by Nomad
Austria's entry in the Eurovision Song Contest has created quite a controversy. In fact one Russian politician has called for a boycott and for the singer to be banned from this year's program. What does this really say about Russia today?
Eurovision Song Contest
Most Americans have probably never heard of the Eurovision song contest. It's kind of a shame. Then again, most Americans probably wouldn't appreciate the fun of it.
That aspect of the long running song contest is a little hard to describe. Not a lot of people take it very seriously- as a contest of real talent. Practically every year, the best performer is passed over for something a little more trite, or silly or bland. It can be so cheesy that it borders - and often goes beyond the borders- on farce.
Nevertheless, Eurovision pretends to take itself very seriously. And it is certainly entertaining. Since it began in 1956, the basic formula has been the same. Each member country (including for some peculiar reason, Israel and Turkey.) submits a song to be performed on live television and radio and then casts votes for the other countries' songs to determine the most popular song in the competition.
The elaborate voting process nearly always falls along predictable political lines, with nations throwing their votes to their national pals, instead of the best performance.
Cyprus votes for Greece but Greece never votes for Turkey. Germany- with it large Turkish population- generally votes for Turkey. Macedonia never votes for Greece and so on and so on.
Talent isn't really much of a factor in the voting process.
Cyprus votes for Greece but Greece never votes for Turkey. Germany- with it large Turkish population- generally votes for Turkey. Macedonia never votes for Greece and so on and so on.
Talent isn't really much of a factor in the voting process.
For that reason, the results provide a good argument about what's wrong with the idea of European Union.
In spite of that, it's fun to watch.. in a weird sort of way.
Even before the contest kicks off this month, one candidate
has already caused a stir. You only have to look at the photo above to understand
why.
Gender-bending singer from Austria, Tom Neuwirth, (stage
name: Conchita Wurst) could never be accused of taking himself too seriously.
In one interview, he revealed that his look was only a way of getting
attention. (Implying perhaps- in a rather covert way - that talent alone won't do it at
the Eurovision contest.)
His over-the-top get-up is what Kim Kardashian would look like after two weeks on a testosterone skin patch.
