On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the small Caribbean nation of Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake. More than a hundred thousand lives were lost and severe damage was done to the country’s infrastructure.
Aside from the humanitarian aid that is still being given to Haiti by many other nations, several celebrities stepped up to the plate to lend their hand and bring awareness to the tragedy.
On Jan. 22, a telethon hosted by George Clooney and MTV, “Hope for Haiti,” was broadcasted and featured a wide variety of musical acts performing to raise money for the victims of the disaster.
Artists such as Alicia Keys, Coldplay, and Stevie Wonder performed music and celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Anderson Cooper described the troubles that face the Haitian people in the aftermath of the quake.
A live recording of the event was digitally released on iTunes and all proceeds from its sales will be donated to the Red Cross, UNICEF, Partners in Health, and United Nations World Food Program.
Just like the Concert for Bangladesh, Live Aid, and A Conspiracy of Hope, this is another important milestone in rock and roll history.
Most people enjoy live music, and seeing a famous singer or band helping out with any form of charity is definitely something to admire, but what happens when your favorite band starts telling you what to think?
We all remember the Bush years. From 2000 to 2008, the United States was torn into two camps. Democratic and Republican party supporters constantly debated and argued over the primary issues of this previous decade.
Whether it was the Iraq War, gay marriage, the Patriot Act, or healthcare reform, everyone was quick to jump into the fray including the music industry.
In 2004, the first year after the Iraq War began and with it a new election was coming. The “Vote For Change” tour was launched and featured artists such as Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Dixie Chicks, and many more.
Obviously, John Kerry, the Democratic nominee for president did not win, so four years later in 2008 we were faced with Deadheads For Obama.
The fact that the surviving members of one of the most beloved rock & roll bands reunited simply to say “vote for this guy!” is almost like a slap in the face to the fans.
Now, honestly, I did not support President Bush’s policies and I did vote for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election. But I know where to draw the line between music and politics.
It seems a bit silly in these hard times when you have a rock star telling you what you should believe in and how to vote, particularly when these folks are very financially secure.
When I go to a show, I like to forget about the world for a few hours, I don’t want to be reminded of how fractured the earth is. I can turn on CNN and see that for myself.
Besides, isn’t the freedom to choose who you wish to vote for your personal choice?
Do you really want to pay to go hear someone complain about the president?
I know I could just go on youtube.com, or pretty much any Web site dealing with current events for that.
If musicians really want to make a difference in the world, then they can continue to participate in events such as Hope for Haiti and really help those in need.
As I mentioned above, I would have much more respect for a million dollar artist who spends his or her time raising awareness about humanitarian efforts instead of whining about how bad America is. Remember, the American people are in control of their government, let them think for themselves.
Contact Joseph at Communitarian@mail.dccc. edu
