I know it does concern the First World War, but ... Strong controversy rumbles on social networks in France. For the centenary of the Battle of Verdun (1916) the Mayor of Verdun brought a rapper whose words are very offensive and disrespectful to certain religions. It also criticizes France in some songs. The French state endorse the concert ... Hundreds of thousands of soldiers died in this battle. The rapper wants to party and have fun in Verdun ... Here's a video interview (sorry, in French ...) http://www.europe1.fr/politique/concert-du-rappeur-black-m-a-verdun-cette-proposition-a-ete-faite-par-letat-2743489 Cordialement, Eric
In my opinion his presence would be an insult for the fallen. Officials argue that he is there for the French and the German youngsters who want to have fun. It's just not the place to have fun for Christ sake. Let him play elswhere but choose a respectful band for the fallen, their relatives and those who suffered.
I feel fortunate to have visited Verdun and the area around it. I had this feeling that every step I took was on sacred soil bought by the deaths and wounds of so many men on both sides. I wish I did not know about this, what, ignorance is bliss but we do know and it is a travesty. It is hard to fathom how this could happen. I am saddened, Gaines
There is occasionally a place for offensive and disrespectful comments. Using them to make money and/or simply have fun in public isn't it IMO. Doing so in a place such as Verdun is even more problematic. This smells strongly of commercialism and the old saw about in marketing there is no such thing as "bad" publicity. I haven't been to any of the WWII battlefields but have walked a number of those from the ACW and at least one Rev war (Yorktown). I wouldn't want to see a modern concert at any of them unless it was themed for the location.
The French take freedom of speech seriously, the phrase "I totally disagree with all you say, but will fight for your right to say it" sums it up pretty well. "Free speech" will offend someone, possibly many, and in our media dominated world where. "being talked about" can easily be turned into real money being offensive is a "quick win" if you have the stomach for it. Having said that, giving a stage and amplifier to someone like that in a place like Verdun is really bad taste, but reading the article my impression is his concert is just a single event amongst many and would have gone unnoticed if some right wing group had not raised a huge fuss about it so giving him exactly the sort of publicity he wants. The first line of defence against offensive people is to politely tell them they are being offensive, there is a chance they are just idiots that don't realize what they are doing, and then ignore them. If they get really obnoxious tar and feathers might be in order, but that comes a lot later and should be reserved for really exceptional cases, if civilized people are unable to fight words using just words ... they probably don't deserve being called civilized.
It's not just right wing groups, that's media brain washing, even though it is true some of the people who oppose this are right wing. That statement is precisely used to justify the participation of the Rapper. This way if you dare say you agaisnt it they'll call you a "fascist" Freedom of speech ? for popular rappers maybe? not for veteran families and whoever has respect for the fallen . France is in a a state of emergency for a start. What if some hooligans infiltrate that concert and start disrespecting both France and/or Germany? What would officials tell the families? what about security matters? is this the right place and the right moment ? Culture, Rap......? Let us remember the Great War was called the Great War of Civilisation which aimed to defend culture. The Verdun Motto is "on ne passe pas" noone gets through! So be it .
The problem is solved. The participation of the rapper was canceled ! Violent reactions were read on social networks. The rapper poses as victim. The little son of a World War I fighter had filed a complaint yesterday with his lawyer. http://www.lemonde.fr/musiques/article/2016/05/13/le-rappeur-black-m-et-la-bataille-de-verdun-retour-sur-une-polemique_4919120_1654986.html Salutation, Eric
Common sense. The rapper is not the one to blame , it's the officials who dared to suggest his performance. The rapper claims his grandfather fought during WW2 as Senegalese Tirrailleur is that true? At least these guys knew how to behave.
Yes that's true. His father fought during WWII and because this, he don't understand why the people don't want him at the centenary.
It's not because of the person, it's because of his music and his attitutude. Using an ancestor as an excuse doesn't allow one to disrespect. If he was a classical musician it wouldn't be a problem.
Music? I thought he was a "rapper". In case it's not clear "rap music" is for the most part anyway and oxymoron.
