The Observer, April 27, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 26
Concert not place for political debate
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
Like many students who were lucky enough to grab a free ticket for the Gym Class Heroes concert last Wednesday, I went ready to hear some great music from some up-and-coming bands. The opening act consisted of an up-and-coming rapper and a band called "Mambo Sauce," a go-go music group. Everything was going great until the lead singer of Mambo Sauce said something along the lines of, "Usually when we are at concerts we are pretty [politically correct]…" As soon as I heard him say that I rolled my eyes and said to myself, "Oh no, here we go." As expected, he then asked the crowd their feelings on George W. Bush and of course an eruption of boos ensued. The lead singer then said something about how "he knew he was all right" being here.
I would be lying if I said I was not annoyed by the statement, for I am a Bush supporter. However, it is not the views of the band or individuals that annoyed me. I know that artists are generally from the left; if they do not support the president that is their right, and I say more power to them. What annoyed me was that this was not the time or place for such discussion. A concert is a place to come have a good time and to see performers showcase their talent, not a realm of political debate. If Mambo Sauce is reading this right now, please understand this is not an attack on your views or beliefs. It is instead a criticism of professionalism that I believe we all should abide by. Bands that perform concerts are doing their job, and making such comments on the job is unnecessary and unprofessional. You would not make such views known publicly in an office space and I do not see why it should be different in any other field of work.
Karim Noujaim
Undergraduate Student
