With this whole Chantal Kreviazuk thing, what do fellow babblers think about the role of artists to speak out against injustice?
I think an artist should have integrity. You're not a bank, you're not an oil company, your not--or shouldn't be--simply a profit making machine. It's only in the last 60 years that music became this vapid, commercialized bore filled with the same cliches recycled again and again over the years. For most of human history music has been the heart and soul and voice of the community.
when you'd get thrown in jail for SAYING it, you sang it instead.
Unfortunately most art these days is owned and operated by huge private companies, and closely reflects their interests. Therefore there is no serious political commentary, consumerism is glorified, objectification of racial groups, women and sexuality is encouraged, progression or trying new things is strongly discouraged and the art is meant to appeal to the most individual consumers as possible to maximize profit.
everything else is left to the independents, where the most honest, critical and progressive art happens.