Posted on 04/28/2002 10:20:56 AM PDT by stainlessbanner
Long before it was fashionable, Kid Rock flew the Stars and Stripes. But on his current tour, he unfurls an additional flag: The one used by the Confederate Army.
''That flag to me represents love for southern rock music, for a culture,'' says the Michigan rap-rock star. The stage prop appears when Rock plays Free Bird, the anthem by 1970s Florida band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
For many other people, however, the flag represents a time when black Americans were held as slaves and remains a symbol of racism. In Detroit, where Rock, a white man, has deep roots and draws many fans from the black community, people reportedly left the show after the flag appeared.
Rock, who has a son with an African-American woman, says he wants to reclaim the Confederate flag.
''I don't think that flag should be owned by f------ skinheads and by racist people,'' Rock says. ``. . . I'm sure when skinheads and f------ racist people see me dropping it, if anyone knows my history, having a mixed son, and how I've lived my life . . . I think that breaks a stereotype.
''It signifies rebel,'' he says. `` There's not any question about who's the rebel here.''
--EVELYN McDONNELL
"REBEL! Who you callin a rebel you blue scumbelly?"
From the movie Outlaw Josey Wales
IMO, the ways and methods of getting the Southern message across are just as important as the message itself. Who are we trying to impress? A rock 'n roll mob who will change their minds in the next 30 minutes anyway? Or do we want to impress the thinking individual who can contribute to this cause, but would be turned off by images of dirty foul-mouthed rockers holding a flag?
I put this guy in the same catagory as those who use the Confederate Flag for a socialist agenda.
BTW billbears, I use some of your comments and postings when talking with people about Southern Heritage.
Idiots.
I have heard of him, don't like some of his music, but some I do. One song in particular," Only God knows why ".
He does have a foul mouth, and is not a great role model for children, but neither was I when I was his age.
But he does say exactly what's on his mind. He gives respect to Southern roots, music, and heritage.
And he won me over with this, even with the profanity, :
''I don't think that flag should be owned by f------ skinheads and by racist people,'' Rock says. ``. . . I'm sure when skinheads and f------ racist people see me dropping it, if anyone knows my history, having a mixed son, and how I've lived my life . . . I think that breaks a stereotype.
I am all for "bustin' stereotypes" of us Southerners.
Have a good day, sir.
Most people who listen to rock do so because of the beat and the 'music', not the words. They are drawn to this type of exibition for the 'power jolt' or emotional 'surge' they get from the disproportionate, exaggarated rythme. The use of rythme like this is tribal at best, and does not edify a society or the Southern cause.
I am not against good music. There is a traditional Southern group called "Grits & Harmony Trio" which plays good Southern music at flag ralleys. Bobby Horton is another good one.
I do have a serious problem with those who try to blend corrupt yankee culture with the Southern cause and symbols.
And secondly, I agree with you that there are better musically talented people in the world than Kid.
Like Marshall Tucker, Little Feat, Allman brothers, Skynard, all Southern Rock groups, whose music is loved by people from all over the country.
Although you may not be a fan, all rock music is not trash. Rock not only contains driving beats, but some of the best guitar licks to be found are in rock music. Kid's version is more rap inspired than rock.
I'm not just a rock fan; I like Patsy Cline, Johnny Horton, Hank Williams Sr. and Jr., Classical, blues, old randb, and pretty much anything but rap and cookie cutter pop music.
Yes, Kid is foul mouthed and probably doesn't lead the cleanest life. He probably has the cultural intelligence that his image suggests. And a lot of his music isn't what you would consider quality rock.
But, unlike Johnny Horton, Kid is in the mainstream and has the power to reach millions. He is about the ONLY mainstream artist that would even DARE do such a thing as break out the Confederate Flag and profess a loyalty to it's rightfull message.
Do you remember Ted Nugent? His 70's era hard rock tracks contained very sexually explicit lyrics. "Cat Scratch Fever" et all. His image suggested that he was a druggie.
But, Ted has never done drugs in his life, and is a huge hunting and 2nd amendment activist and supporter.
Do we disregard his much needed support of those rights just because he got a lot of cookie as a young man?
Another thing about Kid that I respect, along with his tell it like it is attitude, is the fact that he is raising his child, not just paying someone else to do it.
Do you think that because someone sings cleaner or better quality music, is an automatic clue that they live a clean life?
Another question. Why don't Southern born mainstream artist like Travis Tritt and Alan Jackson profess support for the Flag? Both are Georgia boys.
Have a good day, sir.
Kermit
I agree with him about how folks like the Klan and NA have appropriated my (our) flag. If he wants to help get it back then more power to him. He also did tours for the military as well. He may not be Julliard material but he's damn saavy and has HEART.
Yes, I believe if someone sings cleaner songs it is an indicator they live a cleaner life. What's your point?
As for T.T & A.J., I haven't the slightest idea who they are and really could care less. I classify this as 'useless information'. When it comes to 'pop culture' music, I don't need to know, just like I don't need to stop at every trash dumpster I pass and see if it contains trash.
Point is, don't judge a book by it's cover.
I am not going to slander anyone, but there are certain female country stars, who sing innocent music, that can hang with the rock boys in the intoxication department.
"As for T.T & A.J., I haven't the slightest idea who they are and really could care less. I classify this as 'useless information'. When it comes to 'pop culture' music, I don't need to know, just like I don't need to stop at every trash dumpster I pass and see if it contains trash.
First Travis Tritt and Alan Jackson are both country stars, not pop. I know that you consider this "Useless Information" and could really care less, but you brought it up.
And their music is far from thrashy.
I can tell from the tone of your post and lack of reasons why you hold your opinion, that you are set in your opinion on this subject.
Good day, sir.
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