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

[aristoprat.livejournal.com]

Yes, pop could change the world and people's opinions. If you think about it, since everyone is exposed to the mainstream, it's only pop that can change the world. Since only stupid people vote.

But political statements in music can also backfire and bite you hard in the arse. Like in the beautiful 80s, Bruce Springstine released Born In The USA. It was a song about the poor treatement of Vietnam veterans. And what did the Democrats do? Took the song as their campaign soundtrack. They didn't actually listen to the song or read the lyrics. It was the chorus that went "I was born in the USA" over and over and they thought it was patriotic. So you have to be careful in this field.

Black Sheep

Springsteen....

[(Anonymous)]

If I remember correctly , it was the Republican's campaign that used "Born in the USA" and Springsteen politely asked them to stop (while willfully NOT endorsing any candidate).
Caught your point about stupidity, politics, and pop music....but be extra careful when you bring it up. Come correct, (Don't go blaming the wrong party.) right?

Justin

Re: Springsteen....

[aristoprat.livejournal.com]

Sorry. But both parties are hypocritic arseholes.