The Roanoke Times: Shanna Flowers

Comments

# 1

[July 3, 2008 2:43 PM]

Ed S.

I found a couple of news articles about this and frankly I'm disgusted by her actions. It is not only an insult to her hosts, who respected her talent and graciously provided her an opportunity to share it; but it is also an insult to the nation and the the spirit for which the anthem stands.

Her "excuse" is weak. She intentionally attempted to make a point (whatever it was), and her assertion that it was an artistic license is a pathetic attempt to divert the criticism she rightfully deserves.

If I was in that audience, I would have helped "escort" her from the stage and showed the proper decorum and respect for our nation by joining the audience in our national anthem.

# 2

[July 3, 2008 7:45 PM]

David C.

She was wrong. First, all she has succeeded in doing is drawing criticism and, possibly, making "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" (LEVaS) into a hot button issue. I would have liked to hear it played at Obama's inauguration (along with, not instead of, the Star-Spangled Banner). But now, it's probably too political.

Plus, I think it was really a mistake to play LEVaS to the tune of the Star-Spangled Banner. Call me crazy, but I think LEVaS should be sung to the tune of LEVaS! It's a great piece of music, so why set its words to a different tune?

# 3

[July 3, 2008 9:23 PM]

D'el Lattimore

She was wrong period. It was selfish, unprofessional, deceitful, and unethical and in my opinion a musical disgrace to both 'Lift Every Voice' and 'The National Anthem'. Now, I understand fully why a lot of people (especially a lot of white people) are in an uproar at her singing what has become known as "The Black National Anthem". Many whites, see things like this as somehow anti-american. They see this sort of thing as 'self segregationism', and it does not matter that they are looking at it all wrong......the point is, this was NOT the way to help them to a better understanding of African American's socio/political/iealogical outlooks. Now what if someone white was invited to sing the anthem here in Atlanta for some city event and they broke out with a version of 'Dixie'?? Man, Black people would hit the streets. Now....I would not be surprised if that happend - and we would not have a leg to stand on in complaint. Oh, I fully realize that nobody has been lynched, burned out, or beaten while singing 'Lift Every Voice', BUT.... either way, a gross insensitvity is displayed by both examples. As an African American, I can't bring myself to believe that she did not know there would be controversy. No matter how you twist it......it was wrong. Antaganistically wrong.

# 4

[July 3, 2008 11:04 PM]

Leigh

I think it is beautiful. The Negro to Black experience is something the whole country can be proud of. Any American who isn't proud of our black struggle can wave their confederate flag proudly.

# 5

[July 3, 2008 11:53 PM]

Devin

that was horrible it's not something to be proud of even if your black its an insult to all Americans of any race!!! She should actually be punished in some form.

# 6

[July 4, 2008 3:32 AM]

P'od

Beautiful song, disgraceful display of egoism, deceipt, and plain disrespect to all those expecting something else!

# 7

[July 4, 2008 7:17 AM]

Jimbo

Her poor judge is pretty much the same as Obama's.

# 8

[July 4, 2008 8:00 AM]

Ed Johnson

Yes, it was wrong on all levels and sounded horrible. "Lift Every Voice" is a beautiful song, but sounds ridiculous sung the music of the National Anthem.

What is worse though is linking her actions to Obama or Blacks in general. This was just one nut case, similar to Roseann Barr's vulgar rendition of the song. Were all Whites blamed for this? No!

# 9

[July 4, 2008 9:37 AM]

Dan O : →http://www.vote29.com/drupal/

You ain't just whistling Dixie it was wrong.

# 10

[July 4, 2008 11:44 AM]

Ed S.

Leigh, I get the feeling that you're just trolling for an argument. But if you really feel her actions were respectful to her hosts and proper, perhaps you can help us understand:

1. How this had anything to do with Denver's State of the City event?

2. If we should read anything other than her accusing Denver of being racist by choosing to make a political statement through song replacement?

3. Why replacing the National Anthem, something that represents *all* of us and includes us overcoming racial segregation, with a song known as the Black National Anthem is not spitting in my face as an American who is proud of *all* of us overcoming segregation?

I read an LA Times article about the event, where she was noted as saying, "It was, Marie later said of the unpaid gig, an artistic expression of her emotions about being a black American and a decision she made months ago to no longer sing the national anthem."

Wow, that's pretty telling to me. Seems she still feels that the country as a whole is racist towards blacks. In that case, there is *only one* reason that she accepted the invitation to sing at a government event - to make a political statement. If our country still had racist laws on the books, then maybe I'd let it slide. But in this case, it was a tasteless, selfish, and disgraceful display. Similar to Roseanne Barr's disrespectful actions earlier, as Ed J reminded us.

