cynical Christmas

i like to listen to the "all Christmas carol" station in december. it helps me get into the "spirit." there are a couple of songs that do annoy me, however. one of them is "do they know it's Christmas" by the 80's pity band, band aid.

first of all, i am all for altruism. i wish that more compassion was shown throughout the year and not just in december. and i know that this song generated a lot of money to help the starving population in africa. that being said - this song is ridiculous.

take these lyrics: And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time/The greatest gift they'll get this year is life/Where nothing ever grows/No rain nor rivers flow/Do they know it's Christmas time at all

i may be totally incorrect, which happens frequently, but i don't think there is ever snow in africa. i believe the climate there is hot and dry for most of the year. also, only about 1/2 of the population of africa is even Christian. the other 1/2 is primarily Muslim. so, no - not only do they not know that it's Christmas, but a good percentage don't care. thus, they aren't missing anything. in fact, they have the advantage of a de-commercialized holiday! can't you picture the africans just pushing and shoving to get into the mall? i bet they who don't have many material things appreciate the important things the most - family, friends, love and compassion.

my next target is the band itself. the group was made up of typical 80's talent, some of which didn't harmonize too well. but it's the name - band aid. why on earth would the gods of music name a fundraiser band after a piece of plastic and cotton, whose primary job is to absorb blood and seepage from wounds? don't try to get all metaphorical on me - it's gross. and i didn't see any of the band members delivering turkey dinners to people in africa that year, or any other.

whew...i am glad i got that off my chest. i am going to go find some starving people in town that live under a bridge and sing to them. i know they will appreciate it.