#also fuck the ebu

[shirtlessradfahrer]

So I've been politically active since before I was even eligible to vote. I've followed North American politics near religiously since 2014, and I've been a card-carrying member of my country's most prominent left-wing party since before the start of the pandemic. I barely slept at all during the week Ukraine was full-scale invaded, and I've been stressed about it every day for the last two years, given that my grandfather was born there and I've very much wanted to visit someday. And this was all before the horrific debacle of October 7th, and the subsequent atrocities committed against Gaza practically every day since. Lately I've weaned myself off a lot of international news and been more active in local politics because that's where I feel my efforts have been more effective, but...

...the reality is I am tired. I am so fucking tired.

I blacklisted just about everything remotely political when I made this blog because I wanted this space to be my escape from all of that. He is my escape from all of that. A badly needed one, because between the state of the world, the state of my country, the state of my workplace and the state of my personal life, my mental health has been....not very good for most of this decade and last.

I know this is unhealthily cynical, but as someone who had some pretty shitty friends in the past, and continues to have some incredibly shitty family members, including my own father (who, despite having Käärijä levels of charisma and putting on an excellent act in public, has repeatedly hurt me and let me and others down when we needed him most)....I expect famous people I admire to disappoint me. I very much expect famous men I admire to disappoint me. It may be in three days, or in three months, or in three years, or in thirty years, but it will happen at least once, if not multiple times.

Which is why I don’t-and never have-looked up to musicians or any other celebrity for guidance on my political or moral beliefs. It's a surefire way to set yourself up for not only disappointment but feelings of betrayal towards someone who was never "loyal" to you in the first place. And I wish so many people didn't learn that lesson far too late.

I don't like Jere Mikael Pöyhönen because of his insightful commentary on the state of geopolitics. To be extremely blunt, I like him because he's hot and he entertains me, both of which bring me happiness. Once I no longer feel that happiness, I'll move on to other interests, just as I always have. It would be very nice, however, if that day came in thirty years rather than in three. Which is why I felt relief when he expressed his wish to remain politically neutral, even regarding politics in his own country.

That being said....am I disappointed he went to you-know-what? Yes, for reasons both political and non-political. Am I disappointed that he willingly interacted on camera with you-know-who? Yes. In fact there are several things he has done and people he has associated with that I'm not particularly happy about. But in this case do I understand WHY he went and why he interacted with them? Also yes.

I don't believe he had any malicious intent, quite the opposite. His kindness is both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness-he is kind to the point that he foolishly undermines his own credibility. I don't know if there's an equivalent of Hanlon's Razor in Finnish but it goes "never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity".

And.....well. This is a guy who couldn't tell the Ukrainian esc23 representatives from the Greek ones. Who didn't know what the trans flag was until he was personally handed one last year. Who, AFAIK, has never received any sort of higher education (vocational school would still sort of be considered such where I live, but whatever) not that that automatically makes someone "smart" and others "stupid", but it can and often does help with understanding international issues. And based on my overall experience with hockey fans/players (of which he's both)...they typically aren't terminally online debating anything besides individual player and team statistics.

So I'm not shocked that he didn't think about how Just Being Nice on camera with that representative would look to others outside of his own bubble. How that would not have looked particularly "neutral". But he should have, considering this isn't the first time he's had to deal with angry internet mobs coming after him for a relatively minor mistake. Considering his favourite band got into very hot water last year and dealt with the controversy very poorly for too long.

Is it fair that I can block some tags, turn off the tv, and get on with my day, while he has to worry about his image the moment he leaves home? No. But...this is the inevitable downside of the life he wanted. Unlike me, he now has an audience of millions, a not-insignificant number of whom are going to be thinking about this stuff, meaning he needs to as well. And if not, he needs to pay someone to think about it for him. Goodness knows he can afford it now. I can do without all that pyro if it means none of us have another week like this one.

#käärijä #sorry this was still more rambling than i intended #but i wanted to give personal context as to why i appreciate his neutral stance #and why i don't like putting celebrities on such high pedestals #also fuck the ebu #for so many reasons #they don't deserve him

[linden-after-hours]

As much as most of us (I assume) found Joker Out through Eurovision last year and maybe are big fans of the contest (me included), please consider boycotting Eurovision this year!

