Saturday, September 05, 2009

Glenn Beck <3s Muse

I haven't ever been a Muse fan. They felt like a 2nd generation copy of pre-OK Computer Radiohead to me. Their new single, "Uprising" isn't too bad though. They invoke the glam rock anthem just as good as AFI's "Miss Murder" and it hints of the awesome Dr. Who theme.

The paranoia is in bloom, the PR
The transmissions will resume
They'll try to push drugs
Keep us all dumbed down and hope that
We will never see the truth around


Another promise, another scene, another
A package not to keep us trapped in greed
With all the green belts wrapped around our minds
And endless red tape to keep the truth confined

They will not force us
They will stop degrading us
They will not control us
We will be victorious

Interchanging mind control
Come let the revolution take it's toll if you could
Flick the switch and open your third eye, you'd see that
We should never be afraid to die

Rise up and take the power back, it's time that
The fat cats had a heart attack, you know that
Their time is coming to an end
We have to unify and watch our flag ascend

They will not force us
They will stop degrading us
They will not control us
We will be victorious

They will not force us
They will stop degrading us
They will not control us
We will be victorious


Rightwing douchebag Glenn Beck has taken a liking to the song Uprising and has claimed it as some anti-leftwing/anti-liberal anthem. The strangest thing about this for me is that, while I don't think Muse intend any meaning other than vague poetical anti-authoritarianism, the lyrics are more damning of Beck's political allies and stances.

What does it mean when the pro-corporate wealthy capitalists coopt such language? Populist fascism. 1984-esque double speak. Beck throws out paranoid accusations and no matter what sticks, it sure feels good and fits the illicit narrative he has worked so hard to create.

The paranoia is in bloom

7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is one case I hope Muse speak up and just trash the guy. Door's open, break one of your fan's evil little hearts.

7:52 AM  
Blogger shane said...

Agreed.

I really think Muse need to distance themselves from Beck. To not do so only serves to fuel his fascistic (assumed) misunderstanding of their song.

8:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You've got it all wrong, you're thinking too America-centric. Muse is referring to the current UK political climate with Uprising. The climate there has been on of extreme left wing, Obama-esque government under Gordon Brown and the Labour party. Bellamy's shout out to "revolution" is in fact a call to return Britain to a more Libertarian system of old.

Interestingly, in the recent elections in the UK (as well as most of Europe) the conservative parties won in landslide fashion, ousting the liberal leadership. Leftist Labour is no longer in power in the UK. Europe is about 10 years ahead of the US in this cycle. While Beck may not be the best association for a band looking to ride the wave of young, leftist, anti-Bush (not anything else) hipsters, Bellamy is in fact a Libertarian.

1:56 PM  
Blogger shane said...

I was aware Muse are from the UK. I kept that in mind and figured that made any intention of theirs even less relevant to Glenn Beck's crusades.

You are clearly out of touch with reality to 1)think the UK political climate is anything close to extreme leftism, 2)that the UK government resembles anything like the US government under Obama or anything that he is proposing. The scope and size of the social services alone in the UK would make Glenn Beck piss his pants.

I am going to take a shot in the dark and guess this "Libertarian system of old" you claim Muse is calling for is the Ayn Rand-esque fascism of Thatcher which did nothing but serve to make the rich richer and the poor poorer. That is far from true libertarianism.

If Europe is again ahead of USA in the Fascism cycle, then we all better get armed and organized quick.

2:19 PM  
Blogger shane said...

Anonymous,
CHECK THIS OUT

11:14 PM  
Blogger Stever said...

I used to think just like you,so I don't mean to be harsh, but have you ever read a non-socialist point of view book that actually explains the facts that fascism , socialism, and good old fashion American Progressivism all flow from the same political point of view of top-down, anti- faith, elitist-controlled totalitarian government?

It may blow your mind when you expose yourself to non- lefty approved information.

Try the book "Liberal Fascism" for a good historical overview. If you aren't allowed to read a book written by a non-lefty there are others.

The truth will set you free friend.

8:25 AM  
Blogger shane said...

Stever,

Top-down? Yep.

Anti-faith/religion? Well, socialism is- not the other two.

"Elitist-controlled totalitarian government?" Isn't that just conspiracy theorist for 'top-down'?

Luckily for us, I am an anarchist. If you are unfamiliar, anarchy rejects government period. We also reject religion.

I am familiar with the book Liberal Fascism. I don't have much interest in reading it as it seems like a desperate attempt to link entire ideologies by tenuous associations.

I will check with the Global Anarchist Leadership Council on what I am allowed to read.
Thanks

8:55 AM  

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