And Hitler painted lovely little watercolors.

That's pretty funny. As much as I think the decision to cancel the show at Neumo’s was a mistake, nobody really made Buju out to be anything more than a homophobe, which is pretty clear from the lyrics he wrote himself. If he doesn't want to be viewed this way, he should do something to fix it, rather than accuse his accusers of making things up.

This hate monger and his creepy fans were kept out of our neighborhood. That's all that matters to me. Next time we'll drive him out of our city.

thanks for the report, donte. a friend called me from the show last night at 10:30 to report that there were no protesters, but that was all the info i had until now. since i'm in l.a. through the weekend, it was impossible for me to check out on my own.

i appreciate the update.

YBGKM,
Godwin's Law, anyone?
My intent with the ska statement was to illustrate the fact that last night's concert amounted to little more than a concert. In no way was I intending to belittle the gravity of or defend Buju Banton's statements. Hope that makes sense.

Hitler painted lovely little watercolors... reproductions of which you can view in any public library, and in many bookstores, too.

Donte,

Thanks for the reference. I’d never heard of Goldwin’s law before. I like it and actually agree with the concept, and even though never having seen this reference I can claim ignorance of the rules, I will concede crushing defeat in my argument.

Although I wasn’t really debating a position, just making an observation that seemed appropriate to the tone of your review, which seems to say “admittedly he is an unrepentant fuck, but taken out of the context of association with him his music is entertaining”.

Truth of the matter is, I just couldn’t think of any other really evil bastards who were also accomplished artists (and the recent sale of some of Hitler’s work brought him to mind).

We do agree don’t we that Bufu is an Evil Bastard but he’s gotta beat you can dance too.

Right?

I mean to not too.
(Darn)

ygbkm:

There is no shortage of politically reprehensible people who have made art. Hitler, of course, is different in that he actually acted on those awful political ideas he expressed. Unlike, say, Buju Banton.

The fashionable exemplar these days of hideous political ideas combined with impressive art is Celine, but you can use anyone you like, depending on your own political outlook— Mark Helprin, H.L. Mencken, Stockhausen, Jack Hirschman, Gunter Grass, C.S. Lewis, whatever floats your boat.

Stalin wrote poetry when he was young, too, if all you're interested in is dodging Godwin's Law.

Robotslave,

Sounds like the jury is out (or if there was one it may have been rigged) on if he has ever acted on his stated beliefs. Word is he beat the bloody hell out of some fag back home, but the court found him not guilty. Jamaican courts never seem to be able to find a conviction for a hate crime against gays.

I would actually use something a bit stronger than “politically reprehensible” to describe him. Calling for a Community’s extermination, mutilation and incineration seems a bit more egregious than “politically reprehensible”. That’s a phrase I’d reserve for politicians who take bribes or lie under oath.

But thanks for the heads up on Céline Dion, I had no idea that she was today's fashionable exemplar of hideous political ideas combined with impressive art. I mean I know she’s French Canadian and all…

;-)

YGBKM,
Yup, we're in full agreement.

For me, the artist that brings me the most grief is James Brown. So much talent and so many great songs, but so much wife beating. *sigh*

I would be interested in Savages take on the situation. If it was appropriate or even imparative to publish a cartoon that could be seen as fostering a climate where violence against muslims is likely, in the defense of freedom of expression, is it equaly important to make sure M. Bantons work is accessable?

"Hitler painted lovely little watercolors... reproductions of which you can view in any public library, and in many bookstores, too"

And hopefully, the proceeds go to compensate the families of the 6 million human beings he murdered.

"There is no shortage of politically reprehensible people who have made art. Hitler, of course, is different in that he actually acted on those awful political ideas he expressed. Unlike, say, Buju Banton."

Who would have been convicted for acting on "those awful political ideas he expressed", were it not for a corrupt Jamaican judiciary, and an inept, turn-a-blind-eye constabulary.

I couldn't understand a word Buju says in the video clips. Can someone transcribe?

"Hi, my name is Buju Banton, and I want to shoot all the fucking Homos on the planet in the head, throw acid on them, and light them on fire! And even though I signed a piece of paper tonight saying I wouldn't sing my hit song, "Boom Bye-Bye", I'd still like to beat the living crap out of all you Homo's - including the ones who just paid twenty bucks to see me perform - if given half a chance, so, I really appreciate your show of support! Thank You Seattle! Goodnight, and don't forget to kill a Homo on your way home!"

I love that you guys sent a black homo to the show. Nice choice to represent for the Stranger!!!!!

Robotslave: Mark Helprin? What's his deal, or don't I want to know?

Who wrote the review?

YGBKM,

I believe RS is referring to Louis-Ferdinand Celine, a mid-century French novelist, and avouched Fascist. Thought he'd pretty much dropped off the cultural radar back in the mid '80's. Interesting to hear he's become the artistic whipping boy du-jour - again.

I believe Helprin's "crimes" are his rather rabid support for Israel, his conservative stances in the areas of U.S. foreign policy, and the fact that he was briefly a speech writer for Bob Dole's presidential campaign back in 1996.

COMTE,

I understood his reference, but thought it would be more beautiful world if the worst we could find to make our fashionable exemplar of hideous political ideas combined with impressive art was Céline Dion since she’s Canadian and all. (Hence painfully lame ;-) at the end of my post.)

It's hard to be a satirist these days...

I think Buju Banton had the right to perform and let the chips fall where they may. I am Black-Latina, and I wouldn't have stopped that whole White Power concert that was held in Idaho a while back. Why? They had a right to free speech. Would I support it? Of course not. (By the way, that concert was so under attended, and costed so much for security, that it LOST a ton of money.) My 2 cents.

Done,
I'm gay? Is there a memo I didn't get?

That guy can't be gay, he gave 2 of my friends nasty ass STDs! FO REAL! Beware ladies.

Ooops. I might have the wrong guy.

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