Pop Music, Counter Culture and Counter-Counter Culture

Aside from politics, music is perhaps one of the most important things in my life. Of course, my personal musical preferences tend to be quite different than the average music listeners. I tend to search out and seek new music, generally branded "indie" meaning independent or not with major record labels. Even from out here, I spend my free time and my money on ordering the latest music from my favorite artists. I also enjoy reading about the music industry and came across an article today documenting the rise of politics in music. The re-birth of musical political activism is being both hailed and decried as more voices than ever articulate points we applaud and views we starkly disagree with. Clearly, the “politicization of our society” is reaching a new high, at least for members of my generation who witnessed our musicians and actors actively supporting causes rather than candidates. As journalist Mark Brown noted in the article linked above, the artists of today’s mainstream and independent music scenes have traded causes for candidates.

“Yet this time around the stakes are different; these artists now risk alienating a large portion of their fan base. Compared with the current election, those other benefits are uncontroversial. Who is going to lose a significant number of fans for taking a stance against nuclear power, against world hunger, or in favor of family farms and specialized schools for the handicapped?”

He really brings up a great point. I remember growing up as a child and singing along with the star-studded tribute to Africa and world peace with the song, “We Are The World.” After being a fan of Radiohead for many years, I purchased “Hail to the Thief” despite the overtly political overtone of that album, even though I disagreed with it. I found it hard to truly feel this album like I had some of their lesser political works of the past. Ultimately, I found myself relegating it to the background of my music collection, rarely ever listening to it.

The mainstream of American pop music is full of artists and lyrics this year espousing an anti-Bush, anti-war message. From such well-known artists as Willie Nelson, R.E.M., and the Beastie Boys we have seen an array of public protest over our nation’s policies. There is not just a concert series of aging artists in the “Vote for Change” tour that will be hitting up the swing states over the next few months however, there is also the angst-ridden youth oriented “Rock Against Bush Volume I and Volume II”. The standard bearers of punk rock are not the only ones screaming and singing their own brand of politi-rock with bands such as Bad Religion, Rancid and NOFX, some new acts join these compilations such as the Soviettes. Add to that the upcoming “Future Soundtrack of America,” an album whose proceeds will go to supporting MoveOn.org and “other progressive causes.” This is the album that strikes a particularly disenchanted chord with me because it contains some of my favorite artists including Elliott Smith, Death Cab for Cutie, and the Flaming Lips. This compilation would be one I would have normally already pre-ordered from Amazon.com, but I am finding it increasingly difficult to support those artists (or at least those specifically anti-war designated albums), financially who publicize and fundraise for a message I disagree with so firmly. I support this war and believe our Commander in Chief has done a decent job in trying to make America safer. I have never donated to anti-war causes in the past, and as much as I want this particular CD, I can’t imagine donating the money I earn here in Operation Iraqi Freedom to a cause that directly opposes the good work I have seen taking place.

These albums and artists are among the tide of pop-culture that continues to saturate the marketplace with controversial ideas. I will say, I am not opposed to them having a voice, but I am voting for these albums with my wallet by not purchasing them. Let them make their inflammatory remarks, and when they return to making music I can sing along with and not have to check my principles when I turn them on, I’ll purchase them again.

In the meantime, there has been a swell of music and movements centered on ideas that are supportive of the Administration and the War on Islamic Terror. With artists like Toby Kieth, Darrel Worley and Clint Black echoing songs that beckon the memory of the tragedies on 9/11, encourage support for the war and praise the soldiers of the United States. There is even a youth movement underway called Conservative Punk, and Protest Warrior. Conservative Punk is a website and magazine that offers conservative political views with “an edge.” They sell merchandise and clothing that is designed to arouse sentiments that adolescents are always seeking. Their brand of non-conformism offers a t-shirt with Lenin on the front with a big red brand across his forehead that states Commie, and has the caption, Not In My Country. Protest Warrior seems to be the grassroots tool of this same counter-counter culture movement that has emerged, and prides itself on counter demonstrations. They take an admittedly strong stance in support of the administrations policies and the War on Islamic Terror, and pride themselves in sarcasm. Their front-page boasts a humorous satirical sign that states in large letters “War Has Never Solved Anything.” Above this phrase is the poignant statement, “Except for ending, slavery, Nazism, fascism and communism…” They pride themselves on being politically incorrect and advertise one sign that states, “Saddam Kills Only His Own People, it’s None of Our Business,” and another that displays a crowded street of joyous children and claims, “Liberating Iraqi Children from Tyranny is Costing Too Much.” These movements seem to be a reaction to the general political overtone of the youth rock culture.

With the politicization of our society at a new high in this election, and sentiments so strong on every side of the political spectrum, this election year is destined to be one to remember. Ironically, the anti-war songs of the 60’s and 70’s seem to have lost their “punch” these days, as a lot of joke around and play Hendrix and Dylan in our tents, belting out All Along the Watchtower after a day on guard duty. Perhaps 30 years from now our children will laugh at the markedly commercial political activism that signaled the beginning of the 21st century, or perhaps they will live in an even more politicized country than we do today.

Comments

[Kathleen A]

Chris,
With each passing day there are less and less musicians I can buy because of their new stance. For years I liked John Mellancamp, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Willie Nelson - but now I find it hard to bring myself to listen to their music without feeling upset. It's not that I don't want them to have an opinion, that's fine, I just don't like being FORCED to hear it. It's a shame things have gotten to this point. My biggest problem is the things they say about President Bush are so far off from my reality of the situtation, I question their intelligence, nevermind their politics. For people to compare this man with Hitler is unsettling to me. I don't know what it is they think America should do in the face of threats. Should we sit and wait again? This got us 9/11. I find the music of Toby Keith and Daryll Worley replacing the music I've always loved. Not because I'm a country music fan, but because I am uplifted by their optimism about America. I don't think the Democrats understand that MOST Americans are in the middle and hearing such horrible things about our soldiers and our president upsets us greatly. Here's hoping that the political climate gets NORMAL again and stops the division in this country. We're fighting a very REAL ENEMY - and we shouldn't be fighting each other. I wonder if these stars realize this???

