Considering all of the amazing Clash songs out there, I’m surprised that you would pick this one. I am well aware of the real meaning of the lyrics, but I also know that historically they have been widely misinterpreted. I think it’s just too risky that the true meaning of the lyrics will be lost, and folks will just hear the phrase ‘white riot’ and take offense. Just my two cents.
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Nina – Your two cents are always welcome, especially in this case. As I’m sure you know, this song has been misinterpreted as being about a race war with the white race promoting an uprising. That’s not at all its intent. Instead, It’s more of a call for solidarity between oppressed groups, including poor whites and people of color. I considered including this insight when I wrote the article but omitted it in the interest of time and column space.
I think that you’re a fan of the Bandsplain podcast. They do an excellent job covering The Clash’s music and career, including discussing the real meaning of “White Riot:” in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3cz6pqSgjc8w9a3FYMr7es?si=2ac1dfd241fc4548
Considering all of the amazing Clash songs out there, I’m surprised that you would pick this one. I am well aware of the real meaning of the lyrics, but I also know that historically they have been widely misinterpreted. I think it’s just too risky that the true meaning of the lyrics will be lost, and folks will just hear the phrase ‘white riot’ and take offense. Just my two cents.
Nina – Your two cents are always welcome, especially in this case. As I’m sure you know, this song has been misinterpreted as being about a race war with the white race promoting an uprising. That’s not at all its intent. Instead, It’s more of a call for solidarity between oppressed groups, including poor whites and people of color. I considered including this insight when I wrote the article but omitted it in the interest of time and column space.
I think that you’re a fan of the Bandsplain podcast. They do an excellent job covering The Clash’s music and career, including discussing the real meaning of “White Riot:” in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3cz6pqSgjc8w9a3FYMr7es?si=2ac1dfd241fc4548