Political songs are blowin' in the wind

Boston Globe ^ | May 23, 2004 | By Scott Alarik, Globe Correspondent

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Is folk music getting its political hackles up? It has often been the soundtrack of American protest, from the labor movement of the early 20th century through the civil rights and antiwar movements of the '50s and '60s. Now, in the midst of our longest and most controversial war since Vietnam, is history repeating itself? There are definite signs that this summer's folk-festival crowds may hear more political songs than they have in many years.

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The Mammals have experienced wildly mixed reactions to their topical songs. At a bar in the Northwest, three young men loudly walked out on "The Bush Boys." However, Rodriguez-Seeger says he was delighted when they stopped, turned, and showed the band their middle fingers. To him, it meant they cared about what they were doing.

What it meant was that some audience members who were able to set aside their differences with the band, came together to see a show (which they paid to see), got mocked/insulted for their viewpoints (being conservative), and decided to leave.

If the performers think that being on a stage gives them the freedom to present a political lecture then they should expect to hear some "free speech" from their sponsors when they disagree with the message.

I'll say this, I doubt that those 3 men will buy an album or another ticket for a Mammals' performance. It may even make them hesitant to partonize that venue again.

If the show engages in "mean spirited humor" aimed at everyone (all races/creeds/colors/political persuasions) then I understand that some people go to that kind of show (I don't); that does not sound like the case here. Only a fool pays a propagandist to ridicule and demonize him.