Morrissey is NOT racist

I think that Moz would be happy to declare Americans as being a sub-species.

I have written many posts about being pro eating animals but I do think the way the we mass produce food in America is incredibly cruel.

If you have never seen Food, Inc. Check it out. You can watch it broken up on Youtube.

The things they do to chickens is cruel an inhumane.

I don't think calling the chinese something is racist because Chinese is a nationality, asian is a race.

It's not racist to say the french are smelly and snobby.

If you say something bad about Hatians you aren't denouncing every black person on the planet. You're not even denouncing every person from Haiti. People want to interpret things in the most encompassing way possible so the so-called damage you are doing has a maximum amount of victims. It's media non-sense and because there is never any continued dialogue from words taken from an interview they always get misconstrued.

To keep the interview inflammatory the interviewer does not actually press him on the issue. He could have said, "you refuse to tour Cananda because of their treatment of seals. Are Canadians a sub-species too?"

I don't know how he would have answered that but if I were to guess he'd say, "Yes they are."

I think he'd probably think that Hindus not sub-human because of the way they treat animals.

This is all deliberate contextual misinterpretation in my opinion.

Was it a dumb thing to say knowing that the reaction would be bad? Yes. Should he know better by know? Yes. Did he do it on purpose because he either wants to sell records or wants his name in the paper or likes to push people's buttons? Probably for one of those reasons. Possibly all of them.
 
very interesting post, Nightandday. A good read :)
I understand what you're saying about not feeling the need to defend him or any other famous person on this comment, but it's the same old story in the media about the average person not understanding perhaps where Morrissey is coming from and how most of the media and its customers really have no idea about why Morrissey stirs up controversy all the time - it's usually always to do with things he feels passionate about. He picks things that prick peoples' ears up: Moors murders, Royal Family, Manchester education system etc the list is endless. I didn't find his coments stupid or irresponsible, it's just the way he does and says things. On the contrary, I always laugh because if there's one thing you can always rely on, it's Moz causing a commotion. But that's why he is who he is, and what attracts most of his followers, the whole outsider stance he has embraced from day one.
I think what he was trying to imply is that China, as a nation, is some way off catching-up with the rest of the world on certain issues that are deemed unacceptable, but then you could have said that about apartheid and racial segregation in past history. More often than not, people don't see the good in change until after it's happened. Somebody has to speak out somewhere for the process to begin.
I know it's a serious subject matter, but the way Moz speaks on these things is hilarious, I have to admit. If anybody had said which famous person has just made this quote about the Chinese, I wouldn't need three guesses. At least he is remaining true to form:D
 
It makes me mad to see the ill-informed comments on certain websites.

The commenters who complain "But what about the UK Fox Hunting?" miss the point entirely. Morrissey has made many statements condemning that practice as well.

Why is it so hard for people to grasp that Morrissey loathes animal mistreatment wherever he sees it? He singled out the Chinese this time simply because their abuse towards circus animals recently made the news. There's nothing more to it than that.
 
It makes me mad to see the ill-informed comments on certain websites.

The commenters who complain "But what about the UK Fox Hunting?" miss the point entirely. Morrissey has made many statements condemning that practice as well.

Why is it so hard for people to grasp that Morrissey loathes animal mistreatment wherever he sees it? He singled out the Chinese this time simply because their abuse towards circus animals recently made the news. There's nothing more to it than that.


True. I've even seen a post that stated that he had made racist comments about Jews (I remember this one: it was something like God Bless Israel), Muslims (I want to tour Iran), Mexicans!! (no comments... too many to mention) :crazy::mad:

It's the sad world we live in - it's easier to join the bandwagon than to *God forbid* actually question yourself, get some proper information and think about these matters)
I sometimes wonder what would happen if The Smiths/Moz debut happened now (instead of 1983) - the PC brigade would probably crucify them.
 
He called them "subspecies"not "subhuman"(untermensch).So stop this useless Nazi comparisons.

What so comparing them to a species, like animals, is any better? :crazy:

What worries me is he uses the phrase 'cant help but', which sounds like he's trying to legitimise his claim.
 
Theo, I was referring to THIS RUMOR.

Many people automatically assumed it was true, and the idea was particularly (pardon the pun) delicious to them. Moz has complained about the smell of meat, and I believe he’s said that he can’t dine at a table where someone is eating meat, yes? How he handles restaurants, etc., where meat is served is beyond me, then. I understand being sensitive to the smell, but I don't see how you can avoid it, especially in a major city.

