Billie Joe interview for Le Monde

[Stuart&Ave]

Billie Joe did an interview with Le Monde. He talks mostly about the American election. I already posted the link and a translation in the randow news thread, so if it is not thread worthy, it can be closed.

http://www.lemonde.fr/musiques/article/2016/11/09/entretien-green-day-aujourd-hui-l-amerique-n-a-de-compassion-pour-personne_5028338_1654986.html

The translation:

Billie Joe Armstrong: "Today, America doesn't have any compassion for anyone."

 

An interview with Green Day's singer, in Paris, as republican candidate Donald Trump just won the presidential election.

"Can you hear the sound of hysteria? The subliminal mind fuck America". These lyrics from Green Day's American Idiot resonate today as republican candidate Donald Trump gained access to the Oval Office in the White House. Released in 2004, the album was criticizing George W. Bush's politics right in is second mandate. Becoming a standard-bearer for a disillusioned generation, the album was a massive commercial success, selling 15 M copies in the world (7 M in USA and more than 200 000 in France). Sunday, November 6, the Oakland trio played their hymn again at the MTV EMA in Rotterdam, modifying some lyrics: "Can you hear the sound of hysteria? The subliminal mind Trump America".

Songwriter Billie Joe Armstrong, 44, with an eternal youthful face, has just released a new album, Revolution Radio, which its content is still very political. On the album, the singer condemns police violence through the Black Live Matter movement, but also talks about the Bataclan attacks.

What was your reaction this morning when you've learned that Donald Trump had won?

BJA: I was totally confused, like in a nightmare. I woke up at 6 o'clock in my hotel room, in Paris. I had received around 50 messages in my cell phone when I usually only have 3. That's when I realised that something was wrong. When I went to bed, everybody was smiling, and then, I woke up and everybody is crying. I don't know what is happening. It's the first time I wake up in a country that has elected a fascist for president. It is scary.

Did you vote?

 Yes, I voted by mail 3 weeks ago.

Lots of Americans were disgusted by this very violent presidential campaign, as much on the Republican side as on the Democrat side. Do you share this feeling?

Absolutely.  When the campaign started, a year and a half ago, the conservators had 17 candidates in the running. The campaign was very long. When Donald Trump  became a candidate, he had a very different personality.  With him, the campaign became a TV reality show. Trump gave more press interviews than everybody else. Then, he started to say enormities, which was funny at the beginning, during the primary election. And things started to take unexpected proportions. On the other side, I think Hillary was a very soft candidate. She could have been an excellent president, but as a candidate, she has lost the electors' trust. There is also this big nationalist movement which started to arise and blinded everyone. I think it's a reaction to the fact we have an Afro-American president, but also against immigration, Mexicans, Muslims...

Both coasts have massively voted for the Democrats. But, in the middle, the heart of the country, this profound America, who votes for the Republican, stays a mystery, especially from the exterior...

In France, you have a rise of the nationalism. A lot of uneducated Americans place their religion, christianism, before their good  sense. What you obtain is a big ignorance. They vote against their own interests, whether it is for the health care or the augmentation of the minimum wage...They prefer to vote for someone who is against avortement because this is what God says. This is why there is such chaos today. But I can understand what it is to be uneducated, I've grown up in a working class city. If I hadn't had punk music, maybe I would have been in the same situation.

American Idiot, released in 2004, criticized  Bush's government. 12 years later, Donald Trump is elected president of the USA and the lyrics seems, unfortunately, still relevant..

It's very strange. Today, the song makes me think of the American protest song We Shall Overcome, which appeared during dark times of zealotry and injustice. At the beginning, I didn't write this song in this sense. It says I don't want to become an American idiot or accept George Bush's ideas. The difference with Bush, is that Donald Trump is a fascist. Even George W. Bush did his speeches in Spanish. Donald Trump is a white nationalist. Today, we have a big problem with global nationalism. America follows the momentum created by England's Brexit. And it could happen in France.

Your new album, Revolution Radio, tackles some actual problems like police brutality against the Afro-American community...

