I've had enough - Freddie Mercury event quashed after Muslim protests
69charger
Posts: 1,045
http://news.yahoo.com/s/po/20060831/co_po/freddiemercuryeventquashedaftermuslimprotests
Thu Aug 31, 6:52 PM ET
SUMMARY: A 60th birthday gala for the late gay rocker Freddie Mercury in his native Zanzibar is canceled after outraged Muslims threaten to disrupt it.
A 60th birthday gala for the late gay rock star Freddie Mercury was canceled Thursday on the east African island of Zanzibar, where Mercury was born, after outraged Muslims threatened to disrupt it, Agence France Presse reported.
On Wednesday, organizers said they would continue with the planned Sept. 2 event despite fierce opposition from Islamists, who said the lifestyle of Queen's flamboyant lead singer was offensive to many on the overwhelmingly Muslim archipelago. Organizers said Thursday they have no choice but to call it off.
"We have decided to cancel the party after misleading and erroneous information was spread about it," said organizer Simai Mohamed Saidi, who runs a Freddie Mercury theme restaurant in the capital.
"I urge Muslim groups in the future to seek correct information from us instead of relying on rumors," he said in an open letter, adding the event was intended to honor Mercury, who died of AIDS in 1991. Saidi lamented that the cancellation would hurt his intention to use the party to raise money for HIV/AIDS victims on Zanzibar.
Zanzibar, a semiautonomous region of Tanzania, criminalized gay and lesbian sex in 2004, but remains a popular resort destination for South African gays.
Conservative Zanzibari Islamists last week demanded that authorities ban the party and then vowed to stage mass demonstrations if it went ahead, saying it would tarnish the islands' reputation and culture and promote homosexuality.
"We were ready to join forces against the party because we had information that a number of gays from abroad had come to take part," Sheikh Azzan Hamdani of the association for Islamic Mobilization and Propagation, told AFP. "We had also written letters to the tourist commission and the owner of the Mercury restaurant, demanding that they stop the party."
Authorities, who have long tiptoed between the demands of a booming tourist industry and the wishes of conservative Muslims, never formally responded to Islamists, AFP reported. But Zanzibar's information ministry this week ordered local state-run media not to give the event any coverage.
Few on Zanzibar are aware of Queen or Freddie Mercury, who was born Farrokh Bulsara on the main island of Unguja to ethnic Persian parents on September 5, 1946.
But the appearance of posters advertising the beach party to celebrate what would have been his 60th birthday in recent weeks prompted the Islamist complaints.
Although he was educated in India and moved with his family to Britain in 1964, Mercury remains Zanzibar's most famous son to many Westerners and rock music fans.
You don't fuck with Freddie Mercury.
Reason #335 I hate the Islamic faith
Thu Aug 31, 6:52 PM ET
SUMMARY: A 60th birthday gala for the late gay rocker Freddie Mercury in his native Zanzibar is canceled after outraged Muslims threaten to disrupt it.
A 60th birthday gala for the late gay rock star Freddie Mercury was canceled Thursday on the east African island of Zanzibar, where Mercury was born, after outraged Muslims threatened to disrupt it, Agence France Presse reported.
On Wednesday, organizers said they would continue with the planned Sept. 2 event despite fierce opposition from Islamists, who said the lifestyle of Queen's flamboyant lead singer was offensive to many on the overwhelmingly Muslim archipelago. Organizers said Thursday they have no choice but to call it off.
"We have decided to cancel the party after misleading and erroneous information was spread about it," said organizer Simai Mohamed Saidi, who runs a Freddie Mercury theme restaurant in the capital.
"I urge Muslim groups in the future to seek correct information from us instead of relying on rumors," he said in an open letter, adding the event was intended to honor Mercury, who died of AIDS in 1991. Saidi lamented that the cancellation would hurt his intention to use the party to raise money for HIV/AIDS victims on Zanzibar.
Zanzibar, a semiautonomous region of Tanzania, criminalized gay and lesbian sex in 2004, but remains a popular resort destination for South African gays.
