Category Archives: Politics

Australian Political Music – do we lack interest?

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Yesterday I worked from home, and remained glued to the TV set as I watched Obama become the new President-elect for the United States of America. A very moving time no doubt, and one of those times you’ll say “I was doing such and such when the first black president was elected”. Never mind the fact that he is qualified to take the job in many many ways, his race is still a very defining moment for history. As part of his election, it ends the career of one of the most controversial Presidents, George W Bush (junior).

It may just be due to my age (I’m only 24), I’m too young to really know anything about their previous presidents except for Clinton (and the only thing that sticks out to me about him was that he has a thing for cigars and head jobs). With President Bush, I’ve been subjected to a lot of music protesting against his actions. And again, it may only be due to my age, but I’ve only just realised how many overseas artists are willing to sing about their political views. The most notable that springs to mind is Bono and U2 – I even studied Sunday Bloody Sunday in high school! He doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind. And as time goes on, more mainstream artists (if you can call them that) are talking about politics as well e.g. P!nk, Green Day, Dixie Chicks?

Then I look closer to home, and wonder where all our outspoken artists are. Perhaps I don’t listen to enough Australian music, or pay enough attention to their lyrics. But the only songs I could think of was Paul Kelly’s “From Little Things, Big Things Grow” and Midnight Oil’s “Beds are Burning” (another I studied in high school). I’m positive John Butler Trio would have some political songs amongst their mix, John Butler is very outspoken on particular things (like the uranium mining).

(Side note – I was actually at Live Earth in Sydney when they sang this, and the song echoed around the stadium with everyone singing along…fantastic moment)

**update – for more information about the inspiration behind this song, check out this wikipedia article on the Gurindji strike**

I searched for Australian Political Music on Google, and instead found this – an article written in 2006 where Midnight Oil used their induction into the hall of fame to call for more protest songs. I also found another article of a history of Australian Music pushing the boundaries of politics and social acceptance, but it only goes to the year 2000.

I asked the question on Twitter, and immediately got the following suggestions (thanks Oli!!):

Perhaps I’m either ignorant to the lyrics of music, listening to the wrong radio stations, or just have my head buried in sand….OR is it possible that Australian political music is either not prominent or not getting the attention it deserves? Or are the songs not being written?

Not pointing any fingers at all, otherwise I’m fairly sure I’d be shot down in a second, and I don’t think there is a wrong or right about it. I’m just curious to see where it all is, whether it died in the 90′s or if Australian artists are more conservative about taking a stand. Or whether I’m just being ignorant (have I said that enough already??) I just wonder if we’re going to start hearing music about Kevin Rudd anytime soon.

Australia – The Right to Leave

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As copied from an email I received, and something which I wholeheartedly agree with….plus, as typical email forwards, everyone’s probably read it already.

Our Country – YOU Have the right – the right to leave !

After Sydney not wanting to offend other cultures by putting up Christmas lights. After hearing that the state of South Australia changed its opinion and let a Muslim woman have her picture on her driver’s licence with her face covered.

This prompted this editorial written by an Australian citizen. Published in an Australian newspaper. Quote:

IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It !

We are tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the “politically correct” crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. We are not against immigration, nor hold a grudge against anyone who is
seeking a better life by coming to Australia.

However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand.

This idea of Australia being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle.

This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.

We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, Learn the language!

Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then we suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, Because God is part of our culture.

If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don’t like ” A Fair Go”, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, And we really don’t care how you did things where you came from.

This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our National Motto, or Our Way of Life, we highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, “THE RIGHT TO LEAVE”

If you aren’t happy here then rack off! We didn’t force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted. Pretty easy really, when you think about it.

I don't mean to get political but…

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Okay, I told myself I would never get political, but I think it’s time, and just to prove how much this will NEVER happen again, examine the next sentence.

I think John Howard is right.

There, I’ve said it. I’ll never say it again. But when it comes to Shapelle Corby, he’s right on that damn little target. There is no need to be rallying against Bali (and Indonesia in general) and certainly no need for deadly substances to be involved, if that was indeed a response to Shapelle’s sentencing.

If we sentenced their people, and they thought the parties involved were innocent yet the Australian justice system found them guilty, if the Indonesian people said “well screw them, I’m not visiting Australia anymore!” how cranky would be! I, personally, would call them wankers, and every other name under the sun, because they would be punishing the Australian people and one of our greatest income generating industries, tourism. And as the Tsunami demonstrated, (not only the fact that it’s common knowledge) tourism is a HUGE industry in Bali. And I don’t see any of the judges out there trying to sell cheap wallets, cds and clothing, so it sure as heck is income for the people, not their justice system.

One thing I would like to point out though, is that I believe she’s innocent. Absolutely. General feeling I’ve had from people I know that working in airports is that it would only be too easy to organise something similar to the drug rings that are going on. And yes, the Indonesian government has a history of corruption. I won’t deny it. But still, no need to punish the everyday happy go lucky “buy this watch” civilian.

So I say stuff you stupid protesters!! If I wanna go to Bali I bloody will! And I’ll lock my bodybag too!