He is only partly right - the US did contribute with Jazz and blues. Ironically those two contributions came from who was regarded as the lowest in socity
What countries has thousands of years of culture that is better ? Africa, India china ? America is free. It embraced Zappa America has multiple cultures. I’d rather have American than Chinese.. ? Cultures die because the residents found better and adopted better . That is why people come to the USA.. it’s better .
I've been saying this my entire adult life, ever since I've been aware about how stupid Americans are. We are a blip on the radar yet we think we are literally the most important thing on the planet. We are a speck of garbage by comparison to the rest of the world
You have Negro Spirituals, jazz, rock 'n roll, abstract expressionism (which is really a bit of a joke), country and western, and a handful of good novelists and poets.
What exactly is culture to Frank Zappa? Does all the stuff that he made count? What about the Parker Novels? what about Star Trek? What about Andy Warhol's stuff? If that stuff all counts, then yeah, Americans have tons of culture that we are proud of. So what is he talking about?
This is part of why we often culturally appropriate. We have NO culture. Most of us take whateve genetic makeup we have the most of in our DNA and thats our culture.
When it comes to music, America does have jazz, rock, hip-hop, but I think it says a lot that all of those genres came from marginalised groups and were disregarded by the American public until they showed commercial potential.
Jazz simply became popularized in New Orleans, but it started in Africa and Europe long before amerians discovered it. America has very very little that it can claim as the Creator or origins of anything. Almost everything we do here come in some way or another was stolen or maybe improved upon improved upon come up from somewhere outside the United states. We are a country of imposters and thieves
tbh, every piece of art that's worth anything came from a "distressed" situation. So it makes senes for a marginalised group to produce higher quality art. Arts is directly connected to the need to express human pain.
"Every other country has their own art and music." Zappa has a lot of good points here, but this isn't one of them, and he was wrong about this. America does in fact have its own music, and that music is called JAZZ.
@@davespanksalot8413 I'm not American, I'm Australian, so even more devoid of culture. I'm also fairly well traveled and the yawning cultural chasm between my own country and say, Japan is blindingly obvious the moment I line up in customs. So I get it. Whats America, 400 odd years of euro colonisation? So what, bit over a dozen generations? He's playing that off against countries that have existed since time immemorial, so hardly surprising. I'd say America has done alright for itself in that brief time span. America _does_ have its own culture, and for better or worse, its crept all over the globe. Zappas just regurgitating the tired critique of 'western culture' with a little strawmanning thrown in for good measure. Odd given he was pro capitalism and financially conservative.
@@geneharrogate6911 yes, after the failed Voice referendum it was a sign Australia wasn’t ready for culture, and currently prefers Dutton’s parochial tunnel vision. But as Donald Horne said ironically, Australia is the lucky country. I’m not sure we can glean much from one minute thirty of a simple unqualified statement. Personally, I think people are too obsessed with being right or winning. These days I just prefer to learn. You have several fine points, certainly worth consideration. And I think the same applies to Zappa’s statement, there’s value in wondering why certain tropes and complaints exist, and what the ideas behind them may contribute to further understanding. America does have a culture that tends towards solipsism in terms of their international awareness. I suspect that was partially what Zappa was alluding to, but without further explanation or context it’s very hard to know for sure.
America is the youngest country with the oldest government. We elected our 46th President -- 59 consecutive elections under the same Constitution since 1789. How many European governments have collapsed in that time? Russia had three totally different governments in the 20th century -- the Tsars, the Bolsheviks, the Russian Federation. The 'French Revolution' was a total failure, followed by Five 'French Republics' and two 'French Empires.' I am literally older than the current government of France. Germany -- the Holy Roman Empire (collapse), then decentralized mush, the Kaiser (collapse), Weimar Republic (collapse), Third Reich (collapse), the split, and finally the current govt. The governments of Europe are in their infancy by American standards.