Conservative Zanzibari Islamists last week demanded that authorities ban the party and then vowed to stage mass demonstrations if it went ahead, saying it would tarnish the islands' reputation and culture and promote homosexuality.
"We were ready to join forces against the party because we had information that a number of gays from abroad had come to take part," Sheikh Azzan Hamdani of the association for Islamic Mobilization and Propagation, told AFP. "We had also written letters to the tourist commission and the owner of the Mercury restaurant, demanding that they stop the party."
Authorities, who have long tiptoed between the demands of a booming tourist industry and the wishes of conservative Muslims, never formally responded to Islamists, AFP reported. But Zanzibar's information ministry this week ordered local state-run media not to give the event any coverage.
Few on Zanzibar are aware of Queen or Freddie Mercury, who was born Farrokh Bulsara on the main island of Unguja to ethnic Persian parents on September 5, 1946.
But the appearance of posters advertising the beach party to celebrate what would have been his 60th birthday in recent weeks prompted the Islamist complaints.
Although he was educated in India and moved with his family to Britain in 1964, Mercury remains Zanzibar's most famous son to many Westerners and rock music fans.
You don't fuck with Freddie Mercury.
Reason #335 I hate the Islamic faith
Post edited by Unknown User on
0
Comments
Misinformation, who knows what the rumors were about, I mean we all know that in great america rumors and misinfo does'nt exist, it's not like a large number of americans thought that computers were gonna shut down in 2000 causing the end of the world or something.
I don't see how some people who did'nt bother to search for information should turn you off of an entire religion, but of course you still have over 300 other reasons why.
Of course what they did was stupid, but hey, they voiced it in protest, is'nt that the way it should be?
http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
http://www.myspace.com/thelastreel http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19604327965
No that's why you hate hate-mongering traditionalists that have to make a mark on things like this for the "moral of the common people" and related. These come with all kinds of religious backing.
But stupid, yes.
Peace
Dan
"Every judgment teeters on the brink of error. To claim absolute knowledge is to become monstrous. Knowledge is an unending adventure at the edge of uncertainty." - Frank Herbert, Dune, 1965
MARILYN MANSON CONCERT DENOUNCED, PRESSURED BY RELIGIOUS "HELL HOUSE" PROMOTERS
Web Posted: June 2, 2001
group in Denver, Colorado calling itself "Citizens for Peace and Respect" is demanding the cancellation of an appearance by shock-rocker Marilyn Manson slated for the upcoming Ozzfest at Mile High Stadium, and plans to stage protests outside the June 21 heavy metal extravaganza.
CPR describes itself as "a group of concerned citizens in who (sic) have organized to protest the negative influence of Marilyn Manson on our community ... we are composed of citizens, churches, Columbine families, various organizations and political leaders."
The coalition says that it opposes the lyrics and stage theatrics of Manson which, they insist, glorify hate and violence. The controversy has allegedly lead to death threats, and once again has placed Marilyn Manson at the locus of controversy. The issue has also touched upon the memory of the April 20, 1999 shootings at Columbine High School, with many pointing the finger of blame at everything from lack of religion in schools to the popularity of "Goth culture," violent video games and salacious lyrics in music.
Two years ago, Manson canceled an appearance when Denver Mayor Wellington Webb pressured concert promoters "out of respect for the victims" of the Columbine killings. Representatives of Citizens for Peace and Respect say that Manson "glorifies death and human destruction," and should also withdraw from the 2001 Ozzfest.
Since Manson's rise to pop glory beginning with the 1996 breakthrough release "Antichrist Superstar," the band's appearances continue to sell out, and have become the frequent targets of protests by fundamentalist Christian groups. Manson, who even some rock critics say has been "on a non-stop campaign of crassness," has not only relished the limelight, but reveled in baiting his opponents with Satanic imagery and his androgynous flair. The cover of his 2000 album "Holy Wood (In The Shadow Of The Valley Of Death)" features the lanky Manson striking a crucifix pose, eyes rolled back and mutilated face. Some stores refused to carry the release, while others created their own toned-down artwork. None of this seems to have diminished the band's popularity, and Manson remains -- as evidenced by the simmering controversy in Denver -- a lighting rod for groups concerned about religious revival and moral probity.
