🎸 PROPAGANDA, ART & THE BURGER GENERATION 🍔✊
I've been thinking about the role the arts have played in spreading news, propaganda and, of course, advertising. 🎭📺
A few days ago, I was watching a TV series when a scene caught my attention. It seemed completely unnecessary to the storyline, yet there it was; a subtle message about something we should do, conveniently connected to a drug company. 💊🤔
I've noticed these things since I was young. Those little narratives woven into entertainment, the messages we're encouraged to absorb without questioning.
Sometimes I wonder why more people don't notice them. I seem to be particularly resistant to advertising? And I know I have always had a strong aversion to being told what to think? 🧠
Even at university, I remember thinking, "Hang on, that doesn't sound right..." And no, thanks, I don't think I'll join your club!
I've never been particularly comfortable following the crowd. Even at school, I struggled with fashion, not because I didn't care what I wore, but because I wanted to decide for myself what I liked. Sometimes I'd simply make my own clothes! 🧵👗
There's a fascinating psychological aspect to all this. Humans are wired to seek belonging. Being excluded from the tribe can feel threatening, so we often conform just to remain part of the group.
But I've never been especially interested in doing something simply because everyone else is doing it.
I'd rather follow my conscience, question the narrative and make up my own mind. ✊❤️
Of course, none of us is completely immune to influence. But I do believe questioning what we're being told is more important than ever. 🎤 And that brings me to this video...
Me, playing my first solo gig at The Gluepot, around 1990, singing Burger Generation. 🍔🎶
With Terry Moore (Bass) , Mark Petersen (Guitar), Craig Mason (Drums) and Dragan FKA Zan (Vox)
Looking back at that young woman on stage, I feel incredibly proud. 🥹❤️
She was questioning consumerism, conformity and the messages society was feeding us.
And more than 35 years later, I realise something rather wonderful...
I stayed true to that song. And I stayed true to myself. ❤️🎸
Maybe I've never really been part of the gang. And that's absolutely fine by me.
🔥 Think for yourself. Question everything. Stay curious.
Link to video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVdRVXqRQWA&list=RDvVdRVXqRQWA&start_radio=1
#BurgerGeneration #TheGluepot #NZMusic #IndependentThinking #QuestionTheNarrative #ArtAndPropaganda #ConsumerCulture #StayTrueToYourself