are actually going against all that Ché stood for, by use of his image? It strikes me as odd that a man that stood against Imperialism and Capitalism then ends ups as a multimillion dollar selling icon, and further more that his "fan boys" endorse this capitalist scheme. I'm led to believe that these people know little of Ché or his belief of Marxism.Various Socialist Party recuitment stalls around Belfast display a Flag with the face of the "Legend" emblazoned on it. When I approached them to question this inappropriate use of the flag I was informed "it attracts the youth". What this means is it attracts the uneducated Youth with no Political agenda, based merely on an image of a man they know nothing, or little off. Now obviously this can not be applied to all who have a following for Ché, but surely they realise the hypocrisy of Ché tee shirts, especially if members of the Religious groups in our societies wear them. Ché followed his father in his disapproval of Religious organisations, and though born into a Catholic family, quicly fell away from it.
Before beginning this blog I loaded my favourite online shop and entered the word che and to no suprise was met with hundreds of items displaying the Ché icon; Books, DVD's, tee shirts, satchels, hats, beanies, wrist bands, wallets, badges, canvases, coasters, clocks, posters and dolls. Not to mention the unlimited other items this site doe not sell including Ché lighters, belt buckles and beer etc. Further more we have sites such as http://www.thechestore.com
Would Ché endorse this? I certainly don't think he would. I can see the need for history books detailing the historical character, I for instance have recently began to read one I found in my dad's library of historical books. However this is different from the rest of the garbage that is for sale, by capitalist companies that are fully aware that the Ché image is incridibly eas
y to market for the youth, who percieve themselves "different".As if this complete misuse of Ché's image wasn't enough, most other symbols connected to Socialism and Revolution are way way over used. The very typical over use of a red or yellow star is just another example. How many in our "Socialist Youth" organisations even know the origns of this star or why it is still used on connection to "revolution"? In fact little is really know about the origins of the use of this symbol, and I personally deem it irrelevant today.
Another symbol which I once again can't stand to see today, is that of the fist. It takes more than the wave of these symbols to be a socialist or a revolutionary. These symbols of revolution today, are no more than an attempt to be different. It is far cooler in this day and age to be against something, than for it. Most of our youth displaying these symbols, if they even realise the political connections, will know little of what they are laying claim to by wearing these shirts, or hanging these flags.
The symbols have merely become a symbol overused in the "alternative" or punk scene, more in connection to music than Politics. Much like fans of Rage against the Machine, a band who claim to be singing about Socialism and revolution and the need for change in certain aspects of society. Many of the fans of this band will proudly display their affection for Ché by buying into the capitalist merchandising world, without having any real knowledge of what the man was involved in, many using the typical soundbyte, claiming him to be a Cuban revolutionary, without mention that he was an Argentinian, if that is a word, and that he was involved in Revolution in Cuba, The Congo and Bolivia.
I do not claim to be a revolutionary, but I am a socialist, in that I believe that people need to come first. The poor need to come before the rich, and that no one member of the Public is better than anyother. Politicians, celebrities, bankers and businessmen are not above the law, or even the "lowest" of society. I however have never had any piece of merchandise
God Bless
Peace
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