Entertainment stars have long been known for their outspoken political views, especially in times of war. From Hanoi Jane in the 1970s to Sheryl Crow's t-shirt at the Grammys, stars seldom shy away from making their views known. The Dixie Chicks, led by lead singer Natalie Maines, overstepped the boundaries between political activism and temper tantrum, embarrassing not only their group but also the entire United States.
Maines announced to a London audience before the Chicks' March 11 concert that, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas ("Stations Boycott Dixie Chicks Over Remark," Hampton Roads Daily Press, March 15)." Maines certainly has every right to express her feelings -- that's the beauty of a country that guarantees freedom of speech. The real issue lies in exactly what she said and when she said it.
To criticize a U.S. president in the manner Maines did is offensive and childish. The singer refrained from stating any worthwhile opinions or remarks like, "I disagree with the country's current policies on Iraq," or "I wish our President would take more time working diplomatically with Saddam." Rather she made a vague remark simply degrading the president, sounding like a spoiled toddler who is able to hate the kids around them but never able to explain why.
The fact that her little speech took place in London is an even bigger offense. England is of course the home of Prime Minister Tony Blair -- arguably America's biggest and most avid supporter. In times of great crisis -- a possible war with Iraq and an ongoing war with terrorism -- America needs all the friends it can get. Maines's remark demeans all the work Blair has been doing in his own country to garner support for the United States and makes his job that much harder. The unintelligent chatter of a spoiled American superstar may, unfortunately, be enough to sway some Brits from standing solidly behind their prime minister to doubting their own country's allies and foreign policies. Granted, there is nothing wrong with doubting government officials. Doubt can lead to a change for the better. But Maines needs to think of the ramifications of her little diatribe.
If the British public stops supporting the British government then undeniably the British government will stop supporting America. This may be exactly what Maines wants, but it is certainly not what our country needs. Like it or not, ours is a country at war. There are men and women stationed all over the world today, including Afghanistan, hunting down terrorists, restoring freedoms and ensuring the safety of Americans both home and abroad. It is a hard, dangerous and lengthy task and with an Iraqi war looming ominously in the near future, the United States cannot bear to lose British support.
This support not only supplies man power and equipment, but much needed moral support. Blair's unwavering backing of the United States tells soldiers and citizens alike that we are not alone in the fight to end terrorism and guarantee some level of safety for the world. Regardless of weather or not the United States goes to war with Iraq, we still need Blair and England in our corner, if only to provide one friendly face in the sea of animosity that is the United Nations.
Maines herself acknowledges that what she said was inappropriate. Following the backlash from country music stations around the nation she commented, "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." Obviously the "utmost respect" is not found anywhere in Maines' little speech.
Not only were her remarks uncalled for and tactless, but they were pointless. Maines may have swayed a few British heads, but in doing so she alienated herself from her own fans. Radio stations from Texas to Virginia are pulling the number one selling female group's music from the air. One Kentucky radio station even set up trash cans outside where fans could trash the Chicks' CDs, concert tickets, and paraphernalia.
Natalie Maines may feel like she did her part on behalf of the anti-war movement. In the end, though, all she really did was make herself look like a fool, eke out a forced apology due to public outcry and alienate all of Dixie. Looks like the group may be in need of a name change.
(Maggie Bowden is a Cavalier Daily associate editor. She can be reached at mbowden@cavalierdaily.com.)
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