I walked during a protest in New York City organised by the Black Lives Matter movement, and this is what inspired the title-track of the album, Revolution Radio. I got out of my car to join the protest in Manhattan, simply in the name of justice. I feel so bad for my muslim and gay friends...I'm really worried for the next generation. I have kids and I think I taught them good values and to have compassion for people. But right now, America doesn't have any compassion for anyone.

 

Another song, Trouble Times,  alludes to the November 2015 terrorists attacks in France..

I was especially touched by this tragedy when it happened at the Bataclan, because one of my son has played this venue (Joey, 21, drummer for the group Swmrs) one year ago, before the attacks. So, when the song was done, I didn't want to put it on the album. People listen to Green Day to think about something else, to have a good time, but when something as horrible as this happens, it's like a nightmare. And then, there were the attacks at Orlando and I told myself the song had to do his own way.

 

How do you see the future?

The people who voted for Donald Trump are all guilty or fascists. It is something deplorable. As American, I don't want my family, my group or myself to be represented by him. I'm afraid a cultural civil war is starting in my country.

 

[Beerjeezus]

Thanks for the translation. 

It's a good interview - he didn't say anything actually new but I liked how outspoken he is about his opinions. He did go beyond just saying Trump is awful. 

[Shahd]

Thanks for translating!

[ryuuro]

Thanks for the translation. Here is the functionnal link in French: http://www.lemonde.fr/musiques/article/2016/11/09/entretien-green-day-aujourd-hui-l-amerique-n-a-de-compassion-pour-personne_5028338_1654986.html?xtmc=green_day&xtcr=1

[RougeRogue]

See, I don't mind the politics discussions when he's given room to actually express something wholly and the questions are well written. It's the bs mini questions where they're looking for a sound bite (like the TMZ thing) that bothers me. I'm glad he seems to know which interviews deserve which answers.

[petros]

So he's saying a huge part of American people are fascists or guilty for something. How do you American people feel about that? Man I love billie joe as a person but he's been so stupid talking about this election. Calm down already. You are an American person. Yes you are represented by this man because of democracy, and you don't wanna be represented by him? So you're doubting democracy? Who's the fascist now? Obviously I don't think he's a fascist but I'm trying to explain my thoughts.

I don't care about Trump I'm from another country that has enough problems on it's own. I feel I have to say that before people start saying I'm a trump supporter or whatever.

[LPbilliejr]

1 hour ago, petros said:

So he's saying a huge part of American people are fascists or guilty for something. How do you American people feel about that? Man I love billie joe as a person but he's been so stupid talking about this election. Calm down already. You are an American person. Yes you are represented by this man because of democracy, and you don't wanna be represented by him? So you're doubting democracy? Who's the fascist now? Obviously I don't think he's a fascist but I'm trying to explain my thoughts.

I don't care about Trump I'm from another country that has enough problems on it's own. I feel I have to say that before people start saying I'm a trump supporter or whatever.

No, you're absolutely right. A large reason why American Idiot was such a success was that it wasn't Billie ranting about a single person (GW) and blaming half of Americans for it. It was a social-political commentary (like 21st cb was largely a social/cultural commentary). Billie does sound like a skipping record using the typical soundbites most progressive American's use: "racist" "facist" "guilty" "deplorable"....etc it goes on.

It's furthered during live shows when Billie takes the bridge of "Holiday" to talk about martial law, militarized police, tanks in the streets, etc and then says this is what President Trump brings to the table when that's rubbish as the truth is that Republicans and Democrats have both allowed the militarization of police to ensue and the military to be used as a force for the government's will WAY before Donald Trump's announcement to run for the office of commander in chief.

There's nothing left to describe how I feel as a fan of not just GD but a fan of the guitarist and songwriter Billie Joe. I'm more disappointed in how its almost going to overwrite the great era that RevRad was ushering in.

[Justin1]

1 hour ago, petros said:

So he's saying a huge part of American people are fascists or guilty for something. How do you American people feel about that? Man I love billie joe as a person but he's been so stupid talking about this election. Calm down already. You are an American person. Yes you are represented by this man because of democracy, and you don't wanna be represented by him? So you're doubting democracy? Who's the fascist now? Obviously I don't think he's a fascist but I'm trying to explain my thoughts.

