MECHANISTIC DEHUMANIZATION IN RADIOHEAD'S LET DOWN AND NO SURPRISES:
A SEMANTIC ANALYSIS
Keywords:
lexical relations, contextual variability, mechanistic dehumanization, radiohead, semanticsAbstract
This qualitative study analyzes mechanistic dehumanization in Radiohead's "Let Down" and "No Surprises" using Murphy's (2010) lexical relations, Cruse's (2000) contextual variability, and Haslam's (2006) psychological model. Lexically, the lyrics establish a sterile, mechanical baseline. Contextually, this rigid vocabulary is transformed into dystopian symbols that execute dehumanization by manifesting instrumentality, denial of agency, and fungibility. Ultimately, the study concludes that these lyrics are meticulously engineered to portray human objectification, highlighting a tragic irony where modern individuals actively seek emotional numbness to escape systemic capitalist trauma.
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