Blog by Sean Gehon, Monday, February 12, 2007

With every new year comes the award show season. Why big name television studios decide it’s a good idea to air three hours of boring television, I’ll probably never know. Last night was no exception. From the terrible reunion of The Police, to Jamie Foxx’s awkward jokes… the evening was pretty much a waste of time. It looked almost like nobody had ever seen the Grammys before or ever won an award before. These are some of the biggest names in show business, you’d think they’d know how to put on a good show. If it weren’t for a trio of country crooning ladies, Music’s biggest night, would have been a complete waste of time.

It was in 2003 that a little group by the name of the Dixie Chicks spoke out against the actions of George W. Bush at a concert. Just a few words spoken by lead singer Natalie Maines, and the Dixie Chicks would endure one of the most difficult times of their lives. Dealing with death threats, anti Dixie Chicks rallies, cd burnings, and a backlash from their fans helped make the Chicks stronger in the face of adversity. Following 2003 the Dixie Chicks released a movie last year called “Shut Up and Sing”. The title came from a letter received by Natalie Maines telling her to shut up and sing, or her life would be over (to sort of quote their hit song “Not Ready to Make Nice”). After a hit album and five Grammy wins last night, it appears the Dixie Chicks have weathered their storm.

Even though the award show was boring, it was excellent to see music icons and industry executives pay homage to what music used to stand for. There was a time, kids, and yes I’m not lying, that music was about more than booty shaking and getting it on in any position possible. Once upon a time, there was a world where music spoke for a generation. They would sing about war, injustice, violence, and making a difference. This is truly what the Grammys celebrated last night by giving the Dixie Chicks Grammy awards for all five of their nominations.

There has to be a lesson in this somewhere. Even though most of the world is more concerned with what’s going to be the next huge club hit, it’s good to see that freedom of speech still has its rewards. Maybe it was wrong for the Dixie Chicks to speak ill of the president, and maybe they were right. I’m no political pundit, and I’m certainly no expert.  All I know is that it’s very courageous for them to stick to their guns in the face of all this adversity. Standing up for yourself really does have a place in the world today. Change begins with the simplest of words, and the smallest of ideas. If last night’s awards were any proof of that, you’ll see the greatest rewards if you just believe in yourself.

Truly, my heart is simply warmed by seeing a group of women get recognized by an industry that used to make its name on shock, scandal, and making a difference. It’s like we’re doing some sort of musical throw back to a time when music had meaning and people gave a damn. At least something can be said that in a world of jaded and over-sexed teenagers, one group of women stood proud, they aren’t ready to make nice, but they showed a world that it’s okay to have an opinion. You go, girls.

Sean (Carrie Underwood won two Grammys! I love her.)

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