Amazingly ignorant comment by Zappa. E.g.,for a thousand years, European history was non-stop war between the 'Great Powers.' Did Zappa never hear of the Hundred Years War? Thirty Years War? Seven Years War? Napoleonic Wars? And the pride of European history - World War I & World War II? Fascism, Stalinism, Imperialism -- the Big Three contributions of Europe to human history. The Third World - yes, they should be proud of finally driving out the European colonizers. Just as America can be proud of driving out the European colonizer from our country two hundreds years before the great anti-colonial victory at Dien Bien Phu. Can Americans be proud of winning the race for the atomic bomb? We're certainly proud of getting the bomb before the Nazis. Yeah, those European maniacs who actually weren't atypical Europeans. A friend from Ghana told me in his country, Churchill is reviled as much as Hitler. Can we be proud of the Moon landing - a Giant Leap for Mankind? Literature? Zappa obviously has not read Mark Twain or Moby Dick. (And if you haven't actually read Moby Dick, don't even open up your mouth.). I absolutely love John Milton, but Melville makes Paradise Lost sound like a nursery rhyme. Apparently, Frank Zappa thinks European classical music is 'superior' to jazz. Or does he agree with the KKK that African American jazz geniuses don't actually count as Americans? As for the crap we sell all over the world -- that's right, they buy our American crap all over the world. Steve Jobs is a hero to Japanese youth! Where did Frank Zappa learn to hate himself so much? Does his self-hatred explain that hairdo?
First of all i’m a great admirer of Zappa music and lots of his interviews. I think, he is a great loss to the music scene and even the on his political thoughts. I wonder in this day and age ( Thuesday 3th ocktober 2023) what Frank his opinion was , living in this madhouse? But I totally disagree with his argument that the USFA does not have a history. The USFA is the most beautiful thing that has happened, apart from the slaughter that happened amongst the Native Americans. This is were all this history from all lands/country’s/Kingdom’s came together, to build a “ new world” The wealthy explorers went to America and the outcast went to Australia as i have been thought. ( I’m not trying to offend anyone , It’s just just the history lessons been thought to me). He himself, is a product of this history. So, don’t go any of the earlierday’explorer’s do not pack any history. Because they were different they go good and grow big. And let’s go a little bit shorter in the time line were a couple with two kids made the bet in the 50ths For a better live in the USFA and their two sons became R&R legends. Now I’m talking only about the music industry but for all industries it has been a land off opportunity. I also would like his opinion on the europe/EU question an this sinked Oekraïens deals. I’m quite sure these items wouldn’t be unmentioned in his songs but unfortunately he passed away before the shitstorm.
He was way ahead of his time. My favourite Zappa quote about religion: Anybody who wants religion is welcome to it, as far as I'm concerned--I support your right to enjoy it. However, I would appreciate it if you exhibited more respect for the rights of those people who do not wish to share your dogma, rapture, or necrodestination.
What a focking idiot. How many Americans are desperately seeking to relocate to the "great countries" of the world? It's the "great cultures" risking their lives to experience the freedoms found in the United States. As the Joker said: "I'm so glad your dead."
America has no culture, Americans are classless and if you think people were stupid then, you should see the country today, phew! MAGA morons are breeding like rabbits
What he is saying has been huge on my mind every time stupid shit permeates amerikan culture although now it's atrophying. You'll never know how profoundly I can seriously relate with Frank Zappa. I think dad liked that Frank wasn't a braindead Zombie. Rest in peace my favorite men.
If you want to ride on the coattails of your predecessors successes and take ownership of them by calling it your "culture", then more power to you. As a budding society, we as Americans, forge our own paths. Pioneering a new society is much more demanding, rewarding and creative than following the dictates and doctrines of what came before. I disagree, Ja Zappa. I disagree completely.
I left the US in 1975 and have been living in Europe ever since. Frank is absolutely correct! Take it from someone who's lived in both cultures: that's exactly how it is.
True, but also, the usa has contributed to world culture and have been a mobile for the west world cultural evolution whether you like it or not. for instance, USA's counter-culture which Zappa is part of is really rich and certainly meaningful.
