Don McLean on the State of Society: "Woke Bullshit" and the Search for Human Connection
In a recent interview with Metro, legendary rocker Don McLean shared his thoughts on the current state of society, drawing parallels between the issues portrayed in his 1971 classic "American Pie" and the modern climate in the United States.
The Legacy of "American Pie"
McLean described "American Pie" as a song that "really does open up a whole historical question about what happened in the ’60s and assassinations and the history that forms the backbone of the song as it moves forward." He believes that the song’s themes of disillusionment and social unrest are still relevant today, stating, "I think most people looking at America now kind of think that too."
The Problem with "Woke Bullshit"
The rock legend is unapologetic in his criticism of what he calls "woke bullshit," a term he uses to describe the societal issues that he believes are undermining people’s beliefs in the country. "I mean, we certainly have a wonderful country, and we do wonderful things, but we also are in the middle of all this woke bullshit," he declared. "All this other stuff that there is absolutely no point to, as far as I can see, other than to undermine people’s beliefs in the country. That’s very bad."
The Lack of Human Connection
McLean attributes many of modern society’s problems to a lack of human connection. He believes that people are "in permanent party mode" and are "addicted to their telephones and their iPads," which has led to a disconnection from what really matters in life. "They’re so addicted to their telephones and their iPads, and I am too. But there’s a constant flow of information and suddenly nothing makes much sense," he said.
The Consequences of Disconnection
McLean believes that this disconnection has led to a sense of frustration and anger among many people, particularly young adults. "There’s so much anger out there," he said. "So many of these college students have been given everything, and they’re just angry. They don’t know why they’re angry. They don’t even know what to be angry about. It’s really a symptom of the fact that they’re frustrated. They don’t have a path that they can tread in life that leads to a better life."
Conclusion
Don McLean’s comments offer a candid perspective on the state of society today. While he acknowledges the many wonderful things about America, he is critical of the societal issues that he believes are undermining people’s beliefs in the country. His message emphasizes the importance of human connection and the need for people to find a sense of purpose and direction in their lives.
FAQs
Q: What does Don McLean mean by "woke bullshit"?
A: McLean uses the term to describe societal issues that he believes are undermining people’s beliefs in the country, such as cancel culture and social media activism.
Q: How does McLean think people can overcome their disconnection from what really matters in life?
A: McLean suggests that people need to find a sense of purpose and direction in their lives, and to prioritize human connection over technology and social media.
Q: What is McLean’s solution to the problem of anger and frustration among young adults?
A: McLean believes that young adults need to find a path that leads to a better life, and to focus on building meaningful relationships with others.
Q: What is Don McLean’s current tour schedule?
A: McLean has a run of tour dates scheduled from September 4 to December 20, 2024, with stops in various cities across the United States.
