In the music world today girl bands are nearly extinct.
However, in the early 2000’s one girl band made it’s way to the top. They
produced a top hit song that stayed in the number one spot for four consecutive
weeks. Followed by the number one country album for twelve weeks. Women across the country were all rooting for
“The Dixie Chicks.”
The Dixie Chicks are originally from Texas and are well
known for their originality in sound and lyrics. Natalie, the lead singer, is
known not only for her amazing voice but also for the ridicule directed towards President
Bush in 2003.
The scorn took place during the events that led to the war in Iraq when the Dixie Chicks happened to be on their first world tour. While performing live in London Natalie
stated, “Just so you know, we're
on the good side with y'all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we're
ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas."
This statement caused uproar of criticism for the Dixie
Chicks. They were seen as unpatriotic in a time that called for patriotism.
Radio stations across the nation refused to play their music. Dropping the
Dixie Chicks from the number one spot to non-existent. Towns set up designated
dumping locations where citizens could come and throw away their Dixie Chick
CD’s and they would burn them to show their disgust. The nation was furious.
The Bush administration and citizens demanded an apology. The Dixie Chicks
refused to apologize for Natalie’s statement and instead appeared naked on
Entertainment weekly with slogans such as: "Traitors", "Saddam's Angels", "Dixie
Sluts", "Proud Americans", "Hero", "Free
Speech", and "Brave" tattooed to their body.
Three years later, in 2006, they were still hated for the comment Natalie made. The Dixie Chicks were in awe at the hatred the American people could have towards one person. With the pressure to apologize and their livelihood literally on the line they came out with their single, “I’m Not Ready to Make Nice.” Later they came out with their album, “Taking the Long Way Home.” Both risky move in such a hated time. With an apology yet to be made the Dixie Chicks finally proved their point during the Emmy’s in 2007. The Dixie Chicks won all five categories for which they were nominated, including top awards for song of the year, record of the year, and album of the year. Although hated still by some they are understood by many.
Works Cited:
http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/14/dixie.chicks.reut/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixie_Chicks
http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/14/dixie.chicks.reut/