Palestinians and allies have called for the disqualification of Israel but the EBU has refused. Now Israel is participating with a song that used to be called "October Rain" (the title has been changed) that is very clearly referencing October 7th.

Russia was (rightfully) disqualified for opening fire on Ukraine. Israel is allowed to continue, despite the year-long occupation and murdering thousands of Palestinians in the last half year alone.

Boycotting means not watching, not streaming the shows, not creating or interacting with any Eurovision content. You will miss out on a glittery night of music and it will suck, but it will help path the way to a free Palestine! 🍉

Read the BDS Movements statement from March 2nd 2024 here.

#Bojan being this involved kinda put a lil damper on the band for me #but he's such a teeny-tiny part in the entirety that is Eurovision #plus their fame is still kinda running off the event #so this is in no way me saying we should boycot JO #also iirc Kris shared a pro-palestine post in his story a while back (but i could've imagined that) #and i read/saw that Jan and Kris signed a petition to disqualify Israel #and also their lil no-war speech before Novi Val #afaik they haven't publicly stated any opinion #this whole Eurovision thing hurts tbh #I've been watching it religiously since I was eight #and i am going to miss it *so bad* this year you don't even know #but the safety of Palestinians is more important that a night in front of the TV #and the artwashing of the EBU fucks me up #i hope they learn their lesson #kick Israel out #apologise and show they've learned #so we can all have a great time again next year #with a free Palestine #linden talks #joker out #bojan cvjetićanin #eurovision #free palestine

[eurojoost]

According to a reporter, after every rehearsal, Joost would come down and talk to everyone from kids to adults. He would shout at the kids telling them they’re the future and give everyone big hugs.

#I’m heartbroken honestly #fuck the EBU #they were looking for a reason to kick him out #Joost Klein #Eurovision #Eurovision 2024 #I can also source this if anyone wants

[inakanotori]

say helou to my newest brain rot.

#fanart from wish #joost klein #not entirely brain rot. better definition is short-term hyperfixation i guess #(mostly for his looks because music idk i only like friesenjung and europapa so far) #also stumbled on tiktok explaining how that threatening gesture situation could happen and I'm like #he's too precious for this unwelcoming event alongside Bambie and Windows95Man #fuck ebu

[thelostboys87]

omffggg so bashar murad, the palestinian artist who collaborated with hatari (iceland’s eurovision act who held palestinian flags during the voting) and is now trying to represent iceland at eurovision, he had his first performance and qualified to the final of their national selection and HIS PERFORMANCE IS SOOOO GOOD he did amazing. it’s full of palestinian flag colours, watermelon imagery, the choreography is inspired by a traditional dance, and like i’m just so happy for him i’ve been following his music since 2021 (maskhara is a great ep btw!!!!) and the idea that there might be palestinian representation at eurovision, on such a massive stage that has also been used for such vile propaganda that the ebu welcomed, i just wish him nothing but the best

#it sounds like the icelandic broadcaster is v supportive of him bc apparently he talked about what’s going on during the show #the song is called Wild West you can find clips of it on twitter #he learned icelandic for the semi final performance and you can tell how much it means for him to have qualified #as for Them the current rumour is that they’ll get disqualified over their song lyrics #which btw their propaganda song is literally called OCTOBER RAIN what the fuck #the lyrics got published and they are vile. but apparently they refuse to change them #fuck the ebu and eurovision either way because like yes disqualify them but it’s too little too late #but I would love to see that stage be used for something positive. keeping an eye on updates #there’s also quite a few artists representing other countries who have protested Israel’s participation #but have said they thought it was better if they still participate #which has me curious like are you guys organising something?? because that doesn’t matter unless you do something #you’ve got one chance with one of the biggest states and platforms if you’re going to go up there actually. do something worthwhile!

[chromatophorium]

YES! They're getting fucking punished for their wrongs! For their non-impartial reporting and misinformative graphic!! (I can translate if anyone wants.)

