This is
just one view from an Irish critic of Manson. Manson should be allowed to act
how he wishes and the observer would have to choice of agreeing or disagreeing.
This freedom of interpretation leads to a completely new package of problems and
issues. Marilyn Manson comes to the world with a whole collaboration of new
philosophies and beliefs. Some people accept them and some do not which is why
he is so controversial. The younger generation is typically more accepting of
Manson's values. “The only thing that scares me is to lose the power and
strength of my own individuality. I wouldn’t want to become like the less
creative people.” Says Manson in an interview. (qtd.in Marray 77) This is a
strong principle of Manson’s and a big part of the understanding of the religion
of Satanism. “I went to God just to see/and I was looking at me.” Sings Manson
(The Reflecting God). This is part of how Manson feels of himself. This is the
essence of Satanism, the belief that one’s individuality should be the sole
influence of one’s moral and ethical values. (Manson 168) “In this way, his kind
of intellectual elitism (and mine) is actually politically correct because it
doesn’t judge people by race or creed but by the attainable, equal opportunity
criterion of intelligence. The biggest sin in Satanism in not murder, nor is it
kindness. It is stupidity.” (Manson 168) Manson is speaking about his
concurrence with Anton Szandor LaVey, the founder and high Priest of the Church
of Satan. LaVey was a follower of Nietzsche’s philosophies and thus transferred
them to Manson when they met. (Manson 164) “He told Rolling stone Magazine: It’s
the whole Nietzsche philosophy of you are your own god” (Benson, AFA). This
philosophy has appeal to people of the younger generations who are often
confused about their own ideals. (Benson, AFA). It is obvious that this kind of
thinking does not have good connotation with most other religions represented in
America. His philosophies are by no means far-fetched and therefore they should
not be under any sort of heat for being “stupid”. “Stupid” is what Marilyn
Manson and many of his followers have been called. Many remarks like these are
made by protective parents, whom however, must in turn realize their own moral
and ethical deficiencies first.
The main argument that has been made of Manson’s
antics is his corruption of America’s youth. He has been accused of having
sexual intercourse on stage (Manson 246) and influencing others to have sex as
well. These are of course false rumors, because singing and playing music at the
same time would be rather difficult. Of course Manson is in no way a perfectly
clean man. “The rock group Marilyn Manson consists if demons or evil spirits in
that they espouse heretical beliefs, claim to be Antichrists and Satanists, and
attempt to tempt children away from Christianity with Sin.” (Manson 248). This
is one parents view about Manson’s lack of morals. It is obvious in his music
videos and stage antics that Manson is very liberal when it comes to drugs and
sex. However, his music does not encourage suicide. “The American Academy of
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry lists 14 signs to look for in a suicidal child.
Music choices are not among them.” (Rosen, Music Violence) His on stage antics
are something that many people would find disgusting and erroneous. He does
pretend to have simulated sex on stage, along with various on stage effects that
are degenerative towards religion. (Lunchbox, Rock is Dead Tour VCD). The
pinnacle of his onstage performances are the introduction where Manson is
brought onstage crucified to a cross made of TVs, and his performance of
“Antichrist Superstar” where he proceeds to rip the pages out of the bible
behind a podium whilst the audience cheers and beats their fists in the air.
(Antichrist Superstar, Last Tour on Earth VCD) This has been controversial, as
the major part of the population does not listen to Manson or follow Satanism.
Manson has never done anything criminal other than illegal drugs; there he is
not liable for any of the events that happen during his concerts. Unfortunately,
many of the audience members cause more problems than the band. Fights have
broken out and various other illegal activities have occurred. (Lunchbox, Rock
is Dead Tour VCD). However, not everything involved with Manson is negative. In
fact, some parents would interpret Manson in a different way.
