37
Gender: Female
Posts: 1725 | May 22nd, 2007 at 07:30pm I have a vague interest in politics. I say 'vague' because I realise how politics affect my day-to-day life and I try to inform myself on what's going on in Parliament at the moment, but I'm by no means an expert on what the heck is going on in Canberra. Still, I know a lot more about it than most people my age, I care a lot more than most people my age, and my husband's a great help in discussing things like that with me because he just, well, knows about politics, whereas it's kind of new to me.
I always loved RATM, of course their messages were usually completely foreign to me as they seemed to focus on issues closer to their own hearts and country, but now political music just annoys hell out of me. I've always hated Midnight Oil, The Living End trying to be motivational is just lame, don't even get me started on that pathetic Kisschasy band (if you could call them that), and there are so many other bands out there singing about the government that it's driving me mad.
Honestly. We all know what their opinion is going to be - that the Bush/Howard/Blair government sucks, troops are dying every day for a war that makes no sense, and that we as a community need to rise up and save us all from the tyrants in the White House.
Well, it's been done before, and I'm over it.
Sometimes I just wonder if punk bands are going all political because it's in the punk nature to whine, and a successful band has nothing else to whine about - they have money, friends, fame, everything the old bands didn't have and used to sing about wanting. Nowadays it's all about 'being real', so bands can't bitch about how hard-up they are or they'd get called out for being fake, so they whine about the government instead. |
ilovegerardway2much
Jazz Hands
Age: -
Gender: Female
Posts: 353 | May 22nd, 2007 at 08:05pm i dont get it. lol wat r we talking about |
Stripey-Stripes.
Motor Baby
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Posts: 804 | May 22nd, 2007 at 08:17pm druscilla; in rags:I don't think there's anything wrong with musicians getting involved with politics.
They are citizens, after all. They have the right to voice their opinions.
I think it's better when they encourage people to vote and get involved than when they encourage people to think a certain way, but it's all fine.
And I think it's great to encourage teenagers who otherwise wouldn't be interested in politics to think about this stuff and find out where they stand.
i agree. they can influence those who wouldnt care, to actually listen.
BUT
i also think they influence kids to think the way they do. maybe not intentionally(sp?) but its going to happen.
if a person u look up to hates Bush, then you're going to be inclined to listen to them and think "YEA! WHAT HE SAID!" then form ur own opinion.
i think it should purely be "Dont be an Idiot, Vote!" kinda deal. instead of "Vote...The Way I Do" like it always seems to be. |
J.D. Poe
Fabulous Killjoy
Age: -
Gender: -
Posts: 100 | May 23rd, 2007 at 05:06pm Cigarettes And Suicide:Sometimes I just wonder if punk bands are going all political because it's in the punk nature to whine, and a successful band has nothing else to whine about - they have money, friends, fame, everything the old bands didn't have and used to sing about wanting. Nowadays it's all about 'being real', so bands can't bitch about how hard-up they are or they'd get called out for being fake, so they whine about the government instead.
lol thats very insightful and I think you are definately onto something. |
Cigarettes And Suicide
Bleeding on the Floor
Age: 37
Gender: Female
Posts: 1725 | May 23rd, 2007 at 07:01pm ilovegerardway2much:i dont get it. lol wat r we talking about Just a hint: Spam is annoying, pointless, and takes up a lot of unnecessary time.
If you don't understand the topic, there's no need for you to post. If you'd like to participate, PM someone who has posted (hey, even the person who started the topic, as they know better than any of us) and ask them for a quick explanation. |
Ignore Alien Orders
Salute You in Your Grave
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Posts: 2026 | May 23rd, 2007 at 08:37pm Username?:druscilla; in rags:I don't think there's anything wrong with musicians getting involved with politics.
They are citizens, after all. They have the right to voice their opinions.
I think it's better when they encourage people to vote and get involved than when they encourage people to think a certain way, but it's all fine.
And I think it's great to encourage teenagers who otherwise wouldn't be interested in politics to think about this stuff and find out where they stand.
i agree. they can influence those who wouldnt care, to actually listen.
BUT
i also think they influence kids to think the way they do. maybe not intentionally(sp?) but its going to happen.
if a person u look up to hates Bush, then you're going to be inclined to listen to them and think "YEA! WHAT HE SAID!" then form ur own opinion.
i think it should purely be "Dont be an Idiot, Vote!" kinda deal. instead of "Vote...The Way I Do" like it always seems to be.
I don't mind it if they advocate their opinions, as long as they back it up--which is really what i think about most people talking about politics. If you want people to agree with you on issues, you need to make sure they understand those issues.
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Cigarettes And Suicide
Bleeding on the Floor
Age: 37
Gender: Female
Posts: 1725 | May 23rd, 2007 at 09:23pm ^ Very good point. I agree, there's no point in spouting an opinion and expecting others to follow unless you're going to explain it so others understand your motives. |
Thug Life.
