Modern Plagues

It seems that I've been hearing lyrics in hip-hop music that are critical of development in the world, particularly the role of the West in maintaining it's hegemonic position in the world.  

In the words of Roots Manuva: 

"This living dead noose, the bane of life in the west

But who's down for civil unrest?

In times like these comrades is hard to find

The beast keeps the masses toeing the line

With them sneaky tactics they'll keep them boys running

So they can have a market for their guns and ammunition

Keep the third world in a stagnant position

Begging for monetary aid from IMF

Who don't seem too keen to write off the third world debt

Cause they profit from holding it down

Soon there'll be no dollars, no yens, no pounds

Just madness, microchips, and hi-tech war

And all because the beast wants to gain control

Of each and every mind, body, spirit and soul"