"It's much easier to wear a Chairman Mao button and shake your fists in the air and all that, then to actually read the Communist manifesto and things like that and actually become involved in politics"

This quote by Lester Bangs suggests that it is easier to reveal a political opinion than to actually end up being associated with politics. Bangs is implying that it is much easier to show assistance for a political figure or motion, such as using a Chairman Mao button, than to actually understand the political ideology and become involved in the political process. He is recommending that it is much easier to express a political viewpoint than to actually comprehend the intricacies of politics and become an active participant. Bangs is also suggesting that merely expressing a political opinion is not enough to make a distinction in the political process. To genuinely make a difference, one need to become involved in politics and comprehend the political ideologies.