Calling for Revolution from a Limousine: Russell 'Che' Brand on Tour

By Jordan Tam -- @LucidStream on twitter
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Russell Brand, a man worth millions, has given it all away to take up arms at the front lines against systemic inequality, political corruption, and unfettered capitalism. Or at least, that's what you might expect following Brand's strong tête-à-tête performance against Jeremy Paxman on BBC's Newsnight.



It's hard to imagine Che -- I mean Brand -- stomping through Cuban jungles -- I mean through British Moorlands -- for the "99%". Mostly because, well, he isn't. Brand is currently on a world comedy tour called The Messiah Complex, presumably becoming richer. Part of me has to hope that this his performance wasn't only that and not just a PR stunt.

If Brand is genuine -- and I believe he is -- I was thoroughly impressed, not only for his repartee but his cogent distillation of many social ills that are currently at the fore in Europe and elsewhere. I was taken by his ideas and his passion. As I watched, I found myself nodding in agreement and my heart beating faster, I felt a rush of blood to my head, and I was ready to run into the streets with a pitchfork (because suddenly I'm a poor starving peasant) to march on the capital. Instead, I shared the video on Facebook and left to rummage for a cookie in the cupboard.

Once my heart had come back to a regular rhythm, I was left with some uneasy feelings.

In an astute observation, my friend (@transliminal) remarked that Brand may himself be serving the function of Prius' and recycling, or what Brand calls 'a valve'. And I agree with Comrade Brand that Western life is replete with such valves that assuage our guilty consciences as we continue to enjoy the luxuries of modernity (of course not everyone is so fortunate). Not unlike the well-produced but failed Kony 2012 video and campaign (which was more viral and called for an arguably simpler task), Brand's video is most likely going to spur a flurry of sharing, but accomplish little more than make us feel better.

Furthermore, though Paxman's tone in questioning Brand's political authority is rude, it is a fair point that Brand suffers from an image issue. Though Brand is effective gaining the audience's attention in the heat of the moment, the heat quickly dissapates because, in part, he isn't actually leading anybody anywhere. Revolution requires sacrifice and involves suffering (Middle East, anyone?), and leading requires setting an example; one that can't be set on a world tour. 

By the way the YouTube video is spreading, it's clear that many people agree with Brand's criticisms and pointed arguments -- but to what extent are they willing to act? Words like equality and justice are easy to rally around, whereas solid objects like batons and pepperspray are less so. Therein lies the greatest problem to Brand's otherwise convincing speech: On the one hand he is directly advocating for the non-participation in peaceful democratic processes; and I fear in this he can be successful. And, simultaneously, he is also advocating for revolution, a step many people are unwilling to take. Thus, rather then formenting revolt, Brand may inadvetantly be inspiring greater apathy and disengagement -- a cause that requires no help.

Still, it is possible that at the least, the Brand interview can spark discussion about real solutions to real problems.