Four Things to Inspire You: Laughing and Singing in the Face of Despotism
- Resonant 8
- Feb 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 27
True art asks questions, it challenges power, it recognizes humanity. It makes us feel.
There are many examples of work that can bring you inspiration during this time and for the continuing struggle. But here are a few things to put into your rotation to make your heart beat with determination and hope.
1.
Les Misérables
Victor Hugo’s landmark novel turned masterpiece of musical theater was recently sung by the Army choir at the White House Governor’s Ball. My heart hopes it was done in protest, but nonetheless, it doesn’t matter because anyone who knows the music and what Les Misérables stands for—it is everything Trump and the broligarchs are not-- brave, noble, fighting for equality, and embodying a belief and respect for the human spirit.
Songs likes “One Day More,” channel high emotions when facing and refusing to bow to despotism—the will to move forward, the will to keep fighting against it, the will to keep hoping for better.
Lyrics like:
One more day before the storm!... At the barricades of freedom… When our ranks begin to form… Will you take your place with me?
The time is now, the day is here.
Raise the flag of freedom high!... One more day… One day more!
And of course the utter powerful lyrics and music of “Do You Hear the People Sing?”:
Do you hear the people sing? Singing the song of angry men? It is the music of the people who will not be slaves again! When the beating of your heart echoes the beating of the drums there is a life about to start when tomorrow comes!
Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me? Beyond the barricade is there a world you long to see?
Then join in the fight that will give you the right to be free!
There are many ways to experience the musical—movies (including the most recent 2012 version), theater performances (recorded and live), and songs.
My all time favorites are both the 10th Anniversary Dream Cast performance and album:
2.
The Death of Stalin
This 2018 film is black comedy at its best. It satires the ridiculousness of socio-political systems that require bowing to cults of personality, the ineptitude of loyalist appointees, the ridiculousness of keeping tabs on whims and influences and in maintaining the façade of devotion in order to survive.
Best of all, the film is absolutely hilarious, and we all need a laugh right now in the face of the absurd and troubling world we now inhabit.
Some of my favorite quotes:
Georgy Malenkov:
Could you do me a favor and nod as I’m speaking to you? People are looking to me for reassurance and I have no idea what’s going on.
Lazar Kaganovich:
I’ve had nightmares that made more sense than this.
Georgy Zhukov:
I mean, I’m smiling, but I’m very fucking furious.
Vasily Stalin:
You’re not even a person, you’re a testicle!
3.
Andor
Of course, I have to mention Andor. I’ve come to belief this show (at least Season 1) is essential watching for Americans at this time in our history. The entire season is a testimony to the power of the people and the will to struggle against oppression, even when facing what feels like insurmountable odds. The show arrives quiet, seeping into your awareness and challenging your ideas of jedi heroism. It focuses on the people who live under the yoke and influence of the Empire. It follows Cassian Andor’s transformation, which acts as a reflection of transformation of “the people” into active participants of the Rebellion.
Epic monologues will set your heart and mind on fire with inspiration. There’s several of these that are rightly celebrated…
Luthen Rael:
The Empire is choking us so slowly. We’re starting not to notice.
Kino Loy:
How long we hang on, how far we get, how many of us make it out, all of that is now up to us. We have deactivated every floor in the facility. All floors are cold.
Wherever you are right now, get up, stop the work. Get out of your cells, take charge and start climbing. They don't have enough guards and they know it. If we wait until they figure that out, it'll be too late. We will never have a better chance than this and "I would rather die trying to take them down than giving them what they want.
Maarva Carassi Andor:
But I fear for you. We've been sleeping. I've been sleeping. We've had each other, and Ferrix, our work, our days. We had each other, and they left us alone. We kept the trade lanes open, and they left us alone. We took their money, and ignored them, we kept their engines churning, and the moment they pulled away, we forgot them. Because we had each other. We had Ferrix. But we were sleeping. I've been sleeping. And I've been turning away from the truth I wanted not to face.There is a wound that won't heal at the center of the galaxy. There is a darkness reaching like rust into everything around us. We let it grow, and now it's here. It's here, and it's not visiting anymore. It wants to stay. The Empire is a disease that thrives in darkness, it is never more alive than when we sleep. It's easy for the dead to tell you to fight, and maybe it's true, maybe fighting is useless. Perhaps it's too late. But I'll tell you this... If I could do it again, I would wake up early and be fighting these bastards...from the start! Fight the Empire!
Nemik’s Manifesto:
There will be times when the struggle seems impossible. I know this already. Alone, unsure, dwarfed by the scale of the enemy. Remember this: Freedom is a pure idea. It occurs spontaneously and without instruction.
Random acts of insurrection are occurring constantly throughout the galaxy. There are whole armies, battalions that have no idea that they’ve already enlisted in the cause. Remember that the frontier of the Rebellion is everywhere. And even the smallest act of insurrection pushes our lines forward.
And then remember this: The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear.
And know this: the day will come when all these skirmishes and battles, these moments of defiance will have flooded the banks of the Empire’s authority and then there will be one too many. One single thing will break the siege.
Remember this. Try.
Season 2 trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE4wxt70aUM
(You also might like to take a moment to enjoy the song used by Andor Season 2’s trailer as well. Steve Earle “The Revolution Starts Now.”) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP7Wqt9rEL0
ICYMI Season 1 trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKOegEuCcfw
4.
Pussy Riot
What’s become essential feminist punk rock, Pussy Riot came to the forefront fighting the Putin regime and the social elements that support him. Their bravery and effective punk message of mockery, preaching truth to power, and great music in the mission to expose and fight against authoritarian control in Russia provide inspiration.
Two favorites:
Putin Will Teach You How to Love (with video footage from protests with documented abuse by authorities):
Chaika:
Translation of lyrics include:
Be humble, learn to obey, don’t worry about material stuff. Be loyal to those in power, cause power is a gift from God, son.
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