I have no idea why the smell bothered him more at Coachella than elsewhere. Perhaps the wind was blowing the smell toward the stage? Maybe it was distracting him from singing? Maybe he was having a shit day, or wanted to stir up some press? I’ve no clue. But, you're right, it is inconsistent, just like the leather shoes and car upholstery, etc. These are perfectly valid topics to discuss, but I don't understand how they constitute a betrayal of principle, which seems to be the general consensus amongst people who are gleeful about such things. This isn't an excuse, but inconsistency does seem to be part of our nature as human beings. And Morrissey is fraught with inconsistencies, which, to me, is simultaneously fascinating and maddening.

PETA, btw, was busted for killing adoptable dogs and cats that they took custody of under false-pretenses. Some of these dogs and cats were killed right in the pick-up van and tossed like trash into a dumpster behind a Piggly Wiggly. I guess we're supposed to forget.

You're absolutely right. I got two of my rescue kitties from an employee of PETA (who's since quit) who saved a box of kittens that had been left with them by smuggling them out. She knew they'd be put down, due to supposedly being "unadoptable." All five found a home that very day, and all are healthy, sweet, and playful. PETA has done some wonderful work, but they’ve also said and done some indefensible things.
 
Technically, calling a race a subspecies isn't even an insult - but you can see how Morrissey's use of language for dramatic effect, for which he is rightly famed, has once again given his detractors more than enough ammunition to use against him...

I have heard the term subspecies very specifically used by people who would describe themselves as racialist.

Before everyone gets up in a tissy because of my logon name. I'm not white and yes the verbiage was directed towards me more often than not. The verbiage tends to lend itself to interpretation towards the wrong way. I cringe when I hear it. Like the N word or another degrading behavior towards a human being....even in jest. I abhor it.

I chalk it up to Morrissey trying to make a point that was very poorly worded. IMHO it was a huge gaff on his part. Intelligent people often misspeak. Do not mistake that they don't. I can note several examples of well known people of intellect who wish they would have never opened their mouths.

Intent vs. impact. I think we all know what Moz meant.

Unfortunately the press are piranhas looking for anything to sink their teeth into.

You've been here since Jan 2009 and made 2 posts? WTF! Anyway whatever Morrissey has said, it will definitely make people buy his autobiography and buy his Bona Drag release ;)

I don't get out much either...anymore.
 
I have heard the term subspecies very specifically used by people who would describe themselves as racialist.

Perhaps, but have you ever heard a white supremacist say "I abhor racism and oppression or cruelty of any kind. Racism is beyond common sense and has no place in our society"? Guessing not. :rolleyes:
 
Perhaps, but have you ever heard a white supremacist say "I abhor racism and oppression or cruelty of any kind. Racism is beyond common sense and has no place in our society"? Guessing not. :rolleyes:

:thumb:

Also, to continue in his own words: "Why on earth would I be racist, what would I be trying to achieve? Not everybody is absolutely stupid" :rolleyes:
 
f***in hell, here we go AGAIN, and AGAIN and A G A I N!!! Is he? He isn't? C'mon topics like this should be deleted or posted in the Troll Dungeon.
Give a f*** if he is or isn't. IF he was, would any of you REALLLY stop being fans? You're going to go out and douse your ENTIRE Moz collection in lighter fluid and incinerate it? I doubt it. Everyone needs to calm the f*** down and put the kettle on and pass me down the wine...lifes to short.
 
I agree up to a point. He created the situation, it's true. He should take responsibility for his words.
He could say the same thing - in meaning - using other words. To say that someone or even a nation has o right or is something less than other people you're being the same that Hitler. Of course, Morrissey isn't, but he cannot - may not, should not - walk around and say any thing he wanna or thinks. Offensive words are bad for his image and it's not the first time he's accused of being racist
 
Perhaps Morrissey was just trying to reenact Are You Right There, Father Ted?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Are_You_Right_There,_Father_Ted?


Episode Summary
Ted finally escapes to a new posting at Castlelawn Parochial House, Dublin, with civilised company and frequent jaunts to Paris. Unfortunately a slight misunderstanding over some expenses sends Ted back to his old compadres on the isalnd. After a spot of lad's housecleaning results in Ted being mistakenly tarred as a racist, Ted holds a celebration of Chinese culture to clear his name (though 'Kung Fu Fighting' might not have been an inspired choice of soundtrack). Just when it looks like a happy ending might be in store, a mix-up over some soft furnishings and Nazi memorabilia leaves the Chinese community with a sweet'n'sour taste in the mouth.

I'm sure its on 4OD and youtube. Very funny episode. Don't think anyone thought it was racist at the time. But now we live in PC times so you just never know.
 
Perhaps Morrissey was just trying to reenact Are You Right There, Father Ted?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Are_You_Right_There,_Father_Ted?