Bleeding on the Floor
Age: 33
Gender: Male
Posts: 1315 | May 24th, 2007 at 09:31am
i dont think its a bad thing.
everyones entitled to free speach in the us.
though in aus were not.
but thats not the topic at hand
i feel that its fine for people to voice their opinion
but its wrong when people take these artists opinions
and adopt them as their own solely on the fact
that their favourite singer did.
Billie joe Armstrong... great man truely
hates bush obviously and is very vocal about it
but the thing i have a problem with is the alarming number of
kids with the "Fuck Bush" attitude but yet have no greater understanding
of why they should dispise him all they know is that hes no good but dont know why
they just addopt what billie says and think their hipp.
i think its good to an extent
i feel that maybe they should encourage the masses to
think on their own.
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HopelessPunk
Killjoy
Age: 33
Gender: Female
Posts: 9 | May 24th, 2007 at 10:40am
Do you think they have any right to get involved?
Yes, I think they do! Remeber, musicians are people too, and they have their own views same as you and I. The only thing with musicians is they have WAY more people listening to them. This goes for actors and actress as well. I think its good because some kids don't even bother to listen to whats going on in our nation, so maybe music is the only way that these kids know what the flip is going on. I know, Green Day for example, made American Idiot. Which isn't liked much by the old fans of Green Day, but it is most certianly a politically contriversial album.
Do you think they're brainwashing kids in the same way the government does?
Ha. Sorta. I know I read somewhere that even Paul McCartney from the Beatles said somthing along the lines of : "Get them while their young and they will follow your music into adult hood" and part of that is true. For many people the music they listen to is a large contribution to who they are formed to be. Brainwashing, I don't think so, at least not 'hard core' brain washing. =P
Do you think they're good, that they mobilize generations who would otherwise be entirely apathetic?
I guess it depends what band, what their views are, and what ever. Just becuase your band is Republican and your democratic dosen't mean YOU have to become republican, ya know?
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Lady Wicked
Killjoy
Age: 32
Gender: Female
Posts: 80 | May 24th, 2007 at 11:34am i think that they have the right to get involved, but i kind of think they should keep their oppinions to themselves cuz it ruins their carreer
in a way they are brainwashing kids cuz they are idols to kids across nations and they are watching and getting their ideas from them so ya its another form of brainwashing.
i kind of think its good, but then again i dont. i think its good cuz it gets kids introduced to politics and what its all about. Then again for the most part all they are getting is the democrat side of the story (FOR THE MOST PART) |
J.D. Poe
Fabulous Killjoy
Age: -
Gender: -
Posts: 100 | May 24th, 2007 at 03:59pm My_Lithium_Roses: Then again for the most part all they are getting is the democrat side of the story (FOR THE MOST PART)
Well no one is stopping republicans from creating inspirational art  |
vampires_hurt_me
Fabulous Killjoy
Age: 31
Gender: Male
Posts: 103 | May 24th, 2007 at 05:10pm Caitlin Caustic;;:
I don't mind it if they advocate their opinions, as long as they back it up--which is really what i think about most people talking about politics. If you want people to agree with you on issues, you need to make sure they understand those issues.
Exactly. That's why I love Anti-Flag; they write essays to accompany their already insightful songs, and even then refer you to places where you can find out more.
Bands like that, whether or not you agree with their politics, you have to at least respect. |
Ignore Alien Orders
Salute You in Your Grave
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Posts: 2026 | May 25th, 2007 at 08:38am My_Lithium_Roses:i think that they have the right to get involved, but i kind of think they should keep their oppinions to themselves cuz it ruins their carreer
in a way they are brainwashing kids cuz they are idols to kids across nations and they are watching and getting their ideas from them so ya its another form of brainwashing.
i kind of think its good, but then again i dont. i think its good cuz it gets kids introduced to politics and what its all about. Then again for the most part all they are getting is the democrat side of the story (FOR THE MOST PART)
Actually most of the political bands I listen to are much further left than democrats. In my personal opinion, the democratic party is pretty disorganized and far too close to the center. the democratic party doesn't want to offend people.
Just because leftists are the ones you hear getting their voices out there doesn't mean right wingers can't. If someone who is a conservative wants to get their ideas out through song, that's their job--it's up to them to express their points of view, not the leftists to dumb it down so as to not sway people's opinions. Obviously I'm somewhat biased as I'm very liberal and that's what I believe is right--however I strongly believe that it's your responsibility to get your own ideas out there, and if liberals are the ones you hear doing that the most, then that's the way it is.
There are plenty of right wing resources out there for people who are interested. Besides, you should never just take Fat Mike's word for it--go out and read Howard Zinn, read Noam Chomsky, read the news. The music is all well and good but it shouldn't be the only source of your opinions--that's why I think bands should point kids to political books and such rather than just screaming that Bush sucks, like the way Rise Against put reccomended reading lists in their liner notes. That way there's no brainwashing, you're given every oppourtunity to learn for yourself. |
