Have you ever heard song by Dixie Chicks; the one written in response to death threats and hate mail their lead singer received after making a political statement during a concert. I do not remember her name. Anyhow, she said something referencing a war for oil. The ensuing response was really amazing. Radio Stations banned Dixie Chicks from play lists. They received death threats. President W. Bush even commented on the comment.
It is not uncommon for an entertainment person to use that platform as a means to express their political beliefs. We all have a right to free speech. So, when an entertainer makes political talk, they have that right.
Pro-athletes do the same thing. Our society places athletes up on pedestals. However, as Charles Barkley once said; "I am no role model. I am professional basketball player, but I am no role model."
We should not place any more value nor react with any greater outrage when someone in the spotlight speaks. It is their right. If we don't agree then we do not have to listen. It is difficult for me to comprehend why, when we take offense at what an athlete says or does everyone seems to freak out. In Dixie Chicks case - don't buy their music.
Money speaks louder than words. I don't buy products made by the Coors Brewing Co. because I do not agree with their political agenda; best way I can respond is spend my money else where. Sure I could write a letter to their president or CEO. A letter read by some intern in the basement. Then logged, shredded, and perhaps receive a auto generated response. Some folks picketed outside Coors headquarters. Ok if that works for you.
We choose what we purchase. As I said earlier; money speaks louder than words. Reckon it might be best way to make a political statement without uttering a single word. One individual, such as myself, my pittance will not make or break any corporation, entertainer, athlete - it is an avenue I can walk down with a sense I am maintaining my political and religious ideology.
Political correctness is too dang exhausting. One day it is ok to use one word, next day it is a slur. Look people in the eye, no avert your eyes - no yellow on Thursdays - yellow is now ok on Thursdays. Who can keep up? Do we need to?
Whatever happened to a simple notion like - let's say - do onto others as you would have done onto you. Or maybe - nothing given is ever lost. We could go with an oldie but a goody - it is nice to share. The energy you put out is returned to you. Others will treat you as you treat them. It really is all the stuff you learned in kindergarten. And we seem so darned lost. This stuff has been drilled into us since we were born. What happens when we get older; how do we just forget everything our Momma's taught us?
Which is bringing me back to my "just be" entry from the other day. Why are we so darned afraid to allow others to "just be?" Why are we so caught up with bigger is better? If we take care of ourselves causing no one else discomfort or harm - well, isn't that alright? Just be who you are where you are. Surround yourself with folks who are equally accepting. Maybe your circle has only two or three people. There is no quota that needs to be reached. Everything we do does not require astounding numbers.
If an athlete, entertainer, politician...any one who has five minutes of fame - if the words coming out of their mouths bother you - don't listen. Just be yourself, just don't listen - don't support corporations whose political or religious agenda's go against your own. Support those who you agree with. Purchase their product; whether it music, beer, fast food restaurant, or game jerseys.
Come on folks we are smarter than this...we are more evolved - we are aren't we? This then brings me to conclusion of today's soapbox meanderings - some of the parts are bent, rusted, worn down - some of the parts are new, resilient, refined. Combined, all of the parts make us go. Some of the parts are not pretty - yet, all of the parts together are beautiful. Some of the parts are rather twisted, yet all of the parts are calm.
This is true for each of us. I think we might be overthinking things. If we exist in kindess, generosity, servitude, spiritualness, treating others as we would ourselves be treated. If we shared our cookies and milk - if we allowed ourselves acceptance of who we are - if we just let us be - just be. Life would be so darn beautiful we would want to get up in the morning. We would make a big fuss about opening this day, this beautiful gift. Just be - I don't know, can we rise to such a level of Zen in which we could just be? Could we become so calm in ourselves we might allow others to just be? Two words might express a state of existence so profoundly peaceful we should have them tattooed on our hand and chant them all the day through.
Just be - it is growing on me.
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