# 11

[July 5, 2008 2:11 PM]

Steve

I do wave the Confederate flag on every holiday...Deo Vindice...Leigh

# 12

[July 5, 2008 2:45 PM]

Kermitt S.

With all the actions this nation has taken to benefit African-Americans since Rene Marie was borne (approximately 1956)I wonder what sticks in her craw. Is she purposefully resurrecting mis-deeds from the "Old South", "where she grew up", over the past 100 or so years.
Some people need and crave noteriety. There are not many things one can do that will polarize the races and gain as much attention as her action did. Her "switcheroonie" made her an instant heroine in the African-American community and gave the whites her version of "up yours".

Kermitt, on what do you base your statement that Rene's actions made her an "instant heroine in the African-American community?" Black folks I've spoken with don't think so. At least one person on this blog who identified herself/himself as black criticitzed Rene. Just wondering what black folks you're talking to.--s

# 13

[July 6, 2008 12:15 AM]

Paul

I wasn't aware that there was a Black National Anthem.

On the web I can't seem to find the Hispanic, Asian or White Anthems (except for a radical white racist group).

So how would you categorize her? A separatist or just a regular run of the mill racist?

Paul

# 14

[July 6, 2008 6:53 AM]

Bobby Buck : →http://wareandhill.com

Sorry, this topic again is much ado about nothing. Why? It falls into the category of a misunderstood statement about Michelle Obama's pride in America based on her background and upbringing as a young struggling black female vs Cindy McCain's always being a proud American as a privileged, wealthy white female. Both are Americans but with different perspectives yet both are patriotic within a justifiable context. Take the recent death of Jesse Helms, who is being eulogized as a patriotic conservative, and I would even add very pro-black as long as they stayed in their subservient capacity. Pardon my patriotism, if I so much as request that you get your white foot off my black neck. America has to look at itself through a prism of reality as opposed to "make-me-feel-good" rose-colored glasses to correct the wrongs of the past and establish trust in the world for the future. Happy belated 4th.

# 15

[July 6, 2008 11:07 AM]

Jim D

P'Od said it best with one word, "egoism." The event in Rene's mind was about her. Unfortunately, this showed her to be disrespectful and dishonest to her hosts.

# 16

[July 6, 2008 3:19 PM]

Ed S.

Bobby, so you are saying that she was justified in changing the national anthem because the city of Denver is practicing segregation or otherwise racist?

I don't see how misleading your hosts and choosing their event to make a political statement (that may have nothing to do with them) is a "misunderstanding".

I find her explanation to be contradictory as well. She claims that she didn't ask permission of her hosts because it was an "artistic" expression, and seeking permission would negate the art. However, the LA Times article I referenced earlier also noted she chose long ago to no longer sing the anthem. That sounds more like politics than art.

# 17

[July 6, 2008 4:08 PM]

Bobby Buck : →http://wareandhill.com

Ed,
As a matter of courtesy, to your request for more of an intepretation of my response, to the subject of which I felt has been blown out of proportion...Ms Rene was ethically wrong and her reasoning was an unacceptable excuse for artistic expression. It's called "bait and switch" and no one appreciates being exploited. I was simply attempting to establish the context of relativity. She probably has done more to damage her personal profession in as much as this controversy could ever hope to accomplish...patriotism, artistry, or just the next gig notwithstanding.

# 18

[July 7, 2008 10:54 AM]

Michelle N.

Can we please get pass this one injustice and leave Obama out of it. I agree Michelle Obama's past and Cindy McCain past should not be a part of a political campaign. Think people does it really matter who will be president we are have a Congress to oversee that policy is followed. Yes, it would a beautiful thing if Obama wins because it will respect segregation has changed to include all of us true Americans. Not many of us can tell someone to go back where you came from any longer because frankly majority came from down the street and around the corner. Get over you personal views on politics and worry about homeless and abused children. Sing lift every voice or the National Anthem if it will help one child in an oppressed situation. Tell fathers to lead their homes and mothers to stop worrying a men as a saviour and become a more uniformed gender and learn to love one another and not covenant peoples spouses whether male or female to decrease domestic violence. Find interesting jobs for teenagers and discuss safe sex a little more. These are real issues. The president will be whomever the most voters choose. Stop whinning.
Oh well she goofed up!!! who did she really hurt but herself in public opinion not black or white opinion.

# 19

[July 7, 2008 12:25 PM]

Backlash

I give Rene credit she song as bold as some state capitols still flying the Confederate Flag, and still in the European community blogs called her singing of the song "Bold, Brash, Innovative, and embarrassing.

My Question is did they tell her specifically that she would be singing the National Anthem, or was it there expectation she would sing it?

