powerless, with a guitar

[darren_stranger]

On Foreign Correspondent last night they had a story about rock festivals in China. It started with footage of a punk rock gig in Beijing, which somehow struck me as an odd thing to be seeing. One image in particular that jumped out at me was the word 'DISORDER' painted across one punk's leather jacket. Given that the People's Republic isn't much more tolerant of dissent now than it was in 1989, it seemed strange that even this amount of fashionable rebellion was permitted.

Of course, it emerged that while the authorities are prepared to tolerate things like punk rock, songs about unemployment, corruption and other political topics are strictly off the menu, as you'd expect. But the very fact that this sort of western decadence is allowed in what is still a pretty hardline authoritarian state did surprise me.

Thinking about it though, the thing that sticks with me now is that this is perhaps a good an indicator as any of just how much of a threat to the status quo 'alternative' scenes like punk really are. Perhaps a Beijing punk with DISORDER painted across his jacket (in English, not Chinese, by the way) is the perfect symbol of political impotence as fashion.

Comments

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Whilst I agree with what you say (I'm certainly no friend of the PRC), I was pleased to see criticism at the CCP congress on the use of the death penalty.

[strang-er.livejournal.com]

There was?

That's heartening. i thought China'a love of the death penalty was second to none.

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Caught it on the SBS news (where else?). It was heartening watching this young delegate get up, and tell the heads of state that being the world leader in executions isn't very nice. Ballsy character (if I can use the masculine phrase).

See also this:
http://washingtontimes.com/world/20030717-113150-8217r.htm

There is cause for some optimism.