Are Rage Hypocrites?
Some people claim they aren't socialist, they are simply critiquing capitalism but that's not the impression I get, historically they have been staunchly anti-western, anti-imperialism and yes, anti-capitalism. They are absolutely hypocrites though when you consider their past statements and actions. They do indeed seem to be more charitable than some other groups, I will give them that, but to staunch defenders of their integrity I ask you.
Why does each member need to have one or several multi-million dollar mansions just because they live in a capitalist society. I will accept the "signing with Sony to spread the message" justification for the label, but explain the luxuries in their lives, their vacation homes.
How do you defend them showing support Shining Path, a murderous terrorist group who killed thousands of innocent people including women and children. And also including many of the "working class" who they proclaimed to be fighting for. And before you say "he supported the ideals not the method", what does that even mean. In what other context would you show the image or name of an organization and support it, but they just so happen to be mass murderers, but hey, that part you don't agree with. To me this alone should be career ending. The Che worship is also really cringe and fake as well.
The defense for their wealth has always been "we don't exploit, we make money off of our labor". Really? Is that the case. So the roadies, the low wage vinyl pressers, the people shipping their shirts the people cleaning their venues, did they get a piece of the pie? Did they get a piece of the mansions? If you believe factory workers are exploited, then I don't see how they would not qualify. Arguably the worst offense is the merchandise. T-shirts, are basically the pinnacle of capitalism, the shirts themselves have no value, have high mark up and only sell because of the image, there is no value being provided only money extracted. Not to mention it's not like they were the Tonys Chocaloney of clothing, they used major corpo entities like Warner-Elektra-Atlantic-Corporation, and rely on international textile workshops like those in China which are notorious for under-compensation. Again, what is the defense for this? They simply made a ton of money, selling useless shirts, using exploitative companies and distributors, and yet they are not hypocrites?
I've tried to defend them but it's classic champagne socialism, they can't even be transparent about where this stuff is sourced, so how can you take their messages serious? They are a good band none the less, but politically they are not heroes.