#svt #palestine #journalism #(Edit: Can't do that which I described below. That public agency doesn't do web articles. Must find another way. ...I'll see what I can do. #(I'm gonna see if I can get them to face some justice for their silence regarding EBU's decisions! I don't know if I can use this to do it #but... I'll fucking try this too! I'll put in a thing for their announcement of their silence! Also some of the fucking articles on #their news app with non-impartial wording!)

[windfighter]

I guess one thing I learned this year is do NOT check the eurovision-tag on tumblr

I mean yeah it's nice getting an explanation for the deeper meaning of some of the songs but after seeing 20 posts saying my country deserve to be colonized because other countries voted for us it's definitely lost its appeal

#windy wrambles #eurovision #I get it #it sucks that eurovision isn't soley a popularity-contest #I didn't enjoy finland's song much but I would have been super happy to see it win #but like... Sweden did NOT vote for Sweden's entry #we are literally the LEAST to blame for our entry winning #I absolutely hated our entry as well I wanted it to get 0 points #but the jury liked us <.< and worst of all EUROPE also liked us #we won because we got second place in the popularity contest and it SUCKS #but the answer isn't to colonize us?! #like what kind of fucking response is THAT? #fucking tumblrinas #be angry at the EBU instead <_<

[nelsonakis]

Cornald Maas, the Dutch commentator who is also part of the Dutch delegation just said "Fuck the EBU" on Dutch television

#eurovision #boycott eurovision

[sflow-er]

It's Eurovision week, and for the first time in over twenty years, I won't be watching or engaging.

As you probably know, the global BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) movement has called for a total Eurovision boycott due to the EBU's refusal to ban Israel.

The ESC has been a beloved part of my spring since I was little, and it's really fucking upsetting not getting to enjoy it this year - but that's just it. I know it won't make any difference whether one person chooses to watch or boycott, and that my watching it wouldn't even be registered as a view if I just watched the TV broadcast instead of the stream, but I can't imagine any set of circumstances in which I would enjoy it.

Back when the contest was held in Tel Aviv, I "bought myself a license to enjoy it" by donating to the UNRWA multiple times what I would've normally spent on voting, but no amount of donations would be enough to do that now. Not when every artist will be styled using the products of an Israeli beauty brand (Moroccanoil, a major ESC sponsor and likely a major player in why the EBU wouldn't even consider a ban), and when Israel itself has made its participation a political statement. The only reason their public broadcaster KAN agreed to change the lyrics of their entry, which originally referenced the Hamas attack and is still was called "October Rain" but has now been renamed "Hurricane", was this:

The president [of Israel] emphasised that at this time in particular, when those who hate us seek to push aside and boycott the state of Israel from every stage, Israel must sound its voice with pride and its head high and raise its flag in every world forum, especially this year. (The Guardian, 07 March)

Singer Eden Golan has also said that she believes her "participation is part of a very important mission for the country" and that she expects to begin her compulsory military service soon after the contest:

I still haven't enlisted in the army, and when I return from Eurovision, I'll report for my first call-up. In the first year as a returning resident, they don't call you, but that year passed and I was summoned – and my draft was postponed because of Eurovision. Doing army service is a mission, and I want to take the auditions to the military bands. (Israel Hayom, 22 April)

Yes, really. It's more likely she'll be some kind of PR ambassador for the Israeli army than be sent to Gaza with a gun, but still.

Many people are also upset about Palestinian flags being banned from the arena, and I'm not happy about it either, but I do think it's more or less understandable. The arena is a closed space, and any kind of altercation that might be sparked by those flags would be a big security risk. And at least if we are to believe executive supervisor Martin Österdahl, they haven't actually changed the rules; signs and flags with political messaging were always banned, and in this time, the Palestinian flag does send a powerful political message.

Then there's also the security risk associated with the event itself. Malmö is one of Sweden's most diverse cities, which also has both Jewish and Palestinian communities. According to a survey published on 4 May, 47% of city residents intend to avoid crowds during Eurovision. Mass protests and counter protests are expected. Events such as Quran-burnings by right-wing extremists are still allowed in the name of freedom of expression, even though the terror threat level in Sweden had to be raised to 4 out of the maximum 5 last year/this past winter due to precisely these kinds of provocations, and tensions will be running high. So even if the event itself manages to look as glitzy as always on TV, it will still be shadowed by what might be happening outside. Will there be unrest? Violence? How will the police respond?

