Friday, August 23, 2024

"Nashville quiet on the Trump conundrum"/ "Singers say they’re putting country above politics"

Mar. 27, 2017 "Nashville quiet on the Trump conundrum": Today I found this article by Emily Yahr in the Edmonton Journal.  I don't like country music, but I do like these articles, because it's more about politics than about music:




NASHVILLE — Country singers are faced with a conundrum when it comes to President Trump: 

As part of the most conservative-leaning musical genre, shouldn’t they have something to say about what may be the most polarizing Republican administration in history?

As multiple publications recently pointed out, the answer has been a resounding “no.”

Nashville stars remain unusually silent about their political thoughts, as they did before the election. A few artists declared themselves pro-Trump; one deemed Trump “crazy”; a handful tweeted positively about the Women’s March, and some, like Toby Keith, performed at inauguration activities but avoided taking sides. 

The majority of singers, however, don’t want to touch the topic, as it’s the easiest way to enrage and/or alienate fans.

A few days after the inauguration, Rolling Stone Country argued, “Why It’s Time for Country Stars to Speak Up About Trump.” 

At the other end of the spectrum, some listeners just want singers, to borrow a phrase from the Dixie Chicks, to “shut up and sing.” 

Billboard reported that Nashville artists still fear getting “Dixie Chicked,” or blacklisted from the industry, for having an opinion.

So, how do the country artists feel? 

What do they think is their role in this divisive political era, especially when they might have the ear of country fans in areas that largely voted for Trump?

“I wish that more country artists would speak out — because we are from those little towns. Rural America needs a voice in this country,” said Angaleena Presley, a singer-songwriter and member of the Pistol Annies trio with Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe. “I mean, we write songs that they relate to. Because we are them.”

Presley, a native of eastern Kentucky, participated in the Women’s March and says some in her family — many of whom voted for Trump — see her as a “liberal hippie chick.” But she doesn’t judge anyone based on their vote or values.

“I would never be this Trump supporter-bashing person. . . . A lot of Trump supporters, I think they want change. And in rural America, it’s tough,” she said. 

“I can understand why they want something different. For me, 

I believe in honesty, 

I believe in equality, 

I believe in choices, 

I believe in freedom over your own body, 

over what you think. 

So it’s really hard to get behind someone who doesn’t necessarily exhibit those values, or anywhere near them.”

Other artists say that even though they recognize that they’re in a unique position where they have a platform, they don’t always regard that influence as a positive.

“I’m in a place where people are going to listen. That’s really scary,” Texas-based singer Granger Smith said during an interview at the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville.


“But I don’t need to tell people what I think. I’m a musician. What does my opinion matter over anybody else’s? I’m a firm believer that if I live a life with integrity and honesty and credibility . . . that’s enough of an example that I don’t have to start talking about what I think about politics or the latest executive orders in the White House.”

At CRS, multiple artists echoed the sentiment. As breakout crooner William Michael Morgan put it, “I’m a country singer — no one wants to hear me talk about politics.”

Tim Rushlow, the lead singer of the group Little Texas, which performed at Trump’s inauguration, feels similarly. He received a wave of criticism after he accepted the inaugural gig (he also performed for Trump and the first lady’s first dance), though he insists there was nothing political about his appearances.

“I didn’t look at it as a Republican or Democrat. I looked at it as an American,” he said, adding that he was “honored” to be invited.

“I’m not a politician, I’m not a priest,” he continued. 

“I’m just an entertainer who wants to help people forget about their problems for an hour while I sing my songs. If I do that, then mission accomplished, you know?”

In the aftermath of the inauguration, Rushlow said, police had to patrol his home after threats were sent to him on social media. Through it all, he tried not to let any of the backlash get under his skin. He’s determined that his takeaway from the whole experience will be to spread a message of positivity.

“The funny part is the people that hate, I don’t hate them,” he said. “I’m not here to tell somebody that they’re wrong for living the way they live. 

I’m just here to say, why can’t we look at things and go let’s agree to disagree, but let’s agree on one fact: 

We’ve got a great country. How can we continue to make that happen?”

Agreeing to disagree is one thing, though in this deeply divided climate, artists are more at risk than ever to upset fans — it seems like there’s no middle ground. 

