Musicians and celebrities on politics...

[Jules]

Upfront: This is NOT a discussion about politics. It is a discussion about the discussion of politics.

I think things are as politically charged these days as they have been in years. I am open to political opinions for my peers and I actually am open minded enough to learn some things from people I tend to disagree with. Sometimes, I may take a position on something for a simple lack of details.

For example, I once walked up on some guys discussing neutering cats in NYC. I have never given thought to that as a solution to control the cat population (I am not a cat person, and admittedly there are MANY topics that I don't sit around pondering) and so I interjected the euthanizing seemed more economical and immediate.

What I didn't take into account was that male cats are territorial and having neutered male cats in many/most areas would stop reproduction in those areas. I conceded that I didn't think about all of that, and I wasn't embarrassed that being a South Georgia boy, I have not mulled the reproductive dynamics of large city cat populations.

But, when it comes to celebrities and musicians (I get the in the context musicians fall into the celebrity category, but since we are musicians, I think it's obvious why I word this accordingly), those are not my peers and I don't typically think they represent me. I would rather not know someone's political affiliation whatsoever that to hear them not only use their status to promote a platform, but in some cases vilify those with differing opinions.

I like the stance Elvis Presley took when asked about war protesters. He kept his personal views to himself and referred to himself as "just an entertainer". Then when asked if he felt that all entertainers should keep their opinions to themselves, he said something akin to "No, I am not even going to say that." He just flat wasn't going to push it one way or the other. Mad respect for that!

[Scott_M]

Celebrities have the same rights and ability that the rest of us do when it comes to expressing their thoughts and opinions. Their higher visibility only increases the reach of those expressions, and they are just as if not moreso subject to the negative repercussions because of that visibility if someone doesn't like what or how they expressed it.

This next statement may push someone's nose out of joint, but it needs to be said - The "I don't want them to use their status to promote a platform..." thing only comes across to me as a very objectifying, dehumanizing "Shut up and entertain, because that's all you're good for" mindset where the entertainer is devalued as a person.

In Elvis's case, he was on a VERY short leash and knew full well that if he said ANYTHING the record execs/promoters didn't like, his career could be over in a minute. His choice to "Toe the Corporate Line".

Just further proof to the argument that no matter who you are, there can be some serious consequences when you express your thoughts, feelings, or beliefs.

Just remember - if you don't like something someone else says, does, or promotes, you have the option to remove your support (financial, political, promotional, etc) at any time without devaluing them as a human being.

[Jules]

I don't think I am dehumanizing anyone by not wanting to hear their political views. If I go to a concert, it was to hear music. If I wanted to get a political lecture I'd go to a town hall meeting.

I am not real interested in the political views of much of anyone, and if somehow my opinion has the power to devalue someone, that's on them.

We are all here for a specific topic, just like if I go see a band or watch a movie. If all of the sudden I decided to politicize my posts on here, it probably would not go over well, and rightly so. But, I would be within my rights, right?

I have been a long time AC/DC fan and I am very glad to have never heard a word about their political beliefs. I have never gone to one of their concerts for a political discussion, and if that makes them feel small or slighted, I hate it for them.