Worse yet for groups like CPR is Manson's promise that at Ozzfest 2001, he plans to read select passages from the Holy Bible. In a stunning interview recently with the beliefnet.com web site, Manson says that he will "balance my songs with a wholesome Bible reading," and hopes this will prompt fans to "examine the virtues of wonderful 'Christian' stories of disease, murder, adultery, suicide and child sacrifice."
"Now that seems like 'entertainment' to me," Manson adds.
The beliefnet.com interview gives insight into Manson's psychological makeup, beginning with his recollection of childhood nightmares, and being forced to attend religious services and revival meetings featuring the likes of evangelist Ernest Angely. In a special piece written for Rolling Stone magazine, though, Manson shows himself as far more than a clever rock promoter and talented outre musician. He takes on all comers who accuse him of promoting violence and death, and reveals himself as a formidable critics of religious history, as well as live-and-let-live libertarian.
"Whether you interpret the Bible as literature or as the final word of whatever God may be, Christianity has given us an image of death and sexuality that we have based our culture around," Manson says. "A half-naked dead man hangs in most homes and around our necks, and we have just taken that for granted all of our lives.
"Nowhere in the Gospels is intelligence praised as a virtue," adds Manson.
CRITICS LINKED TO BIBLE HORROR SHOWS,
"COLUMBINE INDUSTRY"
Whatever one thinks of Manson's outrageous imagery and biting lyrics, his critics in Denver seem to mirror and even exploit the very horrors and theatrics they accuse the flamboyant rock god of spreading.
The founder and head of CPR is Rev. Jason Janz, a "Youth Pastor" at the South Sheridan Baptist Church in Denver, CO. Janz is an associate of the parents of slain Columbine High School student Cassie Bernall, and according to the December 6, 1999 issue of Christianity Today magazine "worked out an endorsement agreement with Bernall's parents for a line of 'Yes, I believe' merchandise that includes bracelets, hats, T-shits, and a testimonial video."
"MANSON SAYS THAT HE WILL "BALANCE MY SONGS WITH A WHOLESOME BIBLE READING," AND HOPES THAT THIS WILL PROMPT FANS TO "EXAMINE THE VIRTUES OF WONDERFUL 'CHRISTIAN' STORIES OF DISEASE, MURDER, ADULTERY, SUICIDE AND CHILD SACRIFICE..."
Janz also is the author of a play and "Bible study" based on Cassie Bernall's life. Misty Bernall, Cassie's mother, authored a best-seller, "She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall." In addition, there has been a virtual blizzard of pop-culture products generated by the Columbine tragedy, including key chains, mugs, books, and even a CD emblazoned with the phrase, "Yes, I Believe In God." Proceeds from all of this funds a ministry known as the Cassie Bernall Foundation.
Columbine also became an issue in the year 2000 election campaign, with candidates from both major parties rushing to exploit the issue. Republicans and Democrats cited the murders as evidence of serious moral decline, and proposed a battery of legislative remedies ranging from gun control and more police to psychological monitoring of students and prayer in the classroom. Rep. Bob Barr (R-GA) said that the presence of a Ten Commandments monument on the grounds at Columbine High School might have prevented the shooting spree. Others took to the floor of Congress, blaming the bloodshed on the Supreme Court and "kicking God out of our schools."
In George Bush's home state of Texas, the Crime Prevention Resource Center, a spin off of the Ft. Worth Chamber of Commerce's "Code Blue Crime Prevention project," declared that school officials should closely surveill any students who were fans of Marilyn Manson or were attracted to "Gothic" fashions. The group suggested that student lockers be searched, and that officials even examine their art work, and track which books they were checking out of the library.
Many evangelical religious groups saw Columbine as both a signal and an opportunity to rekindle dormant "youth outreach" programs and resurrect the traditional cultural bug-a-boos of sex, drugs and rock music -- and even smuggle an authoritarian and theocratic political agenda in the process. Pastor Janz was one of the earlier capitalizers in the wake of the Columbine shooting, and his expertise in working with young people is showcased by his participation in the "Youth Ministry Block Classes" at Bob Jones University.
