NBC Notes Bob Dylan Criticized for Letting China Censor His Concert
On Sunday’s NBC Nightly News, anchor Lester Holt informed viewers that Human Rights Watch recently aimed criticism at singer and former anti-war activist Bob Dylan, charging that he "should be ashamed of himself for letting" the Chinese government "tell him what to sing."
After recounting the irony of Dylan performing a concert in Vietnam after opposing the Vietnam War in the 1960s, Holt noted that he was criticized for "submitting his song list to Chinese authorities."
Below is a complete transcript of the item as read by Lester Holt from the Sunday, April 10, NBC Nightly News:
In Vietnam, the times, they are a changing. The man who became a powerful voice against the Vietnam War in the 1960s took the stage in that country tonight. Bob Dylan - seen on the right in an amateur video of the event - played in Ho Chi Minh City to an audience of 8,000 to a mix of Vietnamese and foreigners.
After a concert in China last week, the 69-year-old Dylan was criticized for submitting his song list to Chinese authorities. Two of his most famous songs - "Blown in the Wind" and "The Times, They Are a Changing" - were not performed in China. Unclear if those songs were banned. Human Rights Watch said Dylan should be ashamed of himself for letting a government tell him what to sing.
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Comments
Never understood why a
Submitted by Van Halen on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 7:46am.
Never understood why a no-talent Sixties Liberal like Dylan gets celebrated but now we see he had no principles to begin with.
China?
CHINA???
Wouldn't you like to know what he's getting paid to sing there!
"No talent"? WOW. I'm not a
Submitted by balboa on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 3:45pm.
"No talent"? WOW. I'm not a huge Dylan fan, but... just wow.
And there's a lot of background missing here to make too many judgments. Perhaps Dylan thought a little was better than nothing at all, so he agreed to not do some songs, knowing that many more would reach the people of China.
Who knows. Hard to tell.
Sorry, but...
Submitted by TC Lynch on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 7:33pm.
no matter how much they try to claim him as one of their own, Dylan was never an "anti-war activist," and rejected any attempt to connect him to the movement.
The Unspoken Truth
Submitted by Galvanic on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 8:23am.
Big-name entertainers all too often compromise their outspokens views on freedom of speech to earn big bucks abroad from dictators and authoritarian countries, and Dylan is obviously one of them. Look at the number of entertainers who were exposed as having performed for Qaddafi's son.
Since the Sixties and possibly beginning with the Beatles, highly successful entertainers who've marketed themselves as anti-Establishment rebels become part of the Establishment. And even after amassing huge fortunes, they continue to make music, films, books, et al about the evil of capitalism.
As John Stossel noted on his recent "Freeloaders" program, Bruce Springsteen -- Champion of the Blue Collar Guy -- lives in a mansion on hundreds of acres of land, and pays only $200 in property tax by having an organic farmer work on the property, thus qualifying for Federal tax write-offs and subsidies.
I've got no problem with people earning money on their talent. But I can't take seriously guys like Dylan, Springsteen, and the others who preach one message and then compromise it to cull $$$ from dictators.
Dylan if you have ever read
Submitted by Dan The Man 2 on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 4:18pm.
Dylan if you have ever read what he says on his singing; he says its a job and he will sing for money. He is a capitalist. Same with Elton John, he sang at Rush's wedding ... because they paid his price. Everyone has a price, everyone including me; I just hope they never meet my price. I am not sure I even know my price.
Dylan as a capitalist
Submitted by Radical1979 on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 5:52pm.
Dylan better do a better job of being a capitalist. He gave a concert about a year or two ago in my area and the general consensus was that he was awful. Mellancamp stole the show.
Isn't China the new Human Rights champion?
Submitted by ThisnThat on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 8:37am.
China has just accused the U.S. of massive Human Rights violations. Pure as the driven snow, I guess, China is now THE nation to look to for all future goodness and light. obama could take lessions on how present and past can be so easily erased when you are in complete control of the message.
__________
“Didn't win the Medal of Honor? Didn't even serve? Then lie about it. We'll support you." — 9th Circuit Court
Pointless post by Wilmouth/ignorant comments
Submitted by Quality Control on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 2:22pm.
Commenters #1&2 might consider this: http://www.cinchreview.com/maureen-dowd-slams-sellout-bob-dylan-in-new-y...
You can now take pride in the fact that you and Maureen Dowd are cut from the same cloth. I'm trying to understand why Wilmouth posted this at all. Quoting NBC quoting Human Rights Watch?! What's the point? All you've done is spread rumors and untruths.
Something is happening here, and none of you know what it is.