As an African American veteran, I would expect her to sing the National Anthem and have them to know you would like to sing a song of her choosing. This would have been proper and adequate.

Again we don't know what they agreed upon it's now left to conjecture.

A on originality

A on singing

F on patriotism

# 20

[July 8, 2008 9:04 PM]

Bran Muffin Luv

Rene Marie should have sung the National Anthem. The song may have been co-opted by the Negros of the time, but the lyrics say "lift every voice.....talk about perserverence, things being better..." yet still the moronic racists who have commented will always feel the need proportion blackness into acceptable soundbites.....what Rene Marie has to do with Barack and Michelle Obama, I do not know......except how ignorant people can still be when forced to deal with individuals who do not walk through this life hat in hand"..No, I dont think I would have done it, but the response is ridiculous...you'd think she sang "Kill all de white people....." She sang about hope and hard fought victories, despite our "past......" Get over it!!

# 21

[July 9, 2008 12:30 PM]

Annie

I loved that fact Rene Marie sang that song. I think she probably feels alot like I do: ashamed of the Iraq War and the shallow patriotism that characterizes our time. I think, like me, she is also celebrating one truly noble thing American history: the dignity and grace of how African-American have handled continued racism, be it slavery, Jim Crow, or the structural racism of today. On a personal note, I also felt it expressed the hope and idealism of the Obama candidacy. I just can't sing a song glorifying war right now. I just can't get all misty-eyed about bombs bursting in air because I know that there are Iraqi children who live in terror because of our actions in Iraq and I take responsibility as an American citizen for not doing more to prevent that war. We should all be ashamed. Bravo to our true artist for doing a wonderfully cocky, heartfelt thing.
Thanks!
Annie
BTW: it has great words and history. Here's the info. I found on the NAACP site:
History of Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing

Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing � often called "The Black National Anthem" � was written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) and then set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954) in 1899. It was first performed in public in the Johnsons' hometown of Jacksonville, Florida as part of a celebration of Lincoln's Birthday on February 12, 1900 by a choir of 500 schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School, where James Weldon Johnson was principal.

Lift Every Voice and Sing
Lyrics:

Lift ev'ry voice and sing,
'Til earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the list'ning skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on 'til victory is won.

Stony the road we trod,
Bitter the chastening rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past,
'Til now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who has by Thy might
Led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;
Shadowed beneath Thy hand,
May we forever stand,
True to our God,
True to our native land.

# 22

[July 9, 2008 4:03 PM]

Henry Hale

Without bringing Barack Obama, John McCain, Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain, or anyone else into the discussion, this was absolutely tasteless and unprofessional. There was no need for Ms. Marie to use that forum for her selfish ambitions.

The artist should use another venue to voice any social or political opinion she has, but this made her look foolish and degraded Mr. Johnson's song. A song I must say that stirs strong emotions in me every time I hear it sung. People need to use appropriate judgment when they are attempting to make intelligent statements that they want people to take seriously, otherwise their efforts will do more harm than good.

# 23

[July 9, 2008 7:05 PM]

Ed S.

"I just can't sing a song glorifying war right now."

Let's correct this right quick, though. There is no glorification of war in the Star Spangled Banner. It is an expression of joy that an ideal of liberty was not vanquished by war. Through the night of bombs and rockets, it was uncertain whether freedom had survived. In the morning, rejoice that the banner still waved above the fort.

The anthem, as well as the flag, stand for an idea that must be maintained by vigilant citizens. We don't spit on the ideal of liberty and freedom just because all is not perfect. I will continue to salute the *true* meaning of liberty that the flag and anthem stand for, even if things are temporarily not perfect in our country. Debates, discussions, and meetings are the time to air disputes and work towards resolutions. The flag and anthem are times to stress our unity as a country and remember the ideals for which we work towards.

# 24

[July 10, 2008 2:49 AM]

Backlash

As a Veteran with combat experience, I feel no shame or embarrassment for any tasks that was place before me to do for my country then or now Annie. Freedom comes with a price, and continued freedom comes at a higher price.

Ed your words exemplifies how I feel.

From every mountain side, let freedom ring.

# 25

[July 14, 2008 2:08 PM]

B E.Z.

This is about Rene, not Obama. He didn't sing the song

Has nothing to do with presidential Politics? Especially Obama. His African ancestors were not American slaves. Nor did he deal with American Segregation. He was born in America, however, his patriotism is probably different from the middle-class white. Yet, it is still patriotism. Whites, stop comparing your priveledged lives and opportunities to blacks. It's not the same(PERIOD)

This nation was built on the wealthy politically minded people that continue to thrive in the States and abroad. Everything is about politics... everything...slavery, entertainment, politics, corporations, marriages. Even religion is politically. Religion? It runs governments?