Bill Chinook / Bruce Springsteen

hifiman5:
To interpret an honest critique of the country's shortcomings as loathing for the country does a disservice to the ideals we hold as what makes our country unique in this world. I was in the service during the Vietnam War and Born in the USA spoke to my generation in a way that represented the feelings of a great many of us. What I found pathetic was the "love it or leave it" mentality that existed during the war.

He was probably listening to too much Woody Guthrie.

hifiman5

"Born in the USA" invalidates any discussion of Springsteen.

If you run every artist through a judgmental political filter, you're going to miss out on a lot of great art, including music. I've never understood those who will only associate with those with whom they agree politically.

@mitchchavis  If you served in Vietnam then I can see how some of the song's lyrics spoke to you.  I guess I am bothered that we hear it played at sports events and political rallies as if it extols the virtues of America.  My negativity may also be colored now with all of the flag protests going on.  I believe in a person's constitutional right of free expression but that doesn't mean I have to like it.  I truly do thank you for your service in Vietnam.  It's so sad that so many Veterans returned from southeast Asia being treated with disrespect and disdain.  I don't know how you guys did it.

Thanks for sharing your story.  Perhaps I have more soul searching to do about Mr. Springsteen.

Best regards!

@cleeds Please read my post above. My opposition to the song stems from what I see is its use in inapproriately patriotic celebrations.  I agree with your comment that political messages have a long and storied tradition in American music.  I have CS&N, CSN&Y and particularly Y solo albums, Dylan, Baez, the list goes on.  So much of art, both visual and musical is an expression of the world's state at the time of its production.  I have not and will not in the future let their political expression that I may or may not agree with keep me form listening to their music.

Thanks for your post.