National Identity

Two foundational punk bands: The Clash and the Sex Pistols (yeah, yeah, I know we can make a thousand arguments about how The Clash weren't really punk and so on and so forth but cut me some slack, they were part of a moment or something like that). Right? Right. Both bands my mother would shake her head and tut at me for listening to. Possibly it would lead to some concern for my future. (The Clash? very possibly says my mother? Didn't they sing "Rock the Casbah?" Well, okay, yes, but that was about the Islamic Revolution in Iran and I think Jimmy Jazz cut someone's head off, so, you know, tut. I'm a rebel).
Well, okay. We've established that they both existed. Both, really, kind of on opposite ends of the punk spectrum, with the Sex Pistols being, well, a touch nihilistic and the Clash full of righteous, world changing rage (among other things).
Yes. So, listening to both "Never Mind the Bollocks" (and so on and so forth) and "London Calling" I was struck by both album's shared undercurrent of interest with national identity. Consider: "She was a girl from Birmingham, She just had an abortion." And, of course, "Anarchy in the U.K." with its self identified anarchist, claiming anarchy will come to the U.K. "God Save the Queen" salutes the singers ruffled feathers over the monarchy. Songs that (for Bodies) ground the music solidly in England and then pose a question: Who are we? Is this us? Are we fascists or are we anarchists? What's the truth and what's a lie? (And some songs are just concerned with, well, one's self). The songs seem very concerned with who we are and why we are so angry about that.
And the Clash, well, "London Calling," "Guns of Brixton," "Lost in the Supermarket"... Songs that concerned with who we are - "Lost in the Supermarket" lower middle class life and alienation. "London Calling" portrays London as a center for moral and spirtual corruption. "Guns of Brixton" questions middle class complacency (man, this song is like the Tea Partiers anthem... Good thing Tea Partiers don't listen to a bunch of pinko-commies!). Very, very concerned with who we are, where we came from, what are we doing, what is our effect and impact on the world, centering that debate in national with their constant reference to English cities, landmarks, and life.
So yeah. Very different albums, both very influential, both mightily concerned (well, okay. One of their concerns) with national identity. I thought it was interesting, anyway.