I don't care about Trump I'm from another country that has enough problems on it's own. I feel I have to say that before people start saying I'm a trump supporter or whatever.

I couldn't agree more. I appreciate the fact that he'd be upset that the progressive ideas he supported (Gay Marriage, climate change, immigration) are likely going to be haulted, but clearly the majority of Americans felt that there was far too much change, and far too fast. 

It seems to me, from a Canadian perspective (who loves America), that America really started losing their Identity under Obama because of all of these radical socialist changes. Things like Public healthcare and immigration sound great in hind sight, but in reality, our North American urban communities are radically changing, and if we aren't seeing positive results from it, (reduction in crime, more prosperity) I don't blame someone for standing up for halting it, or a change back... And it doesn't mean you're a nazi, or a homophobe.

Just to add.. My mom has to wait 10 months to get an MRI for a really bad hip, and she can barely walk. She can afford to go to Minnesota to get one done the same day, but is too stubborn. You have no idea how shitty our public healthcare system can be in Canada, and in my mind, you just need the dicipline to get on a good health plan in your late 20s or early 30s to make your private (and much better) system in the US to work.

Lastly, not everyone believes in climate change, similarity to everyone not believing in God. People have their own agendas and will do and say some pretty radical things for money (Al Gore). To me, the weather cycles have been the exact same my whole life and I personally have not seen any changes and don't believe in it. If people want to invest money into climate change research, it should be done privately. Tax dollars should go to Education, public infrastructure and safety.. Not much else.. More money should be left in the pockets of the people that earn it so they can spend it how they choose.. To me, that's what America was suppose to be.

Green Day has and always will be my favorite band, but I totally disagree with Billies political stances, and I really wish he'd be more tolerant of the views of the other side. 

[RougeRogue]

I wish someone more eloquently spoken than me would find the inspiration to rationally respond, but it's that awkward moment when existing in the past 24 hours has been too mentally exhausting for me to form words worthy of a rebuttal.

Sidenote...he has yet to direct hate or misplaced anger towards 3rd party voters, and I really appreciate that. I saw a lot of hypocrisy amongst my lliberal/Democratic aligned peers today and I would love to keep this space as somewhere that's not bleeding over.

[petros]

35 minutes ago, Justin1 said:

Green Day has and always will be my favorite band, but I totally disagree with Billies political stances, and I really wish he'd be more tolerant of the views of the other side. 

I don't care to comment on the political stuff especially in this thread but this is for me the point. Billie Joe has become so full of himself and his opinion against that guy that is going as far as saying shit like that. And there is no alcohol this time to excuse the things he says. He can't understand that there are people with different opinions than him? 

He was somewhat humble writing songs like American idiot and always describing as it is about himself. He didn't wanna be an arrogant idiot American controlled by the media. And now goes and says these things. Always used to like what he was saying and how he was expressing himself in most issues but now he does sound like a guy that didn't finish high school.

I was ready to get hate for saying that as I did in another thread when I expressed how I didn't like that Billie was talking shit on trump always in every interview and live show now and calling him Hitler so thank you guys you both restored my faith for the green day chat section of the forum!

[Wretched & Divine]

6 minutes ago, RougeRogue said:

I wish someone more eloquently spoken than me would find the inspiration to rationally respond, but it's that awkward moment when existing in the past 24 hours has been too mentally exhausting for me to form words worthy of a rebuttal.

Sidenote...he has yet to direct hate or misplaced anger towards 3rd party voters, and I really appreciate that. I saw a lot of hypocrisy amongst my lliberal/Democratic aligned peers today and I would love to keep this space as somewhere that's not bleeding over.

Most (possibly all?) of my American friends are part of marginalized groups in some way, and I've been at a loss seeing all the ranting and raving at third party voters. As someone who lives in a nation where voting is compulsory, the very massively glaringly obvious issue is not anyone who has exercised their right. It's the dumbfuck people who decided they didn't care enough to vote. 49% of them, and angry Dems want to blame third party voters? 

