Mirando La Guerra Por T.v.
Los Violadores
The Absurdity of War Through the TV Screen
Los Violadores, a pioneering punk rock band from Argentina, are known for their politically charged lyrics and raw sound. In their song "Mirando La Guerra Por T.v." ("Watching the War on TV"), they offer a satirical and critical view of how war is often portrayed in the media. The song's narrative revolves around an American patrol, led by the fictional Sargento Sounders, engaging in combat with German soldiers. The exaggerated and almost comical depiction of the battle highlights the absurdity and detachment of televised war coverage.
The lyrics describe Sargento Sounders and his men as they navigate a European battlefield. Despite being outnumbered and under heavy fire, Sounders miraculously avoids harm and effortlessly defeats his enemies with minimal effort. This hyperbolic scenario underscores the unrealistic and sanitized portrayal of war often seen on television. The repeated phrase "qué está pasando, inaudito" ("what is happening, unbelievable") emphasizes the disbelief and absurdity of the situation, questioning the authenticity and seriousness of such representations.
By using humor and exaggeration, Los Violadores critique the way media can trivialize the horrors of war, turning it into a form of entertainment rather than a serious and tragic event. The song encourages listeners to question the narratives presented to them and to be aware of the potential manipulation and distortion of reality by the media. This message is particularly poignant given the band's background in Argentina, a country with its own history of political turmoil and media censorship.