European Visionary
This weekend sees the Eurovision Song Contest Finals that are being held this year in Vienna.
For non-Europeans, the Eurovision Song Contest (henceforth known as ESC) is the musical and televisual alternative to all-out land war between European nations. Countries choose an original song and enter the contest to battle with other Euro nations' songs to see who has the best techniques for influencing the voting system. This is broadcast across Europe on a Saturday night. The winning country gets to host the following year's contest.
Originally it was a technical exercise to test out that newfangled satellite broadcasting infrastructure, now it's just an International Incident in Waiting.
Thanks to their "not a war" invasion of Ukraine, Russia were expelled from taking part. Thanks to their "not a genocide" invasion of Palestine (and subsequent war against Iran) Israel are welcomed with open arms and are hotly tipped to win this year.
Why one nation's aggression leads to expulsion whilst another is completely ignored has absolutely nothing to do with the main sponsor of the contest being an Israeli company and anyone who suggests this is a very bad person indeed.
Last year Israel were accused of a huge manipulation of the voting system where statistical anomalies suggested people were voting for them more times than they were technically allowed. Their ESC team were also reported to be quite aggressive towards other contestants who spoke out against them being there.
Anyway, for me the ESC is always a must-watch. I listen to the official ESC Spotify playlist to familiarise myself with the songs, watch the Semi Finals that happen midweek and then get the beers and snacks in for 3 hours of camply ridiculous musical entertainment and enraging tactical voting on the Saturday night, culminating in me shouting "HOW THE FUCK DID THIS WIN WHEN CROATIA DIDN'T EVEN MAKE THE FINAL??" at the telly and stomping to bed.
This year I couldn't give a shit and won't be watching. The fact that Israel takes part is ridiculous in the first place (the Euro part of Eurovision should be a clue, but then Russia were in it, as are the Australians). This year I cannot be bothered. Israel can suck a massive horse dick. The fact they're still being allowed to participate has ruined the event for a lot of people - me included.
A contest that's basically a celebration of acceptance, equality, unity, love and brotherhood/sisterhood has lost its way.
Apparently this year is the final year of the Israeli company's sponsorship deal. Maybe next year there will be change. I'm not pinning my hopes on it, though. Money talks after all and the deal could be renewed.
It's a pity because the UK entry is pretty strong this year and might do well. Doing well in a tainted contest is cold comfort though. What do I know anyway? I usually choose a song that gets nil points in the Semis as my favourite after all...