Online Propaganda: The Case of the “Woke” Eurovision Song Contest

For the last few years, the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) – the longest running international music competition, has been present in social media and online outlets as losing its focus on culture and becoming a tool for a left-wing, “woke” ideology. The 2024 edition was especially attacked after the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:SAECULUM 2024-12, Vol.58 (2), p.148-164
Main Author: Ciprian, Cucu
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Eurovision Song Contest
propaganda
woke
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Summary:For the last few years, the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) – the longest running international music competition, has been present in social media and online outlets as losing its focus on culture and becoming a tool for a left-wing, “woke” ideology. The 2024 edition was especially attacked after the first non-binary person had become the winner, fueling allegations the contest rewards artists based on their identity rather than talent. Our analysis shows that such allegations have been inconsistent, vaguely defined, and context-aware, appearing to follow “culture war” topics, from LGBTQ+ rights to migrants or climate change. As most use of the “woke ESC” narrative comes from rightwing media and politicians, we content this narrative is part of a political propaganda effort, and functions to signify adherence to a political position, as well as to counter a perceived propagation of left-wing ideas.
ISSN:2601-1182
0080-5319
2601-1182
DOI:10.2478/saec-2024-0025