John Lennon released this song, “Working Class Hero” in 1970,
a time when the American working class realized their labor struggles and
joined unions.
In this song he criticizes difference between the high and
low social classes. During the 1960s, 95% of Americans classified themselves as
part of the working class (or middle class). However, an elite upper class did
rule the working-class families. The gap between the social classes was
widening, especially when women entered the working industry. Motivated to
express rebellious mindset, Lennon wanted break free from conformity and give
the working-class hope for improvement in their conditions. The middle class resonated with this revolutionary song that warns them about the experience of “being processed”.
People felt alienated at work because labor-power made work
only a means of earning money, not expressing their life. “Working Class Hero”
attempted to release the “inner rebellion” inside of the middle class who suffered
from wage slavery. It is was the ideal time for the “peasants” to emerge from
their factory shells and rise against the degrading standards.
I agree that John Lennon definitely released his song, "Working Class Heroes" at a time when the working class needed some inspiration. Despite being a celebrity, the fact that Lennon addressed the concerns of the working class showed that he truly cared, which permitted a substantial following to form.
ReplyDeleteNot only does Kairos refer to the time of an argument, but it also describes the place. I am curious what cities in the U.S. especially felt the effects of this song's release.
As well as place, Kairos also refers to time. It would be interesting to compare Green Day's cover of "Working Class Hero" to John Lennon's. John Lennon's version came at a revolutionary time and yet has a pretty mellow tone to it but Green Day's version has a much more rebellious sound to it.
ReplyDeleteAs well as place, Kairos also refers to time. It would be interesting to compare Green Day's cover of "Working Class Hero" to John Lennon's. John Lennon's version came at a revolutionary time and yet has a pretty mellow tone to it but Green Day's version has a much more rebellious sound to it.
ReplyDeleteIn your analysis you did a great job of conveying how important the timing of the rebellion was to Lennon. I would recommend maybe adding a direct quote or two from Lennon to further emphasize the kairos of "Working Class Heroes".
ReplyDeleteI agree that John Lennon released this song during the perfect era. He released this song, regarding the working class, during a time where the working class was being discriminated against. The working class was struggling to survive and needed someone as prominent as John Lennon to voice their opinions and struggles. This song gave many in the working class hope for a better future, but that would've never happened if John Lennon would not have released this song at the time that he did.
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