FEATURE:
(Far) Left of the Middle
IN THIS PHOTO: Mae Muller (who is representing the U.K. in Liverpool for Eurovision next month) in London on Tuesday, 14th March, 2023/PHOTO CREDIT: Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP
What Significance Does It Make Who an Artist Like Mae Muller Supports Politically?
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EVEN if it is a bit of a hissy and outrage…
PHOTO CREDIT: freepik
from the right-wing press and the most gammon-coloured and hateful on Twitter, the fact that our Eurovision hopeful this year, Mae Muller, has taken a shot at the current government made me think about musicians and political stances. In the U.S. in the past, artists such as Taylor Swift have held back or been judged for sharing political opinions. I still think there is a bit of a caution from labels about how explicit and ‘honest’ artists can be when it comes to voicing their disgust. We all know major and compassionate artists like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish detest the Republicans and are democratic. In this country, we know which artists are more in line with the Conservatives and would support them. We are seeing a wave of young and engaged young artists coming through who naturally are appalled at what is happening in the country and have this platform. It is important than their views are not suppressed and controlled. That said, as this article from GB News explains, it can lead to hyperbole and vitriol from the right-wing press:
“Britain's Eurovision entrant is a Left-wing activist who hates Boris Johnson, it has emerged as the BBC is accused of having a lack of “common sense” for choosing her to represent the UK.
Mae Muller, who is set to perform her track I Wrote A Song next month, made the comments as Johnson was receiving medical treatment for the virus.
In a series of tweets, Muller also branded the Conservative Party “racist and elitist”, campaigned for Jeremy Corbyn and said “I hate this country” in a row over free school meals.
The 25-year-old, who grew in popularity on TikTok, was chosen by BBC bosses in partnership with management company TaP Music in the hope that she could win the contest on May 13.
While former Prime Minister Johnson remained in intensive care for a third day at St Thomas’ Hospital in London on April 8, 2020, Muller wrote a tweet saying: “Unpopular opinion but I do not feel sorry for Boris Johnson.
“Yes, he is human, yes, he has kids, but so do 100s of other people who have actually died due to Tory policies. Taking up a bed in intensive care but you’re not on a ventilator and in ‘high spirits’? Nah mate.”
In a second tweet, she said: “The same nurses you praise in your speeches are the same nurses you chose to cut all their benefits, and cheered while doing it.
“The same nurses that can’t even afford protective wear, and are literally dying because of you. Boris does not have my sympathy and never will.”
The previous night saw Downing Street describe Johnson as “stable” and “in good spirits” as it was confirmed that he did not have pneumonia and was not on a ventilator – but would remain in intensive care “for close monitoring”.
Ahead of the 2019 general election, the singer tweeted “f— the Tories” as she backed Jeremy Corbyn.
Adding: “Please register to vote today! And when you do vote please vote Labour! We have the power to take these racist elitists down so let’s do it!”
After Johnson won the election, she tweeted again saying: “f— Boris”, and when he tested positive for Covid she quoted his previous comments about shaking hands with Covid patients to say: “LOL life comes at you fast Boris.”
Lee Anderson, deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, criticised the Eurovision entrant's “vile Left-wing slurs” and accused the BBC of a lack of “common sense” for choosing her to represent the UK”.
It doesn’t need to be written or said out loud, but Mae Muller does not hate the U.K. The opposite is true! The fact she is so appalled by the Conservatives and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is because of what they did to the country and how they were responsible of so many deaths during the pandemic. She is entitled to her views. Every sensible-minded person in the country feels as passionately. When the news articles were reported online and the right-wing press were up in arms, people responded by saying that most people in the country felt the same as Muller! It was not like she was a radical that was attacking a beloved government. She was merely using her voice to say what most of us feel! It is not surprising that the anti-woke and ass-kissers to the Tories would go after Muller and feel it is sick that someone representing the country in Eurovision would trash our country and bring about this shame. It is a storm in a teacup, but it brings to mind two questions. For one, nothing of what she said was an attack on the country or anything that would bring her good name into disrepute. In fact, it is brave to say such things when she is a major artist! She has a massive fanbase, and there is always the risk there could be backlash or judgement. An artist setting an example and inspiring so many young people, should music and politics be kept separate? I don’t think that has ever been the case and, even in an age where labels are very nervous about commercial depreciation and social media attacks, artists should be free to express themselves.
There is the flipside when it comes to those artists on the right that say what they want to. They will get called out on social media and in the press…but isn’t that a double standard? I think there is a big different between someone like Muller upset and angry at a government who inarguably damaged the country and were a disgrace, to someone displaying bigoted, racist, sexist, or inflammatory language designed to stir hate and division. Mae Muller voiced out because she felt distressed and bereft by the government. It is not a P.R. stunt or a way to draw attention to her ahead of Eurovision. Another question is why Muller’s opinions should be of such concern. As many rightly pointed out, she is taking part on a music competition and not storming the government or engaged in politics! The right-wing press have sort of conflated the fact that she is representing the U.K. in Eurovision with being this ambassador of morality and promoting the brilliance of the U.K. There is a lot to love about this country, but the government most definitely is not one of them! She is not slating the country or doing us any disservice in any way. I think it will get her more respect from people here, in addition to those around Europe! Whilst it shouldn’t be of any concern to the vile and hopeless right-wing journalists, I do think that artists like Muller should never be fearful when it comes to speaking out. At such a terrible time for the country, music especially is a powerful force was activation, awareness, and good.
IMAGE CREDIT: freepik
There are very few political songs in the Pop mainstream, and I would like to think Mae Muller would explore and focus her anger into songs that point the finger at political ineptitude and villainy. Many might say that is not her role and the Pop mainstream is not political, but this is a genre that should be evolving and more openly reflecting the anger of many. If those on TikTok and Instagram who expect something a bit lighter and more conventional might balk at first, limiting or defining artists and making them hold back is wrong. I do fear there are certain conversations that take place that advise artists such as Muller not to be so inflammatory and, well, right in her music! It is great that she has made her feelings clear, as they are very much in line with what a majority of the country feels. I also feel that is a Rock artist or a male act took a shot at Boris Johnson and the Conservatives, then they would not be labelled as vile and a disgrace. There would not be the same sort of rapture and claws from the right of the press and political spectrum. Mae Muller, like so so many of us, are far-left. That is her position and her choice. I feel the vast overreaction displayed by some in the press should raise some conversations. Muller is taking part in Eurovision - so why they had to step in and get all offended is beyond me! It is an artist voicing her opinions. What have they got to be afraid an appalled about?! I think that she will give a nod and inspiration to other Pop artists who feel as fed up and angered as she is. Whilst hateful language against communities, races, genders and people based on hate and bigotry should be banned and called out, someone pointing out very obvious points about a corrupt and terrible government regime is not the same. It is something that should happen more. I hope that this does also not take away from the fact that Mae Muller is representing the U.K. in Eurovision in May. She is going to do us…
VERY proud.