By "The Truth"
November 2, 2004
Do we really care as a nation whether or not Bon Jovi is voting for Kerry? Or that Madonna believes in Jewish mysticism? It seems that lately everywhere you turn an artist/musician/actor/etc. is lobbying for something, be it President Bush or Scientology. Call me crazy but I like my singers to sing and my actors to act and that's about it. If I wanted an opinion on how I should vote from The Dixie Chicks, then I'd be a real dizzy chick. Understandably, artists have marketing power. If Kerry wants to attract voter attention, it's only natural that he would welcome a performance from Bruce Springsteen on his campaign trail. But do I need to read letters from Barbra Streisand fighting with the Republicans in various newspapers and on websites all over? No, I don't. I could care less about Barbra's rants. I think she has a wonderful singing voice, but I am not going to be swayed for or against Republicans just because "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?" is a beautiful song. I mean this is the leadership of our country we're talking about. Or better yet, the deity I worship. These are important elements of all our lives. Should we be affected in any way by what the latest box office star preaches? Or should they just shut their mouths? I believe it's the latter.
In some cases, it may even hurt the celebrity in the end if they are too vocal about their beliefs (political or religious) as media outlets begin to fear their random outbursts on awards shows or on talk shows. If I am the type of person that likes to tune in to David Letterman at night and watch the latest interviewees sell their latest project, I don't care to see said person start running off at the mouth about pro-choice issues or the state of the economy. I want to hear you talk about the MOVIE or the ALBUM.
Don't get me wrong. I completely understand and believe in the importance of voting in a general election, or following some form of organized religion. In my opinion, the problems arise when celebrities start using their soapboxes to ramble on about the particular candidate they are voting for, or the fact that L. Ron Hubbard is THE one to follow. In America, everyone has the right to cast their vote for whoever they want, or pray to whomever they wish. But I don't need to hear about Alec Baldwin's pledge to move out of the country if Bush is elected. Honestly, I could care less. (Stick to hosting Saturday Night Live Alec.) It seems to me like many actors and musicians are beginning to take advantage of their spot in the limelight. Honestly, celebrities are supposed to entertain us, tell us about their new album or TV show, or who designed the dress they are wearing. It's an empty life, yes, but it's the life they chose. No one ever said you need to have an MBA to release an album, or hold a PH.D before winning an Oscar. It's an industry built on creativity and talent (most of the time) and not intelligence and debate skills.
If you are a Michael Moore-type guy, people expect the long-winded rants and the persuasive propaganda-like documentaries. This is what you built your career on in the first place. There is a niche for this kind of thing and it is welcomed. But if you are Sheryl Crow, it's slightly annoying when you begin to complain to Jules Asner on the red carpet that Bush is the devil and you want him out of office pronto. There are plenty of people who feel the same way about Bush but they talk about it to their family, friends, and colleagues and I believe Sheryl Crow should do the same. Just because you have the advantage of being on TV doesn't mean you need to use that time to speak your mind about the President. Leave the lobbying to the politicians and pundits.
I remember a time not long ago when it was taboo (and possibly illegal) to mention who you were voting for on TV if you were a talk show host or radio personality. Now it's out of control. Howard Stern has used countless hours this past year to bitch about Bush and his administration while on the air. Rosie O'Donnell had vicious fights on her talk show with people like Tom Selleck who donated to causes that she was against. And actors like Martin Sheen use every interview and thank-you speech opportunity to advertise their own political agenda. My question is: are people OK with this? Is this behavior welcomed? Does it bother anyone? Or does it not matter that celebrities are becoming ornery and don't want to be known as only entertainers anymore but also brilliant scholars who enjoy debating the pros and cons of Kabbalah?
Religion is arguably the most sensitive issue in the world today. Wars are being fought and people are dying over religious beliefs. For this reason, is it right or fair for artists like Madonna and Prince to continue to force-feed their fans material dictating their own personal teachings? Madonna performed against a backdrop of Hebrew symbols during her recent summer tour and Prince was handing out leaflets of The Watchtower (the Jehovah's Witness newsletter) at his. Fans of these artists most likely have been with them since the early 80s (during their inception) and most likely want to hear music without prejudice when they see them in concert. Granted, Prince and Madonna are not around to simply cater to their fans, but they shouldn't make them feel uncomfortable either (especially when they are the ones who are keeping them rich and famous). It is perfectly natural for artists to speak about their religious background "I believe in Kaballah" or "I am actually a Jehovah's Witness now" but anything other than that tends to be intrusive and may push fans away. Maybe they don't care whether or not they lost some fans along the way, but when you are handing out religious leaflets at your concerts to people you don't know anything about except that they like your music, you are insulting many on a personal level as well. You are taking advantage of your place in pop culture. If a concert is advertised as a "Musicians Against John Kerry" benefit or the like, then attendees are fully aware of the situation before they plunk down their hard earned cash. But if they show up expecting to hear "Burning Up" and instead they hear you reciting Jewish prayers in a language they don't even understand, it's a bit much. (It's really a bit much considering you just spent $200 in that case.)
So in conclusion, I make a personal plea to the artists and musicians and actors clogging the airwaves with their religious and political rants and ask them to just be considerate of others in the future. Know your place people, and work it out.
AND MAKE SURE YOU ALL VOTE TODAY!!! YOUR LIVES DEPEND ON IT!!!
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