QuoteProject
Politics is the entertainment branch of industry.
Frank Zappa
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that politics often resembles entertainment rather than serious governance.

Frank Zappa's quote reflects his viewpoint on the nature of politics, suggesting that political events and the behavior of politicians have become more about spectacle and entertainment than about substantive governance and the betterment of society. It implies that political processes are often commodified and used for distraction, similar to how the entertainment industry functions.

Themes

PoliticsEntertainmentSpectacleGovernanceSociety

In practice

Example use cases

In a political debate, one might say, 'As Frank Zappa pointed out, politics is often more about entertainment than about the issues at hand.'

More from Frank Zappa

I like to watch the news, because I don't like people very much and when you watch the news... if you ever had an idea that people were really terrible, you could watch the news and know that you're right.
Frank ZappaRead
The richest people in the world aren't particularly smart or happy. And the happiest people in the world aren't particularly smart or rich.… That leaves me making music. But we can't talk about that.
Frank ZappaRead
Bad facts make bad law, and people who write bad laws are in my opinion more dangerous than songwriters who celebrate sexuality. Freedom of speech, freedom of religious thought, and the right to due process for composers, performers and retailers are imperiled if the PMRC and the major labels consummate this nasty bargain.
Frank ZappaRead
Don't mind your make-up, you'd better make your mind up.
Frank ZappaRead
Music is always a commentary on society.
Frank ZappaRead
I'm more interested in melodic things. I think the biggest challenge when you go to play a solo is trying to invent a melody on the spot.
Frank ZappaRead

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