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RedditYou've heard of preemptive strikes. Now welcome to the era of pre-emptive co-optation. That's the kindest word for what millions of viewers heard during the 2009 Superbowl when GE used the work of the Great Depression's most famous songwriter to sell its myths about prosperity.
In its first Superbowl ad since 1981, GE riffed on the classic, the Wizard of Oz, to make the case that if America updates its power-grid we will see brighter days ahead. With Yip Harburg's "If I Only Had a Brain," playing in the background, closes with the Scarecrow walking off into the sunset toward a radiant city on a yellow brick road
What viewers may not know is that Harburg was a committed socialist who spent three years in South America opposing US involvement in the First World War. He was a victim of the Hollywood blacklist and was best known for his depression era anthem, "Brother Can You Spare a Dime?"
That song, which was all about the cheating of the American worker by the bosses, begins, "They used to tell me I was building a dream…" and ends with the refrain: "Say, don't you remember, I'm your pal? Buddy, can you spare a dime?"
That one of the world's most powerful military/media-mega corporations would use the bard of the laid-off worker is creepy. But there's more. GE, which among other things owns NBC, reportedly spent $3 million on their Superbowl ad in order to launch a campaign called NOW with the tag lie "innovation we don't have to wait for." While we can all get behind alternative energy and a smart new power grid, the idea that prosperity and growth are right around the corner is nothing more than smoke and wizardry. Moreover, will GE share the profits if public money buys the grid? Unlikely.
The fact is, for most American workers, there's no rainbow, only more pain and losses coming. "If I Only Had A Brain" might be a good anthem for GE. "Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime," is back for workers.
Laura Flanders is the host of GRITtv which broadcasts weekdays on Free Speech TV (Dish Network Ch. 9415) on cable (8 pm ET on Channel 67 in Manhattan) and online right here at GRITtv.org or streaming live on The Nation.com Mondays through Thursdays from noon to 2 pm ET.
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Relevance (0) Comments (0)
Posted by comancheamerican at 02/02/2009 @ 3:22pm
"Brother, Can You Spare a Dime," lyrics by Yip Harburg, music by Jay Gorney (1931) They used to tell me I was building a dream, and so I followed the mob, When there was earth to plow, or guns to bear, I was always there right on the job. They used to tell me I was building a dream, with peace and glory ahead, Why should I be standing in line, just waiting for bread? Once I built a railroad, I made it run, made it race against time. Once I built a railroad; now it's done. Brother, can you spare a dime? Once I built a tower, up to the sun, brick, and rivet, and lime; Once I built a tower, now it's done. Brother, can you spare a dime? Once in khaki suits, gee we looked swell, Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum, Half a million boots went slogging through Hell, And I was the kid with the drum! Say, don't you remember, they called me Al; it was Al all the time. Why don't you remember, I'm your pal? Buddy, can you spare a dime? Once in khaki suits, gee we looked swell, Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum, Half a million boots went slogging through Hell, And I was the kid with the drum! Say, don't you remember, they called me Al; it was Al all the time. Say, don't you remember, I'm your pal? Buddy, can you spare a dime?
Posted by julien38 at 02/02/2009 @ 3:29pm
With the thoughts I'd be thinkin'
I could be another Lincoln...
If I only had a brain.
That last paragraph in your excellent article was SO pessimistic, Laura... but we're all struggling with this one these days...
Though the logistics are such that the Government is going to have to step in and provide some assurances... I'm convinced that a few steps in the right direction will suffice to flop this downturn sunnyside up!
Good attitude just ain't no platitude...;^)
Posted by ttr at 02/02/2009 @ 3:30pm
Uh....yeah.
Okayyyyyyyyyy.
Posted by Mask at 02/02/2009 @ 3:53pm
i don't watch the commercials.
Posted by frosty zoom at 02/02/2009 @ 4:15pm
ms. flanders,
please take our comments with a grain of italics</i>
Posted by frosty zoom at 02/02/2009 @ 4:46pm
River it like to flow Eagle it like to fly Eagle it like to feel Its wings against the sky Possum it like to run Ivy it like to climb Bird in the tree and bumble bee Want freedom in autumn or summertime Ever since that day When the world was an onion "Twas natch'ral for the spirit To soar and play The way the Lawd'a-wanted it Free as the sun is free That's how it's gotta be What ever is right For bumble bee and river and eagle Is right for me We gotta be free The eagle and me.
I think that's a little more like it. Thanks Yip.
Posted by ficheye at 02/02/2009 @ 6:16pm
Someday I'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far Behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops, Away above the chimney tops.
That's where you'll find me.
Posted by frosty zoom at 02/02/2009 @ 6:35pm
I feel sorry for anyone who has to be exposed to american television at all.
Posted by aethera at 02/02/2009 @ 7:21pm