There's no enjoyment to be found in any of that, no being "united by music" (the ESC slogan, which is a joke at this point). At least for me.

That being said, I do not judge you if you plan on watching. I understand that it's a huge annual tradition for many of us, and in these times, we need all the joy we can get. I also understand that it can feel like empty virtue signalling to boycott something when millions of others will tune in regardless - although it is good to keep in mind that this isn't some silly boycott started by social media activists on Xitter. It's a serious effort by the BDS movement.

I would challenge you to think about how you engage, though. If possible, watch it on TV instead of on stream, so your view won't be logged. (You could even consider waiting until the show gets posted on Youtube instead of giving views to the official stream, but I get that you probably want to see it live.) Try to abstain from hyping the contest or your fave entries on social media, and also from voting. Consider donating what you can afford to a charity that provides aid to Gaza instead (here's one list I found with a quick search).

And finally, spread awareness of the flip side. Don't be lulled into complacency by the claims of "Eurovision isn't political" when Israel itself has made it very clear it is - and do not make fun of people who want to sit the contest out this year or belittle their efforts.

#as a finn i am now incredibly glad we didn't win last year #my condolences to sweden for having to be at the centre of it all #eurovision #esc #eurovision song contest #esc 2024 #boycott divest sanction #boycott eurovision #euroviisut #not yr

[xclowniex]

My full thoughts on Eurovision this year

These are all my thoughts, from ones on more serious topics to those on less serious topics.

I do feel bad for the UK getting zero public votes as Olly Alexander, formally known as Years and Years, holds a special place in my heart for one of their older albums, Communion, even though their eurovision song wasn't something I really liked.

I am really happy that Israel places top 5. Whilst I was hoping for them to win, i was prediciting top 10, so top 5 is amazing

Europapa was my fave song overall but after how Joost has acted, I no longer wanted him to win

Joost's actions were childish and immature. Him covering himself with his flag during Eden Golan's interview was immature and so was his "why not" comment. She does not represent the government of Israel. If Joost was focusing mainly on Israel participating in general and not hating on Eden, I would hold a different view. But he did not. Especially when his song was about everyone uniting. The Netherland itself doesn't have the cleanest track record too.

Like, the question about if her being there put other contestants at risk was disgusting. She should not be blamed. Those wishing to harm her and to have other participants also be harmed, should be held accountable. Not one woman. She had every right not to answer a question which put her life as lesser than others. Joost willingly chose to endorse a question which dehumanized her.

Joost also assaulting a production worker was also bad. I 100% agree that she should not have been filming him. However how he reacted was bad. Instead of assaulting her, he should have reported her to the EBU. Again, Joost's feelings are 100% valid, his actions were in bad taste.

I do think a lot of the reception online about Joost's actions were also very bad. At best there were people who thought he was justified in assaulting her and at worst you had people lying and creating rumors and it was all because of Israel and that Joost did nothing wrong at all. Cause you know, evil joos control the media and world and all that jazz. The lying and rumors were just straight up antisemitism.

Please note that I am going off of the EBU's statement and not the Dutch Broadcasters statement which differ in what Joost did as the EBU is more neutral when it comes to this stuff.

Moving on from Joost

Switzerland 100% deserved to win. Nemo's song and performance was amazing.

People's reactions to placing lower than Israel was again, bad. For crying out loud its a fucking silly song contest.

Lastly, my fave performance from all years is Maneskin's performance.

#israel #antisemitism #eurovision 2024 #eurovision #esc 2024

[gaymer-hag-stan]

Marina from Greece and Ladaniva's Jaklin dancing together. Jaklin was also singing a greek song in another video. It made me tear up

THIS is what we should have been focusing on this season but because of EBU's greed we instead have to forced to talk again and again about how Israel this Israel that. FUCK Israel and free Palestine!

