Abstract
As a sociologist and musician, I have sought out ways to bring those two interests together. I have written and performed protest songs (against war, economic injustice, and environmental destruction), recorded two albums of protest songs (one with Corey Dolgon and another with Corey and Mary Chayko), presented and published on the uses of songs in social movements, and taught two spring term courses on the topic. I am committed to using the arts for progressive change while recognizing that the arts can also be used to maintain systems of privilege and domination. I also try to bridge the popular and academic worlds in my work. I commonly use real world examples of successful activists and their strategies and tactics to illustrate as well as challenge theories and concepts about social movements and social change.
Rock star biographies and autobiographies are a dime a dozen and usually of little importance to conceptualizing or critiquing social movements. Bono’s recent autobiography Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story, is substantially different from most of the pack. Many of you probably know he is the lead singer of U2, the biggest drawing band (in terms of concert ticket sales) in history. I have noticed over the last four decades the band popping up at various times for benefit concerts addressing a range of global issues, most having to do with poverty, war, the environment, AIDS, and exploitation and control of poorer countries by wealthier ones and their corporations. As a Dubliner, and a son of a Catholic and Protestant who came of age during the Troubles, Bono became a peace activist at an early age, which is reflected in the lyrics of many U2 songs. Lyrics are amply quoted if you are unfamiliar with the band’s work.
Not only has Bono been active in global movements but he has been a key player in many instances at finding common ground between activists, poorer communities and countries, and the presidents, prime ministers, popes, wealthy capitalists, and all their handlers who have a heavy hand in what is done and not done globally. The stories here are historic in nature, amazing to read. There are sections of the book that illustrate nicely the power of material resources, the making of political opportunities, the minefields of identity politics, and the framing processes movements use to advance goals of economic, political, and social justice. Bono speaks of these things quite thoughtfully and practically in terms of what works and what doesn’t. He has often been criticized for being too willing to compromise, but I think he explains quite well his actions and rationales in his efforts to bring the left and right together.
Bono is also quite aware of his luck in life and the privileges afforded him as well as his personal strengths and shortcomings, admitting that his brashness and bravado can be a problem at times. There is much focus on his relationship with his wife Ali Hewson (who has a degree in social science, politics and sociology from University College Dublin). They have been together since their teen years. Bono discusses their relationship and roles in many passages about their family and activist work, connecting this with discussion of women’s challenges in a patriarchal world where work and family often collide. Bono views his activist work as the work of his “communities” or tribes: U2, his family, and his activist organization members.
This is probably the best rock star autobiography I have ever read in terms of real social change substance. It is also extremely well written—poetic with deep, thoughtfully expressed insights in many places. There is nothing seamy, salacious or gratuitous, as is often the case with this genre. The one area I struggled with in a good way was with Bono’s religiosity because I am not religious. But the saving grace is that he struggles with it as well. More importantly, he recognizes, as do I, that religion drives many people’s thoughts and actions and plays roles for better and worse in peace and war, kindness and contempt, etc., and can be a tool or impediment in activists’ strategies and tactics.
The book is organized around 40 U2 songs, with more or less success in using that as a framing device depending on the chapter. It is a long book, but most chapters have interesting insights and surprises. Bono believes in the power of songs, as do I, to change minds and hearts. Musical fame and money can provide access. He has used his access to stand and work with those less fortunate. He sees surrender and love as transformative concepts central to change, in too many dimensions to examine here, but worth your consideration. Many sections of the book would fit well in social movements and global problems courses, thus my recommendation to you.