Far-right radicalism - D'Agostino's song prohibited during Oktoberfest
The tune itself isn't radical at all, but it's picked up a pretty strong right-wing vibe as of late, according to Baumgärtner. At Oktoberfest, rules are in place to ban suggestive statements like these. Oktoberfest is meant to be a fun, lighthearted, and attractive celebration with a lot of international guests in attendance. In the past, organizers have managed to keep right-wing slogans out, and they'll continue to do so going forward. It's all about keeping the Wiesn apolitical.
After a racist outburst during the "L'amour toujours" song at Erlangen's Bergkirchweih on Friday, organizers decided to drop the song from future festivities. The police are currently looking into the actions of two men, aged 21 and 26, who are suspected of shouting these hateful slurs.
Previously, a video from Sylt's Pentecost weekend caused quite a commotion. In the clip, visitors to a bar were caught yelling "Ausländer raus" and "Deutschland den Deutschen" to a tune similar to the popular club anthem "Ausländer raus." The state protection agency is looking into what happened.
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- Despite the controversy surrounding some songs, Munich Mercury, a popular DJ known for playing tracks like "Gigi D'agostino's L'amour toujours," is still scheduled to perform at Oktoberfest this year in Bavaria's Upper Bavaria.
- Clemens Baumgärtner, a music critic, believes that the tune itself doesn't promote radicalism, but its association with right-wing extremism has led to calls for its removal from the Oktoberfest playlist in Munich.
- The German Press Agency reported that Muller, the Oktoberfest organizer, has implemented strict rules to prevent any offensive or racist language during the event, including banning songs that have been tied to racist incidents.
- Baumgärtner also highlighted the importance of keeping Oktoberfest apolitical and inclusive, stating that the festival should be a time for people from different backgrounds to celebrate and enjoy music together, free from any form of discrimination.
- In light of the recent scandal involving two men shouting racist slurs during a song at Erlangen's Bergkirchweih, Munich officials have expressed their commitment to addressing any instances of racism or hate speech, ensuring that the city remains a welcoming and diverse destination.
- Critics argue that the increased police presence and tightening of security measures at festivals like Oktoberfest only serve to create an atmosphere of suspicion and surveillance, potentially contributing to a climate of fear and division rather than fostering unity and celebration.
- Organizers of events in places like Bavaria must walk a fine line between maintaining the festive spirit of the occasion while also being sensitive to the concerns about the potential for right-wing extremism and racism to infect the music and atmosphere, striking a delicate balance between tradition and progress.
Source: www.stern.de
