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When Does Non-Political Become Political?
I didn't watch Eurovision but as I understand it, the organisers - the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), together with the Host Broadcaster, in this case presumably the BBC - denied Ukraine's President Zelenskyy the opportunity to speak saying that the event is non-political. The evening ended with voices raised in a rousing rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone', accompanied by footage of Ukrainian flags being waved with great enthusiasm. Hmmm … now I've no objection to anyone supporting Ukraine - more power to their elbow I say - and I thought the performance wonderful - a real lump in the throat moment - but it seems to me there was a bit of a contradiction going on there.
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The responsibility was the organisers’ solely.
I understand where they were coming from and on balance I agree I think albeit reluctantly. Not on “political” grounds but merely for fear it might strike too sombre a tone.
However we forget maybe that Zelensky is a performer by profession: he has consistent struck the appropriate note in his addresses and I suspect he would have here: we’ll never know. I am sure he was watching from Rome.
In any case, what they did have was a marvellous rendition to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Duncan Lawrence, which was the climax of a series of performances of Liverpool-related songs by past winners.
This was a simultaneous performance with Ruslana singing from the Golden Gate in Kyiv.
It had all the presenters in tears
Although I’m intrigued as to whether that was live as the Russians celebrated the event by putting the entire country under air raid alert for most of the night.
And hitting Ternopil, the home city of Tvorchi just early enough so they’d know about it before they went on stage.
I understand where they were coming from and on balance I agree I think albeit reluctantly. Not on “political” grounds but merely for fear it might strike too sombre a tone.
However we forget maybe that Zelensky is a performer by profession: he has consistent struck the appropriate note in his addresses and I suspect he would have here: we’ll never know. I am sure he was watching from Rome.
In any case, what they did have was a marvellous rendition to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Duncan Lawrence, which was the climax of a series of performances of Liverpool-related songs by past winners.
This was a simultaneous performance with Ruslana singing from the Golden Gate in Kyiv.
It had all the presenters in tears
Although I’m intrigued as to whether that was live as the Russians celebrated the event by putting the entire country under air raid alert for most of the night.
And hitting Ternopil, the home city of Tvorchi just early enough so they’d know about it before they went on stage.
.. which I see you referenced in your OP.
Not sure where the “contradiction” is.
It’s a pity so many comment in this when they’ve not actually seen it.
Lots of “well I tuned in at one point and they were all weirdos/gays”
As I said somewhat else, it’s the sort of show you either love or hate and it’s not really surprising if the casual viewer who takes a perk halfway through doesn’t “get it”
You need to be in from the start ;-)
Not sure where the “contradiction” is.
It’s a pity so many comment in this when they’ve not actually seen it.
Lots of “well I tuned in at one point and they were all weirdos/gays”
As I said somewhat else, it’s the sort of show you either love or hate and it’s not really surprising if the casual viewer who takes a perk halfway through doesn’t “get it”
You need to be in from the start ;-)
I believe I read or maybe heard that the Ukranian ex heavy weight boxer who is now a mayor was allowed to give a speech at the start.
To disallow the president to offer his gratitude to the UK and especially the people of Liverpool I believe is contradictory. Any how the Princess of Wales showed her solidarity in her subtle way. As usual she did us proud.
To disallow the president to offer his gratitude to the UK and especially the people of Liverpool I believe is contradictory. Any how the Princess of Wales showed her solidarity in her subtle way. As usual she did us proud.
I agree retro.
The word “political” is dragged up as an excuse too often. Keep politics out of sport? You can’t, not at this level. Same with Eurovision.
On the other hand if I decide to boycott my local bazaar because the organiser is Russian, that’s being needlessly petty and “political” if you like. But if Wimbledon bans Russian players that’s understandable: it’s international sport.
And it’s not as if the Ukrainians are making political capital out of it.
The word “political” is dragged up as an excuse too often. Keep politics out of sport? You can’t, not at this level. Same with Eurovision.
On the other hand if I decide to boycott my local bazaar because the organiser is Russian, that’s being needlessly petty and “political” if you like. But if Wimbledon bans Russian players that’s understandable: it’s international sport.
And it’s not as if the Ukrainians are making political capital out of it.
