Many Americans pride themselves on the freedoms granted by the Bill of Rights, in particular, the freedom of speech. Americans often declare their country to be "free," a place where they can say anything they want, within the boundaries of laws protecting others. Lately, however, in light of the possible impending war against Iraq, some U.S. citizens have been less than open to hearing what their countrymen have to say about the issues related to a potential war. This was most vividly demonstrated last week when country radio stations across the nation boycotted playing any songs by the country music trio, the Dixie Chicks. This move came after the lead singer of the group, Natalie Maines, made the following statement, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas" ("Radio Stations, Fans Boycott Dixie Chicks", CNN.com, March 16). Americans, especially those in charge of public media must be more receptive to listening to opinions that may contradict with their own, and the boycott must be lifted.
Nearly everyone who is in tune to the news has an opinion about the possible war against Iraq. The seesawing drama between the United Nations and United States has captivated the attention of the world. With so many lives at stake and the multitude of questionable issues involved in the decision to go to war, there are many concerns that stir deep-seeded emotions within people.
The Dixie Chick's lead singer's comments about the president were not necessarily offensive, nor did they specifically target any issue that could be construed as offensive, like that of U.S. soldiers abroad. Although aiming at the president's association with the state of Texas as her point against his policies may have been in bad taste, it still is not offensive speech.
Yet, even after Maines apologized for her original comments, saying, "As a concerned American citizen, I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful. I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect," radio stations around the nation still boycotted her group's music.
This boycott is unfair to the Dixie Chicks. To begin with, the Dixie Chicks' music is not necessarily related to their political views, nor is the content of their music offensive to any reasonable person. Radio stations should be screening their playlists for items that do truly offend their listeners. Natalie Maines should not have been penalized in this manner by her peers for making her personal convictions public. This boycott is also unjust to those radio station listeners who wish to hear Dixie Chicks songs.
The boycott against the Dixie Chicks is just one instance of citizens targeting those who harbor anti-war sentiments, which appears to be a growing occurrence in the nation. In these troubled times, Americans must be objective and listen receptively to the views of those around them, even if their personal views differ.
At this moment, there is in reality no definable wrong or right to the war against Iraq. Perhaps President Bush is correct in his fears that Iraq is illegally producing weapons of mass destruction and must be stopped. On the other hand, perhaps the United Nations is right in its continued efforts to find a diplomatic solution. The objective truth is that no one knows for sure who is right or wrong, perhaps with the exception of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Events such as the boycott of Dixie Chicks influence people to become more apprehensive toward expressing their views. This in turn cuts into the de facto status of our freedom of speech. For instance, perhaps I should fear a reprisal against myself or my work because the views in this column may be construed as either pro or anti-war. In that case, maybe I shouldn't be writing this column.
If Americans continue to negatively impact those who choose to express contradictory views by aggressively decrying their observations or affecting other areas of their life based on their beliefs, they limit that person's freedom. After all, Hussein's regime does just that, only with governmental jurisdiction. As American's lash-out against those with anti-war views, they unwittingly become more like their sworn enemy than the country they proudly represent. The boycott against the Dixie Chicks should be lifted.
(Alex Rosemblat's column appears Wednesdays in The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at arosemblat@cavalierdaily.com.)
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