As a result of this earth shattering event, many American entertainers grabbed on to the patriotic spirit of the American people and used it as material for their work.. Toby Keith emerged as one of the vocal leaders of the patriotic movement. The macho man gave his efforts to show everyone that listened to his lyrics just what Old Glory stood for. His song, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue”, immediately made it to the top of the country music charts. Listening to this song pumped up the listener and made him/her proud to be an American. It reassured us and told us not to fear—we would put a boot in the enemy’s posterior and kick him into eternity, just like America has always done to her enemies (lines 39, 40 of the song). American had been the champion of freedom and is considered the leader of the world. Then, a group of extremists came charging into our world, unafraid, and gave us a “sucker punch from the back” (line 17 and 18 of the song). How dare them!!! These extremists made every effort to dim the lights of freedom that had been paid for many times with the blood of our friends and families before us. Keith’s own father lost his right eye in the army but his loyalty to the flag never faltered (lines 8, 9, 10 of the song). The Red, White and Blue will always stand for “a lot of men dead so we can sleep in peace at night” (line 5, 6).
Toby Keith reached his goal of fostering patriotism in a society reeling from the devastation of the first foreign attack on our soil. In “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” Keith sings about time-enduring icons that are symbols of American life. The tone of his voice makes it easy for me to visualize the Statue of Liberty shaking her fist, Uncle Sam writing Bin Laden and Hussein and other Muslims at the top of his list, a soaring eagle, and Mother Freedom, in a Puritan style dress, ringing the Liberty Bell. Toby Keith makes a convincing argument that if you push the button too hard, America will fight and will win (Justice will be served…from the fifth verse of the song). This is the same image that Toby Keith wants his audience to have of him. When Toby entertains his audience, he wears a beard, hat, jeans and boots. The rugged look demonstrates that he is not afraid to face those that question his physical toughness. From my point of view, I believe he would defend my freedom to the bitter end, but he would gladly kick my posterior if I questioned what our ancestors had sacrificed for all of us to be happy. Protestors against our flag would not go very far with Toby Keith. If you are not willing to be an asset when times are troubled, then you have no place in the America that Toby Keith knows.
Politically, Toby Keith is rallying the masses to stand up for the troops as they are willing to risk their lives without reservation. The dastardly deeds of the extremists must not go unpunished. Saddam Hussein felt the whole world raining down on him as the wrath of America chased him into exile (see lines 31 and 32). As time progressed, he first lost control of his country and then he lost his life. These events happened just as Toby predicted in his song. In the years following 9/11 and the release of “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” in 2002, patriotism has declined and American citizens are even now questioning our involvement in the Iraq War. As the hawks of our society feed heavily on the conservative view of military support, the doves are ready to challenge why the American forces are engaged in the Iraq conflict. As time progresses, many Americans have adopted the view that this war was fought for the right to purchase the dwindling oil supplies of a region torn in internal as well as external conflict. This war was not about weapons of mass destruction. Saddam Hussein was not a major threat to our world with the exception of the fact that he was the key to the oil reserves of Iraq.
Despite the controversy over the validity of the war in Iraq, Toby Keith’s message has been enthusiastically received by most Americans, particularly the country music listener. From my experience, the country music listener tends to be very patriotic. Even though many possess a redneck image, the fact that they are willing to defend our country makes them an invaluable member of society. I personally know several teenagers from my rural hometown who were inspired to join the National Guard partly as a result of Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue”. One is presently serving in Iraq, and the two others are on their way. Those of us who honestly care want our troops to defend our way of life. Even though the political parties have now formed a wedge in our country, our troops must be revered.
On the opposite end of the patriotic message Toby Keith has vividly portrayed, forces in our government are clamoring for an end to the Iraq War before intended objectives are met. Our Congressional delegation is fighting to determine even the finances of a war gone badly in the eyes of so many. Democratic candidates for the Presidential elections in 2008 are advocating for a quick end to a war that has helped to bankrupt America. Troops must be returned home. Regardless of the devastation that will occur for not finishing the task at hand, most Americans want a change. As we have engaged in yet another effort to protect our way of life, this time from the forces of terrorism, Americans realize we are involved in a political battle that we cannot win or lose.
Toby Keith has done a masterful job at rallying the patriotism spirit of the American people and no matter what side of the political fence you are on, all true Americans would have to agree with every word in “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue”. This song is a classic because it will stand the test of time. Most importantly, it makes us proud and confident that we are Americans.
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