Morrissey is being accused of racism after calling the Chinese “subspecies” for their cruel treatment of animals during an interview with the Guardian Weekend magazine.
During his interview with Simon Armitage, the lead singer of the Smiths said "Did you see the thing on the news about their treatment of animals and animal welfare? Absolutely horrific. You can't help but feel that the Chinese are a subspecies."
Morrissey, a vegetarian and long time animal activist, went on to say “There are no animal protection laws in China and this results in the worst animal abuse and cruelty on the planet. It is indefensible.”
His referral to the Chinese as a subspecies has angered many, including the Love Music Hate Racism organization. Morrissey has donated money to this organization in the past, however, after his recent interview they said they will not accept future donations from him. Martin Smith, Love Music Hate Racism’s spokesperson called Morrissey’s comment ‘crude racism’.
Simon Armitage defended Morrissey’s statement, “But clearly, when it comes to animal rights and animal welfare, he’s absolutely unshakable in his beliefs. In his view, if you treat an animal badly, you are less than human. I think that was his point.”
Comments
Pure sensationalism - what human being hasn't thought this kind of crap when enraged over the barbarism and extreme cruelty inflicted by humans on others? I loved Germans and Germany, having lived there for a few years. Married a German woman. Loved her family. But when I watch clips of the Germans' treatment of minority groups in WWII, I find myself saying and thinking the same things Morrissey said.
Maybe that wasn't the right forum to vent his disgust, but it was just a heartfelt reaction to their barbarity. Good for him. Ask any Chinese person what she thinks of the Japanese after what they did in 1933 and I'm sure you'll get a Morrissey-like tirade! And we have our own holocaust against animals going on right here in the USA. Want to hear my comments about Americans?
This article and the coverage of that remark is just to get page hits. No? What else did he say in the interview? I rest my case. Just cheap sensationalism.
I agree that it is sensationalism. But I believe, that should be the consequences of public comments like that. Its not like he's being prosecuted and risk jail time. But rather, his comments exposed and left to public opinion. Sensationalism as a price for comments like that, I believe, is fair.
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