I just watched the documentary, SHUT UP & SING.
Amazing. I was literally clapping and shouting in the middle of my living room.
This film is SO important for anyone who feels passionately about freedom.
For years I've admired the music and artistry of the Dixie Chicks. Their CDs are in my music collection but I've never been to one of their concerts or paid special attention to them when they were on television.
In 2003, on the eve of America going to war in Iraq, the lead singer of the group used her freedom of speech and it couldn't have backfired in a bigger, broader way. The album sales dropped and radio stations were boycotted if they played music by the Dixie Chicks.
This documentary follows the public fall of one of the country's best-selling recording artists.
But there is so much more to it. It isn't a Behind-the-Music puff piece. Their success and trials hasn't been shrouded in glamour of Hollywood.
Watching the film tonight I saw a fierce fire in the eyes of the group as the grappled with the responsibilities of their words and actions. From one statement came death threats, stress, an accusations. They were accused of being un-American and of not supporting our troupes.
They were mocked and ridiculed for simply voicing the opposition to the war and the leadership of the President.
This film is a brilliant look at the extremes of freedom and how quickly we deny common courtesy and respect to anyone who might believe differently than we do.
Rent it. Go to NetFlix and put it in your que. BUY it.
This is a film you should see...as a music lover but especially a member of humanity.
