Music and politics

It's apparent that many people don't want artists making art, but instead expect bought and paid for minstrels. Real artists challenge their audiences. Is it that difficult to not reduce music and concerts to mere commodities?

Real artists challenge their audiences.

I didn't say that the challenge has to be political. As a matter of fact I didn't characterize the challenge at all.

Nor did I advocate censorship. I don't see how my comments could be read so.

Few people like being preached to, well at least outside of religious establishments. Good artist disguise their messages, great artists nearly make the message invisible. But it's their right out in the open for those who want to look. I once went to see a gangster film and instead saw a Marxist inspired analysis of how capitalism destroys family ties. Most people didn't mind the message -- the film won a Best Picture Academy Award.

What I find odd in so many of the posts is the attitude that I paid for a concert and somehow I didn't get what I wanted/expected. I got no sympathy for that attitude. A concert experience isn't like buying a tube of toothpaste. If you only want what you know you're going to get, then go to a prostitute. If you want the frequently unexpected and challenging, then get a wife.

Fmpnd, how dare that black man act upon his principles and inconvenience me!

Fmpnd, got your e-mail. It really wasn't necessary on your part, but it is a testament to your high character. I would have directly answered you, but I just completed moving and I have a new internet provider. I can receive e-mails but not send them out. I need to reset something, but I haven't figured it out yet.

Anyway, keep fighting the good fight.