THE ART OF POLITICAL DISSENT Shelby Crum 11 November 2015 PSC

Political Dissent The expression of discontent or resistance to those in power or the policies they put in place Opposition to systematic oppression or corruption

Forms of Political Dissent Many forms Violence Rebellion Riot War Revolution Peaceful Protest Demonstrations Art

Political Dissent & the Arts Common subject among many famous works of art Many artists have political motives Western countries More freedom due to individual liberties, free speech, etc.

“Hypnotize”, System of a Down“Hypnotize”, System of a Down, 2005 Armenian-American hard rock band 2005 album, Hypnotize Known for creating music with strong political messages Violence, corruption, brutality, oppression, injustice Common subjects addressed in songs “Hypnotize” Propaganda, protest, violence

“Hypnotize”, System of a Down, 2005 Why don't you ask the kids at Tiananmen square? Was Fashion the reason why they were there? They disguise it, Hypnotize it Television made you buy it I'm just sitting in my car and waiting for my... She's scared that I will take her away from there Her dreams that her country left with no one there Mesmerize the simple minded Propaganda leaves us blinded I'm just sitting in my car and waiting for my girl I'm just sitting in my car and waiting for my Girl

“Hypnotize”, System of a Down, 2005 Tiananmen Square massacre in China (1989) Student-led demonstration for democracy Military gunned down many civilians An example of political dissent Using this event as an example of corruption and oppression in government How easily things can be hidden from the public China never released official number of deaths Government tried hard to cover up the story (at the time)

“Hypnotize”, System of a Down, 2005 The song is an example of political dissent Criticism of governments Calling attention to propaganda Also inspires political dissent

“Bulls On Parade”, Rage Against the Machine“Bulls On Parade”, Rage Against the Machine, 1996 American metal band 1990s Well-known for strong political views and activism Controversy “Anti-American”, Anti-Corporatism, etc.… VIDEO

“Bulls On Parade”, Rage Against the Machine, 1996 Making stabs at bribery, police brutality, greed, corruption, etc. Aims to inspire revolutionary thoughts into the minds of viewers The music video itself is a form of political dissent Also inspires political dissent or revolutionary thoughts Tool for activism

Animal Farm, George Orwell, 1945 George Orwell Eric Arthur Blair Colonial India Grew up in England British class prejudice Burmese Indian Imperial Police Anti-Imperialism Animal Farm

Animal Farm, George Orwell, 1945 Allegory Animals overthrow Mr. Jones and start their own new society “Democratic”/“Utopian” society Pigs slowly begin to have more power Napoleon Snowball Become greedy and secretive

Animal Farm, George Orwell, 1945 “Animalism” taught to young animals All animals are “comrades”, humans considered enemies Pigs begin making decisions without consent “The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which is which.” (p. 97)

Animal Farm, George Orwell, 1945 Oppression Pigs = elite class Napoleon Bonaparte, French military expansionist (Imperialism) Making other animals work Manipulation IMPERIALISM (Orwell = anti-imperialism) “In order to hate imperialism, you have got to be a part of it.” – Orwell Propaganda “Animalism” being taught in schools Similar to propaganda used by Nazi Germany or Soviet Russia

Animal Farm, George Orwell, 1945 Political Dissent 1. The animal revolution Overthrowing “dictator” (farmer) 2. The publication of the book itself Obvious stab at classism, imperialism, authoritarianism, etc. 3. The inspiration the novel (hopefully) creates How it affects readers

V for Vendetta, Andy and Lana Wachowski, 2005 Future dystopia Authoritarian government People obey leaders blindly “V” the revolutionary figure Inspires citizens to rise against this government Violence is V’s chosen method V’s vendettas due to: The mistreatment of citizens in general How he was wronged in his past V dies at the end, but passes his message to Evey Evey inspires the people to finally stand up for themselves

V for Vendetta, Andy and Lana Wachowski, 2005 V = personification of political dissent Active and aggressive mode of dissent Fascist, authoritarian government Oppression Violence Propaganda Method of controlling/subduing the population “Strength through Unity, Unity through Faith” /11/21/ /V-FOR-VENDETTA-FILM jpg

V for Vendetta, Andy and Lana Wachowski, 2005 Reminds people that they are the ones with the power, despite what their governments may want them to believe

Concepts Connecting the Arts Oppression Governments abusing the rights of citizens Seen in all 4 works Violence Governments/those in power acting violently Also, violence as a form of political dissent Propaganda Seen in all 4 Commenting on the dangers of it

Conclusion Oppression, violence, and propaganda are common factors that lead to political dissent Instill dissatisfaction and anger Can lead to rebellions, revolutions, protest, civil wars, etc.… Amount and variety of artwork involving these concepts indicates the significance of political dissent in our world