and activist Ji Geng, who wrote the original lyrics, pointed out, the new version lacks the depth and emotional resonance of the original. It erases the personal narrative and struggles of the characters, replacing them with generic slogans and messages of perseverance.
The decision to rewrite the song reflects the Chinese government’s ongoing efforts to control expression and shape public opinion. By co-opting a popular indie rock song and transforming it into a more positive and patriotic message, the Communist Party aims to promote its own agenda and maintain control over the narrative.
However, critics argue that this censorship and rewriting of art stifles creativity and limits freedom of expression. It also raises questions about the role of art in society and the power of music to convey important social and political messages.
The original song, “Kill That One from Shijiazhuang,” resonated with many people in China who could relate to the struggles and disillusionment depicted in the lyrics. It became an anthem for those who felt marginalized and forgotten in the face of rapid industrialization and economic reforms.
The decision to rewrite the song not only erases the personal experiences and stories of the characters but also undermines the power of art to reflect and critique society. It raises concerns about the future of independent music and expression in China.
Despite the government’s efforts to rewrite the narrative, the original song and its message of despair and hopelessness continue to resonate with many people. It serves as a reminder of the challenges and struggles faced by individuals and communities in the face of rapid change and industrialization.
As the Chinese government continues to control and shape the narrative, it is important to recognize and support independent artists and musicians who use their art to shed light on important social and political issues. The power of music to inspire and provoke thought should not be underestimated, and efforts to censor and rewrite it should be challenged and resisted.China’s Communist Party Rewrites Influential Indie Rock Song to Spread “Positive Energy”
A powerful indie rock song that depicted the story of despair in a struggling industrial city in China has been rewritten by a local Communist Party group in an effort to spread what the government calls “positive energy.” The song, titled “Kill That One From Shijiazhuang,” was originally released in 2010 and was widely interpreted as a reflection of the painful side effects of China’s modernization.
The original song, performed by the band Omnipotent Youth Society, told the story of a man who spent decades working a monotonous factory job, his wife growing increasingly insecure about the future, and their withdrawn son seemingly struggling at school. The lyrics painted a picture of disillusionment and hopelessness in the industrial city of Shijiazhuang, which faced mass layoffs and economic decline due to market reforms in the 1990s.
However, the Communist Youth League in Hebei Province, where Shijiazhuang is located, decided to rewrite the song to promote a more positive narrative. The revamped version, titled “The Unkillable One From Shijiazhuang,” largely kept the musical structure but changed the lyrics to remove the themes of despair and replace them with generic slogans about marching forward and perseverance.
The new version of the song gained attention when the Shijiazhuang government announced a campaign to rebrand itself as China’s capital of rock ‘n’ roll, using the song as part of its promotional efforts. However, the reaction to the revised song on Chinese social media has been largely unimpressed, with many users finding the new version even more depressing than the original.
China’s government has a long history of using censorship to control expression, but in some cases, it chooses to co-opt and transform forms of expression instead of outright erasing them. This tactic, aimed at spreading what the government considers “positive energy,” has also been seen in the promotion of patriotic hip-hop in Beijing.
While the Communist Party may have rewritten the lyrics of the influential indie rock song, it remains to be seen whether they can truly rewrite the emotions and sentiments that the original song conveyed. The power of music lies in its ability to resonate with people on a personal level, and it seems that the revised version has failed to capture the hearts of listeners so far.
What role does art, particularly music, play in conveying important social and political messages, and how does the co-opting of “Ety” by the Communist Party raise questions about this relationship
Ety, resonated with many people in China who identified with the struggles and disillusionment depicted in the lyrics. The song became an anthem for those who felt marginalized and forgotten in the face of rapid industrialization and economic reforms.
However, a local Communist Party group recently decided to rewrite the song to fit their own agenda and promote a more positive and patriotic message. The decision reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to control expression and shape public opinion.
The activist Ji Geng, who wrote the original lyrics, has pointed out that the new version lacks the depth and emotional resonance of the original. It erases the personal narrative and struggles of the characters, replacing them with generic slogans and messages of perseverance. This censorship and rewriting of art stifles creativity and limits freedom of expression.
Critics argue that this move raises questions about the role of art in society and the power of music to convey important social and political messages. By co-opting a popular indie rock song, the Communist Party aims to maintain control over the narrative and promote its own agenda.
Despite the government’s efforts to rewrite the narrative, the original song and its message of despair and hopelessness continue to resonate with many people. It serves as a reminder of the challenges and struggles faced by individuals and communities in the face of rapid change and industrialization.
In the face of government control, it is essential to recognize and support independent artists and musicians who use their art to shed light on important social and political issues. The power of music to inspire and provoke thought should not be underestimated, and efforts to censor and rewrite it should be challenged and resisted. The future of independent music and expression in China hangs in the balance.
It’s important to distinguish between promoting positivity and manipulating public opinion through music.
Music has always been a tool for expressing emotions and opinions, but when it becomes a vehicle for political propaganda, it can become a form of manipulation rather than genuine artistic expression.