#Eurovision #ESC #Eurovision Song Contest #Greece #Armenia #Marina Satti #Ladaniva #Eurovision 2024 #ESC 2024 #Eurovision Song Contest 2024 #Marina #Jaklin #Jaklin Bagdhasaryan

[murderofcrow]

i read a bit more about the shitshow that was eurovision and i must say that it brings me great joy seeing the ebu get ripped a new one from all sides lol. fuck around and find out i guess.

i also need to add that everyone who cries antisemitism is doing themselves a big disservice. if you keep overusing this word, it's gonna lose it's meaning and it will become the boy who cried wolf, when actual antisemitism is happening. how far up your own ass do you have to be, to see any criticism and pushback as antisemitic? the problem are not jewish people, the problem are zionists that are committing and supporting a genocide.

#i usually keep politics away from this blog but i've had it up to here atp 💀 #eurovision

[titan-god-helios]

also the EBU is just fucking stupid and bigoted anyway. they did a jokey style interlude song on host or smth Matt Estrogen and one of the lines was "he's a heterosexual man in a homosexual world" firstly. okay ik its a joke but still ???? if you ain't gay imo you dont have a right to use that joke aND THEN ALSO IGNORE AND ACTIVELY SMOTHER ANY AND ALL MENTION OF ISRAEL'S GENOCIDE OF PALESTINIANS

#ebu #esc #esc 2024 #from the river to the sea palestine will be free #palestine #gaza genocide #gaza #free palestine #current events #free gaza #bds #boycott eurovision

[king-krisu]

What he should’ve done when Eden (who he propably didn’t even recognize) comes to talk to him? And what he should’ve done to the video that was published without his permission? Some of you are putting the pressure of genocide over one innocent man’s shoulders now. That’s a bit too fucking harsh. Käärijä has always just wanted to give joy and goodness to every individual. We should be blaming fucking ebu who let Eden to be there first place.

No one is "putting the pressure" of genocide on one guy. People are simply disappointed that while yes, there is probably absolutely nothing he could've done about being at esc anyway, there's still a lot he could've done to show his support for Palestine and not stay neutral on such a huge human rights issue. Joost is refusing to take photographs with her delegation, Eric Saade wore a keffiyeh around his wrist during his performance, Matti posted an anti-war poem on his insta, the list goes on. There are many things you can do to not stay neutral or silent on this, even if you truly don't want to engage it doesn't mean you have to be seen with such a controversial competitor. Jere clearly valued being a "nice guy" over having some backbone and for once refusing to engage with someone he knows to be controversial. Everyone is blaming the EBU for allowing them to participate, and since apparently they were allowed to there still would've been many ways for Jere to show us that he doesn't agree with it.

We know exactly how bad things are in sw*den rn and there have been no other talks about eurovision this year except how controversial it's going to be. Jere simply could not have been "uninformed", especially bcs he himself probably needed extra security to go there. We have been adviced by our government to not travel there due to the quran burnings and shootings happening almost weekly, everyone here knows exactly what goes on there. We simply ask for Jere to stop trying to be apolitical on something that is so beyond politics and just a straight up human rights issue. Oh and also, the contestants wear nametags with their flags, are you really calling Jere so dumb that he wouldn't even know who he's talking to at any given moment?

#*the burnings have only happened like twice its the shootings that are happening so often

[dasloddl]

So millions of people boycotted the met and thousands more showed up outside to protest, the bombs still dropped. Shaming your fellow commoners does nothing positive for any cause.

obviously nothing happens in a day but if you give the esc your watch time and attention and publicity it is support you’re telling them you‘re okay with their actions and okay with israels doings

the ebu not removing Israel but banning pro Palestine flags and body markings and criticising the keffiyeh on the one dudes arm is a political statement. They stand with Israel and when you watch their show, you support their stance. Them banning Russia for their war crimes but not Israel is okay for you?

also come one, how about we refrain from ONE thing. it’s the bare fucking minimum it’s not like it kills you to not watch it… unlike all the Palestinians that get killed

ffs anon, get a grip

Free palestine boycott eurovision

#Free palestine #eurovision #esc 2024 #Esc #Ask dasloddl #Anon

[yodel-it]

since this is probably the last eurovision we'll ever have, i decided to liveblog one last time

Fuck EBU

Fuck Martin

And also fuck you know who

Hopefully Joostice will be served tonight

Love ya eurofans✨️

#eurovision #esc24 #esc #justice for joost #free palestine