Singer Craig Campbell, a self-described “hardcore Republican conservative,” pointed out that these days, people will pounce on any opinion that they don’t like.

“If you have views and beliefs and morals and you want to say ‘This is how I feel about it,’ then you should be able to say it,” Campbell said. 

“I just hate that there are mean people in the world who think that just because you disagree with them, then you’re a terrible person.”

Historically, this was not always the case in country music, which has had a wide range of beliefs. 

For example, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, 

Johnny Cash sang “What Is Truth” in support of youth protesters during the Vietnam War 

while Merle Haggard recorded the troop-supporting “Okie From Muskogee.” 

They were at opposite ends of the political spectrum, yet the two stars were best friends.

“No one was asked to choose between Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard fandom, just because they had differing political perspectives,” said Peter Cooper, senior director, producer and writer at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. 

“There was a great diversity of perspective in the songs that doesn’t seem to be allowed, on a popular level, within contemporary country music.”

Now, a lot of singers agree that the smart career move is just to not say anything at all.

“Everyone’s got an opinion,” said singer-songwriter Dylan Scott. 



Comments:

jyl1st
3/26/2017 11:14 AM MDT

Historically, Country has been political, mostly to the right. Hard to be pro America with Trump as POTUS. Better to not alienate your audience, you may have to find another line of work. http://www.wideopencountry.com/10-most-political-c...


Clearwater65
3/21/2017 12:22 PM MDT

it's always been the case that performers didn't have to be political or state their political opinions. Things are rather volatile today--so why should performers get involved in such a divisive environment? 

People in the past always pretty much resented it when performers would push their ideas and favorite candidates. Why? BECAUSE NOBODY CARED. 

Just because you're a famous performer or actor doesn't mean you know anything about politics!

I've read several naive articles about whether or not performers should get involved in the politics today, or even criticizing people who don't! I hope this fad stops, and performers can be just that-- performers who do their jobs and perform. 

We live in this celebrity culture with the naive writers who think performers should speak up. But why? Sometimes I think It's just clickbait articles, or they need something to write.  

It used to be that the idea performers should be political and come out and state their opinions didn't exist. Why? BECAUSE NOBODY CARED!!

My opinion: Well some people may care about some celebrities opinions.  I kind of think about "clickbait" articles too.



"Singers say they’re putting country above politics":  Today I found this article by Emily Yahr in the Edmonton Journal:


When Elton John flatly denied the rumor that he was performing at Donald Trump’s inauguration, he fired off a suggestion for the president-elect: “Why not ask . . . one of those f---ing country stars? They’d do it for you.”

It was an easy shot to take. Country singers, traditionally a conservative group, seem like the obvious choice of entertainment for a GOP president. But nothing is obvious about this controversial presidential inauguration. A number of country artists are indeed performing around Washington over inauguration weekend, but they’ve nearly all faced criticism.

“It used to be beyond safe for any country artist to play for a Republican candidate, and certainly a Republican president,” Chris Willman, a country music journalist and author, told McClatchy. 

“So, what’s different this time? I think it’s clear we haven’t seen a Republican president as polarizing even to Republicans as Trump.”

The most high-profile country star at this inauguration has been Toby Keith, the Oklahoma native famous for politically charged songs such as “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” the post-9/11 anthem with a promise to U.S. enemies: 

“We’ll put a boot in your a--, it’s the American way.” 

Keith, like other artists scheduled for the inauguration, has been slammed on social media — look no further than the responses to his tweet supporting Cody Alan, a popular country TV host who recently came out as gay. 

(“You do know that the VP of man’s inauguration you’re about to perform legit discriminates against LGBT Community right?” one Twitter user asked.)

Keith — once a registered Democrat until, he says, the left “kind of disowned” him — defended his choice. 

“I don’t apologize for performing for our country or military,” the singer told Entertainment Weekly. “I performed at events for previous presidents [George W.] Bush and Obama and over 200 shows in Iraq and Afghanistan for the USO.”

Keith played “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue,” along with patriotic tunes “American Soldier” and “Made in America.” 

