An artifact that I believe represents the current condition of our nation, both socially and economically, is the song "There's a War Going On For Your Mind” by the Flobots. This song was my main focus in the essay that we recently wrote. Its deep lyrical metaphors present a relatable and stirring image of our nation today. Though just 83 seconds long, it captures the essence of what has been going on for years. Defining a consumer culture and brand-loyal mentality with a borderline scornful tone as well as telling a story; the story of our evolving culture. It tells the story of the all-powerful CEOs, advertisers and corrupt politicians who are waging war with the “conscious rappers” and “lovers” on the battlefield that is the minds of the American public. There is a suggestion that the efforts to retaliate are ineffective, perhaps due to the magnitude and relentlessness of the methods that these “cooperate crack-heads” use. The effects of advertisements are becoming increasingly subliminal due to the new emerging vehicles by which “media-mavens” can reach people. Because of this, the mass of citizens are becoming less and less inclined to speak out against this manipulation. This song is a reminder. A call to arms. Its substance resonates within me each time I hear it. Despite its tone and bluntness, the song relays many of the same ideas from Technopoly and Signs of Our Times. It does this mainly through the exemplification of modern day issues rather than the examination of past instances; nevertheless the meaning remains similar. This artifact provokes the suspicion that others in this form (songs, art and other media) might emerge. Below is a link to the song on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP5yA3RwzOk
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