Henry
Rollins is undeniably one of the greatest cultural voices in the world. Through
a massive collection of live spoken-word performances, Rollins has transcended
his position in the echelon of music as the unmitigated champion of 1980’s punk
music to an incredibly articulate and intelligent commentator of today’s
society. A true proletariat at heart, He takes no prisoners when speaking on
the topics of politics, foreign affairs, the attitudes of America and the
relationships ordinary folks employ between one another.
Henry
Rollins consistently propagates that the Marxian cultural superstructure in
America is mostly defunct and a tool to indoctrinate the working class with
ideologies of the bourgeoisie. Of course, he doesn’t come outright and pelt his
audiences with such obtuse academia - his stories and speeches such an essence
of a concept can be gleaned. Rollins speaks quite often about substance abuse
and how its role in communities has kept the proletariat down. To Rollins,
alcohol is a substance enculturated by the superstructure as a beverage of high
class and good times, when in reality it is quite the opposite – a crutch to
many who are already otherwise debilitated and effectively an element that
solidifies the working class to the base of the superstructure.
In any
sense, it’s highly interesting how Rollins’ identity as a speaker and thinker
has played out. After having been tethered to the identity of a punk band for
many years undoubtedly preaching the concerns of the working class one way or another,
Rollins could arguably now be defined in terms of “high culture”. His speeches
and lectures contain a great deal of knowledge, articulation, education – not to
mention the man is essentially a walking encyclopedia. His punk tendencies
still exist, but he has appropriated his former visage to become a figure who
may in a sense fit into the ideologies of the superstructure, while avidly and
ardently speaking against them.
Henry
Rollins is a man of integrity and talent, and I leave you with a classic piece of Rollins on Wal Mart
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