He also raised a red cup during his hit “Beer for My Horses,” slightly tweaking the lyrics to “and we’ll all get smashed at the inaugural celebration” — an interesting choice, considering Trump does not drink.

“Thanks to Barack Obama for your service,” Keith said during his set. “And thanks for the 45th president of the United States, Donald Trump. I salute you.”

It’s a no-win situation for performers, as superstar Garth Brooks was criticized by some fans for turning down the invitation. Brooks explained in a Facebook Live chat that he was asked to perform (and previously told TMZ that “it’s always an honor to serve”). 

But tickets were going on sale for his concert dates in Cincinnati around inauguration weekend, and he decided to see how many would sell. When five nights sold out, it created a scheduling conflict. 

Still, Brooks offered best wishes for the outgoing and incoming presidents. “Let’s stay together,” Brooks urged. “Love, unity, that’s what it’s all about.”

Other singers have doubled down on the “It’s not political!” mantra. Texas-based Randy Rogers was set to perform an acoustic set at the Black Tie & Boots inaugural ball on Thursday with other Texas artists and received backlash when the gig was announced. 

“Calm down, everybody. We are playing an event for the Texas State Society in DC. It’s grand, historic and an honor,” Rogers wrote on Twitter and Facebook. His publicist emphasized that the ball, which has taken place for decades regardless of the president elect’s affiliation, is bipartisan.

“God Bless the USA” singer Lee Greenwood (whose wife, a former Miss Tennessee USA, worked with Trump when he owned the Miss Universe Pageant) joined Keith at the Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration on the Mall on Thursday, along with the Frontmen of Country trio. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Greenwood said that it’s “in bad taste” to say no to an inauguration slot.

“This is not political; this is basically about the change in power,” Greenwood said, adding he’s had “a few naysayers” but mostly a positive response from his fans. “We have a new president-elect, and we’re going to support him.”

Greenwood got the most enthusiastic response from Trump on Thursday, as the president-elect stood up halfway through “God Bless the USA” and swayed along to the music, and even sang along to a few words during the chorus. Afterward, Trump shook Greenwood’s hand and pulled him and the Frontmen of Country (who performed a medley of their greatest hits) into a brief group huddle.

Alabama (originally rumored to play an “opening day” party that is no longer happening) sang Tuesday night at a private dinner for Trump and earned a praise-filled tweet from the president-elect. 

Rascal Flatts lead vocalist Gary LeVox signed on for the Veterans Inaugural Ball on Saturday, along with songwriters Wendell Mobley and Neil Thrasher, in partnership with a Nashville charity. 

“Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” duo Big & Rich (John Rich won Season 11 of Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice”) was scheduled to headline the Great America Alliance’s inaugural gala with Cowboy Troy on Thursday, as well as the Recording Industry Association of America event on Friday.

“We’re thrilled to be performing in our nation’s capital during this historic moment in time,” Rich said in a news release. “A Presidential Inauguration is a uniquely American event, so we are honored to be a part of it and hope to help make it a memorable event.”

The straightforward statements and denials of politics all feed into the muted reaction from the country music community over the election. 

While a few singers such as Justin Moore and Jimmy Wayne expressed Trump support, others stayed quiet; Blake Shelton disputed headlines that said he endorsed Trump. (“I haven’t enforced ANYBODY for president,” he sternly tweeted.)

 At the Country Music Association Awards, one week before Election Day, co-hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood poked fun at both candidates. In an article for the Guardian, Jonathan Bernstein wrote about the surprising political silence from Nashville. 

“Fear of professional fallout — whether from recording artists, songwriters or industry professionals — has caused a near paralyzing climate of behind-closed-doors political silence in Music City,” Bernstein wrote. 

“Such a fear of political expression is altogether new in country music, a genre that’s typically not been shy about its partisan allegiances.”

Overall, he theorized, “in 2016, perhaps for the first time in the history of country music, the risks of merely supporting a presidential candidate firmly outweigh the rewards.”