THE "MARTYRDOM" OF CASSIE BERNALL, WHILE POPULAR THROUGHOUT AMERICA'S CHRISTIAN EVANGELICAL CULTURE AND BEYOND, MAY WELL BE BASED ON A GLORIFIED AND MISLEADING MYTH CONCERNING THE UNFORTUNATE EVENTS AT COLUMBINE...
The "martyrdom" of Cassie Bernall, while popular throughout America's Christian evangelical culture and beyond, may well be based on a glorified and misleading myth concerning the unfortunate events at Columbine, which resulted in the deaths of twelve students and a teacher. There was considerable media speculation -- and a good deal of initial misinformation -- about the two gunmen, Eric Harris, 18 and Dylan Klebold, 17, including the alleged influence of certain kinds of music and video games resulting in their bloody rampage. In the resultant fallout over the Columbine killings, though, the "martyrdom" of Cassie Bernall is perhaps the most pronounced and questionable.
Once considered a willful and rebellious youngster who had supposedly flirted with the occult, Bernall was sent by her parents to a Christian disciplinary camp and returned home a religiously devout girl. At Columbine, she was known for conspicuously carrying a Bible and wearing the popular "What Would Jesus Do" bracelets in vogue with religious students. On April 20, 1999, Bernall was reading Shakespeare in the school library when Harris and Klebold burst into the room and began shooting. One account soon gripped the national attention. It claimed that one of the gunmen asked for "those who believe in God" to stand up, and then pointed his weapon at Bernall. He asked, "Do you believe in Jesus?" and Bernall responded, "Yes, I love Jesus." The gunman then asked her "Why?" and pulled the trigger.
While variations of the story quickly spread in churches, religious news groups and internet web sites, serious questions arose concerning the accuracy of this account. On May 18, 1999, we cautioned that the story, "widely reported in the press, could be apocryphal." Indeed, during the official probe by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, investigators informed Cassie Bernall's parents that the encounter with one of the gunmen -- likely Klebold -- may not have occurred. Even so, Misty Bernall proceed with publication of her book, "She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall." Subsequently, it was revealed that at least one witness who was the source for the apocryphal encounter "did not actually see the individuals involved." The final report did not substantiate the "martyrdom" scenario, or other accounts that had the gunmen "targeting Christians," or athletes.
Another CPR official is Keenan Roberts, an associate pastor of the Abundant Life Christian Center in Arvada, Colorado. While Manson is criticized for horrifying youngsters and imitating the devil, Rev. Roberts seems to be a coincidental understudy as the creator of the Halloween "Hell House" spectacle which is staged annually by a growing number of fundamentalist and Pentecostal groups across the country. Visitors to "Hell House" are taken on a tour which depicts graphic, and, say some, inappropriate scenes of teenage suicide, AIDS, gay marriage, drunk driving, school violence and abortion.
Critics of the "Hell House" and imitations like "Judgment House" which have opened throughout the country say the dramatic presentations often "ambush" youngsters and unsuspecting parents in order to convey a stern theological and political message. Evangelist Jerry Falwell put on the first such presentation in the 1970s, and the idea was then embellished by Roberts who whipped together a "Hell House Kit" including a 263-page how-to manual and soundtrack. When Roberts appeared on the "Phil Donahue Show" in 1995 paired off against another evangelical pastor, a lesbian cleric and a Planned Parenthood spokesperson, the "Hell House" theatrics at his church received nation wide publicity. By 1998, up to 450 "Hell House" dramas were being staged by religious groups, most presenting grisly presentations around themes such as AIDS, drinking, drugs, premarital sex and abortion. Parents complained that "Hell House" and its imitators often hoodwinked young people into attending, since they masqueraded as the commercial "Haunted House" tours that have become popular during the Halloween season. Other critics warned that the "ambush" format gives young people a malevolent and skewed view of the world, and amounts to preaching heavy-handed religion by the use of fear.
"The haunted house's message is ignorant and judgmental and implies that all gay people get AIDS and are automatically going to hell," said James Taylor of the Colorado AIDS project, and a critic of the Roberts "Hell House" show.