Zappa had his own brand of "rational nationalism." I share a lot of those views. We get called "commies" by people who call themselves True Americans and prove it by waving giant flags in our faces.
Utter rubbish. To ignore what the US has come up with during the last 100 years alone can only make yourself look stupid. Every free person in the world profits from these accomplishments daily. US-American architecture, design (including fashion OF COURSE), literature, the entire history of jazz music, the rich political culture (btw no European democracies without the US democracy), the culture of free sexuality!!! just to name a few. Frank just looks frustrated here. He knows exactly how rich his country and the world have become thanks to his ppl. He’s one many products of it. Sad to see him this way. Dear US-Americans, thanks for making me richer every day. Culture loving European speaking here. Yes: Gothic Cathedrals, Beethoven and Bebop Jazz. Looking forward to the next 100.
Frank is right but Frank is an asshole, he acts like he is smarter than everyone and we are stupid for enjoying American culture
Studio Tan.
He is only partly right - the US did contribute with Jazz and blues. Ironically those two contributions came from who was regarded as the lowest in socity
Frank wasn’t that smart.
What countries has thousands of years of culture that is better ? Africa, India china ? America is free. It embraced Zappa America has multiple cultures. I’d rather have American than Chinese.. ? Cultures die because the residents found better and adopted better . That is why people come to the USA.. it’s better .
He is so very right. The age of consumerism is in its last days.
We are nothing, but we have all the money.
Im Aussie, so I would exactly say "every OTHER country..."
lol what a hater what songs did he make? That I’ve heard…
I 100 percent agree with frank on this....
Man this guy died too soon
The only thing America has kept preserved is it's racism; look at how many people look at confederacy as part of "American Culture"
Everyone should listen to this
I've been saying this my entire adult life, ever since I've been aware about how stupid Americans are. We are a blip on the radar yet we think we are literally the most important thing on the planet. We are a speck of garbage by comparison to the rest of the world
Whatever frank
Hey man, THESE ARE TALLS
You have Negro Spirituals, jazz, rock 'n roll, abstract expressionism (which is really a bit of a joke), country and western, and a handful of good novelists and poets.
What about the railroads, the diners and the hoes 😂
What exactly is culture to Frank Zappa? Does all the stuff that he made count? What about the Parker Novels? what about Star Trek? What about Andy Warhol's stuff? If that stuff all counts, then yeah, Americans have tons of culture that we are proud of. So what is he talking about?
He’s speaking of the propensity to commodify everyone and thing .
So was Warhol
@@classygary People have been doing that throughout recorded history. Its not an American thing. Its a humanity in the age of recorded history thing.
Zappa is 1000% right
"Shut UP! stOOpid ANtah-MuRiKKKan LIB!" When in reality Zappa considered himself a 'practical conservative' The variant I can talk to.
The irony: Zappa is the culture the US should absolutely preserve.
This is part of why we often culturally appropriate. We have NO culture. Most of us take whateve genetic makeup we have the most of in our DNA and thats our culture.
When it comes to music, America does have jazz, rock, hip-hop, but I think it says a lot that all of those genres came from marginalised groups and were disregarded by the American public until they showed commercial potential.
Jazz simply became popularized in New Orleans, but it started in Africa and Europe long before amerians discovered it. America has very very little that it can claim as the Creator or origins of anything. Almost everything we do here come in some way or another was stolen or maybe improved upon improved upon come up from somewhere outside the United states. We are a country of imposters and thieves
tbh, every piece of art that's worth anything came from a "distressed" situation. So it makes senes for a marginalised group to produce higher quality art. Arts is directly connected to the need to express human pain.
Who is the American public?
@@panagiotisatmatzidis9972 That doesn't make any sense. Were the musicians in european classic music marginalized? Or were its patrons?
Dude was a 🤡🤡🤡🤡
American.....'culture'......?