For a so-called conservative to bad-mouth Bob Dylan based on anything other than their taste in music is shortsighted. Do some research...someone...please. There is no evidence that he was sensored. He opened both shows in China with "Gonna Change My Way of Thinking." You can hear it via the link I provided above, but let me give you a taste of the lyrics/message:
Gonna change my way of thinking
Make myself a different set of rules
Gonna put my best foot forward
Stop being influenced by fools
Jesus is coming
Coming back to gather his jewels
We live by the golden rule
Whoever’s got the gold rules
Quality Control poster is a
Submitted by stratman on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 3:07pm.
Quality Control poster is a member for 33 weeks and 4 days and this is his/her first post. Nice way to introduce yourself to the community by attacking two long term and likeable members.
Your point is moot
Submitted by TC Lynch on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 5:38pm.
The article itself is completely flawed by "former anti-war activist Bob Dylan" being stated as fact when it is an utterly false statement. Go play with Google; Dylan rejected it when people tried to place him on the anti-war mantle, the same way he rejected being branded "folk singer." In an 1968 interview Dylan was specifically asked if he was going to eventually have to take some stance on the war, Dylan replied, "no."
well said
Submitted by Quality Control on Tue, 04/12/2011 - 9:42am.
Well said, TC. The man has been consistent.
Who's point is moot?
Submitted by stratman on Tue, 04/12/2011 - 2:39pm.
Who's point is moot?
Comment Police
Submitted by Quality Control on Tue, 04/12/2011 - 9:39am.
It's true that I generally do not enjoy the circle-jerkdom normally inherent in the comments section. Bad posts are bad posts. I suppose I should have checked the "post count requirements" before I typed anything.
Bad posts are bad posts, this---
Submitted by matthewdean on Tue, 04/12/2011 - 10:16pm.
is true.
Luckily there are no "post count requirements" - so you may continue to post, unrestrained.
MD
MD, Ok good, The updated misery index
Submitted by upcountrywater on Tue, 04/12/2011 - 10:58pm.
UNDER Obama it's running about 21 % 11.01%
Plus 9% or so...
Quantity outofcontrol.... spewage...Post away,pal.. internet free zone
You Didn't Build That.
Finally, An Open Thread Today!
Submitted by stratman on Tue, 04/12/2011 - 11:26pm.
That was good, UCW, and it gives me an opportunity to post this article that made me think of one of our good guys, frequent clean up hitter Scuba Dude.
;-)
Well, since we're expropriating this as an OT
Submitted by Blonde on Tue, 04/12/2011 - 11:32pm.
I saw this today....and was waiting to post it. It deserves bookmarking, to say the least.
I may just steal it for my own blog. Speaking of which, strat....you've not weighed in on my little bundle of joy lately (ever).
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Scott McKenzie Reincarnated?
Submitted by stratman on Wed, 04/13/2011 - 12:40am.
Beautiful kitty! He looks to be a mirthful maker of mischief. Is this the 12 pounder???
Speaking of kitty hijinks, Mother is making another top for the soon to be born great granddaughter. This outfit has a little kitty on the front surrounded by balls of yarn (made out of yarn, of course).
(Scott McKenzie - for those wondering)
OMO....strat!
Submitted by Blonde on Wed, 04/13/2011 - 12:44am.
You're about the only one who got that joke!
And yes, 12 lbs. easily. I think maybe 18 or so by the time he's done.
Your mom must be beside herself! How cool is that?
Okies, I'm out for tonight. Late.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Dear Circle Jerk (your
Submitted by stratman on Tue, 04/12/2011 - 10:37pm.
Dear Circle Jerk (your description, pal)...
Your first post on the forum began with insulting two members in good standing. The information about your presence here is called facts and are for the benefit of others to recognize you for the troll you are shaping up to be.
Nice try acting stupid while insulting NewsBusters members - "... the circle-jerkdom normally inherent in the comments section." - unless you meant posters such as yourself. Then you are brilliant jackass.
The rafters..
Submitted by Rukus on Tue, 04/12/2011 - 10:55pm.
...they seem to be droppin' left and right... what's up with that?? Where are they coming from??? Damn! : )
Termites In The Wood
Submitted by stratman on Tue, 04/12/2011 - 11:18pm.
I don't know, Rukus, but the pace has definitely picked up.
Bats from the belfry, rats from the sewers, pigeons from the roof, jackals from the desert, buzzards from Hinckley...
With Mrs. Miller warbling---
Submitted by matthewdean on Wed, 04/13/2011 - 11:09pm.
the buzzards theme song.
MD