dr5712

I’m gonna say one last thing. This thread is pretty much dead now, so I’ll use this as an opportunity to give it one last bit of life, and settle some points. A few things. If you think that “the music” is separate from the “personal attitudes” I’d dispute that. That’s the point of lyrics; they mean something, otherwise he may just be talking mumbo jumbo. So when I hear for example “if you tolerate this the your children will be next” the sentiment and therefore the song move me. Likewise, the knowledge that garry glitter is nonce influences the way I react to his music; its almost as if the posters on this forum don’t like me knocking Martin cos it pops the image they have of him, and therefore hinders the kick they get out of his music. But this is a complicated issue. The way people react to music, and international pop idols like Chris Martin (and that is just what he is an IDOL) is not something I understand and noone does. But, I do not like the idea of such idols pretending to be saints, when they aren’t. The claim that the fans cannot influence Martin’s behaviour just seems very obviously false to me. On a financial, and on an emotional level I expect, Martin relies on his fans. It would surprise me immensely if in the face of such a decline in popularity, he continued with his wasteful ways. The thing about him not owning a private jet is just embarrassing. I never said he owned one, I just said he flew in one, which he does, and it is hideously decadent. The point is not that Martin is Hitler. He isn’t, and perhaps he’s helped in publicising the biggest issue of the day, climate change. However, it will not do for figureheads of the movement to behave so hypocritically. I know people who have stopped flying, full stop out of concern for the environment. Normal people who have made sacrifices. It is an insult to them and everyone who cares, and to the millions who will almost certainly die as a result of climate change, that a person of such massive wealth and influence should preach and then show complete contempt for the issues in his actions. Most people cant afford to clean their consciences with artificially planted rainforests; the worlds poorest, the probable victims of the likes of martins excesses, certainly cant. It is not hard to see the difference in the levels of hypocracy involved in say driving to work, and those involved in flying around on a private jet non-stop. This does matter. Ok Chris is not single handedly causing climate change, but if the people shouting about it don’t make sacrifices (and most people would not consider flying on a commercial flight instead of a private jet a massive sacrifice) what chance do we have. The defences being presented here on this site are indicative of the problem; this acceptance and lazyness when it comes to change. Climate change will impose big changes on us whether we like it or not. We all have to get our heads around it- each and every one of us. Why pick on martin? Well you cant reverse climate change in one thread on a fansite forum. But if enough people start kicking up a fuss, we may stand a better chance of averting catastrophe.

You may find the notion that fans buy music on the basis of personalities funny, but the bands public relations team clearly dont. Thats why so much effort is made in sculpting their public appearance- makeup, interviews, merchandise, websites, etc. These things are not pure music.

You are right I did quote a lyric, although the points was more of an ethical one. It wasnt really related to the music. Sorry though. With regards to the "we are all hypocrites" point, I agree. To say "I am not a hypocrite" basically means "I think Im perfect". And no ones perfect. But for goodness sake, you must see the difference between Martin's behaviour, and your own defeatest inaction which you speak of (which believe me i can understand). Martin preaches on a massive scale ideals which he frankly openly shits all over. This is intolerable. Such people are not worthy of respect, they deserve our disdain. He is a powerful man, he abuses that power. You are not. To acknowledge universal imperfection is one thing, but to accept such imperfection and not try to improve it, is surely sealing the victory for the devil. Martin's imperfection is not small. Its outrageous. The extravagance is just jawdropping, and you seem intent on making excuses for it. Why?

nuh clearly noone is perfect. does that absolve the less perfect of rebuke? i think not. it is not a sufficient defence that everyones a hypocrite. This is disgusting. Further, im confused by your suggestion that we separate the music from the personal attitudes. For one i did not mention anything about the music, so im curious as to why you think it is relevant to this post (i wasnt aware this was a purely musical forum- indeed it is not so). But i would say that this particular artist uses to great effect his sense of moral outrage to foster an extensive following (live 8 springs to mind). Certainly there is an unmistakable "political" streak in x and y.I do not know what you mean by "separate the music" and i suspect you do not know what you mean either. The music, the attitudes, and the politics to me seem manifestly inextricably interwoven. Rather like telling a food critic who is tasting a chicken curry "ok the chicken is burnt, but lets separate the chicken from the cooking". It doesnt make much sense. Martin's behaviour is unacceptable, and noone, especially the fans who fund his private jet's fuel, should turn a blind eye.

In politik the lyrics seem to urge us to "open up [our] eyes" Chris Martin flies by private jet wherever he likes. This includes home (which one?) and back again between gigs when he's on tour, a fact which amazed supporting artist Alison Goldfrapp ("I thought 'What? are you insane?'"). Speaking about his daughter, Martin says "As she gets older, hopefully she'll come out as and when he wants", ie. to visit him on tour. If you are moved by Chris Martin's pledges of support for the poor, and advocacy of responsible living, then where is your sense of outrage at this frankly unbelievable hypocracy? Is it his example we should all follow? Reputable journalist and environmentalist George Monbiot (author of widely acclaimed political economy books, Guardian columnist) estimates that his flying habits alone, exceed the sustainable level of carbon emissions for individuals, by 250 times! 250 times! his flying habits alone! He also drives a 4x4 gas guzzler around town. Doesn't this make your head spin? I'm alarmed. (For more disturbingly enlightening facts about famous figures visit "www.turnuptheheat.org".)