Here is another story of a bold truth teller. This time it's Madonna, who told a Romanian audience who came to hear her perform that the discrimination against the Roma people, known also as Gypsies, "It has been brought to my attention ... that there is a lot of discrimination against Romanies and Gypsies in general in Eastern Europe," she said. "It made me feel very sad." Thousands booed and jeered her. A few cheered when she added: "We don't believe in discrimination ... we believe in freedom and equal rights for everyone." But she got more boos when she mentioned discrimination against homosexuals and others."
Should a performer impose their personal political and social views on their audience during a performance? Was this the appropriate moment to preach and be heard?
I ask because I am starting to think that I am being asked to agree with everyone I have business with (i.e. Wholefoods CEO Mackey). Do I really need to agree with everyone I admire, appreciate, and pay money to see for their talents in something other than politics? I would very soon stop being a fan of much classical music and college football of I did.
And yet, I see that she had an attentive audience...and she was, no doubt, seduced into being an activist to help others.
Maybe to be of service with others, one must first live with them and not presume to help anyone...
What do you think?
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5 comments:
My first reaction when I read your post was: This is a difficult question. But as I contemplated it a bit more, the answer became clear to me:
No, one need not agree. On the contrary, one needs meet people where they are and treat them with compassion and understanding, just as Jesus did in associating with prostitutes and tax collectors. Once we understand where people are at, emotionally, mentally and philosophically, we can begin to teach them new ways of thinking and perhaps influence a change in their behavior.
Go in peace!
Free speech is a 1st amendment right. We should be able to carry it with us anywhere we go. We must also be ready to suffer the consequences. Someone, star or not, stating a view is not forcing anyone to agree. In fact, I am happy to know the social and moral position of anyone for whom I am paying money to see. If they supported something that I fundamentally disagreed with I can choose to spend my money elsewhere.
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” St. Francis of Assisi
Words are important, but it's our actions that count.
I agree with the St. Francis quote. And Madonna, as with the Dixie Chicks when they criticized George Bush, they are entitled to their opinions. I think it is irresponsible to think that, when given a platform, would cease to have those opinions. If you disagree, it is up to you to determine how strongly....as with Madonna and the Chicks, people can either agree by buying more of their music or disagree by divesting themselves of anything made by these artists. Say what you will about Madonna's opinions, but she does practice what she preaches.....of all the outlandish things she has done, being a bigot has never been one of them. She does walk the walk.
I agree with the St. Francis quote. Madonna, like the Dixie Chicks and their criticism of George Bush, is entitled to her opinion. It is irresponsible of the promoters to think that, when given a platform, Madonna would not take the opportunity to state said opinions. If you disagree with these opinions it is up to you to determine to what degree you disagree. As with the Chicks, you can either agree and buy more of their music, or if you disagree, leave the venue and ask for your money back and divest yourself of their albums and not purchase any more. Madonna, to her credit, for whatever outlandish behaviors she may be a part of, has never been accused of being a bigot. She does walk the walk.
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