Willful Ignorance is now a Legal Defence

Evidently sticking your fingers in your ears and ignoring things you don't wish to hear is now considered a valid legal strategy:

"The White House in December refused to accept the Environmental Protection Agency’s conclusion that greenhouse gases are pollutants that must be controlled, telling agency officials that an e-mail message containing the document would not be opened, senior E.P.A. officials said last week.

The document, which ended up in e-mail limbo, without official status, was the E.P.A.’s answer to a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that required it to determine whether greenhouse gases represent a danger to health or the environment, the officials said."

-- The New York Times

It's times like these that I wonder if our elected officials didn't somehow escape from an elementary school . . .

Read the Full Post

Viral Political Memes - The practice of creating an inherently infectious message or belief

I've been interested in the idea of viral memes since I first read Neal Stevenson's SnowCrash back in high school. Since then I've been on the lookout for examples of them in real life. They have been employed by artists with a suprisingly wide variety of intentions.

ObamaGirl was mostly geared towards entertainment (and likely some ad revenue). Others are inherently more political. Billionaires for Bush is certainly amusing but too easily dismissible. My personal favorite would have to be the Yes Men. I have an enormous amount of respect for their direct action based work. E.g. The way they made Dow Chemical "honest" after the Bhopal disaster. (They impersonated a Dow Chemical spokesperson live on the BBC World News -- publicly vowing to clean up the spill and pay for the medical treatment all those affected. When Dow publicly disavowed the claim their PR shattered).

Just recently I stumbled upon Women For John McCain. Very smart and funny, but I can't help but think that not everyone will realize that it's satire.

What do you think? How subtle is too subtle (to the point where it stops being effective)?

Read the Full Post

Poltical Bands

Most of us would agree that music is an art-form. Furthermore, it's oral component makes it the perfect vehicle for social and political messages. From songs sung by chain-gangs to Dylan's political work, music has had an indelible impact on our politics and society.

Can you think of an contemporary examples? Here's a list of some of mine, feel free to add more in the comments section.

Sweatshop Union

By far my favorite political hip hop band. Their lyrics are intelligent, elegant, and extremely poignant at the same time. Their flows are impeccable, and their melodies are like nothing you've ever heard in the genre. If you're only going to check out one band on this page, this is it! Song to check out: The Humans' Race.

Ben Harper

Harper is one of those few musicians whose work spans a large number of genres. His songs range from blues, to folk, to hard rock, to reggae, to funk. He's one of my personal favorites. Song to check out: Gather 'round the Stone.

Rise Against

By far my favorite political punk band. Their lyrics are poignant without being heavy handed, and the lead singer can actually *gasp* sing! Definitely worth a listen! Song to check out: Prayer of the Refugee.

Ani DiFranco

An outspoken feminist and progressive. Unfortunately her later work has mostly lost her activist message. Song to check out: Serpentine.

Antibalas

An Afrobeat band with anti-capitalist beliefs. Rather interesting and somewhat experimental music. Song to check out: Filibuster X.

Anti-Flag

A punk band with fervent anarchist beliefs. They have some of the most issue orientated lyrics I've ever seen (e.g. They have a song about the Project for a New American Century). While the lyrics are spot on 95% of the time, some of their melodies are subpar. That being said, they have been improving, and I have high hopes for their next album.

Bob Dylan

Unless you've been hiding under a rock for the past fifty years I'm going to assume that you know Dylan's work. Song to check out: Masters of War.

Catch 22

Catch 22 is a really fun ska band (if you're into that sort of thing). Intelligent messages, great brass band, and with such a fast tempo its perfect to dance to. Song to check out: Alma Ata (note, this is much slower/more mellow than most of their stuff).

Dead Prez

A fairly militant hip-hop band. Most of their songs deal with the issues of race and poverty. They've also released a few songs assaulting the damage hard drugs have done to our communities. Song to check out: W-4.

Grime

An up and coming political hip hop artist. He uses a lot of samples and his beats need some work, but he's certainly on the right track. His lyrics are intelligent and very message driven. He also gets major props for releasing his first album for free. Song to check out: Every Where is War.

Immortal Technique

Immortal Technique is probably the defining artist of the militant political hiphop genre. His work is extremely aggressive and in your face (and includes some conspiracy theories). That being said, he takes full advantage of his extensive vocabulary and his flow is virtually flawless. Song to check out: The 4th Branch.

KRS One

Widely considered the father of the socially conscious rap movement, KRS One is considered by many to be a classic. He advocated for ethics, responsibility, tolerance, female equality, and an end to senseless violence. Song to check out: Loves Gonna Get You.

Neil Young

One of the fathers of the grunge movement. Politically, he is most well known for his support of Native Americans and his criticism of the Bush Administration. Song to check out: Cortez the Killer.

Rage Against the Machine

Probably the most popular political band in the world today. I'm honestly not really a big fan of their music. Their lyrics and clunky and repetitive, and they go out of their way to preach to the choir. Song to check out: Wake Up.

Sabac Red

A political hip hop artist whose work is somewhat hit or miss. While the bad songs are weak, and sometimes juvenile, when he gets it right he really nails it. Intelligent lyrics, great flows, perfect uses of samples. My advise is to stay away from his older work and his live stuff, and jump right into A Change Gon' Come or one of his collaborative albums. Song to check out: I Have a Dream.

State Radio

A political rock/alternative band headed by on of the former members of Dispatch. Some very talented musicians, with a fairly unique sound. Their main focus is on corporate globlization, corruption, and the military industrial complex. Song to check out: Gang of Thieves.

Tracy Chapman

A bit slower than any other band in this list, Tracy Champan's music is powerful and heartfelt. She remains a strong advocate for minority rights as well as championing the lower class, the environment, and calling for an end to domestic violence. A very, very strong and wonderful woman. Song to check out: Talkin' Bout a Revolution.

Alright, that's my list. What are your favorite bands with political messages? Share and discuss.

Read the Full Post