Among all musical genres, country music is perhaps the one most influenced by the male presence. Country music is often associated with the classic cowboy strumming a guitar around a campfire or riding his horse with a guitar strapped to his back. Country music politics also leans toward a male-dominated, Republican, conservative, and pro-war position (Spong 184). Stereotypical women in country music “behave themselves” and passively follow the same values ​​as men. So in 2003, when the Dixie Chicks, a three-member all-female country music band, became the best-selling girl group of all time, it was quite an accomplishment. Their success began in 1997 with an image that embraced their versatility. Martie Maguire and Emily Robison, who are sisters, played fiddle and banjo and provided background vocals for singer Natalie Maines, who has a strong, clear voice. Maines stood out from the others for her strong stage presence. They wore feminine clothes, drenched in bling and not country. They were beautiful to look at and a little silly in their behavior (129). The kind of young women fans could imagine having a lot of fun with, but also the kind young women could identify with through their music. Songs like "Goodbye Earl" describe a strong woman who has had enough of her abusive husband and ends up killing him. However, the band expressed it in a style that was anything but dark. She sent a clear message of girl power to many women (129). Many accolades from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association (CMA) followed, including Entertainer of the Year, Top Vocal Group, and Album of the Year (Towner 293). During the first five years of their career they sold 28 million copies of the three albums...... middle of paper ...... listed in the country music world for daring to make a statement against war and for questioning the president's decision-making process. The reaction to singer Maines' statement revealed a misogynistic mentality that had been lying somewhat dormant in country music culture. The swift and devastating reaction to the statement revealed the ugly consequences when you don't follow country music's stereotype of femininity. Verbal insults and death threats, destruction of CDs and removal of their music from the airwaves of national stations. However, the Dixie Chicks didn't hold back. They remained true to their beliefs. Their song “Not Ready to Make Nice” made a clear statement. They had no regrets. The Dixie Chicks still remain a symbol for strong women in music and have brought the issue of women's status in the United States to the forefront..