Kesher Talk

when questioned about what started the Star of David trend, Israeli youth aren’t inclined to launch into a political diatribe or cite Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s wistful odes on the essence of Zionism. They explain they’re taking their cue from a local rap artist who goes by the name of “Subliminal.” A glance at the rapper’s latest album holds some clues. The cover art features a mud-covered hand clutching a shining gold Star of David pendant. The lyrics contain strident political prognoses like “the country is vacillating like a cigar in Arafat’s mouth,” while urging Israelis to seek unity with lines like “together we will survive, alone we will fall.” . . . .

. . . What Madonna did for crosses in the U.S. in the 1980s, Subliminal is now doing for the Star of David. And the link with the loud and confrontational culture of hip-hop has made large stars even more popular.

posted by Judith @ 3/27/2003 11:30:51 PM