Zappa on Power and Politics

Catch this in-depth exploration of Frank Zappa’s take on power, politics, and civil rights with Bob, Roxy, Bert and guests!

Bob Dobbs is a Zappa researcher and McLuhan scholar.

Recorded February 20, 2016

[00:01:08] – Introduction

[00:06:59] – Reconstruction and Black Suffrage

[00:11:39] – Women’s Suffrage Movement

[00:17:04] – Native American Voting Rights

[00:18:06] – Civil Rights and Voting Rights Act of 1965

[00:22:32] – Lowering the Voting Age to 18

[00:24:52] – Voter Apathy and Civic Engagement

[00:27:18] – Divine Right and Political Power

[00:33:42] – Divine Blood and Artifacts of Power

[00:38:50] – Media Ecology and Social Organization

[00:46:46] – Impact of Media on Modern Politics and Identity

[01:00:00] – Temple Bureaucracies and Global Transformation

[01:06:44] – Global Media Dynamics and Political Transformation

[01:14:17] – Printing Press and the Rise of American Religious Sects

[01:34:00] – Mystery Landscape and Spiritual Movements in America

[01:43:34] – Android Meme and Expanded Media Ecology

[01:50:44] – McLuhan’s Media Ecology and Philosophical Duality

[02:08:47] – Zappa’s Artistic Legacy and Blood Symbolism

[02:15:00] – Electric Media and Audience Participation

[02:27:07] – Non-Physical Influences and Societal Programming

[02:47:17] – Zappa’s Blood on the Canvas and Censorship

[03:07:27] – Zappa’s Critique of Democracy and Political Corruption

[03:27:07] – Mexico’s Cultural Identity and Global Imperialism

[03:34:43] – Civil Unrest in Germany and Media Narratives

[03:49:37] – Secret Societies and Power Structures

[04:02:09] – Zappa’s Portuguese Lunar Landing and Satirical Commentary

[04:17:28] – Zappa’s Conducting Style and Creative Control

[04:22:05] – Zappa’s Musical Influences and Interview Challenges

[04:45:00] – Zappa’s Public Persona and Media Challenges

[05:00:07] – Zappa’s Relationships and Underground Connections

[05:17:50] – Zappa’s Music and Cultural Commentary