[RougeRogue]

39 minutes ago, Wretched & Divine said:

Most (possibly all?) of my American friends are part of marginalized groups in some way, and I've been at a loss seeing all the ranting and raving at third party voters. As someone who lives in a nation where voting is compulsory, the very massively glaringly obvious issue is not anyone who has exercised their right. It's the dumbfuck people who decided they didn't care enough to vote. 49% of them, and angry Dems want to blame third party voters? 

You cannot preach "Get out and vote!" and then retract that ideal and blame people who did not vote the way you wanted. That is anti-democracy.

In that regard, to stay on topic, I understand the displeasure with  Billie's fascist comment. But along with that one comment there are many where he actively describes the views of working class Trump supporters and states that he understands where the mentality and, dare I say appeal, came from for them. In all of his answers that involve that subject, he does not insult anyone. We are forgetting the interview in which he said that many of his own family are Trump supporters. I highly doubt that Billie would marry these comments and say his family members are fascists. There's a bigger picture of his ideals here but it seems some people would prefer to narrow it down to this particular comment.

[tdlyon]

Nope, fuck Donald Trump and anybody that voted for him

[stories and songs]

Billie actually is very understanding of why the conservatives backed Trump, and has detailed it several times without ever being hateful or over the top. Trump played them, basically, taking advantage of their fears and just using blanket statements to make it seem as though he could make their problems magically disappear. But he actually says nothing. He's not the Great and Powerful Oz, he's just the guy behind the curtain, but many haven't noticed yet. It's unfortunate, and now it's scary, too. I'm sorry if that sounds patronizing, but I genuinely do feel bad for those who took Trump at his word. I fear they'll be disappointed.

This is democracy at work. This is what the people chose and we need to respect that. But we certainly don't need to agree with it.  It's not against democracy to simply be disappointed in how this played out. For me and so many people I know and care about, this election feels like a nightmare we can't wake up from. We're angry and confused and lost. There's nothing unreasonable about the very real concerns we now have about racism, sexism, xenophobia, etc. This election has taken this country to a remarkably ugly place, with both sides contributing (which Billie also mentioned). The media turned this into a circus, and now the star clown is our president. There are many intricacies to how the election panned out this way, and I genuinely think Billie has a handle on them. He's not a political analyst who needs to stay impartial, he's a musician. Of course he's going to express how this all makes him feel. 

My chosen representative doesn't represent me or my values. He stirs hatred and prejudice on purpose. So yes, that upsets me.

[Hermione]

Just now, petros said:

So he's saying a huge part of American people are fascists or guilty for something. How do you American people feel about that? Man I love billie joe as a person but he's been so stupid talking about this election. Calm down already. You are an American person. Yes you are represented by this man because of democracy, and you don't wanna be represented by him? So you're doubting democracy? Who's the fascist now? Obviously I don't think he's a fascist but I'm trying to explain my thoughts.

I don't care about Trump I'm from another country that has enough problems on it's own. I feel I have to say that before people start saying I'm a trump supporter or whatever.

If you voted for a racist, sexist fascist then you're guilty of putting a racist, sexist fascist in power. What is incorrect there? He isn't calling everyone who voted for Trump a fascist, only those who agree with his fascist views.

Just now, LPbilliejr said:

No, you're absolutely right. A large reason why American Idiot was such a success was that it wasn't Billie ranting about a single person (GW) and blaming half of Americans for it. It was a social-political commentary (like 21st cb was largely a social/cultural commentary). Billie does sound like a skipping record using the typical soundbites most progressive American's use: "racist" "facist" "guilty" "deplorable"....etc it goes on.

It's furthered during live shows when Billie takes the bridge of "Holiday" to talk about martial law, militarized police, tanks in the streets, etc and then says this is what President Trump brings to the table when that's rubbish as the truth is that Republicans and Democrats have both allowed the militarization of police to ensue and the military to be used as a force for the government's will WAY before Donald Trump's announcement to run for the office of commander in chief.

There's nothing left to describe how I feel as a fan of not just GD but a fan of the guitarist and songwriter Billie Joe. I'm more disappointed in how its almost going to overwrite the great era that RevRad was ushering in.

