Globalizacion
Los Piojos
Decoding 'Globalizacion': A Critique of Cultural Homogenization
The song 'Globalizacion' by Los Piojos, an Argentine rock band known for their socially conscious lyrics, delves into the complexities and contradictions of globalization. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of cultural and economic influences crisscrossing the globe, often clashing and blending in unexpected ways. The opening lines juxtapose distinctly different cultural symbols — a 'Mexican crow' under the 'Yankee eagle', a Japanese 'samurai' dressed as a punk — illustrating the peculiar mixtures that globalization fosters.
The chorus of the song, with its repeated calls to 'swallow my song' and 'forget it', reflects a sense of resignation and perhaps a critique of the overwhelming force of global cultural assimilation. The phrase 'new domination' hints at the economic and cultural imperialism that often accompanies globalization. This theme is further explored through imagery of American consumerism, like 'shopping and McDonald's', contrasted sharply with local traditions, suggested by the dismissive 'stick the mate up your ass', indicating a loss of local identity and heritage.
Los Piojos also touch on the personal impacts of globalization, as seen in the advice given to the youth: 'go north, there’s no way here'. This line encapsulates the migration and displacement driven by economic necessity, a common consequence of global economic policies. The song ends on a note that suggests both inevitability and passive resistance, a call to recognize the forces at play but perhaps also to find ways to preserve individual and cultural identity amidst global homogenization.