Burningman - Politics = Apples - Oranges

[MrAdministrator]

The thought that Politics could possibly have anything to do with a festival of art is hilarious to me. Like with George Lucas's new Film Star Wars Three, Revenge of the Sith, immediately people begin to believe that the expression actually has any direct reference to modern political delusions. If you're going to make a fuss over governments and such in art you may as well be talking about the fall of the roman empire, or some other old republic becoming an empire, or better yet, write your own story. It's all just a repeat and it would be really sad if something so "precious" to us as Burningman were to become saturated by yet another misunderstanding of current events. Don't let the Cult become a voice box for boring Idealists. Let it be what it is. A festival that is forever falling apart and burning to the ground.

MrAdministrator
http://www.blackrocklemonade.com

[spectabillis]

Might want to define politics, political satire has a history in expression of art.

[EvilDustBooger]

Thank you for that sentiment. Nothing is as annoying as having someone unload their political views and dogma on innocent bystanders.(except for when that overly aggressive semi-truck-driver pulls up beside you on the highway and,...T SSHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhh!!!!....bleeds his air-brakes in your ear) However, I think we would be deceiving ourselves
if we thought that there were no politics involved with the BM event or art in general. Art quite often displays the politics of the time.
In politically charged times like these, in a "free"(for the time being) society like America, I believe artists ooze politics, not only from the millions of sphincters all over their bodies, but from their subject matter, and the way they present their art. I think art can change peoples minds,...influence, define, and clarify political thought...just look at the impressionists...
I do also believe that we shouldn`t force people to hear our views....
You have me re-thinking my ideas about "Soapbox Camp"

Maybe one night of oral expression is enough. I`d hate to be known as the one that started the never-ending political rant camp.....

[blyslv]

Thank you for that sentiment. Nothing is as annoying as having someone unload their political views and dogma on innocent bystanders.(.....

Well except unloading your hippie dogma perhaps.

[theCryptofishist]

Might want to define politics, political satire has a history in expression of art.

Okay, more than that. Guernica. A good deal of Roman marble busts/portraits/statues. Beethoven's Victory at Waterloo piece as well as Tchaikovski's 1812 Overture. David's Paintings. Some of Twain's writings. Totem poles (is that the respect ful name for the Pacific NW tall pole art?) Gothic cathedrals. Probably the Elgin Marbles. Certainly the Assyrian Lion Frescoes. African chairs. Heck even "Art for Art's Sake" is also a political slogan.

[Chai Guy]

"Everything Has Political and Social Ramifications
Even taking your kids on vacation... "

- Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy

[EvilDustBooger]

A Hippy Political Rally:

hey man...

...cool.

far out...

..peace.

love...

...grass.

we`ll see ya at woodstock.

[montana wildhack]

Well except unloading your hippie dogma perhaps.

freak flag? check.

aforementioned flag flying? check.

intelligent, spirited discussion? check.

hot hippy lovin'? check.

i'm with ya at woodstock and burning man, baby.

[synchronicity]

I don't need to know your political leanings any more than in most cases do I need to know your shoe size. I really don't want to talk about the "real world" when I'm in the Real World.

[HughMungus]

"Everything Has Political and Social Ramifications
Even taking your kids on vacation... "

- Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy

This is my take. I think "Is Burning Man political" is a nebulous question. I think people learn a lot about how they fit into the world at Burning Man (if they didn't know it from some other source already) and there are some "political" ideas propagated at Burning Man (LNT, gifting, participation, etc.) but I don't think the event, itself, has any kind of agenda except as it needs for its own survival.

[joel the ornery]

<plonk>

[MrAdministrator]

Well, I'm glad I posted these thoughts here. I remember being a bit erked last year when there was only a minimal quantity of political discussion at the festival. And the people at my camp black rock lemonade were just unwilling to discuss anything political at all. There was sort of a cold shoulder towards it. I suppose I should quit being such a little smart a$$ and be happy that I actually found some burners that are thoughtful and interested in it. Vote Me For Prez.
Later,

http://www.blackrocklemonade.com