It was commentary but it wasn't from a neutral stance. Billie has talked about how conservative Republicans he knew would be like "I really like what you're saying with your record" because they'd interpreted it the way they wanted, and how all he could think was "no....its against everything you stand for and you're not supposed to like it". Anyway RevRad itself isn't any more specific than American Idiot. And he's speaking against Trump in interviews now in exactly the same way he spoke against Bush in interviews then.

Just now, Justin1 said:

Green Day has and always will be my favorite band, but I totally disagree with Billies political stances, and I really wish he'd be more tolerant of the views of the other side. 

Why should he? Green Day are a punk band and come from a scene where standing up for what you believe is right is paramount. Tolerance doesn't mean tolerating intolerance. And I'm sorry but "not everyone believes in climate change, similarity to everyone not believing in God" is ridiculous.

[petros]

2 hours ago, Hermione said:

He isn't calling everyone who voted for Trump a fascist, only those who agree with his fascist views.

The people who voted for Donald Trump are all guilty or fascists

That was posted as a translate of his words so your point is false.

2 hours ago, Hermione said:

Why should he? Green Day are a punk band and come from a scene where standing up for what you believe is right is paramount. Tolerance doesn't mean tolerating intolerance.

And that 's the point. He should be if he wants to be a mature person that respects other's opinions. He can disagree as much as he wants but to go as far as to call all people that believe in something guilty and fascists? Come on Hermione you are 31 years old I feel weird having to "lecture" you on stuff like that. And judging from what I've seen of you over the years here you don't seem like an ignorant person. So maybe try to be a little less biased when it comes to green day. Everyone is free to have an opinion but straight up saying a huge part of his fellow American people are fascists? And you guys back him up on that? Come on. I see you're from the UK. Whatever your view of the brexit was i don't care imagine someone come and say "yeah the people that voted yes/no are stupid uneducated fascists and guilty for what will happen in our country because i voted for yes/no(the other option than the first yes/no obviously)"

Come on we all love green day here but that doesn't mean everything they do/say has to be right.

[Hermione]

Just now, petros said:

The people who voted for Donald Trump are all guilty or fascists

 

Yeah, guilty of bringing him to power (even if they're not fascists). That's literally what everyone who voted for him is. 

Just now, petros said:

I see you're from the UK. Whatever your view of the brexit was i don't care imagine someone come and say "yeah the people that voted yes/no are stupid uneducated fascists and guilty for what will happen in our country because i voted for yes/no(the other option than the first yes/no obviously)"

 

Same thing. Some people who voted for Brexit did it because of ignorance or xenophobia, but not all of them. But all the people who voted for Brexit are guilty of causing Brexit , and whatever consequences come with it.

[petros]

6 minutes ago, Hermione said:

Yeah, guilty of bringing him to power (even if they're not fascists). That's literally what everyone who voted for him is. 

Same thing. Some people who voted for Brexit did it because of ignorance or xenophobia, but not all of them. But all the people who voted for Brexit are guilty of causing Brexit , and whatever consequences come with it.

But he said they are all fascists. He said that. That's wrong you have to agree on that.

[Hermione]

Just now, petros said:

But he said they are all fascists. He said that. That's wrong you have to agree on that.

He said they're "all guilty OR fascists". Which gives the option to be guilty of bringing him to power but not be a fascist. Not the same as "all guilty AND fascist".

Are you saying no one who voted for him did so because they share his or his running mate's racist/xenophobic/sexist/homophobic/fascist views? If that is the reason some (not all) people voted for him then of course those people should be called fascists.

[petros]

12 minutes ago, Hermione said:

He said they're "all guilty OR fascists". Which gives the option to be guilty of bringing him to power but not be a fascist. Not the same as "all guilty AND fascist".

Are you saying no one who voted for him did so because they share his or his running mate's racist/xenophobic/sexist/homophobic/fascist views? If that is the reason some (not all) people voted for him then of course those people should be called fascists.

