Violation Of Freedom Of Speech Pros And Cons

March 10th, 2003. While tensions were building in the middle east and the Unites States was looking to invade Iraq, a country band called The Dixie Chicks was on stage on London, England. When introducing their song “Travelin’ soldier”, lead singer Natalie Maines, a Texas native, made a very controversial statement that would cause a massive stir and lead to the downfall of the very popular band. She stated “Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the president of the United States is from Texas” (History.com). This comment, though made in London, reached the United states rather quickly and chaos ensued. The backlash against the “un-American” statement was unlike any other. Many radio stations banned the music and the rebellion against them started ripples that would nearly destroy the band. One of the most notable …show more content…
The Dixie Chicks got much hate from their fellow Americans from a statement made when exercising their freedom to do so. However, they were not under persecution from a law, but instead from the common man. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the freedom of speech is the basis of the democracy Americans have and without it, other fundamental rights will fade away. The First Amendment also advocates the right for protest. Americans have the right to join fellow citizens in protest. The ACLU also states that the protection of free speech means protection of diversity of thought (2011). Under these conditions I believe that it was perfectly acceptable for people to form their own opinions and dislike toward the Dixie Chicks after the political statement they had made toward the leader of their own country. What I don’t agree with is the censorship of their music throughout America. This is when the issue becomes one that is unjust and uncalled