I Cogitate
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Gettin' real with Toby Keith
Toby Keith has talent as a musical performer, no doubt about it. He's gotten very wealthy and more power to him for doing so.
So why is it so hard for him to admit or apologize for his over-the-top jingoism?
Why has he been unable to write, let alone perform, a song critical of George Bush's invasion of Iraq, if he indeed opposed the invasion and the continued occupation?
Keith, as with most performers in all the fields of creative artistry, depends on maintaining a certain image. If he can write a song, one that is in line with what he apparently believes but most important of all, one that cements or enhances his image, then he's obviously going to do it. That's a no-brainer.
But speaking his mind on topics which might inflict some damage on his 'star making' are apparently not an option.
In his new release, he apparently offers some solace to his critics. But the point, at least for this critic, is not to break bread with Keith and find common ground. No, my complaint is here is someone positioned to influence good, to do good if he chooses so. He made a decision, in a very critical moment, to bellicosely up the ante and elevate the fervor with "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American)" as this verse demonstrates:
"...Oh, Justice will be served and the battle will rage.Sure, it is more difficult to delineate a multiplicity of viewpoints in a three minute song. And yes, it's fine and just to nail bad guys.
This big dog will fight when you rattle his cage
You'll be sorry that you messed with the US of A
'Cuz we'll put a boot in your ass
It's the American way..."
But Toby, do consider that your artistry is simply feeding suspicion and hate towards all people of Middle Eastern descent and leaving it at that. If jingoism is your meal ticket, then go right ahead. But I say, Toby, go beyond such -- that is the test of true artistry.
And don't be so naive or ill-informed. Read up on the various invasions of Central and South American countries by armies of the United States, incursions that were not precipitated by domestic terrorism but rather by greed and economic imperialism. If your father had been say, Salvador Allende, then Toby, you would have a vastly different opinion about good ol' benevolent Uncle Sam. The need to get outside oneself, to truly see and understand the points of view of others is critical.
Finally, Toby, get real. Please provide both the names of the 50 generals you have talked to and the subject matter, as you reference in the following. Were you discussing your disagreement with Bush about Iraq? How about the conduct of the war?
I think not.
From Toby Keith, Nonpartisan CountryGo here for the complete article.
Joe Heim
Washington Post
June 12, 2007
Five years after his bellicose "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (the Angry American)" on which he offered to "stick a boot in their [butt], it's the American way," Toby Keith is crooning "Love Me If You Can," a political song that considerably ratchets down the confrontational rhetoric with which the Oklahoma country star is often associated.
The quiet, deliberate song, the second on his standout new album, "Big Dog Daddy," takes on his critics in a way that seems to search for common ground, even among those with fundamentally different views...
..."And before all debating turns to angry words or hate, sometimes we should just agree to disagree," Keith sings before concluding the track, almost forlornly, "Hate me if you want to. Love me if you can."
Will his haters learn to love him? Or at least like him? Give him a hug? It matters little...
..."Now the difference between me and Sean Penn is that I've talked to 50 generals," Keith writes. "I doubt he's even talked to one. I didn't support the war in Iraq and still don't, but I'm sure I know more about it than he does.. ."
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