Shepard Fairey: From Punk Rock Rebellion
to Kamala Harris Endorsement—”backwards”
Shepard Fairey, the mastermind behind Obey Propaganda, was once the epitome of punk rock rebellion. Emerging from the skater scene, his art was a bold statement against authority, embodying the spirit of resistance that resonated with those who believed in challenging the status quo. Fairey’s work, from the iconic “André the Giant Has a Posse” sticker campaign to countless street art pieces that defied convention, captured the essence of rebellion and the desire for change. But today, that legacy has taken a devastating turn.
Fairey recently threw his support behind Kamala Harris with a new piece of art emblazoned with the word “Forward.” Yet, nothing about this endorsement seems forward-thinking—if anything, it’s more BAKWARDS. After 3.5 years as Vice President, Kamala Harris has failed to deliver on key issues that matter most to the American people. Our middle class remains under siege, the border crisis is spiraling out of control, and her policies have even targeted service industry workers with increased taxes. Now, in a desperate move, Harris tries to mimic Trump’s stance on not taxing tips—a transparent attempt to pander to voters.
Fairey’s endorsement of Harris is not just disappointing; it’s a betrayal of the very principles that made his art so powerful. The man who once challenged authority now supports a political figure who has done nothing but maintain the status quo. This isn’t just about a piece of art—it’s about the very soul of our democracy. Fairey, once a beacon of rebellion, is now backing a candidate whose policies threaten to drag America down the path of socialism and communism. This latest piece of art from Fairey is reminiscent of the terrifying propaganda art associated with figures like Che Guevara—images that once sent chills down the spines of those who understood their true implications. Now, Fairey’s poster of Kamala Harris gives off those same disturbing vibes.
Fairey claims he created this art to “save America against the threat to our democracy.” But the real threat to democracy is Kamala Harris herself. By aligning with her, Fairey has not only tarnished his legacy but also abandoned the punk rock ethos that once made him a cultural icon. Supporting Kamala Harris is not just un-punk; it’s the antithesis of everything Fairey once stood for. In a world where our freedoms are under constant attack, this is more than a betrayal—it’s a stark reminder that even those who once stood against the system can be co-opted into becoming puppets of the very forces they once opposed.
In endorsing Harris, Fairey has, unfortunately, gone to the dark side. What was once a beacon of rebellious art has now become a tool for promoting a political figure whose policies have hurt the very people Fairey’s art used to defend. This is a devastating day for the art world and for every person who ever believed in sticking it to the man. Fairey, the man who once urged us to “Obey,” is now more un-punk than ever before—his “Obey” now feels more like a threat than a rallying cry. Instead of rocking the boat, Fairey has chosen to play his part, just another puppet in the grand scheme of a political agenda that could destroy everything America stands for.
– F.W
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Sources
Shepard Fairey
Shepard Fairey
American Street Artist, Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Activist
The fine print I have to include for my own protection:
The following text presents the author’s opinions and interpretations of events without intending to cause harm or defame any individuals, organizations, or entities mentioned. While the author has provided sources to support their claims, readers are encouraged to conduct their research and employ critical thinking to form their own conclusions.
Source Bias Information
Here you can check the Bias of the News Sources presented above.
I use Ground News when possible to find the bias of each source.
And if you’d like to try Ground News! Use our link below for 15% off. Plans are only $0.83/month!
Ground News
