Oliver Anthony unites right and left: Our elites have failed.

Oliver Anthony’s viral song “Rich Men North of Richmond” is clever on several levels. First, there’s the wordplay between “rich men” and “Richmond.” Second, there’s the district north of Richmond, one ‍not known for its relative poverty, but for its indifference to both the material and spiritual‌ poverty experienced outside of its borders. Third, there’s the lyrical content, telling tales of the men and women whose lives are shaped by those who occupy the ⁣district that wields far too much control over our⁣ culture and economic well-being.

Anthony’s Clever and ‍Thought-Provoking Song

Oliver Anthony’s⁤ viral song “Rich Men North of Richmond” ⁢is not just catchy, but also cleverly crafted. It plays‍ with⁣ the words “rich men” and “Richmond,” highlighting the district’s⁣ indifference to the poverty experienced beyond its borders. Through ⁣its lyrical content, the ⁣song sheds light on the lives of individuals influenced by the powerful figures in this district, who hold significant control ‌over our ⁤society and economy.

While‍ the ⁤song has gained recognition from Fox, the Blaze, and The ⁢Federalist, it’s important to note that neither the artist nor the song are focused on the conservative vs. liberal divide. Instead, they delve into the struggles faced by everyday citizens against the elites. In fact, Anthony himself stated in an interview with Rolling Stone that he holds a centrist political stance, recognizing that both sides serve a master who doesn’t prioritize the well-being of the American people. Rolling Stone even titled their piece “Right-Wing Influencers Just Found Their Favorite New Country Song.”

Some individuals on Twitter have suggested that the musician’s sudden success is a result of right-wing astroturfing. However, a more plausible explanation is that the song resonates with the populist ​anger seen in the Sanders-Trump voters of 2016.‍ This anger persists due to the failure of ⁢elected officials to address the shared concerns that initially led to this overlap. It’s not about faux outrage, but a genuine response to the changing landscape. Jon ​Gabriel, in an article for Discourse, captures the essence of why Anthony’s ⁣song ⁢strikes a chord.

The Decline of Meritocracy

“As it slowly replaced the white Anglo-Saxon Protestant aristocracy, meritocracy promised to reward⁣ ability over pedigree. In many cases, this goal was realized. But the system has devolved ​into a new caste system stressing academic accreditation and boutique beliefs over simple merit and hard work. An Ivy League student garners⁤ degrees,​ builds a social⁣ network and marries a similarly educated spouse. Through their high-salary professions, these‌ members of the meritocracy ⁤lavish advantages​ on their‍ offspring, who matriculate to the same elite‍ schools. Once the cycle repeats for a ​generation or two, you start referring to common cold cuts as ‘charcuterie.’”

According to ‌Gabriel, the issue lies not in the existence of elites or their ‍preference for charcuterie, but​ in the declining quality ‌of our current ‍crop of elites. The elites​ of the past achieved ​remarkable ⁤feats, such as winning​ wars, establishing peace, and fostering global prosperity. However, today’s elites struggle to defeat third-world adversaries,‌ maintain law ​and order, manage finances, or ensure a stable power‍ supply.

Furthermore, they can’t even engage in corruption competently.⁢ The elites were once skilled at discreetly⁣ lining their pockets and maintaining the illusion ⁤of playing by the same rules as everyone else. Now, representatives who engage​ with Wall Street are hailed as wizards, and the White House dismisses ⁢obvious influence-peddling schemes with a casual “everyone ⁣does it.” The sense of responsibility and duty that should accompany their privileged positions has vanished, ⁤and ordinary people have taken notice.

Our media and political ⁢elites may try to dismiss people’s reactions as mere faux outrage, claiming the exclusive right to be the voice⁣ of the people. However, they fail to acknowledge their own shortcomings as elites. They have become the establishment, while artists like Oliver Anthony represent the new counterculture. Until our elites remember their duty to serve the​ people effectively, the songs of protest from these new insurgents will only grow⁢ louder and more numerous.