Jul. 16, 2017 Post Secret: Here are some I found today: 





Nov. 1, 2020:


Aug. 11, 2024:






Oct. 18, 2020 The Simpsons diss Donald Trump: Homer is in the ballot booth and he is about to vote.  There are these words scrolling on the screen of all the bad things Trump has said and done in the last 4 yrs: 


"How 'The Simpsons' creators added COVID-19 masks to this year's 'Treehouse of Horror'": Today I found this article by Ethan Alter on Yahoo:

When the staff of The Simpsons sat down to write the thirty-first edition of the show’s annual “Treehouse of Horror” Halloween anthology in 2019, they knew that the 2020 Presidential election would be the scariest subject they could tackle. That’s why “Treehouse of Horror XXXI,” which airs Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. on Fox, opens with an election parody that’s not for the faint of heart. 

“We predict what will happen on January 20 if people like Homer don’t smarten up a little,” longtime Simpsons showrunner, Al Jean, teased during the all-star The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror at Paley Front Row 2020. “Amazingly, most of it was written a year ago, and all of it still seems true!” (Watch the panel above.)

Simpsons fans know that the show has a knack for seeing into the future, whether it was predicting President Donald Trump back in 2000 or calling the winners of multiple Super Bowls. But there’s one thing that the writers didn’t predict while writing their own 2020 election parody: that Americans would be casting ballots for either President Trump or Vice President Joe Biden during the midst of a deadly pandemic.



https://ca.yahoo.com/news/simpsons-creators-added-covid-19-masks-treehouse-of-horror-mvps-of-horror-140000443.html


 Nov. 7, 2020: Mark Hamill's Twitter:





Nov. 8, 2020 American 2020 election: I am so glad that Joe Biden won.  

Mentally: I was hoping and praying that Biden would win.

Practical action: I was posting negative news articles about Donald Trump on my blog that was leading up to the election.

Nov. 29, 2020:




These are the other 2 blog posts:


"A donor who gave $2.5 million to a pro-Trump group looking for election fraud wants his money back after disappointing results"/ "Trump Plaza renamed 'The Plaza' as condo owners pivot to original name of West Palm Beach complex"




"Lana Condor Slams President Trump for Calling Coronavirus 'the Chinese Virus': 'How Dare You'"/ "Trump banned from Facebook’s networks for at least two years"





My week:

Aug. 15, 2024 "Heman Bekele Is TIME's 2024 Kid of the Year: TIME's Kid of the Year List": Today I found this article by Jeffrey Kluger on Yahoo:



As it turned out, having adults watching what he does is something that Heman, now 15, would have to get used to. These days, a whole lot of people are paying him a whole lot of attention. Last October, the 3M company and Discovery Education selected Heman, a rising 10th-grader at Woodson High School in Fairfax County, Virginia, as the winner of its Young Scientist Challenge. 

His prize: $25,000. 
His accomplishment: inventing a soap that could one day treat and even prevent multiple forms of skin cancer. 

It may take years before such a product comes to market, but this summer Heman is already spending part of every weekday working in a lab at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, hoping to bring his dream to fruition.




Aug. 16, 2024 "Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull says being the first Indigenous woman to win the pageant is 'surreal': 'Why not me?'": Today I found this article by Wendy Kaur on Yahoo.  This is inspirational about how Ashley worked hard and raised funds to enter and win these pageants.  She also grew up in poverty:


Callingbull has a host of credits to her name: She’s a motivational speaker, a model, an actress and a television host. She also participated in and finished in second place on the fourth season of "Amazing Race Canada" with her stepfather. In May 2022, she became the first Indigenous woman to be featured in a Sports Illustrated issue. She also received The Role Model Award from the United Nations in 2015 and was named a Top 10 Power Woman.

While Callingbull is currently on top of the world, her childhood was a far cry from the life that she's living now.

When she was 5, Callingbull and her mother moved away from her grandparents’ home in Enoch Cree Nation, a reserve about 30 minutes southwest of Edmonton. “I didn’t have a normal childhood and I had to grow up really fast,” she says. “I lived through poverty and abuse for years so how I grew up was pretty rough. I picked bottles for food.”




Mon. Aug. 19, 2024 "Youth flaunt ‘underconsumption core’ on social media. What’s this new trend?": Today I found this article by Ritika Dubey on Global.  This was trending on Google.  I like this article because it's about saving the environment and saving money:


Young people on social media are showing off their 12-year-old water bottles, sweaters from high school with patched holes and dish rags made from cut up old T-shirts.

