In his introduction of Eartha Kitt last night, Thomas Lauderdale mentioned that she was long blackballed for having spoken out against the Vietnam War during a command performance at the White House.
This made me think about the relationship between artists and those in positions of power. You hear a lot about celebrities aligning with various political factions, but not so much about artists, and especially classical musicians.
That’s why this opinion piece by Kennedy Center honoree Leon Fleischer is so interesting. He chose to attend a White House function that was in honor of those selected for this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, but chose not to make a fuss, and now he’s having to deal with his own conscience for having done so. He didn’t go the route that Eartha Kitt did – but does that make him less of a voice?
I am a musician, one of five artists — the others being Brian Wilson, Steve Martin, Diana Ross and Martin Scorsese — honored recently by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The event, a deeply moving and gratifying tribute to the performing arts and artists in America, was broadcast to our nation. But what you couldn’t see in that broadcast was how conflicted I felt about being there.
Let me be frank: I was flattered to be included in so distinguished a group and to be recognized for whatever contributions I may have made to American life. I was pleased to be part of an event that raises money for an institution as vital as the Kennedy Center and to be with my family and to see their joy at the ceremony.
What made me unhappy and continues to trouble me was that I was required to attend a White House reception on the afternoon of the gala. I cannot speak for the other honorees, but while I profoundly respect the presidency, I am horrified by many of President Bush’s policies.
Check out the rest of the column and decide for yourself.
Thanks to Musical Perceptions for pointing this out.