President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan publicly criticized the Eurovision Song Contest, stating that it encourages «gender neutrality,» «social corruption,» and threatens traditional family values. This statement was reported by the Guardian on May 20, quoting the Turkish president after a cabinet meeting.
Erdogan’s criticism of the popular international music competition came as a surprise to many, as Turkey has participated in Eurovision regularly since 1975 and even won the contest in 2003 with Sertab Erener’s song «Everyway That I Can». However, in recent years, the country has not sent a representative to the competition citing reasons such as non-compliance with modern values and lack of interest from the Turkish public.
In his statement, Erdogan specifically mentioned his disapproval of the «promotion of gender neutrality» in the contest, saying that it goes against traditional family values. This refers to the inclusion of non-binary and LGBTQ+ performers in the competition, which Erdogan believes is a threat to the traditional gender roles and norms in Turkish society.
The Turkish president also accused Eurovision of promoting «social corruption,» without providing any specific examples. This may be referring to the provocative and controversial performances that have taken place in the contest in the past, or the use of political messages and symbolism in some acts. However, Eurovision organizers have always maintained that the competition is a celebration of diversity and music, and does not support any kind of political agenda.
Erdogan’s criticism of Eurovision is not the first time he has expressed his disapproval of Western cultural influences in Turkey. In the past, he has spoken out against TV shows and movies that he considers to be against Turkey’s traditional values and beliefs. This latest statement can be seen as part of his conservative and nationalist agenda, which aims to preserve and promote what he deems as traditional Turkish values.
However, many people have criticized Erdogan’s statements, calling them narrow-minded and outdated. They argue that Eurovision promotes inclusivity and diversity, and that his comments go against the modern values of acceptance and equality. Additionally, by accusing the contest of promoting «social corruption,» Erdogan is ignoring the positive impact Eurovision has had on many artists and audiences, providing a platform for cultural exchange and understanding.
Moreover, Erdogan’s statements also point to a larger issue of censorship and control of the media and entertainment industry in Turkey. Under his leadership, the country has seen a crackdown on freedom of expression, with journalists, writers, and artists being silenced or even imprisoned for expressing their opinions.
In a response to Erdogan’s criticism, Eurovision organizers released a statement saying that they respect the diversity of their artists and promote the values of inclusivity and freedom of expression. They also reminded that Turkey is welcome to participate in the competition at any time.
The Eurovision Song Contest has always been a celebration of music, diversity, and unity. It has provided a platform for artists from different countries to come together and share their cultures and creativity. It is disappointing to see a world leader criticize such an event, especially without providing any concrete reasoning or evidence.
Erdogan’s statement about Eurovision may reflect his personal opinions, but it does not represent the views of all Turkish people. The contest has a large fan base in Turkey, and many people in the country enjoy watching and supporting their favorite performers.
In conclusion, President Erdogan’s criticism of Eurovision may have caused controversy, but it should not overshadow the true essence of the competition. Eurovision promotes acceptance, diversity, and freedom of expression, and it is important to continue celebrating these values. While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, we must also respect and acknowledge the opinions and identities of others. Let’s hope that in the future, music and art can bring people together instead of being used to divide them.