It’s all part of a trend that has taken social media by storm in recent months called “underconsumption core,” where users boast about 

how they’re continuing to make use of the things they already own 

and repurpose household items instead of buying new ones, 

all while saving money along the way.

“The underconsumption core is really refreshing to see because it’s just making the best out of what you have,” said Christine Lan, a Montreal-based content creator who showcases her lifestyle focused on underconsumption and being environmentally sustainable.



Thurs. Aug. 22, 2024 "Loblaw piloting ultra-discount No Name grocery stores in Ontario": Today I found this article by Rosa Saba on CBC.  I like this article because Loblaw's is lowering their prices and customers are saving money.

Loblaw is piloting a new ultra-discount grocery store in Ontario that promises to deliver even lower prices by stripping away even more frills.

The first three No Name stores will open in September in Windsor, St. Catharines and Brockville, capitalizing on Loblaw's existing discount brand known for its simplified, bright-yellow packaging and marketing.

"The No Name store is a completely different shopping experience," Loblaw president and CEO Per Bank said in an
interview.

"Running a traditional grocery store can be expensive, but by reducing our building and operating costs, as well as the overall complexity of the store, we do believe that we can deliver meaningful savings."

It's the latest discount concept launched by the grocer, after opening smaller-format versions of its No Frills discount banner earlier this year.





Sun. Aug. 18, 2024 "Proudly Outspoken Demo Toastmasters Meeting!": I attended this online Meetup.  I RSVP 4 hrs earlier.  There were supposed to be 3 RSVP including me.  I logged in by clicking on the link.  I was there for 15 min. and logged out when no one came.  At least I tried:

"All Are Welcome to join our Demo Meetings for a new Toastmasters Club!

This new Toastmasters Club will be focusing on eliminating barriers that all 2SLGTBQIA+ peoples face when it comes to being seen, heard, and understood. Come be part of a welcoming environment where everyone is welcomed, truths can be told, all while working with the adapted Toastmasters program that honours all genders and identities that may come through our virtual door.

Each meeting will have an opportunity for people to speak, receive feedback, and work together to build this virtual space into a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Meetings will be online for now until a venue is located, we look forward to meeting you at our next meeting!"




Wed. Aug. 21, 2024 "Introduction to Relationship Attachment Styles": I attended this online presentation.  I emailed Natalie to get the Powerpoint presentation and she sent them.  I did take notes.


Details

Tired of repeating the same relationship patterns? Want to develop the skills for healthy relationships? Understanding attachment can help.

If you:
• Feel unsafe in relationships
• Struggle with boundaries
• Have little/no awareness of your relationship needs
• Struggle with conflict
• Have relationship anxiety
You may have an insecure attachment style.

If you're sick and tired of repeating the same patterns and you want to develop the skills for healthy relationships, join me for this free online event, Introduction to Relationship Attachment Styles.

During the 90-minute event you'll learn about the basics of attachment theory, and how your attachment style - anxious preoccupied, dismissive avoidant, fearful avoidant, & secure attachment - influences your relationship patterns, including:

• Nervous system regulation
• Core wounds
• Relationship needs
• Emotional patterns
• Relationship to boundaries
• Communication patterns
• Behavioural coping mechanisms

About Natalie Chandler:
Natalie is a trauma-informed attachment coach, energy practitioner and yoga studio owner. Transform your relationships through a greater understanding of how attachment theory influences the way you seek connection. 121 attachment coaching available online or in Brisbane, Australia. Group events available online and throughout SE QLD. To schedule a free discovery call visit https://thisbeinghuman.live. (Remember to select your time zone!)



My opinion: I know there are the anxious, avoidant, and secure attachment styles.  I learned more specifically about these types and the causes and how they show up:

Anxious/ preoccupied


Fearful avoidant

Dismissive avoidant


Aug. 22, 2024 Calgary Energy Healing and Meditation group- Training in Power: This was an online Meetup.  One of the facilitators Sharon said about how a few weeks ago she manifested this by thinking about it.  She wanted to get back into writing and riding.  She enters a cafe and found her old writing instructor who was with someone who teaches horseback riding.


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