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- Seen May 21, 2024
Firstly I'd like to say stick with me for a bit here, it may seem like I'm droning for a bit, but it gets to a reasonable discussion point in the end and I have attempted to incorporate a worldwide argument despite Brand's focus on the UK's political system. But if you'd like to skip the whole Brand part feel free to simply comment on whether you like your current electoral system and whether you feel it is worth voting within it.
Last month Russell Brand was given the chance to guest edit a popular political magazine in the UK known as New Statesman, his piece was eventually on the topic of revolution against the current political class. Preceding his guest editorial in the magazine, Brand was interviewed by Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight which is a British program focusing on current affairs, this interview was soon viewed by millions of people and has been the main focus of the current focus on Brand's political views. He also wrote a column in The Guardian following this.
The comedian would soon reveal his views in this interview declaring that he did not vote in UK elections and that current political system needed changing claiming a system 'shouldn't destroy the planet, shouldn't create economic disparity' and that it ignored people in favour of legislating for large corporations.
Anyway, basically such a public figure speaking out against present democratic systems has unsurprisingly received a lot of coverage. Perhaps to many of you some parts of Brand's argument will be irrelevant as they specifically regard the United Kingdom's electoral system, but it is similarly applicable to other western countries. For example, Brand argued the only difference from election to election was a little hop from right to left (ideologically) which is potentially the same in political systems around the world. It is also worth noting that despite the seeming disapproval of Paxman during the interview, he later admitted to agreeing with Brand and that he had not voted in the last election despite being a regular political commentator.
Last month Russell Brand was given the chance to guest edit a popular political magazine in the UK known as New Statesman, his piece was eventually on the topic of revolution against the current political class. Preceding his guest editorial in the magazine, Brand was interviewed by Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight which is a British program focusing on current affairs, this interview was soon viewed by millions of people and has been the main focus of the current focus on Brand's political views. He also wrote a column in The Guardian following this.
The comedian would soon reveal his views in this interview declaring that he did not vote in UK elections and that current political system needed changing claiming a system 'shouldn't destroy the planet, shouldn't create economic disparity' and that it ignored people in favour of legislating for large corporations.
The best way to see Brand's argument it is for you to watch the video I guess so have a nice embedded one.
You may also wish to read this article by Brand published yesterday in The Guardian.
You may also wish to read this article by Brand published yesterday in The Guardian.
Anyway, basically such a public figure speaking out against present democratic systems has unsurprisingly received a lot of coverage. Perhaps to many of you some parts of Brand's argument will be irrelevant as they specifically regard the United Kingdom's electoral system, but it is similarly applicable to other western countries. For example, Brand argued the only difference from election to election was a little hop from right to left (ideologically) which is potentially the same in political systems around the world. It is also worth noting that despite the seeming disapproval of Paxman during the interview, he later admitted to agreeing with Brand and that he had not voted in the last election despite being a regular political commentator.
- Is Russell Brand a forward looking political theorist or a dreamer? Perhaps even simply a celebrity promoting himself with unconventional views?
- How much do you agree with Brand's views on the current state of politics? Are his views applicable to your own country's system?
- Within your own country do you believe it is worth voting in elections?
- Is it possible to significantly change political systems from within?
- Do political parties really represent the people?