Eurovision is Political
Eurovision allowed Israel to compete, saying they stay out of politics. Yet Russia was banned for invading Ukraine. Make it make sense?
The debates around Eurovision have intensified after people called for Israel to be banned after their consistent invasion as well as genocide of Palestine. Yet Eurovision decided to allow Israel to compete as they said they are outside politics. Can anything really be outside of politics?
If one believes so, and that Eurovision is taking the 'apolitical view' (or cowardly view in the face of genocide), why was Russia banned from Eurovision? By this reckoning, Russia should be able to compete, since they are banned for POLITICAL reasons. Ukraine's Eurovision win was inherently political, a show that the world stood with them despite the awful things that were happening.
The world was more than happy to defend Ukraine's right to autonomy and condemn Russia for their invasion and behaviour. And then it comes to Palestine, which is instead seen as a 'controversial' issue, marches in favour are branded 'hate marches' by politicians, and speaking out against Israel is viewed as anti-Semitic.
I despise how readily accepted it is to ignore Palestine simply because it isn't a Western state so not capable of the same governmental and ethical protections. Why do we let these double standards persist? Why can't Israel face sanctions like Russia?
Eurovision is seen as one of Europe's best features, but I am ashamed that it accepts Israel as a contestant. Israel's actions are beyond wrong, and no one seems to care or want to do anything about it. It isn't anti-Semitic to say this; it is the same for any country that decides to infringe upon another's sovereignty.
Russia and Israel are in the wrong but their difference in treatment speaks volumes about the West's attitude as well as strategy in foreign issues. The Palestinian people's lives are being treated as less than the Ukrainian people's.
When did we become so callous in determining human worth by country?
What kind of precedent are we setting?
Why are we allowing any of this to happen?
*Image obtained from the Irish Independent, all rights reserved#eurovision #israel #palestine #ceasefire #politics #russia #ukraine #west #racism #lives #worth #humanity
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