Obviously a lot of people voted for him because of that and as I said before I'm not judging them this isn't what this thread is about. Anyway I guess I can't make you understand what I'm trying to say I've wrote some big posts above and since I couldn't get my point across then I don't think I will now  

[Hermione]

Just now, petros said:

Obviously a lot of people voted for him because of that and as I said before I'm not judging them this isn't what this thread is about. Anyway I guess I can't make you understand what I'm trying to say I've wrote some big posts above and since I couldn't get my point then I don't think I will now  

I honestly just don't think he's calling everyone who voted for him fascist. If he was you might have a point, but he said guilty or fascist. If I say all the keys on a piano are black or white it doesn't mean I'm saying they're all white  

[petros]

10 minutes ago, Hermione said:

I honestly just don't think he's calling everyone who voted for him fascist. If he was you might have a point, but he said guilty or fascist. If I say all the keys on a piano are black or white it doesn't mean I'm saying they're all white  

But you don't get that even saying that they are guilty is wrong too? People voted. You have to respect that. It's democracy. You have to respect democracy especially since you are supposed to be with the democratic party. They are not guilty for putting trump on the white house they are responsible for putting him there. Both words he used are wrong. 

[Hermione]

Just now, petros said:

But you don't get that even saying that they are guilty is wrong too? People voted. You have to respect that. It's democracy. You have to respect democracy especially since you are supposed to be with the democratic party. They are not guilty for putting trump on the white house they are responsible for putting him there. Both words he used are wrong. 

I don't think you have to respect voting for a man who is a racist, sexist fascist who has run on a platform of hate. Yes it can be acknowledged that there's other reasons people voted him other than agreeing with him on those things (which I believe Billie has done) and respect their right to have cast their vote for who they wanted but you don't have to respect the choice they made if you disagree with it. A band who literally sells t shirts that say "No racism, no sexism, no homophobia" don't have to respect voting for a man who represents those things, and I don't think it's at all surprising that they don't.

[DecanoLP]

I completely agree with him and it's good he's so penetrative about it. 

It's sad to see that it's 2016 and people just accept sexism, homophobia and racism. We're all human beings and are all the same no matter if you're black or white, no matter if you love a woman or a man, no matter if you come from America, Asia or Africa. At the moment, people are getting elected (and Trump is one of them) that say "A man should not love a man", "Only Americans should be allowed in America" or "I can get every girl I want because I'm superior." This is fucked-up but the public is still voting for these people. And if you do that, you're agreeing with a Donald Trump in the US, a Frauke Petry in Germany, a Marie Le Pen in France or whoever.
I have the feeling that huminaty should be developed a lot more but because of these people and their voters, we're getting pushed back into the 1950s again. Well done.

By the way, Billie Joe Armstrong is still a man with punk-rock roots. Punk-rock has always been against sexism, homophobia, nationalism and racism and if people can't accept that, they're probably listening to the wrong band.
 

[Thatsername]

11 hours ago, petros said:

So he's saying a huge part of American people are fascists or guilty for something. How do you American people feel about that? Man I love billie joe as a person but he's been so stupid talking about this election. Calm down already. You are an American person. Yes you are represented by this man because of democracy, and you don't wanna be represented by him? So you're doubting democracy? Who's the fascist now? Obviously I don't think he's a fascist but I'm trying to explain my thoughts.

Billie is totally right, people who voted for Trum are guilty. Democracy isn't a game. It comes with responsibility. I know that many people nowadays don't see this and think that your right to vote is useless and something you can throw away lightly because they think it doesn't matter anyway. But it does matter. You are responsible for the consequence of your actions. People who voted Trump knew exactly what that man stands for, he made no secret of his opinions and so-called values. Even if they only voted for him out of protest or because they couldn't relate to any other candidate, they still knew who they were supporting.

It's like people voting for Hitler only because they think it's pretty cool that he's building highways. That's no excuse. Supporting a racist, sexist and facist doesn't automatically mean that you're a racist, sexist and facist, too, and Billie didn't say this in the interview btw. But it means that you bear a piece of responsibility for his success. That's just a fact.

Yes, we all have to accept the results of this election because the majority wanted it to be like this. But democracy doesn't mean that the minority has to agree with all of this just because the majority voted for it. That would be 3rd Reich. Democracy lives from disagreement, it lives from (peaceful) resistance. And I'm very proud to support a band who stands for this.