Political pop that could actually change the world

[imomus]

Eminem Mosh. He says 'Fuck Bush'. He says 'No more blood for oil'. He says 'Kerry on, give me hope'. He says 'Vote on November 2nd'. And the imagery in the video says a lot more. A message like this, from a star as big as Eminem, could actually change the outcome of the US election. Who says pop music is all neutered, spayed and tame? Who says that nothing anyone says makes a blind bit of difference? As brilliantly political as anything Bob Dylan did at the height of the 60s protest boom. Positively Brechtian.

Comments

Re: ITS viewers to vote!

[johnnyshades.livejournal.com]

and not to take the easy way out, but the reason there's going to be a higher voter turnout this election year isn't because puff daddy said there should be, it's because some of the real problems have actually come to the surface. well, not just some. the bulk of them. it's a shame this race is so close-cut, there's no reason it should be, but the only time i'll ever dare to use the word "unamerican" is when i let a celebrity point me towards the right check mark on the right ballot.

Re: ITS viewers to vote!

[typefiend.livejournal.com]

I agree with you that voter turnout isn't primarily dictated or influenced by P. Diddy or anyother celebs for that matter. Churches, school teachers, parents, and other social organizations are a great mobilizing force in this year's election, alongside the obvious spector of fear hovering over this nation's psyche.

But I guess I just disagree with you about celebs making an effort to endorse candidates and motivate others to participate in government. I think if anything, its very American, since its a public call for action. Nobody forces you to checkmark that ballot when it comes down to it.

Well, unless you live in Florida.

Re: ITS viewers to vote!

[hotbeatz.livejournal.com]

B-b-but what could be more American than celebrity politics?

Re: ITS viewers to vote!

[typefiend.livejournal.com]

I could be completely wrong, but I think celebrity endorsed politics, although very "American" is ineffective at mobilizing change thus so far. I'm speaking of traditional celebrities in music, movies and television. The real powerbrokers now are the shouting heads on FOX News, Rush Limbaugh, and even quasi-journalist/comedian John Stewart.

Eminem's single is a good first step. I'd become a bigger fan if he continued becoming more political overall with his rhymes, as cynics might point out he's cashing in on controversy (and I agree with others that a more pop, radio-friendly tune would possibly be more effective in effecting more youth...a subversive and subliminal commercial jingle no selling Moet and Escalades, but the idea of political awareness and participation).