For Pastors Roberts, Janz and other religious groups, issues like the Columbine shootings or the stage antics of Marilyn Manson are a veritable gold mine in promoting not only the ideological merchandise associated with the April 20, 1999 tragedy, but vehicles for a broader theological message which paints a wide range of behaviors as destructive and leading to eternal damnation. The Citizens for Peace and Respect web site (http://www.nomanson.com) warns visitors, "HATE is coming to town ... What are YOU going to do about it?" and goes on to accuse Manson of promoting a laundry-list of evils, including violence, death, drugs and suicides.
"He promotes the attitudes and actions of the Columbine High School killers," adds the CPR page, but then points to a vague passage in Manson's "The Nobodies" cut which declares, "We are the nobodies, we wanna be somebodies/ When we're dead, they'll know just who we are..."
Manson denounced the killings at Columbine, and denied responsibility for the actions of Klebold and Harris. Unlike his religious opposition, Manson was reticent over capitalizing on the shootings, and after Columbine turned down countless requests for radio and TV news show appearances, issuing only a simple statement: "It's tragic and disgusting anytime young people's lives are taken in an act of senseless violence. My condolences go out the students and families." Ironically, when political and religious organizations were rushing to cash in on the media fall-out from Columbine, it was Manson who backed away from the limelight, canceling the last five appearances in his "Rock Is Dead" tour.
"Perhaps no figure in modern culture is as famous or reviled for his use of religious imagery as Marilyn Manson," adds beliefnet writer Anthony DeCurtis. The results has been regular protest demonstrations, prayer meetings, revivals and demands that Manson appearances be boycotted and banned as he crisscrosses the country. His concerts remain high profile,controversial and spectacular productions, and usually sell out. Manson also remains a theatrical and even unlikely ideological critic of organized religion. "I chose not to jump into the media frenzy and defend myself, though I was begged to be on every single TV show in existence," he told reporters months after the Columbine incident. "They want to blame entertainment? Isn't religion the first real entertainment? People dress up in costumes, sing songs and dedicate themselves in eternal fandom..."
As for the ambiguously-named Citizens for Peace and Respect, Pastors Jenz, Roberts and other ecclesiastical "youth leaders" say they will continue circulating their on-line petition against Marilyn Manson, and will stage a rally the night before Ozzfest. Will they succeed in one-upping Manson when it comes to violent, gory and malevolent imagery? Possibly, but even in this cultural sack race, it will be the Christians who give Manson the attention and sold-out crowd he so relishes.
You say New York, New York is dangerous
Cause you read that where you may
Even a blind man could see that's not so
Love love love love love.....
Ray
People on streets
Ha ha haa
Mm ba ba de
Um bum ba de
Um bu bu bum da de
Why don't we give all that one more chance?
Pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure
Pressure pressure pressure pressure pressure
Pushing down on me
Pressing down on you no man ask for
Under pressure that brings a building down
Splits a family in two
Puts people on streets
Um ba ba be
Um ba ba be
De day da
Ee day da - that's o-kay
It's the terror of knowing
What the world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming, let me out
Pray tomorrow - gets me higher
Pressure on people - people on streets
Day day de day day de
Day day de day day de
Day day de day day de
Day day de day day de
Day day de day day de
O.k.
Chippin' around kick my brains around the floor
These are the days it never rains but it pours
Ee do ba be
Ee da ba ba ba
Um bo bo
Be lap
People on streets - ee da de da de
People on streets - ee da de da de da de da
It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming, let me out
Tomorrow - gets me higher higher high
Pressure on people - people on streets
Turned away from it all like a blind man
Sat on a fence but it don't work
Keep coming up with love but it's so slashed and torn
Why - why - why?
Love love love love love love love
Insanity laughs under pressure we're breaking
Can't we give ourselves one more chance
Why can't we give love that one more chance
Why can't we give love give love give love give love
give love give love give love give love
'Cause love's such an old fashioned word
And love dares you to care for
The people on the (People on streets) edge of the night
And loves (People on streets) dares you to change our way of
Caring about ourselves
This is our last dance
This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure
Under pressure
Pressure
www.myspace.com/jensvad
It's dispicable when any religious fanatics disrupt and through threats, force others to cease their plans for what could have been a fun night. They imposed their will, through thinly-veiled threats; thus succeeding in intruding and trampling on the rights of those who wanted to throw the party.
