How can you use humor to get through the most difficult situations? Watch the documentary ‘Shut up & Sing’ and get yourself some real Dixie Dharma.

I got so inspired by watching this documentary on the Dixie Chicks that I wanted to share it with you! The Dixie Chicks are a country band that consists of two sisters and a lead singer. They are the biggest selling female band ever (newsflash).

The Dixie Chicks kicked off a world tour on March 10, 2003 in London, just around the time that President Bush bombed Iraq. There was a massive anti-war demonstration going on in London that day. During their concert, lead singer Nathalie assured the audience that they were “on the right side with y’all” and that she was “ashamed that the President of the United States was from Texas”. This last comment was picked up instantly by the American press and even got president Bush talking about it.

Within no time, the Dixie Chicks were dropped like a hot potato by their sponsor and the largest part of their former country fans, who started hate-mailing and protesting against the Chicks in very aggressive ways. Their record sales dropped and this crisis reached it’s highest, or lowest point when Nathalie received a death threat, claiming she would be killed during a concert in Dallas, Texas.

So the thing that has struck me the most about this movie is not even the crazyness of the actual story, but rather the absolutely amazing display of virtue by which these women handle this situation. In stead of being divided by what’s happening, they stick together in an inspiring sisterhood. Their communication is honest and non-reactive even in the most difficult circumstances. For example, right after the incident in London one of the sisters, Martie tells the manager in a group session something like “go talk to her (Nathalie), I didn’t say anything.”. In stead of taking offence, they start to laugh together about this. This is called “rightfulness of speech” in Buddhism. Their humour and light heartedness is one of their greatest virtues and a antidote to their increasing anger towards their situation.

Another example of Dixie Dharma. Nathalie’s reaction to their plummeting US concert sales is “Now that we have began to fuck ourselves anyway, we have a responsibility…” she begins seriously and then loses her point “…to continue to fuck ourselves” and they crack up together. What a great reminder to use humour and not take things so seriously! Standing in the face of financial loss the Chicks stay funny an thereby, real.

To me however, the ultimate display of Dixie Dharma comes in the face of Nathalie’s death threat. Right before the concert the tension is increasing along with numerous security measures. All three women have families and although it’s not elaborated upon, everybody feels what’s at stake. The head of security shows Nathalie a picture of the man they suspect to have send the death threat. He’s coming to the concert too. There’s a silence, and in full make-up and outfit, ready to go on stage, this warrior woman Nathalie says: “He’s kinda cute…”. They go on and rock the house. How cool is that?

I wish you Dixie dharma this week!

Peace,
Geertje