I used to think it was silly to boycott products because of the ideology of their producers. I know people who won't drink Coors solely because of Joseph Coors' founding of the Heritage Foundation. Of course, they completely disregard the fact that he did it with his own personal money, and that the Coors corporation is owned by, and employs, a lot of people who undoubtably give money to both liberal and conservative groups. (A lot different than Ben & Jerry's which pledges a certain percentage of its corporate profit to leftist causes)
However, I'm revising my opinion of boycotts when it comes to art, because today's artists are using their status for trashing my country. I will not knowingly support an artist who uses their celebrity to promote views I disagree with.
When Chrissie Hynde said that she hoped the USA would lose the war in Iraq, I swore I would never listen to another Pretenders song again. When Bruce Springsteen announced his "Vote for Change" tour, and several other bands got on board, I decided to boycott any group that participated.
Now I read that Larry Gatlin, a country-music star, is critical of Springsteen's project (sorry, link requires a subscription). I'm converting to country music. Actually, I've hated modern rock for a long time now, and have converted to Christian contemporary music, but when I move dial off that station, I'm looking for a country music station to call home.
Wait a second, an older rock star attempts to redeem the medium. Go, Alice!
Are you going to refuse to eat in a restaurant where the owner gives to a campaign you don't agree with?
I don't agree with your faith and religious perspectives. Should I refuse to do business with you?
I've given donations to bloggers whose views I strongly disagree with, including some who have endorsed Bush. Was I wrong to do that?
Should I stop viewing Arnold's movies? Toss out my collection that has Heston or Wayne in them?
Posted by: Joel Thomas at August 24, 2004 01:19 AMNo, I won't boycott any restaurants because of the owners political views, indeed I won't boycott any of the venues mentioned above, except the last: I will intentionally boycott any movie made by Michael Moore because he's an egregious liar. The same for the musical artists. When they convert their presentation from music to political activism, I can refuse to pay. That's a fair practice of my choice, and anyone who calls it censorship needs to look that word up in a dictionary.
I can usually overlook the political views of an artist I listen to. But sometimes, they get so obnoxious and offensive that I simply can't listen to them anymore (like Chrissie Hynde, for example). I don't think I care for anybody on that "Vote for Change" tour, anyway. I think R.E.M. are on, it but I only like the music they did in the 80s.
Alice Cooper is pretty cool. Not only sensible politically, but also a Christian and family man as well.
Oops, my link didn't work. Here it is:
http://www.nj.com/living/expresstimes/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1091194452185380.xml
Susan, one point that didn't come out too well in my post is that one reason I'm not listening to some of those artists anymore is that I never listened to them in the first place. The only time I've ever seen the Dixie Chicks was when they were on TV for the SuperBowl. I'll never miss them. Chrissie Hynde and Bruce Springsteen are the only ones I've listened to much.
I was really surprised when I first heard of Alice Cooper's Christianity, but then I thought, hey why not? What stereotype is keeping me from accepting him for what he claims to believe?