I'll start. This lyric is from a System of a Down's song called "Hypnotize". It is a powerful rhetorical question designed to make a strong point about genuine activism and the motivations behind it.
"Why don't you ask the kids on Tiananmen Square, was fashion the reason why that they were there?"
Here's the breakdown of what it means:
Tiananmen Square: This refers to the pro-democracy protests that took place in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China, in 1989. These were student-led demonstrations calling for political and economic reforms, freedom of speech, and an end to corruption. The protests culminated in a violent government crackdown on June 3-4, 1989, resulting in many deaths.
"Was fashion the reason why they were there?": This is the core of the message. The "kids on Tiananmen Square" were risking their lives and facing brutal government repression for deeply held beliefs about freedom, democracy, and human rights. Their actions were a matter of life and death, not superficial trends or personal style.
System of a Down's intended meaning:
By contrasting the serious, life-or-death struggle of the Tiananmen Square protesters with the idea of "fashion," System of a Down is likely critiquing:
Superficiality in activism: The band is suggesting that some forms of modern "activism" or rebellion might be driven by superficial motives, like wanting to appear trendy or rebellious, rather than genuine conviction and a willingness to sacrifice for a cause.
Manufactured consent and distraction: The broader context of the song "Hypnotize" often touches on themes of media manipulation and how people are distracted by trivial matters while significant global issues go unaddressed. The line implies that while some are focused on "fashion," others are fighting for fundamental freedoms.
The gravity of real struggle: It serves as a reminder of the true cost of fighting for freedom and justice, highlighting that people in places like Tiananmen Square weren't there for a casual protest or to make a fashion statement, but because they believed in something so deeply that they were willing to die for it.
In essence, System of a Down is asking listeners to reflect on the seriousness of genuine political struggle and to consider the real motivations behind people's actions, particularly when compared to more trivial concerns in consumer-driven societies.
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| Added: | 4 days, 15 hrs ago 15 Jun 2025 02:19 CEST |
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