EGN NEWS DESK
How occasions change! The Eurovision Song Contest started method again in 1956 as a technical experiment in tv broadcasting to a global viewers. It was hosted within the Swiss-Italian lakeside metropolis of Lugano, and 7 nations took half: the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Italy. The UK was apparently too busy with its personal contest and despatched apologies.
Eurovision was initially, because the title implies, a European enterprise, however now contestants come from the world over, with 37 totally different international locations collaborating this 12 months – whittled right down to 26 for the ultimate.
Back within the day it was a well-liked, if relatively bland, affair, with anodyne songs and respectful contestants, all dressed alike in night put on and glossy sneakers. Husband and spouse duo, Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson, nailed the temper in 1959 with a chirpy little quantity entitled Sing Little Birdie – on the time seen as one thing of a departure from the extra standard weight-reduction plan of ballads. But the adventurous gamble paid off, as a result of it obtained consideration and gained them second place. Overall, the phrase ‘chaste’ involves thoughts, and, till just lately, that is been just about what Eurovision was all about. A jolly and undemanding night, showcasing European solidarity. Good enjoyable, all spherical!
Fast ahead to 2024, and a relatively totally different image emerges. For a begin, the competition is now world, with entrants from as far afield as Australia, Israel, and Azerbaijan, to call however just a few, whereas nearly all of rivals appear scantily clad and relatively ‘raunchy’ – admiringly described by the BBC as ‘ magical and transferring and bizarre’. There’s the standard weight-reduction plan of throbbing love songs, after all, however on the identical time most of the entries seem to have moved a way past that. The UK entry, for instance, described as set in a ‘post-apocalyptic boxing fitness center, aboard an area ship hurtling in direction of earth’, has a help group of solely male dancers, who energetically gyrate round singer Olly Alexander, making the efficiency a extremely sexualised celebration and promotion of homosexual love.
Also carrying a message, albeit relatively totally different, is Ireland’s entry. Performed by a non-binary singer with the unlikely title of Bambie Thug – described in publicity as a ‘goth gremlin goblin witch’ – it options what’s been labelled a candlelit séance. Till ordered to take away them, Bambie additionally had the phrases ‘Ceasefire’ and ‘Free Palestine’ written throughout face and physique in Ogham, an historic Irish alphabet. One could conclude, given the occult tone of the entire, that Bambie Thug was making an attempt to forged a spell.
A far cry from Eurovision’s unique imaginative and prescient of an apolitical and healthful songfest that will transcend political distinction and draw the nations collectively. And the entire sorry affair has, with out query, been made infinitely worse this 12 months by the protests of pro-Palestinian supporters, demanding Israel be eliminated due to the persevering with battle in Gaza. Never thoughts the very fact this was a murderous battle began by Hamas – which could possibly be ended in a single day, if the terrorist group would solely return the hostages and comply with stop hostilities – pro-Palestinian demonstrators have been unremitting of their name for Israel to be barred.
The threats of violence have certainly been so dangerous that Israeli entrant Eden Golan, for her personal security, has needed to be confined to her room, whereas further police have been drafted into Malmo, not simply from throughout Sweden, however from neighbouring Denmark and Norway as nicely – all reportedly carrying bigger and extra highly effective weapons than standard in order to fulfill the risk.
Feel good? No, say activists … really feel afraid.
The unhappy reality is, Eurovision has turn out to be a mirror for our fractured, decadent, and more and more pagan society, all cloaked in glitz, glamour and sequins. A automobile for curiosity teams to pound dwelling their message, whether or not that be sexual libertarianism, good old style anarchy, or tried political manipulation and management.
So here is a thought, for the long run let’s neglect misplaced makes an attempt to rebrand world tradition and rating factors, and as an alternative focus on simply celebrating music and having a superb time.
Rev Lynda Rose is founding father of Voice for Justice UK, a bunch which works to uphold the ethical values of the Bible in society.
