This reblog and this other reblog of my post about an Anti Islamic band nominated for awards illustrate the degree of ignorance that plagues the continent on matters of racism and racial hatred.
- “Freedom of Speech” used as a justification for hatred and “Othering” of minorities (WE CAN SAY WHAT WE WANT! IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT, GO BACK TO WHEREVER YOU CAME FROM!“, this I have been told many, many times when I make a case against hateful rhetoric). Sure, you are free to say anything you want, however, an institution that is supposed to represent all people living in the country, should not validate you for doing so.
- The fact that "people do not act up because a metal band told them so” is a poor excuse. I do not subscribe to the idea that people listen to a hateful song and suddenly decide to kill a Muslim. However, when an institution like the Recoding Industry Association of Norway decides to reward racist content, they are sending society a message: hate, racism and xenophobia can get you a career. These are legitimate ideas that can earn you money, celebrity and awards. It is OK to hate on others. Moreover, you will be institutionally rewarded for doing so, which will get you more followers/ sales/ exposure.
But I suppose lazy defenses are an easy way to deflect any collective (as in “society wide”) responsibility for the kind of behaviors and ideas that are worthy of awards.
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