Jay Z’s American Fascism

Ich kann gar nicht so viel fressen, wie ich kotzen moechte: I can’t eat enough to puke as much as I want to. The words of the great German-Jewish painter Max Liebermann as he watched the Nazis march through the Brandenburg Gate came to mind as I saw Ron Howard’s Showtime documentary about Jay Z’s 2012 “Made in America” festival. We’ve seen this all before: the emotive orator with a twisted face evoking surge of rage from a mass audience that responds with rhythmic arm gestures. I'm late to the party to be sure: This is the face of American fascism.

Who would have believed that a performing genre (it is a stretch to call it “music”) dominated by convicted and confessed criminals, brutally misogynistic, preaching and practicing violence, would come to dominate American popular culture? Jay Z, who brags of dealing drugs and shooting an older brother in his youth, and pleaded guilty to stabbing a record producer, could “help shape attitudes in a real (sic) positive way,” according to President Obama. Jay Z texts regularly with the president and is a regular White House visitor after opening Obama campaign rallies.

Once again, the watchdog press looks the other way. Can you imagine the outrage if Bush had invited to the White House some redneck with a white version of this crap?

Who would have believed that a performing genre (it is a stretch to call it “music”) dominated by convicted and confessed criminals, brutally misogynistic, preaching and practicing violence, would come to dominate American popular culture?

Could have been written, and probably was, decades ago about rock. Rap isn't nearly as dangerous as it's critics believe and it's practitioners pretend. A lot of the claimed criminal backgrounds are fake - part of a marketing strategy meant to appeal to testosterone-fueled male teens and young men by making the genre seem menacing and relevant. And, as with rock, most listeners aren't paying the slightest attention to the lyrics - just the beats and the speed and sharpness of the rapper's delivery.

As for Jay Z, he's a man meant for these times in Washington - a middle-aged, pudgy blowhard and fake tough-guy without a single original thought in his head who will endlessly pontificate on matters he knows nothing about. The '80s had Cliff Claven, the mailman on the show Cheers, and the new millenium has Jay Z.

I agree we now live in a fascist state ..its been created by Obama. ..he has fundelmently changes our relationship to the states..the American conset is the state serven the people..it is now the people serve the state..

I agree we now live in a fascist state ..its been created by Obama. ..he has fundamentally changes our relationship to the states..the American concept is the state serve the people..it is now the people serve the state..

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