The Perversion of Power
He might be wrong and he usually is, but this week during an interview on CBC radio he was dead right… Well let’s say just “right”.
Blogging about veteran entertainer Smokey Burke and some comments in an interview with Admiral that was literally right on the money.
Smokey stated that because of the support the United States entertainment industry got from its government, the sector in turn generated billions of dollars and contributed greatly to the U.S economy annually.
Boyce agrees with this statement one billion percent!
The U.S government supports the industry without getting involved and unfairly competing against the people in it. In 2007 the movie industry grossed over $9.7 billion in ticket sales, yet you will never hear Condlezza Rice or Vice President Cheney planning to produce movies and get involved in the entertainment business, they leave that to the persons who specialise and make their living in that sector.
In Barbados there seems to be perennial mindset by certain misguided officials that Government should be using its awesome power and might to extinguish and crush entrepreneurial cultural spirit. The current Crop Over showdown now on of the mighty government Cohobblopot vs. local entertainers Euphoria event is a blatant example of that perversion of power.
If during the reading of this blog there is any thing I might have written which might have incensed or offended you, GET OVER IT! There are many things I read and hear in the media on a daily basis that I don't like either. SO DEAL WITH IT! You are welcome to leave your comments though. Make sure and come back yuh hear !!!...
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July 18th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
never thought of it that way but you are correct
July 18th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I will spend my money at Euphoria………let NCF suck salt.
July 19th, 2008 at 10:40 am
I am not for the Government funding Crop Over deal that excludes so many artists and favors only a set group of entertainers, one thing for a private promoter to only hire certain persons every year as it is freedom of choice but a National effort should have space for all genres to earn some of the $ allocated, it limits creativity to ‘Soca music’ and gives young artists a false direction that can not be maintained in the larger markets…but thats not what I am writing about.
I was curious to know what help the US Government gives its entertainers. We need to let the thousands of bands and artists in the U know so that they can go to their local Gov office and get a disbursement.
In reality Barbadian artists have access to Government grants, loans and venture funds and assistance that could never be had in the US. Its just that most artists do not have the management structure or export sales demand to access the $.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:13 am
You know Pete your position that this is a perversion of power et al would have more credibility if Cohobblopot was launched this year for the first time and Euphoria were around for say…as long as MADD.(wink, wink)
As it stands Cohobblopot is a National event and all the ranting about that show(Cohobb) versus the Bajan show(NEWPHORIA) just ent cutting it.
If you want to continue to be the good entrepreneur you have always been continue working the rest o the year instead o whining about Cohobblopot. Whining without sound merit is beneath you.
Oh..all the truths about America throwing money behind the entertainment industry is but one shade of black…and speaking o black…ask those blacks who got ripped off to make their white “singers” look good during the 60’s.
Go watch Dream Girls or the Story o Motown proper to get an idea about how the same US Governement aided and abetted the wholesale ripping off of black artists to “protect” up the white music industry.
wait….somebody callin muh and this soap box getting tottery…i getting off.
heeeheeeeee..