https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7OhclGO3CY
WHO?
I saw the headline online, something about an influencer running for Congress. That's all I needed to know, I didn't have to peruse the article.
And then someone sent me the video.
What do they say about stardom? You know it when you see it?
Kat Abughazaleh is a star. Just watch. You'll get it.
First and foremost she's running against an 80 year old incumbent. Just by posting on YouTube she shows up the ancient Democrats still in control.
But it's the way she speaks, directly to the camera, the way she delineates the issues, the way she radiates INTELLIGENCE! And PASSION!
I don't care which side of the political fence you're on, you'll get it. She's going straight for the jugular, with no B.S. And she's not talking down to the audience, rather she does a good job of conveying she's on their side.
Now compare this to music videos...
First and foremost, most of the acts are nitwits. They didn't go to college, many have been trying to make it before puberty. And they'll do ANYTHING to make it.
Save me the backlash about education. But in truth most learning in college does not take place in the classroom. It's hanging with new people, working out ideas, developing your identity.
But somehow education has been seen to be elite.
In any event, is it a crime to be intelligent?
So in most music videos the acts are either begging or talking to you from a fantasy land. It's not really about their music, it's about their career...please listen to me, MAKE ME RICH!
And when they're not making videos, the acts are complaining that the game is rigged against them. Do they expect us to have sympathy for them? After all, there's neither a dearth of performers nor stars, it's not like we're all sitting at home upset that there's just not enough new music. In other words, these bitching acts who desire attention...their pleas are falling on deaf ears.
What we all want at home is something that benefits US! Something that we can resonate with. Something that not only gets our attention, but we want to tell others about.
And very little rings this bell.
Then again, it's not the 1960s, never mind the 1970s, when music was exploding and defining the culture. Today it's like the 1950s. There's a business, there's product, but the entire world is not focused on new acts and their output.
But the entire world seems to be paying attention to influencers. What are they selling, how are they projecting, what is it that draws viewers to them?
Of course, of course, there's much more dreck than quality. The hit to sh*t ratio in the influencer game is even worse than it is in the music world. But those at the top, they've got that je ne sais quoi, you can't take your eyes off them, not only are you drawn to them, you're drawn BACK TO THEM!
But in music we have songs written by committee, produced and mixed by the usual suspects, turned into flashy turds. Whereas the influencer world is all singular. That's part of Kat's pitch, it's her, no consultants, no focus groups... This is what the internet makes possible, the ability to go directly from creator to fan, but too many in the music world are still looking for a leg up...won't somebody sign me, won't somebody give me money?
Oh, now I've pissed you off. You're not like this, why do I keep raining on your parade?
First and foremost these are generalizations. Do you think I'm going to listen to all of the hundred thousand tracks uploaded to streaming services each day?
Maybe you're the exception.
Then again, everybody thinks they're the exception.
Now subsequent to watching Kat's video I read this story in the "Washington Post":
"Kat Abughazaleh, from YouTube to Congress? - At 26, she's challenging a House incumbent who's held the seat since before she was born. Is this the beginning of the Democrats' 'tea party' moment?"
Free link: https://wapo.st/42dwyvw
Now the devil is in the details. First and foremost, Kat's a carpetbagger, she's not a native of this district (not that that hurt Lauren Boebert!) Also, she's of Palestinian heritage and she's not a supporter of Israel's activities in Gaza and the West Bank, and this is a heavily Jewish district.
But this is not about Kat Abughazaleh, this is about a younger generation doing it a different way, employing the new tools to convey an honest message. Not waiting in line for anointment, but taking the reins. They're mad as hell and can't take it anymore.
Meanwhile, all the boomers and consultants will tell you young people don't vote and they don't have any money to donate and therefore they should be ignored.
What can I tell these ancient stuck in the mud know-it-alls?
Be afraid, be very afraid.
Change can happen in an instant. It's about channeling discontent.
Isn't that what Trump did?
Now we've got Kat Abughazaleh.
But she's not the only one.
(And it's interesting that it's a woman, not a man. Too many men believe they've gotten a raw deal in society and want to throw a spanner in the works. This is the essence of "Adolescence." In a world of online dating, what are the odds you're going to be picked if you're not good-looking? Almost zilch. That's what the 80/20 rule is all about. It's the women who are leading today, because they're more educated and unafraid, having a built-in support group online. Men put each other down, trying to climb a greased pole. Women stick together, soothe and support each other. Sure, there are mean girls, but if you dig a little deeper...)
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