" Conservative Zanzibari Islamists last week demanded that authorities ban the party and then vowed to stage mass demonstrations if it went ahead..."
Which we all know only means one thing. If the party went ahead as planned, they would "protest", riot, burn down a few buildings and murder some people. Everyone knows that's exactly what they would have done. Everyone knows that's exactly what their threat indicated. That's why they cancelled. They knew what was about to happen.
" Zanzibar, a semiautonomous region of Tanzania, criminalized gay and lesbian sex in 2004, but remains a popular resort destination for South African gays."
Won't be long before they start enforcing that law. Obviously they cherish the money of the homesexuals who vacation there, even though the money is coming from "criminals" :rolleyes:
Everyone should have the right to peaceful protest. But when threats of protest (and violence) violate other's rights; it's absolutely wrong.
Question:
Was the MARILYN MANSON concert cancelled? Did those protestors riot, destroy and murder during their protest?
I agree.
I think that upsets me more than anything actually.
granted it was almost 10 years ago - but when i was in zanzibar it was pretty easy going ... women could wear what they want ... i'm pretty sure there were gay people traveling around ... maybe its changed ... i dunno
Were you not "happy" when you were there?
there you are.
- brain of c
I was not putting hate on Islam. I simply spoke the truth. It is their behavorial patterns and tendencies. You or anyone else could argue it's not true, but recent history and history in general supports the this as the truth.
my post wasn't directed at you although i do think you are painting with a very broad brush ... islam will be the most practiced religion within 20 years ... and its this kind of thinking that will only spread the intolerance ...
christianity has a dark history as well ... if we are talking about homosexuality - just look at your own country ... you won't let them get "married" ... just because the protest is different doesn't mean the intolerance is not there ...
ha!
it was a great place ... a respite at the time from what was africa ...
Seven Seas Of Blood, God Save The Prophet, Kill er' Queen, Tie Your Mother Down And Repress Her, We Will Rock You (The Punishment Song), Another One Bites The Dust, One Vision, Don't Try Suicide/Keep Yourself Alive , And how could they not close the show with, Is This The World We Created.
A perfect set list that would have made everybody happy.
Of course. I addressed the every religion thing, in my first post.
" ...and its this kind of thinking that will only spread the intolerance ..."
No. It's their (Islamics/Muslims) intolerance that spreads that kind of thinking. They breed intolerance, therefore they reap intolerance. Their history is littered with it.
As well as every other self-righteous religious nutjob who feels the need to enlighten (by discrimination and force) those who are non-believers.
You think it's a broad brush. But It is a very broad truth. it is the canvas of their design.
If Islam is to be the most practiced religion within 20 years, as you stated, you will all see exactly what Islam is about.
well ... truth is in the eye of the beholder ... i know many people who practice islam and have travelled in muslim countries and i do not see the "truth" you speak of ...
all i do know is that it is this intolerance that allows people to accept the consequences of war and suffering ...
You guys aren't dumb, so there must be another explantion.
If Muslims ever become the majority here (currently at about 1.5% of the population - so watch out), and they continue the tradition, you can bet they'd get the same treatment.
Not me dude. I'm an equal-opportunity disliker of religions in general. I try not to bash any religions - live and let live is my feeling. And obviously the muslims in the above story are NOT following live and let live.
R.i.p. My Dad - May 28, 2007
R.i.p. Black Tail (cat) - Sept. 20, 2008
equally...I'm an equal opportunity basher....
Good point as usual, RainDog ... But damn. Just once I would like someone to actually act like a real liberal on here and call a spade a spade. Its really more about personal bias and less about real ideology ... Which is kind of sad. Not that I am 100% consistent in my beliefs or free of bias either, of course. But damn ... As soon as I saw the title of this thread, I could predict the outcome.
Spade = Christian.
Go get 'em, tigers.