Topic: Iraq
A Critique of Iraq War Music Videos From anti-Bush to pro-War testosterone to Woe is Me, these videos present the different opinions on the Iraq War. What's yours?by Jake Towne, the Champion of the Constitution
(libertarian)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
By no means am I being all-inclusive with this brief synopsis, but it seems to me that most antiwar music vids that I have access to (the country I live in censors a lot) can be classified into three classes. The first group is the pro-war vids, which from all I’ve seen are more or less testosterone-driven most with a heavy dose of intended patriotism and some emphasis on their version of freedom – I assume they mean the Iraqis freedom. Second group are just as aggressive but in the opposite direction – the creators are incensed about the life and liberty lost by Iraqis and there is overall – forgiveness may be the best term - of the conduct of our troops. There is definitely a focus on Bush being evil and Hitler-like (wonder what Hitler would think of Youtube? ) Lastly there are a multitude of videos that just seem to be comments on the senselessness of war, perhaps a little ‘Woe are We, whatever will do now?’ Of the antiwar videos I’ve seen I have to say there is also special stress that they are pro-Troops but anti-War.
Its worth mentioning that the individuals creating these montage videos are investing quite a bit of time – many even arrange to have their images or videos to follow the lyrics, (MTV generation anyone?) There are comments from the creators like "two full days of my life went into this" and many write with a warning that this is their first video, so sorry its so sloppy. I chose mostly music videos without commentary just the lyrics – its an interesting exercise to open your mind for once and just try to see what the creator is trying to communicate – whether you agree or not.
First up, Testosterone Time! This video is claimed by Lance Corporal Jan Bender of the 3rd Battalion 1st Marines Iraq during the 2004 Fallujah assault, Seether – Outta My Way
Next the flip side. The creator dedicated this video to Alabama National Guardsman Douglas Barber who survived Iraq only to commit suicide while suffering from PTSD in 2006. He is not counted in the 4,594 American soldiers dead from Iraq and Afghanistan. Interestingly enough, it’s the same band Seether – Fine Again
Here’s the best example of a vehement anti-Bush music video I can find. Do you thinks its overboard? Its also to Seether – Fake It
Back to aggressive pro-War. I should mention here that there are hundred of prowar vids, they are by no means a small minority. Pennywise – **** Authority
And here’s the same song used by the Antiwars. The creator stresses "F*** Bush, Not Our Soldiers" Pennywise – Fuck Authority
And this antiwar decided to use History of all things. Nirvana – Rape Me
Last the third ‘war is a senseless evil’ group. The prime example is Alex Park’s song Mad World. This song really seems to strike a chord with a lot of people – there are HUNDREDS of different compilations at youtube. Here are just a few examples.
Well what do you think? Please leave any comments below.
My perspective is biased (not just my music tastes) – virulently antiwars (Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan). Below are a few links to my work. My Iran article is getting updated, but even now it’s a nice resource if you check out the links. My most original and time-intensive work was an analogy between the Vietnam and Iraq wars. My closest to breaking a real story (I am sore since I did get beat) was my report on Rumsfeld wistfully wishing amongst his generals that another 9/11 would occur so Congress would just shut up and give the DoD more money. Listening to the mp3 link will give you an insight into our Military Empire, which I also oppose but most Americans don’t care about or even acknowledge as existing. You also may like this collection of antiwar and freedom clips.
If you feel like it, join the Army - the Downsize DC Army that is - at www.downsizedc.org and email and call your representatives in Congress, tell them what you think about the war. If you want to chat with me about anything, shoot me an email. This article is dedicated to Monica and Jordan, just because they keep checking out what I write and keeping my spirits up - my recent antiwar articles have done fairly poorly in terms of readership at this Libertarian website, my new tactic of trying to use humor to attack apathy bombed (and judge for yourself, I challenged Petraeus to a boxing match), so its time to shift tactics once more.
Preemptive War and Freedom Video Clips Published: May 16, 2008 Sick of war? A countdown collection of videos centering on the Bush Administration's unAmerican policy of Preemptive War followed by a collection videos centered on Freedom and Anti-War. Maybe you missed a clip or two. Are you Insane like Ron Paul, Jesse Ventura, Mike Gravel or are you unAmerican like Cheney, Clinton, McCain, and Obama?
Listen up everyone there's something wrong! We got the answers in our sights now, But somehow still we struggle along Looking for solutions in a threatening sky But we never get an answer Just a chorus of voices wondering why We're stuck here without a peaceful day It's a promise in the night I'll be okay The superlative is telling me that help is on the way Won't someone tell me how will I make it through today Looking towards the future and all I can see Is the next generation looking back With pity on me Hunting for some insight or mean to change But do we have the will to or will our Future look the same HOW CAN I LIVE when you won't let me in HOW CAN I DIE without reasons why HOW CAN I LAUGH when I want to cry HOW CAN I GO ON with nothing nowhere How will I make it - Pennywise is freedom music. This is from 1995's 'Peaceful Day' (no war, just surf!)
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The views expressed in this
article are those of Jake Towne, the Champion of the Constitution only and do not represent
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<3 the Mad World song. It's great and can be applied to so many different situations in life - from the scared, confused 4th grader who moves to a new school and doesn't know anyone - to such a monumental event such as the one implied..
Its hard to say. Since I served four years in the Corps, I loved the first video. I love Marines and the Corps. They are the Spartans of our time and they are generally the best. WHat we do and are trained to to do is locate, close with, and destroy the enemy (official Marine Corps policy). Any jackass that feels that we joined the Corps for college money does not understand the mentality. As I have stated before, Islam is the enemy of our time much in the way that Nazism and Communism were in the previous century.
However, I will admit that the way in which we conducted the war has prolonged the conflict. We have not made the enemy hate death more than we do.
Also, seeing the death of so many Americans is sobering. Rumsfeld and his ilk are responsible for pussy-footing around and not bringing total war to the enemy and the civilian population that supports the insurgents and the jihadists.
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