Countdown to Christmas
7 – Anti-Authoritarianism
- It is an expression of individual freedom to rebel against authorities, to criticize and question them.
- This applies to authorities in all areas of life, in education and art as well as in politics. It is especially true when these authorities do not have to prove themselves in competition and discourse, but instead assert their power unchecked.
- Questioning authority is an important building block of liberal thinking, but it is not enough on its own. New ideas must be open for discussion and realized, new authorities must prove themselves in competition, open debates, and in the political space, in elections.
The song “Another brick in the wall” is part of the concept album "The Wall” by Pink Floyd. The short but very concise lyrics denounce the authoritarian treatment of pupils, which is associated with coercion and punishment. The music, which still captivates me like many millions of listeners, breathes the rebellion against false authorities. The protest is particularly vivid by the use of a children's choir. In this context, a wall, which gives the entire album its title, is a perfect parable for the restriction of freedom and individuality by authorities who exercise power.
