The NakedEric posting on Thompson has been very popular. I see this as no surprise as it is very interesting to me as well. Due to the popularity of this posting, I decided to research this band / political group in more detail to bring you information on the topis through the NakedEric lens of perception.
“Thompson” is actually Marko Perkovic. Marko takes the stage and sings song that praise the Holocaust and promote Ustaše, the Croation pro-Nazi regime that sent Jews, Serbs and Gypsies to concentration camps during WWII. The folk-metal musician is often greeted by audiences with a Nazi salute. He’s been kicked out of Canada and the Netherlands for hate speech, only to be welcomed by Manhattan’s own Croatian Center in Midtown. In the pictures I have included here, you can see the fans saluting the singer in a behavior that has the Constitution bending as it bears the weight of this expression of Free Speech. NakedEric is all about freedom and I respect the boldness of Thompson’s muse. He seems to be inspired by hatred.
However, unlike those espousing hatred before him. I mean bands like Deicide (Means “The killing of God”) and Slayer, Thompson has managed to create a movement of ultra-conservativism without outright violence or spectacle. This is what has the band’s opponents so frightened. Thompson is actually a pretty good band…
There have been some missteps along the way that have even his own neo nazis questioning his beliefs. Thompson is not totally embraced by American neo-Nazis, who’d rather berate Jews, blacks and Hispanics than Serbs.
A Canadian, whose screen name is option_violence, made it clear that this kind of white-on-white genocide is not welcome by stating thus:
“Thompson isn’t a neo-Nazi band; they are Croatian Nationalists whose songs focus on their love for Croatia, the Croatia people, and their religion. Their songs also focus on their hatred of the Serbian people, another proud White race… Thompson drew heavy criticism—and rightfully so—for their recording of Jasenovac i Gradiška Stara. Now, my Croatian is a little rusty, but I believe the song is a tribute to a WWII slaughter of Serb troops in the Balkans.”
“I do not support them or their music if all it will do is continue to create divisions between the different white nations, namely the Croats and the Serbs.”
I find it interesting that those withing the community of hate have strict guidelines within that dictate the proper way to hate and clearly, if they are not followed strictly, one’s hate can be well, wrong. Wild, huh?
Therefore, it is fair to say that Thompson is a hate pioneer. Using an amalgam of hatred types, he has designed a new platform using a form that is perhaps the most influential. Folk rock music. What this shows us, at least in America, is something that we have known and harbored a blush or two for. We will believe rock stars before we believe politicians or other leaders. This is what frightens Thompson’s opponents the most. He’s a rock star. He has more street cred than teachers and parents. Espousing his lyrics and worshiping the man is a bona fide form of teenage rebellion. However, it is slighly different than growing your hair long and staying out past curfew.
I will dig more for tidbits on this interesting phenomenon. But in fairness, I will close with a rebuttal from a post on Village Voice.com:
To whom it may Concern:
I am a American – Croatian. I am writing you this email to implore that you refocus you attention musica and lyrics in our own counrty and leave Marko Perkovic alone.
Marko Perkovic and his band are certainly not one-dimensional. Earlier in his career, Perkovic recorded many love songs to accompany hits that were centered around Croatian social themes. Since his career took off during Croatia’s fight for independence, many of his songs were battle-cries that called for the legitimate liberation of Croatia. Croatia gained official international recognition in 1992. Contrary to negative propaganda and outright lies, with his songs Thompson inspired Croatians in the liberation of their homeland. Thompson also recorded songs portraying the plight of Croatian soldiers after the war. Stories similar to the stories of Vietnam Vets in the United States after returning from war. With his more recent albums, Thompson has centered the themes of his songs around the natural scenic beauty of Croatia and three values that the overwhelming majority of Croatians hold dear: God, family and the homeland. Thompson has never called for crimes against civilians, nor has he glorified war-criminals from the past or present. These accusations are simply preposterous.
God, Family and the Homeland
Thompson has on numerous occasions challenged anyone opposed to him or his music to prove their false claims and accusations. He has challenged ALL his opponents to listen to his songs, obtain translations of his lyrics, and finally learn the truth about his music. Once again, the main themes of Thompson’s songs are about God, family and the homeland. Thompson promotes dedication to the faith, family and patriotism. NOT nationalism. Patriotism. These are themes hardly worthy of controversy and the kind of negative publicity surrounding him and his band.
The worst of all false accusations flung at Thompson is that he is the author of a song called: “Jasenovac & Gradiska Stara.” Contrary to negative propaganda, Thompson is not the author of this song. He does not, nor has he ever, performed it live. It cannot be found on any of Thompson’s seven albums. We challenge ALL his opponents to listen to all of his recorded work and learn the truth for themselves. Once again, we challenge ALL to obtain copies of his official albums; and to refrain from viewing or listening to propagandistic montages constructed and posted on the Internet by anonymous Thompson-haters.
Marko Perkovic is a Croatian patriot that loves his country dearly. He is not a member of any political party in Croatia, nor does he have any affiliation to political or activist groups within or outside the country.
Just as we Americans love our country, Perkovic loves his. Just as Jewish-American love their heritage and Israel, Perkovic loves Croatia. And so do Croatian-Americans. So do Croatians world-wide. With his music, Perkovic simply channels patriotism and love of the Croatian heritage. His songs inspire Croats to live honest lives, cherish family, honor God and be faithful to the homeland. To Croatians in the United States, this translates into the respect of not only the Croatian heritage, but of respect to our American heritage; into respect for the great nation that in the past granted amnesty to Croatians that sought refuge and freedom from oppression.
I thank you for your time.
