From lwtcdi Sent Thu, Feb 12th 1998, 12:45
From lwtcdi Sent Thu, Feb 12th 1998, 12:45
I think this Muslimgauze things has got way out of hand, so I'm not going to say that much, just that I think people are in general over-reacting about the politics of him and his releases. Until yesterday I knew nothing about him and I have not heard and do not own any of his music. However, from reading the interviews/articles at the web-site I found nothing utterly mortifying about his comments, and I don't have a huge problem about what is essentially a personal opinion. Politically incorrect, maybe, but there is a huge difference between supporting direct action and actually partaking in it, and let's face it, he's not influencing *anyone* with this stuff. As he himself says, he "does not want to preach". His views are his own and although they may manifest in the artwork of his releases and in interview, I think there are plenty more worthy targets. His CDs sell minimal copies, mostly to people who are intelligent enough to make their own decisions about his politics. The amount of cash he will make from them is negliable, and wont make him enough money to enforce his views in any way shape or form. There's plenty of musicians who are also criminals, people with various religious beliefs or just bigmouths who we may not agree with in person, but it doesn't (and doesn't have to) stop us from liking their music. I can't say I subscribe to Robert Merlak's view that we should totally ignore the views or actions of the person behind the music because at the end of the day you are supporting the artists and reinforcing their views by buying their releases, but there is a line to be drawn, and I think to draw it before Muslimgauze and his politics is pretty ridiculous. Of course, it's a personal decision all the way. Just my humble opinion. gb. -- /TheW i http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/lwtcdi/all/ f o L D o dlr WTC "Let's decompose and enjoy assembling!"