A barely-known singer drops a song criticizing the government, and practically overnight he’s a viral sensation dividing the country. Sound familiar?
It’s the story of Oliver Anthony and his instant hit “Rich Men North of Richmond”, which has become the latest lightning rod in America’s ongoing culture wars.
Just a week ago, nobody had heard of Oliver Anthony or his rootsy complaining about “sellin’ my soul” and “workin’ all day” for “overtime hours for bullshit pay”.
But when his DIY video dropped on a tiny West Virginia radio station’s YouTube channel, it racked up over 20 million views in days.
With his bushy red beard and basic tee, Anthony looks like a blue-collar everyman. And his raw, twangy tune absolutely nails the zeitgeist for many fed-up working folks.
As Anthony gravelly sings, “It’s a damn shame what the world’s gotten to, for people like me and people like you.“
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It didn’t take long for conservative politicians to jump on Anthony’s ragged appeal. Practically overnight, he found himself trumpeted as a hero for the “forgotten Americans”.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene dubbed his song “the anthem of this moment in American history”. Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake called it “the anthem of the forgotten Americans.”
And predictably, the right-wing media followed suit, seizing upon Anthony’s critique of Washington and welfare.
Meanwhile, progressives moved swiftly to disavow and distance themselves from Anthony’s perceived conservative bent. Numerous left-leaning outlets were quick to slap the dreaded “conservative anthem” label on Anthony’s song.
However, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy urged the left to “listen” to the legitimate “problems” Anthony raises, which he says progressives can solve better than the right wing can.
The Latest Culture War Flashpoint
Anthony’s viral hit is just the newest front in the ongoing war between right and left for the hearts and minds of America.
His song neatly fits conservative narratives about big government overreach and welfare abuse. Yet Anthony himself insists he sits “dead center” politically.
Other recent viral moments have likewise been sucked into America’s ideological tug-of-war. Jason Aldean’s country anthem “Try That In a Small Town” faced backlash for its perceived dog whistles, despite Aldean’s denials.
And the faith-based film “Sound of Freedom” has drawn criticism as an echo of the QAnon conspiracy theory, which its director strongly rejects.
Like it or not, Anthony’s song is the newest weapon in these divided culture wars. But is he hero or villain? So far, the reluctant viral star isn’t saying. His tune could either make him the next big Nashville name…or an infamous 15 minutes of infamy.
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In these polarized times, America eagerly seizes upon any cultural moment or figure that seems to speak for one side or the other.
But often the truth is more complex than our culture war labels allow. Artists like Anthony may not intend to be culture warriors or political icons at all.
Yet overnight, they can become the next battle anthem or public enemy, whether they like it or not.