I got dabs tho broski
"Every other country has their own art and music." Zappa has a lot of good points here, but this isn't one of them, and he was wrong about this. America does in fact have its own music, and that music is called JAZZ.
This man is ahead of his time!
John Lennon said he liked Zappa but said he's an intellectual. Meaning he's smart but that doesn't mean hes right.
So by Zappas logic, multiculturalism spawns stupidity and homogeneity is the key to a culturally enlightened society.
Not really. Being overly simplistic, he’s saying Americans value consumerism above culture and history.
@@davespanksalot8413 I'm not American, I'm Australian, so even more devoid of culture. I'm also fairly well traveled and the yawning cultural chasm between my own country and say, Japan is blindingly obvious the moment I line up in customs. So I get it. Whats America, 400 odd years of euro colonisation? So what, bit over a dozen generations? He's playing that off against countries that have existed since time immemorial, so hardly surprising. I'd say America has done alright for itself in that brief time span. America _does_ have its own culture, and for better or worse, its crept all over the globe. Zappas just regurgitating the tired critique of 'western culture' with a little strawmanning thrown in for good measure. Odd given he was pro capitalism and financially conservative.
@@geneharrogate6911 yes, after the failed Voice referendum it was a sign Australia wasn’t ready for culture, and currently prefers Dutton’s parochial tunnel vision. But as Donald Horne said ironically, Australia is the lucky country. I’m not sure we can glean much from one minute thirty of a simple unqualified statement. Personally, I think people are too obsessed with being right or winning. These days I just prefer to learn. You have several fine points, certainly worth consideration. And I think the same applies to Zappa’s statement, there’s value in wondering why certain tropes and complaints exist, and what the ideas behind them may contribute to further understanding. America does have a culture that tends towards solipsism in terms of their international awareness. I suspect that was partially what Zappa was alluding to, but without further explanation or context it’s very hard to know for sure.
THIS IS IT....JUPITER WILL CONSUME EARTH
America is the youngest country with the oldest government. We elected our 46th President -- 59 consecutive elections under the same Constitution since 1789. How many European governments have collapsed in that time? Russia had three totally different governments in the 20th century -- the Tsars, the Bolsheviks, the Russian Federation. The 'French Revolution' was a total failure, followed by Five 'French Republics' and two 'French Empires.' I am literally older than the current government of France. Germany -- the Holy Roman Empire (collapse), then decentralized mush, the Kaiser (collapse), Weimar Republic (collapse), Third Reich (collapse), the split, and finally the current govt. The governments of Europe are in their infancy by American standards.
Amazingly ignorant comment by Zappa. E.g.,for a thousand years, European history was non-stop war between the 'Great Powers.' Did Zappa never hear of the Hundred Years War? Thirty Years War? Seven Years War? Napoleonic Wars? And the pride of European history - World War I & World War II? Fascism, Stalinism, Imperialism -- the Big Three contributions of Europe to human history. The Third World - yes, they should be proud of finally driving out the European colonizers. Just as America can be proud of driving out the European colonizer from our country two hundreds years before the great anti-colonial victory at Dien Bien Phu. Can Americans be proud of winning the race for the atomic bomb? We're certainly proud of getting the bomb before the Nazis. Yeah, those European maniacs who actually weren't atypical Europeans. A friend from Ghana told me in his country, Churchill is reviled as much as Hitler. Can we be proud of the Moon landing - a Giant Leap for Mankind? Literature? Zappa obviously has not read Mark Twain or Moby Dick. (And if you haven't actually read Moby Dick, don't even open up your mouth.). I absolutely love John Milton, but Melville makes Paradise Lost sound like a nursery rhyme. Apparently, Frank Zappa thinks European classical music is 'superior' to jazz. Or does he agree with the KKK that African American jazz geniuses don't actually count as Americans? As for the crap we sell all over the world -- that's right, they buy our American crap all over the world. Steve Jobs is a hero to Japanese youth! Where did Frank Zappa learn to hate himself so much? Does his self-hatred explain that hairdo?
