Monday, May 2, 2011

Music Trivia: What 1988 song refers to Stalin, Mussolini, Kennedy and Ghandi?

Songs make political statements all the time - that's pretty much par for the course at this point.  Most political songs are protest songs in some way.  Some, however, deal with broader political issues - like the nature of politics itself.  So, off of Pocket Trivia: Music Trivia - What 1988 song refers to Stalin, Mussolini, Kennedy and Ghandi?  Is it Ohio, Freedom, Cult of Personality or This War?


The correct answer to this one is Cult of Personality by Living Colour.  The song's name was inspired by the so-called Cult of Personality that was used by many leaders (such as Mao and Stalin) for propaganda purposes.  It essentially involved the use of propaganda to create an image of godliness, perfection and happiness, tying all of those images with the leader in question.  The song deals with that topic, noting many leaders who have used the technique (including some Americans) and reminds the listener that "Only you can set you free."

The song not only referred to the leaders noted above, but included quotes from Malcolm X, JFK and FDR.  

Heavy listening.

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