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When Does Non-Political Become Political?

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naomi24 | 09:16 Sun 14th May 2023 | News
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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.

https://twitter.com/bbceurovision/status/1657507401761734657
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it was a song, at a song event, not a speech.
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But with clear connotations, jno.
Isn't it the song Liverpool football gans si g at matches too?
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.
.. 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 ;-)
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//the Russians celebrated the event by putting the entire country under air raid alert for most of the night. //

Nooooo! Did they really? Sorry. I don't think I should be laughing... but I am. How pathetic!
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Ichkeria. 10:57. Not with you. What are you talking about?
Pathetic is the word: and it’s why they are losing: sums them up very nicely.
“Author Ichkeria. 10:57. Not with you. What are you talking about?”

Not sure which bit, but just saying Eurovision is the sort of thing that is indeed going to seem weird to a lot of people - if I tuned in halfway though myself it knowing much about it I’d probably feel the same way
“Not” knowing much about it
Everyone waves flags at Eurovision.
You can’t move for them :-)
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Ichkeria, I didn't say it's weird. Someone else said that elsewhere.
Yes I know you didn’t. It wasn’t referring to you.
If people think it’s weird, well, it is a bit.
But in a nice way IMO :-)
If you are having a non-political event, how could you possibly allow a politician to make a speech?
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.
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.
// But if Wimbledon bans Russian players that’s understandable://

Lol
Well it is 'The All England Lawn Tennis Club' after all.
Russian tennis players being banned makes the point that Ukrainian tennis players are disrupted by Russia's choices.

For example, it would be a hollow victory if a Russian won Wimbledon, while a Ukrainian better player was instead fighting for their life on the front line ...
Sorry I haven't read any of the posts as I didn't watch it so don't feel I can comment but I just wanted to say to Naomi, I've just watched the full version on YouTube and wow, it sent shivers through me. Who is the guy singing, I love his voice. Did he sing the Ukraine entry?
To expect an event in Liverpool not to have that song sung suggests someone's not been paying attention these past 60 odd years.

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