First of all i’m a great admirer of Zappa music and lots of his interviews. I think, he is a great loss to the music scene and even the on his political thoughts. I wonder in this day and age ( Thuesday 3th ocktober 2023) what Frank his opinion was , living in this madhouse? But I totally disagree with his argument that the USFA does not have a history. The USFA is the most beautiful thing that has happened, apart from the slaughter that happened amongst the Native Americans. This is were all this history from all lands/country’s/Kingdom’s came together, to build a “ new world” The wealthy explorers went to America and the outcast went to Australia as i have been thought. ( I’m not trying to offend anyone , It’s just just the history lessons been thought to me). He himself, is a product of this history. So, don’t go any of the earlierday’explorer’s do not pack any history. Because they were different they go good and grow big. And let’s go a little bit shorter in the time line were a couple with two kids made the bet in the 50ths For a better live in the USFA and their two sons became R&R legends. Now I’m talking only about the music industry but for all industries it has been a land off opportunity. I also would like his opinion on the europe/EU question an this sinked Oekraïens deals. I’m quite sure these items wouldn’t be unmentioned in his songs but unfortunately he passed away before the shitstorm.
Liberal on the surface but was a conservative to the core. Miss you Man Wish you were here to say and do more.
He was way ahead of his time. My favourite Zappa quote about religion: Anybody who wants religion is welcome to it, as far as I'm concerned--I support your right to enjoy it. However, I would appreciate it if you exhibited more respect for the rights of those people who do not wish to share your dogma, rapture, or necrodestination.
Its okay to be a young country. I like frank but he minimizes when he paints with broad strokes at times
I'm enjoying the defensive comments from butthurt Americans.
What a focking idiot. How many Americans are desperately seeking to relocate to the "great countries" of the world? It's the "great cultures" risking their lives to experience the freedoms found in the United States. As the Joker said: "I'm so glad your dead."
America has no culture, Americans are classless and if you think people were stupid then, you should see the country today, phew! MAGA morons are breeding like rabbits
More true today than when the words were spoken...
First genocide and nazi movement was in N. America
Stupid statement.
Genius
What he is saying has been huge on my mind every time stupid shit permeates amerikan culture although now it's atrophying. You'll never know how profoundly I can seriously relate with Frank Zappa. I think dad liked that Frank wasn't a braindead Zombie. Rest in peace my favorite men.
If you want to ride on the coattails of your predecessors successes and take ownership of them by calling it your "culture", then more power to you. As a budding society, we as Americans, forge our own paths. Pioneering a new society is much more demanding, rewarding and creative than following the dictates and doctrines of what came before. I disagree, Ja Zappa. I disagree completely.
I left the US in 1975 and have been living in Europe ever since. Frank is absolutely correct! Take it from someone who's lived in both cultures: that's exactly how it is.
True, but also, the usa has contributed to world culture and have been a mobile for the west world cultural evolution whether you like it or not. for instance, USA's counter-culture which Zappa is part of is really rich and certainly meaningful.
The only thing I don't love about Frank is his music (you can't and shouldn't make art that suits everyone)
Zappa had his own brand of "rational nationalism." I share a lot of those views. We get called "commies" by people who call themselves True Americans and prove it by waving giant flags in our faces.
Utter rubbish. To ignore what the US has come up with during the last 100 years alone can only make yourself look stupid. Every free person in the world profits from these accomplishments daily. US-American architecture, design (including fashion OF COURSE), literature, the entire history of jazz music, the rich political culture (btw no European democracies without the US democracy), the culture of free sexuality!!! just to name a few. Frank just looks frustrated here. He knows exactly how rich his country and the world have become thanks to his ppl. He’s one many products of it. Sad to see him this way. Dear US-Americans, thanks for making me richer every day. Culture loving European speaking here. Yes: Gothic Cathedrals, Beethoven and Bebop Jazz. Looking forward to the next 100.
Classical music is "superior" to jazz, according to Frank Zappa.