The Revolution Will Not Be Televised...

is a song by Gil Scott Heron that was adopted by the Black Panther movement of the early 70's.  Gil Scot Heron is not easily accessible, but he is claimed to be the godfather of rap.    You have to want to discover this kind of music and put in a little effort.  If you're in the right mood, it’s pretty goddamn resonant.  Gil died this year and I went back for a nostalgic tour and had to put that effort in all over again, but it is as powerful today as when it was recorded.  His early albums are not available for some reason, but his catalog is deep if you want to wade in.  Check out the YouTube clip of Revolution, as well as "Whitey on the Moon", which is surprisingly reminiscent of "Walking on the Moon", with a slightly different message. 

The message of  “The revolution will not be televised” is matter of fact.  It’s not evangelizing, it’s merely telling you that if you don’t get out and participate, you’ll miss it. It is going on around you as we speak.  For a 40 year old song, it really reminds me of the wasted time our culture spends on reality TV, video games, facebook and other boondoggles (look it up).

If technology is the revolution, then you better start learning what the currency is, cuz' it ain't the dollar.  Ideas and leadership, transparency and honesty, and quality are what you should become, surround yourself with, and aspire to if you want to be part of the revolution.  If not, enjoy your American X Factidol.

Gilbert "Gil" Scott-Heron

(April 1, 1949 – May 27, 2011)

Gordon Sumner
(1951-      )

 Brothas' from another 

Mother?