Episode Summary
Ted finally escapes to a new posting at Castlelawn Parochial House, Dublin, with civilised company and frequent jaunts to Paris. Unfortunately a slight misunderstanding over some expenses sends Ted back to his old compadres on the isalnd. After a spot of lad's housecleaning results in Ted being mistakenly tarred as a racist, Ted holds a celebration of Chinese culture to clear his name (though 'Kung Fu Fighting' might not have been an inspired choice of soundtrack). Just when it looks like a happy ending might be in store, a mix-up over some soft furnishings and Nazi memorabilia leaves the Chinese community with a sweet'n'sour taste in the mouth.

I'm sure its on 4OD and youtube. Very funny episode. Don't think anyone thought it was racist at the time. But now we live in PC times so you just never know.

The he could watch all Jakie Chan movies includding Kate Kid.
 
He could say the same thing - in meaning - using other words. To say that someone or even a nation has o right or is something less than other people you're being the same that Hitler. Of course, Morrissey isn't, but he cannot - may not, should not - walk around and say any thing he wanna or thinks. Offensive words are bad for his image and it's not the first time he's accused of being racist

Fair enough. Perhaps it's possible to say he made an offensive, stupid remark, but nobody believes he's actually a racist? Isn't that a fair compromise? I think it is.

Now, if he had made an official statement calling an entire nation "barbaric", and openly encouraged the use of nuclear bombs to destroy it, I don't see how any reasonable Morrissey fan could possibly allow that to slip by without taking grave offense.
 
What so comparing them to a species, like animals, is any better? :crazy:

What worries me is he uses the phrase 'cant help but', which sounds like he's trying to legitimise his claim.

I would suggest that 'can't help but' sounds like the opposite of an attempt to 'legitimise his claim'. It speaks more of compulsion, gut reaction, heart leading the head etc. It makes it very clear (to me, at least) that Morrissey is not talking in terms of facts, but feelings.

And hasn't he always?

Morrissey is one of the few artists who stands in opposition to Yeats' sad truism that "The best lack all conviction, while the worst / Are full of passionate intensity".

He has passionate intensity to spare. A Morrissey who was calm, considered and loath to rock the boat would still be working as a hospital porter.
 
I would suggest that 'can't help but' sounds like the opposite of an attempt to 'legitimise his claim'. It speaks more of compulsion, gut reaction, heart leading the head etc. It makes it very clear (to me, at least) that Morrissey is not talking in terms of facts, but feelings.

I might have agreed a few days ago, but he has actually been a consistent critic of China on the subject of animal abuse. He's clearly well-versed on the abuses there, probably having absorbed fact-filled reports from PETA and others for quite some time.

I still maintain his choice of the word "subspecies" was not premeditated but very much in the moment and emotionally-charged.

His previous comments on China actually help make the case that he's not racist, because he has consistently knocked the country for its record of animal cruelty-- once doing so in the same breath as condemning Canada for its "barbaric" fur trade. It's clear he regards animal abuse as a national problem in China, but the notion that he thinks Chinese people are genetically inferior is silly. I suspect PETA and other activist organizations have a "roll call of shame" and China consistently tops it. He just chose a dumb word to emphasize his point.

He has passionate intensity to spare. A Morrissey who was calm, considered and loath to rock the boat would still be working as a hospital porter.

:)
 
I might have agreed a few days ago, but he has actually been a consistent critic of China on the subject of animal abuse. He's clearly well-versed on the abuses there, probably having absorbed fact-filled reports from PETA and others for quite some time.

I still maintain his choice of the word "subspecies" was not premeditated but very much in the moment and emotionally-charged.

His previous comments on China actually help make the case that he's not racist, because he has consistently knocked the country for its record of animal cruelty-- once doing so in the same breath as condemning Canada for its "barbaric" fur trade. It's clear he regards animal abuse as a national problem in China, but the notion that he thinks Chinese people are genetically inferior is silly. I suspect PETA and other activist organizations have a "roll call of shame" and China consistently tops it. He just chose a dumb word to emphasize his point.

:)

"The notion that he thinks Chinese people are genetically inferior is silly." - but isn't that what he said? - i think you are being too kind, if you pass this quote off as a slip - You can't just "accidently" suggest a nation is a subspecies - you have to actually think it.
 
"The notion that he thinks Chinese people are genetically inferior is silly." - but isn't that what he said? - i think you are being too kind, if you pass this quote off as a slip - You can't just "accidently" suggest a nation is a subspecies - you have to actually think it.

Oh, please. Just stop. Before now you were selectively blind, ignoring numerous troubling statements or lyrics by Morrissey, now you're just as selectively blind in claiming that this one comment overturns Morrissey's 27 year career championing intelligence, kindness, and compassion over violence, cruelty, and oppression. You're like a pit bull with a bone in its mouth. Even Tim Jonze would roll his eyes.
 
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cathexis sure is tl;dr in here
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