Sticking It to the Man
Author: Simon Sellars • Apr 10th, 2007 •Category: Ballardosphere, celebrity culture, politics
I’ve never been able to wrap my head around the image of musicians and artists, who have built a career on left ideals and a rigorous program of apparent anti-authoritarianism, accepting knighthoods, or OBEs, or any of the hollow gongs that seem to get passed out like candy of late in the old country. Sir Mick is the obvious target.
Or Bono, a proud and rebellious Irishman, who recently accepted an honourary knighthood from the country that oppressed his people for centuries, awarded by a Prime Minister who looked suspiciously like he was trying very hard to curry favour with a thickened stem of popular culture far more influential than his own sphere of influence.
Well, as always, Ballard sums up the process far more eloquently than this blog ever could. Here’s JGB on the reasons why he rejected a Commander of the British Empire award in 2003:
I am opposed to the honors system. The whole thing is a preposterous charade. Thousands of medals are given out in the name of a non-existent empire. It makes us look a laughing stock and encourages deference to the crown. I think it is exploited by politicians and always has been…”
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J.G. Ballard, quoted in the Sunday Times, 2003.
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The dreams of empire were only swept away relatively recently, in the ’60s. Suddenly, we seem to have a prime minister who has delusions of a similar kind… It uses snobbery and self-consciousness to guarantee the loyalty of large numbers of citizens who should feel their loyalty is to fellow citizens and the nation as a whole…
I think it’s deplorable when leftwing playwrights like David Hare, who have worn their socialist colors on both sleeves for so many years, should accept a knighthood. Godalmighty, this man actually knelt down in front of the Queen.”
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Ballard, quoted in the Guardian, 2003.
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And finally, a mini-interview from the Independent in 2003:
Independent: Why did you refuse your honor?
Ballard: As a republican, I can’t accept an honor awarded by a monarch — all that bowing and scraping. The whole system of hereditary rank and privilege should be swept away.
Independent: How would you change the present system?
Ballard: Demolish it altogether.
Independent: Who would you give an honor to?
Ballard: No one.
Many thanks to RE/Search for collecting these quotes, and much more, in their indispensable J.G. Ballard: Quotes
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Simon… yr analysis is bang-on, except for yr mistake in assuming “musicians and artists, who have built a career on left ideals and a rigorous program of apparent anti-authoritarianism” include capitalist running dog lackeys like Mick Jagger & “Sonny” Bono… or Paul McCartney, or Elton John…
it’s tough to be honoured for being a leftie.. they rarely made enough money to warrant the “Gold Star of Taxes Paid” designation, which is really what these “awards” are all about…
hey, i meant bono — irish bono from the band U2, not sonny bono! not that it makes much difference, probably…
Yes, Sonny Bono made better music!
There’s always a rather bitter laugh to be had when someone who, if not presenting themself as explicitly left wing certainly made a meal of their anti-establishment credentials, takes an honour from ‘The Man’. Jagger a prime example. Bono? Isn’t that another example of Blair trying to curry favour with pop stars … shame about his bad taste. I mean, Oasis, U2?
Yes, Ballard, as always, articulates this very well. The only puzzle is why they nominated him in the first place … surely his work stands as a permanent rebuke to such idiots? I can see why a blowhard like Bono would be rewarded, but Ballard? Hardly the sort of comforting, soft-focus art you can imagine Blair and the anonymous civil servants who arrange these things being interested in promoting.
David Hare, who does present himself as explicitly left wing, should be ashamed of himself.. Another example of Ballard having a far more acute grasp of politics than those who present themselves as politically committed (and politically correct!).
Simon, I knew you meant Bone-Oh, the irish polirocker, not Mr Cher… I think they thought of Da Man cause there’s a rule in the UK if two of your books get noticed by Hollywood, then you’re nominated by the British Tourism Council.
I like what Keith had to say regarding Sir Mick…yeah, we got other names for him. then he added…and they know better than to ask me.