Shut up and Sing?

Question

Has any of you watched this documentary? I am watching if for I don't know maybe the third time and it still makes me cry. I always break into tears during the lines:

Can the words that I said

Send somebody so over the edge

That they'd write me a letter

Saying that I better shut up and sing

Or my life will be over

It just gets to me that our freedom of speech or freedom to choose only exist as long as everyone else agrees with it. That something so stupid as a belief can throw someone into death threats.

Why do you think your personal beliefs should be laws even though they would harm the beliefs of others?

Answer 1

I did. I was disappointed that such a large chunk of it was about their tour and not their politics, but such is film.

There are a lot worse things Natalie Maines could have said. By this point, we're probably all used to irrational reactions disguised as patriotism, but that doesn't make it OK. What people were saying about/to her was far beyond the pale.

Answer 2

I don't think the problem lies with celebrities who endorse one cause of the other (like the Dixie chicks) but people who take opinions they de-value so much so seriously

If Michael Jackson went out and Endorsed Obama, would that make you more likely to vote for him?

Answer 3

If only we could all just shut up and think before we speak.  Or write.

I am an unconditional supporter of freedom of speech, thinking that censorship is the first step toward us losing our freedoms as people.  But when I read some of the answers on here, I realize that people would do well to think before they start typing.  The caustic and ugly responses cannot and should not be censored, but it certainly speaks volumes about the responder.

Answer 4

Because everyone deserves indeviduality

otherwise we would all de clones of each other (blech!)

Answer 5

Problem with freedom of speech is that it can be hurtful and derogatory to a society.  I have to keep reminding my self...that with our voting, freedom of religion and speech....we also have the freedom of stupidity.  The loudest with the freedom of speech also seem to love the freedom of stupidity as well.

Answer 6

Please do not ask me to shut up and sing.

Answer 7

I think it's a bit ignorant to make political statements and be surprised at that kind of response.  When your audience is millions, you are going to statistically have those folks somewhere.