[Pat in NC]

Chris, First of all, this new format is much easier to read-thanks for pulling in the margins abit. I too, do not want to support artists who use their concerts etc. to spread their politics.I wrote about this on my blog. I am thankful for freedom of speech and for my freedom not to listen. I support our President and hope he continues in the job even though I do not agree on all things, I respect the very difficult job he has. I respect and support you.

[Swet N Sassy]

Chris it is because of you and others like you that I have the freedom to speak and do the things I do here. I will not be purchasing many of the CDs that I would love to have just because I will not support the artist any longer now that I know how different they view things politicaly than I do. I feel we have lost enough lifes and continue to lose them . Thank you for what you do everyday so I might live with the freedom I have. Stay safe

[Swet N Sassy]

Chris it is because of you and others like you that I have the freedom to speak and do the things I do here. I will not be purchasing many of the CDs that I would love to have just because I will not support the artist any longer now that I know how different they view things politicaly than I do. I feel we have lost enough lifes and continue to lose them . Thank you for what you do everyday so I might live with the freedom I have. Stay safe

[Jason]

Quote: I support this war and believe our Commander in Chief has done a decent job in trying to make America safer.

...echoing songs that beckon the memory of the tragedies on 9/11, encourage support for the war and praise the soldiers of the United States.

I really honestly do respect our soldiers and what they do in the name of freedom. With that in mind I would like you explain to me why Iraq and 9/11 are constantly associated with one another? Why, when several key points have become common knowledge; WOMD were not possesed by Saddam's forces, Al Qaeda was not at all supported by Saddam, infact according to the 9/11 Commision's report(have you read it yet? Quite interesting.), bin Laden even RESENTED Saddam's regime - with these facts in mind, why are Iraq and terrorist threat still synonymous?

Please if you will also explain, how you support Bush and his foriegn policy when after 9/11 the entire world was behind the united states. Headlines in europe read: "We are all American's now". Hell, even China felt bad for us! Such intense support from arround the world and Spain, who has in the past year been rocked by an intense terrorist attack of their own days before their general election, felt lied to by their officials and in response turned around and ousted the popular candidate in favor of Jose Zapatero who "has promised to end Spain's close alliance with the US over Iraq and to revive its traditional ties with France and Germany."[1] - A nation that fully belived it had been victim of the al Qaeda [2] changed it's opinion in days to support a leader who would bring home it's troops from 'the war on terror' is either a nation of the insaine or a nation of people who understand that Iraq and al Qaeda are not in bed.
[1] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3513898.stm
[2] http://fbc.binghamton.edu/134en.htm

I support a war on terrorism. I support uprooting the al Qaeda. I do fully realize that an al Qaeda presence in Iraq at the present time is likely a real thing if the information here is to be deemed accurate [ http://cbftw.blogspot.com/ ], but realzing that they are not likely connected to any Iraqi government is also important. Iraq is about an agenda - and it's not yours or mine.

ps. I intentionally did not post an email address I monitor because if a rebuttal is to be made, it should be made where everyone can see.

pps. Regarding those counter-counter culture quotes you mentioned: “Except for ending, slavery, Nazism, fascism and communism…” ... You realize war hasn't actually ended any of those problems, don't you?
And in regards to "...a t-shirt with Lenin on the front with a big red brand across his forehead that states Commie, and has the caption, Not In My Country." Unless those shirts come with a copy of Frederick Engels _The Principles of Communism_ to ensure that everyone who wears them can proudly state 'Yes I know my enemy, I will be happy to tell you why communism sucks' then I can't imagine you would feel that promoting hate and anger twords any school of thought is in anyway a truely american view. Certainly it's allowed. But that works both ways.

[Jason Burke (different from above)]

Count Bruce Springsteen as another musician who has just become politically active:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/05/opinion/05bruce.html

For the record, that is not my post above, though it may mirror some of my views.

[andy]

Chris you rock, and I thank you for your services. I also agree I love music but hate their view(my choice so stay out of it damn libs). They have a right to have their opinion which is fine don't get me wrong the thing that upsets me is they don't support the HERO's and try to push their views on me. I don't care what you think I'm not trying to change you and I respect the same courtesy. I live in Portland OR, home of the liberal and a place where they are Hypocrites. They talk bad about the fine men and women who proudly serve life and limb to give them the freedom to bitch about everything; yet they have Rosefest and invite the navy to come and treat them like hero's. I know this cause I'm in the Armed Service and I'm active. I was walking downtown in uniform with some fellow comrades a few weeks after Rosefest and people were yelling at us to leave and other disgusting things. I couldn't believe it! HYPOCRITICAL BASTARDS!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THIS COUNTRY AND SUPPORT THE ACTIONS TAKEN TO MAKE THIS A BETTER COUNTRY. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT MOVE TO CANADA, THEY WILL TAKE YOU AND YOU CAN BITCH THERE. lets face it no one will every be happy with everything that goes on, and you have your opinion, but keep it to yourself. SUPPORT YOUR TROOPS, THEY ALLOW YOU THE RIGHTS THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T HAVE, SO QUITE FU*KING WHINING.