Grindcore

I found this today on the Internet, and it made me think about the one unifying theme that grindcore tries to get through our thick ape-skulls: WE ARE SCREWED IF WE DON’T DO SOMETHING ABOUT OURSELVES!

It’s probably no coincidence that grindcore was born in this time. Even though it’s no easier than it is harder to live in these tumultuous times as in the past. The problems seem different than in the past, but the only thing that changed is context.

It’s the same problem humanity has had since life became easy: We lack self-control. Control over our thoughts, feelings and actions. We do what we think we want instead of what we really want, deep down, and we ignore the worst problems that are growing right beneath our noses, because instant gratification isn’t hard to come by these days.

Grindcore music exemplifies the chaos that comes out of this lack of self-control, the lack of self-control and responsibility of the individual, which is, quite possibly, the root of all of our problems. Look at most lyrical themes of grindcore bands (esp. Napalm Death) and you’ll see they are of a political mindset, but they are driven by the horrors we see in this day and age, and how they wish it could be changed.

There was an interesting video posted at deathmetal.org about the era Kali Yuga — the age of strife and instability, as described in ancient Hindu texts.

Considering the parallels between the description of Kali Yuga and the state of humanity in modern days, it’s difficult to say that it was just a myth.

So what is the solution? Realize life is short. Life is a rare thing in the universe, and we have to do something with our own lives, and take the reins over our superficial desires. Humanity needs to find its purpose, but we’re standing on each others’ feet if we keep using our technology for consumption and pointless hedonism, and believing “our purpose in life is our pleasure” instead of using it to discover our purpose and place in the universe! We’ll go extinct by then!

Humanity is more important than an individuals’ short term desires, because an individual is part of humanity! We’re all part of it. And if life means something to you, you need to do something instead of sitting around and sighing about all the problems.

If you want to help humanity, you must start with yourself, have some inner strength and self-discipline, and subconsciously, you’ll encourage others to do the same. Look at where you fit in with the world, and whether or not you can do something to make a difference.

…I’m probably preaching to the choir here. A lot of grindcore fans, crusties, and even metalheads can be very level-headed and active and helpful in their local communities, and there’s more of them out there getting into this mindset. But I’m just the messenger spreading the message here.

Napalm Death – Rise Above

[...]

Inner strength must detect
The love we each possess
Before we may reach
Appreciating it in anyone else