Glimpsed a TV showing the video of K'naan's "Wavin' Flag" charity single. The penultimate anthem of caring for your fellow man. Dozens of Canadian artists were singing this tune in unison, as it's been re purposed in this version to benefit Haiti, the lyrics altered slightly, like a new take on We Are The World.
Yet the lyrics still don't suit Haiti. Vague references to war and poverty and fighting for freedom. It's remarkable how K'naan wrote a tune that's about rising up for some vague conflict, in some undefined country; basically what U2 has been trying to write, when in their social activist mode.
It's terrible music for a good cause, of aiding Haiti; yet the tune is still inane and ridiculous, and at times stomach-churning in this new context. Most involved in the recording, and eventual consumption of the single, are passionate for wanting to be good. The barely-defined, worldly problems in the lyrics, alongside the Church choir-like setting and ambiance, make this a song of people rising up for goodness, instead of rising up for badness.
An example of similar inanity: Across Canada there's a banner ad campaign that reads, in large bold letters, "Child Sex Abuse is Wrong."
What's next, songs against murder? People patting themselves on the back because they've not killed anyone? There's a sizable difference between today's activist music, and that of the best 1960s activist tunes.
I don't mind K'naan's music, though since many white people have latched onto it, it's unbearable when I have to hear about it. I can say I don't really care for it, and I'll be believed to be a bad person. Even a bigot. It's the same with other musicians who have, say, worked for gay rights - listening to the music is shorthand for being a good person. I'm of the punk school and find that sickening - as if appreciating some artist, and raising them on a pedestal, then buying their MP3s, is really contributing to anything.
Congratulations! You're not very racist! Want a medal?
EDIT:
Then again, it may be a big of a contribution as well, maybe - cue interesting debate on consumerism.
Yet the lyrics still don't suit Haiti. Vague references to war and poverty and fighting for freedom. It's remarkable how K'naan wrote a tune that's about rising up for some vague conflict, in some undefined country; basically what U2 has been trying to write, when in their social activist mode.
It's terrible music for a good cause, of aiding Haiti; yet the tune is still inane and ridiculous, and at times stomach-churning in this new context. Most involved in the recording, and eventual consumption of the single, are passionate for wanting to be good. The barely-defined, worldly problems in the lyrics, alongside the Church choir-like setting and ambiance, make this a song of people rising up for goodness, instead of rising up for badness.
An example of similar inanity: Across Canada there's a banner ad campaign that reads, in large bold letters, "Child Sex Abuse is Wrong."
What's next, songs against murder? People patting themselves on the back because they've not killed anyone? There's a sizable difference between today's activist music, and that of the best 1960s activist tunes.
I don't mind K'naan's music, though since many white people have latched onto it, it's unbearable when I have to hear about it. I can say I don't really care for it, and I'll be believed to be a bad person. Even a bigot. It's the same with other musicians who have, say, worked for gay rights - listening to the music is shorthand for being a good person. I'm of the punk school and find that sickening - as if appreciating some artist, and raising them on a pedestal, then buying their MP3s, is really contributing to anything.
Congratulations! You're not very racist! Want a medal?
EDIT:
Then again, it may be a big of a contribution as well, maybe - cue interesting debate on consumerism.
