LIVE AID
Live Aid for Africa brings, again, into unfortunate focus the fact that commercial music is now, and has always been, light years ahead of the film industry politically and emotionally.
Musicians in the limelight know that they have the power to raise national consciousness, and they put their talent and its potential for cash where their mouth is. Music has traditionally been politically informed--Joan Baez and Bob Dylan come to mind . . . Billie Holiday with “Strange Fruit,” the Beatles, etc., etc.
Why is the film industry, and its stars, in a similar or even stronger position of cultural/financial influence, so staunchly conservative? And why does the public support it?
“Rambo--First Blood” screams its message of violence, almost fascistic patriotism and macho -sexism, reaps millions and the producers pour none of that money into anything worthwhile.
The same kids that go see this movie would reject a song preaching those values. We would appreciate an editorial on this distressing mystery.
TINKA MENKES
NINA MENKES
Los Angeles
Only good movies
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