“THIS MACHINE KILLS FASCISTS”
on his acoustic guitar.
It was a declaration of his belief that music, storytelling, and working-class solidarity could combat fascism and authoritarianism.
The slogan became one of the most recognizable symbols of American protest music, and later inspired countless variations.
It's an especially interesting statement because Guthrie was identifying his instrument not simply as a means of entertainment, but as a tool for political and cultural change. Change minds and you change entire political systems. And if you want to "kill" violence, you need something other than violence. A guitar and some songs, for example.
on his acoustic guitar.
It was a declaration of his belief that music, storytelling, and working-class solidarity could combat fascism and authoritarianism.
The slogan became one of the most recognizable symbols of American protest music, and later inspired countless variations.
It's an especially interesting statement because Guthrie was identifying his instrument not simply as a means of entertainment, but as a tool for political and cultural change. Change minds and you change entire political systems. And if you want to "kill" violence, you need something other than violence. A guitar and some songs, for example.
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