Julian Casablancas Critiques “White Privilege” Among American Zionists in Candid Subway Chat

Julian Casablancas dives into the complex topic of American Zionists and white privilege during a candid SubwayTakes interview.

A Subway Ride Sparks Bold Conversations

If you ever wondered what it would be like to stumble upon Julian Casablancas sharing unfiltered political insights on a New York subway, wonder no more. During a recent episode of the viral YouTube series SubwayTakes, hosted by Kareem Rahma, the frontman of The Strokes unleashed some unexpectedly raw commentary on American Zionists and their relationship to white privilege.

The show’s concept is simple yet genius: Rahma sits beside celebrities on a subway train, handing them a microphone connected to a Metrocard while inviting them to share their hottest takes on life. Past guests have included stars like Charli XCX, Cate Blanchett, FKA Twigs, and David Byrne — and now Julian Casablancas has joined this eclectic lineup.

Julian Casablancas opens up on politics and privilege during SubwayTakes.

Calling Out “White Privilege” Among American Zionists

The conversation started lightheartedly, with Casablancas joking, “Well, it’s been nice having a career,” before pivoting to a scathing critique. He pointed out how “American Zionists get the benefits of white privileged people, but talk like they are Black people during slavery.” This blunt observation triggered an agreement from Rahma, who added that these Zionists often claim oppression while enjoying celebrations like weddings in Tel Aviv — all the while just miles away from devastating violence claiming thousands of lives, including women and children.

Casablancas didn’t stop there. He addressed the inevitable backlash some might direct toward Hamas citing the violence of October 7th. However, he drew parallels to history, saying, “Native American rebellions didn’t mean it was ok to do what we did. Slave rebellions that were violent didn’t mean that slavery is not bad.” His point was clear: violent resistance doesn’t justify the broader systems of oppression and suffering that persist.

Check out the full eye-opening segment here:

The Weight of Indoctrination and Hope for Awakening

When Rahma suggested that Casablancas’ explanation might primarily be for the “media illiterate,” Casablancas reflected on the power of indoctrination. He said, “You know, indoctrination is such a strong thing, we just want to be part of the tribe… But it is a sad fact, the brainwashing of people in general. You can’t be mad because something was rammed down their throat, necessarily.” It’s a compassionate yet sobering take on how people get caught in narratives sometimes without a choice.

On the subject of hope, Casablancas admitted it’s all about perspective. “It depends on your timeline,” he said, “I’m hopeful that things will be alright eventually and that people are awakening.” This delicate balance between skepticism and optimism reveals an artist engaged deeply with the world’s complexities.

Context: Israel, Gaza, and Cultural Activism

Casablancas’ remarks come amid ongoing global discussions surrounding Israel and Gaza. The state of Israel has persistently denied accusations of genocide and war crimes, keeping the debate highly charged and polarizing.

His activism is well documented. Back in 2021, Casablancas was among over 600 artists who signed an open letter supporting Palestinian rights while calling for a boycott of performances in Israel. Just last week, over 1,000 cultural workers and artists joined a campaign called No Music For Genocide, demanding a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest unless Israel is banned from participating.

This activism ties into his broader critiques of power and inequality. Casablancas has previously criticized the billionaire ruling class as a key source of societal distraction and exploitation, calling out the “magical Superman lights of CNN” and other media for keeping people hypnotized and distracted from real issues.

Politics on Stage and Tour Announcements

Only days before the SubwayTakes episode, The Strokes closed out their Coachella set with a politically charged video montage. The visuals drew attention to international leaders toppled by the CIA, highlighted the civil trial that found the US government guilty of Martin Luther King Jr.’s murder, and showcased destruction in Iran and Gaza.

The band is also gearing up for their new album, Reality Awaits, their first in six years. Produced with the legendary Rick Rubin and recorded across various global locations including Costa Rica, the album drops June 26 via Cult Records/RCA Records. Pre-orders are currently available for eager fans.

On top of that, The Strokes have announced a massive world tour hitting the UK, North America, Europe, and Japan. This will be their first full UK and Ireland tour in over two decades, with stops at iconic venues like London’s O2 Arena and Dublin’s 3Arena this October.

A Fan’s Reflection

As a longtime fan, seeing Casablancas so openly articulate his frustrations and hopes feels refreshing. There’s a raw honesty here, not just about global political issues but about the distractions that consume our daily lives. His willingness to challenge popular narratives while calling for unity against elite power structures adds depth to his music persona.

And hey, who else can casually perform a fresh demo of ‘You Only Live Once’ on a subway ride while discussing complex geopolitical matters? That’s the kind of unexpected magic fans live for.

FAQ

• Why did Julian Casablancas criticize American Zionists?
  He argued that many American Zionists benefit from white privilege but speak as if they experience the oppression akin to Black people during slavery, which he sees as contradictory.
• What is the SubwayTakes series?
  It’s a viral YouTube series where host Kareem Rahma sits beside celebrities on a New York subway, inviting them to share their boldest thoughts on life into a microphone attached to a Metrocard.
• Has Julian Casablancas been politically active before?
  Yes, he signed an open letter supporting Palestinian rights in 2021 and has spoken against performances in Israel, as well as criticizing the billionaire ruling class.
• What is the new album by The Strokes?
  The upcoming album is called Reality Awaits, set for release on June 26, produced by Rick Rubin and recorded in several locations worldwide.
• What’s unique about The Strokes’ upcoming tour?
  It will be their first full UK and Ireland tour in over 20 years, with stops in major arenas like London’s O2 and Dublin’s 3Arena.

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