on fugazi, michael jackson, and we are the world

^^^ the glen E. friedman book of Fugazi photos is fascinating.  

The introductory essay by Ian Svenonius is a good piece of writing with Lacanian underpinnings and makes a nod at political songs by mainstream artists.

One part of the essay, referencing a song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie, is worth noting in view of yesterday's news:

[and particularly] "We are the World" a disgusting declaration of ruling-class supremacy disguised as a paternalistic, Kipling-esque 'save the savages' statement.

The album cover drives this point home in a real way, via wikipedia:

There was apparently a bit of a controversy around the lyric there's a choice we're making / we're saving* our own lives which has at least 2 interpretations, indeed.

* cf. save, entry 2: keep and store up (something, esp. money) for future use -- via trusty os-x dictionary.app