From DMAN, At The Thought Spigot
Bruce Springsteen has never been silent on his views, politics, and mostly he has lived on the American's view of him, as a working man's friend and one of the "Blue Collar" guys. However, nothing was more important, to "The Boss," than the "Born In The U.S.A." album. It made him a pop culture icon, but more importantly, it showed a "blue collar icon," for Americans and America, as a whole.
Of the album, Springsteen broke out, worldwide, with "Dancing in the Dark" (with a little help from a young Courtney Cox, in the video), which won him a Grammy and reached #2 on the Billboard Top 100. Yet, "Cover Me," "No Surrender," "My Hometown," and "I'm On Fire" were all released and on the charts, but "Born In The U. S. A." became a mantra for America. Presidents, politicians (John Kerry in his campaign), sports teams, radio stations and countless other people use "Born in the U. S. A." for a variety of situations, still today. "The Boss" was made into a huge mainstream star, becoming the "working class singer" (a modern day Bob Dylan, if you will).
Fast forward to Super Bowl Sunday, at halftime. An older Springsteen, with the whole E Street Band, was in front of millions. Opening with "Born to Run" (a 70's staple and one single putting him on the map), "Working on a Dream," and finishing with an extended of "Glory Days." No "Born In The U. S. A." on the agenda at all. The "Blue Collar," for the people, and working class hero decided on a stage where millions and millions of people are watching (looking forward, and expecting with two wars going on in Iraq/Afghanistan, plus countless Americans abroad) not to play a song for all Americans (not to mention, his "signature song"). Maybe, Bruce decided, or the NFL decided, the American people's voice wasn't that important, or it would offend someone?
ESPN had a game, where a certain amount of questions were asked (in a fantasy game format). Example, "Will there be a run for more than 40+ yards?" Another question was, "Will Bruce Springsteen open his set with "Born in the U. S. A.?" I suppose people do not know about "The Boss'" far liberal stance and on American policies, in his older age? Either way, on a night as great as Super Bowl Sunday, to be asked to play the whole half time festivities, one would think Mr. Springsteen would take some responsibility, using his clout and platform for America. It is just a song, but America needs all the help it can get now. Obviously, "The Boss" is more interested in "The Wrestler" (the movie coming out this weekend) and his Golden Globe award, then the American people's overall views and emotions, or maybe he is not the "working class icon" people have given him credit for (and his politics now play top fiddle, in his life, over Americans).
Of the album, Springsteen broke out, worldwide, with "Dancing in the Dark" (with a little help from a young Courtney Cox, in the video), which won him a Grammy and reached #2 on the Billboard Top 100. Yet, "Cover Me," "No Surrender," "My Hometown," and "I'm On Fire" were all released and on the charts, but "Born In The U. S. A." became a mantra for America. Presidents, politicians (John Kerry in his campaign), sports teams, radio stations and countless other people use "Born in the U. S. A." for a variety of situations, still today. "The Boss" was made into a huge mainstream star, becoming the "working class singer" (a modern day Bob Dylan, if you will).
Fast forward to Super Bowl Sunday, at halftime. An older Springsteen, with the whole E Street Band, was in front of millions. Opening with "Born to Run" (a 70's staple and one single putting him on the map), "Working on a Dream," and finishing with an extended of "Glory Days." No "Born In The U. S. A." on the agenda at all. The "Blue Collar," for the people, and working class hero decided on a stage where millions and millions of people are watching (looking forward, and expecting with two wars going on in Iraq/Afghanistan, plus countless Americans abroad) not to play a song for all Americans (not to mention, his "signature song"). Maybe, Bruce decided, or the NFL decided, the American people's voice wasn't that important, or it would offend someone?
ESPN had a game, where a certain amount of questions were asked (in a fantasy game format). Example, "Will there be a run for more than 40+ yards?" Another question was, "Will Bruce Springsteen open his set with "Born in the U. S. A.?" I suppose people do not know about "The Boss'" far liberal stance and on American policies, in his older age? Either way, on a night as great as Super Bowl Sunday, to be asked to play the whole half time festivities, one would think Mr. Springsteen would take some responsibility, using his clout and platform for America. It is just a song, but America needs all the help it can get now. Obviously, "The Boss" is more interested in "The Wrestler" (the movie coming out this weekend) and his Golden Globe award, then the American people's overall views and emotions, or maybe he is not the "working class icon" people have given him credit for (and his politics now play top fiddle, in his life, over Americans).
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