Joe Strummer, or how I learned to shout through the window
Almost everyone who works or volunteers at Oxfam has had an “epiphany moment.” But I might be the only one inspired to activism by a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer.
April 29th, 2009 | by Bob Ferguson
Almost everyone who works or volunteers at Oxfam has had an “epiphany moment.” Ask us about it, and we’ll tell you what inspired us to change our lives, pick up the baton of volunteerism, or put our talents to work helping Oxfam accomplish great things here and abroad.
My story, though, is a little bit different than most. It involves Joe Strummer, the late leader of the iconic British political rock band The Clash.
I shared this story the weekend before last, when I participated in the annual training of Oxfam Action Corps volunteer leaders at our office in Washington, DC. As usually happens at these types of gatherings, there was much discussion about the “epiphany moment” in all its forms. There were stories about travels to Africa or Central America, where people witnessed widespread poverty for the first time. There were those who learned that they had a knack for organizing and activism with smaller local organizations, and were looking for ways to use those skills working with an international agency with a bit more clout and effectiveness. And there were folks inspired by the deeds of other people in their lives–family members, co-workers, or community leaders.
When it came time to tell my story, I realized that I might be the only one inspired by a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer. But then again Joe Strummer isn’t just any singer. Growing up, a good portion of my ideas and theories about things like social repression and geopolitics were influenced and informed by his lyrics.
I told Strummer this when I finally met him in 2002, after a performance by his post-Clash band, The Mescaleros, in Times Square. Strummer was known for being accessible to his fans, so I felt comfortable enough to stroll up to him and introduce myself.
He seemed pleased, but not surprised, to have made such an impression. And then he said something that had an incredible impact on me.
“You know, you and me, we lead very lucky lives. You live in New York, I’m from London. We can both open our windows, and shout anything we want out into the world, and a thousand people will hear us,” he said. “That’s a luxury that we should take seriously. There are so many people who don’t have that voice, or that audience, so the right thing to do is to speak out on their behalf.”
Ever since then, I’ve tried to take his advice. My job at Oxfam allows me to interact with music artists to amplify Oxfam’s message and bring our work on poverty and injustice to a wider audience. We often say that “we believe music can change the world.” In the spirit of Joe Strummer, I like to think that’s what I’m trying to do each day–use music as a means for change, while always looking for ways to shout through that window.
So what about you? What was your “epiphany moment”–rock n roll related or otherwise?
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Author
Bob Ferguson
As Oxfam America’s music artist relations coordinator, Bob Ferguson works with artists to bring Oxfam’s work to music fans at concerts, in print, and online.
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I love this entry. Now I understand the origin of the line you often tell our volunteers about “being passionate about elevating the voices of those who aren’t listened to.” I’m trying to sort through my own motivations for my first blog entry as well. Interestingly, before reading your blog, I realized the impact of a simple Coldplay lyric on my personal ethos. I bet ya’ll can easily guess it. The point is, you’re not the only one who has been influenced by a rock and roller.
joe rawks!
Great story. I’m mostly inspired by people I actually see doing good deeds, like the people who work at our community garden here in Georgia. They always have great ideas on how to make a difference.
Hi, I’m from Mexico city and I also work in Oxfam over here. Like you, a lot of musicians and rock and roll bands have influenced and inspired me in the construction of my ideas. I feel very honored because I know in Oxfam I can think and be free.
Regards.
Wow. What a great story Bob. I’m a big fan of connecting music with social issues (I got connection with the Oxfam Action Corps @ an Arcade Fire show afterall), and I think Joe Strummer is such an amazing influence on so many people. I’m very lucky to have seen him perform (at the Fillmore!), before he passed away. If only I had the nerve to approach him.
I think what he said is so important, because sometimes we forget how privilaged we are to have such a wide and diverse audience where we live.
Keep up the good work! Look forward to sharing more music related inspiration stories in the future!
- Nicole
(On a completely unrelated sidenote–that is the most awesome captcha generator I have ever seen)
I just completed reading Peter Singer’s recent book “The Life You Can Save.” His analysis of your activities is succinct and soundly convincing. I have always been a bit of a supporter for Oxfam, but Singer’s account of the range of your activities, including female activism and political engagements, is simply something no reasonably thinking person can ignore. I wish I had known more about you when I was at the beginning of my career.
==Reinhold
Hey, thanks to everyone who has left a comment here, or has contacted me directly.
I love hearing stories about how inspiration can come from strange or unorthodox places, people, or incidents! I think as long as you allow yourself to be open to new ideas, you’ll always be able to upgrade your own personal situation or path in life.
One of my favorite quotes about just that comes my favorite philosopher, Yogi Berra:
“You can observe a lot just by watching”. So true!
Never ceases to amaze me that Joe (especially as he aged) managed to capture the spirit of what it’s all about so succinctly. A great post….thank you.
If you don’t mind I’ll link the story.
Tim
http://www.theclashblog.com/