Fair Feels Good

Icelandic singer, Bjork, causes controversy again! This time it is not her bizarre dress sense, but her political stance.

In her recent concert in Shangai she declared ”Tibet! Tibet!” three times, and to end a passionate performance of her song ”Declare Independence”. The lyrics include “raise your flag, ignore their patronizing, tear off their blindfold, open their eyes…declare independence”.

Typically, Chinese state media did not report on the concert. (The state does not tell people inside China about its harsh and oppressive rule over Tibet, so why should it mention any opposition to its rule). But, online news sites were aflame with anger and criticism. “If she really did this, then this woman really makes people throw up,” one comment on popular Chinese Web site Sina.com said.

While Chinese fans are angry, reported posting comments on websites:

“Wow, the nerve! Where did she get the courage to do this? Weirdo!”

“I like Bjork”, said one, “it’s OK for her to have a different point of view, but for her to do this is disrespectful to fans here - very selfish of her”.

Why do western stars give a shit about Tibet. Isn’t Tibet ours?! Mind your own business!”

Many, including the Free Tibet Movement, commend her courage.

Speaking out in a controlled state is risky. Bjork will probably not be allowed in China again in the near future. She has already had her show canceled at the 2008 Serbian EXIT Festival concerts due to her dedicating the same song to Kosovo in her concerts in Japan. We see here a true artist, performing from her heart and caring enough about her convictions to speak our loudly and without fear.

Bjork released this comment on her official website, which is now banned in China.

I would like to put importance on that i am not a politician, I am first and last a musician and as such I feel my duty to try to express the whole range of human emotions. the urge for declaring independence is just one of them but an important one that we all feel at some times in our lives. This song was written more with the personal in mind but the fact that it has translated to its broadest meaning, the struggle of a suppressed nation, gives me much pleasure.
I would like to wish all individuals and nations good luck in their battle for independence.
Justice !

Tags: bjork, china, Human Rights, tibet

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 6th, 2008 at 9:49 am and is filed under Human Rights. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.