Swedish TV in Eurovision 'coloured person' outrage

Ridiculous, if it increase the odds of winning then it should be pursued, getting the next festival to Sweden would definitely make contributions to the economy. People are to hung up on being possibly put away as having done something racist. Think of the bigger picture.

It is a Song Contest what does it matter if the Dancer is Black or Green, singing is what it's about. Find something better to complain about.

This article isn't surprising at all coming from Sweden. Maybe next they will have Loren sing while wearing a mask because " SVT are scared of the racism that they perceive as rife in Eastern Europe "

Christer Björkmans comments are personal,and they represent his own true feeling. It's cowardly to pretend otherwise.

Tragic to see just how blatantly xenophobic Sweden really is. This article should do just the trick to get all the racist scribbling their hate on this board.

@Abe L

What values would that reflect of a country like Sweden?. For you it is winning at all cost, right?. The should justify the means eh?.

Only people who lack the balls to stand their moral grounds can take your stand.

LOL petty issues, i think there is nothing better to do ...

Indeed Mr Pakistani - not to mention these Eurovision "songs" are pure excrement..

This is the same attitude they have towards employing people of colour. Nothing new here. Why not replace Loreen? After all she is dark skinned from North Africa.

he says in his speech 'coloured person/singer* a slang even teachers in sweden proudly say in classes. why do u call us `"coloured" instead of black?

i have a point to prove, your colour frequently changes depending on the season we r, bt mine s da same wether its winter or summer!!

u wont hear english pple or americans and other developed countries utter those racial words. u rather call me black ass nigger than callin me a paintable object!

peace n love pple.

Does Jordan have Swedish citizenship? I'm confused as to why an American is in a Euro contest at all.

Also, TL: ..."he wanted to replace coloured dancer Ausben Jordan..."

I'm curious as to how the Swedish media decides which English terms are offensive/non-offensive... Is it vogue to call people "colored" again??

If the situation was reversed and they wanted to replace a white dancer in Africa no one would say a word, What a load of bullshit!

Racism seems to be a way of life to Swedes.

Did The Local just use "colored"?!! really?! And what are white people then... transparent perhaps.

Phil.......am guessin u've never been to Africa....Speaking as an African...."we would never do that"....thats cheap white man games....If in Africa...they would simply assassinate the white dancer or put him/her in jail!!!

issues like this are laughable in places where true egalitarianism is practice. sweden should not let shallow minded people dictate its cause, some of the best swedes i know have foreign origins. Zlatan, doctor Alban, martin darlin and the list is long. so i dont know which low brow had brought this issue up, but he/she just dragged this country a few miles backward.

God, what he said is totally true!

Eastern Europeans may refrain from voting for anything connected to black persons. Only the fact that in most E. European countries not many even understand that the "N" word is offensive says something. It is a common knowledge that this is the word for any black person. It is freely said on media and in person.

What amazes me is when one points out at this truth of racism in that part of the world, is blamed of racism himself… God, it is obvious that black dolls are more attractive to black children, Cosmopolitan in China is filled with Asian models and presenting whiter, yet Indian photo models in India would boost your sales of clothing. Nobody blames these advertisement agencies in directed racism.

The reasoning for the non-acceptance of the other is natural and related to our genetic development. Just to have a parallel (although it is clearly not the same), there would be a certain … non-acceptance of a dwarf dancer, or very fat dancer, or a crippled dancer even if they are very talented and "danced with Madonna"…

Now in Sweden a black dancer does not create negative response, whereas in E. Europe it MAY. This was highlighted as a problem and possible solution was rebuffed. Case closed.

Let's see indeed how the eastern states vote. If the points from them will be low, Mr. Jordan "impressive resume" will be welcome to continue being proud and cherish Sweden as an open minded state that is ready to sacrifice millions of kronor in tourist income for its equality principles.

With Björman's logic, we should also replace Loreen and put a blond girl instead. Since Björkman is a faerie, it is amazing coming from someone considered to be in a minority group.

Don't fret Uncle - even if they fail to win, you will still be able to get the cd - a taste that no doubt reflects your terrible judgement..

Unfortunately the reasoning is right. A lot of votes will be lost.

If you have no experience of eastern european countries culture and mindset then you should refrain from commenting.

You bured the lede.

The true lede is: Sweden takes Eurovision seriously!

That's the funniest thing I've read all week....

Oh vastly experienced one of eastern european countries - Like I said you will still be able to get the cd...

The racist have arrived on the TL board. Masquerading themsleves and typying such dribble all the while hoping not to be spotted. Sublte approach and careful with the words almost coming across as anything other than compassionate against racism.

"

Abe L

Ridiculous, if it increase the odds of winning then it should be pursued, getting the next festival to Sweden would definitely make contributions to the economy. People are to hung up on being possibly put away as having done something racist. Think of the bigger picture.

" Uncle

God, what he said is totally true!

Eastern Europeans may refrain from voting for anything connected to black persons. Only the fact that in most E. European countries not many even understand that the "N" word is offensive says something. It is a common knowledge that this is the word for any black person. It is freely said on media and in person.

What amazes me is when one points out at this truth of racism in that part of the world, is blamed of racism himself… God, it is obvious that black dolls are more attractive to black children, Cosmopolitan in China is filled with Asian models and presenting whiter, yet Indian photo models in India would boost your sales of clothing. Nobody blames these advertisement agencies in directed racism.

" NickO.

Unfortunately the reasoning is right. A lot of votes will be lost.

If you have no experience of eastern european countries culture and mindset then you should refrain from commenting.

Why did he not dare to say yes I mean it. Doesn't he have any personality?

The whole concept of Eurovision sux anyway. Everyone involved with it should get a life, including a real job.

"Until the colour of a man's skin

Is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes -

Me say war" ♪ ♫

Seems like an odd thing for SVT to focus on considering that Loreen doesn't even remotely have Nordic roots. The Viking ship has already sailed this year and it was not towards Azerbaijan.

How far did the non-colored Anna Bergendahl get Sweden two years ago? This is just the tip of what foreigners endure in Sweden. The xenophobic attitude that causes exodus of highly skilled immigrants from Sweden.

It's great to see Loreen and Jordan representing Sweden; Europe's rainbow nation.

I'm certain Eastern European voters, (and everyone else) will vote them to a glorious Swedish Eurovision victory. Eastern Europeans are well known for their hospitality to all non-white people.

Dear white, something you got to know

When I was born, I was black.

When I grow up, I am black.

When I'm under the sun, I'm black.

When I'm cold, I'm black.

When I'm afraid, I'm black.

When I'm sick, I'm black.

When I die, I'm still black.

you---white people,

When you were born, you were pink.

When you grow up, you become white.

You're red under the sun.

You're blue when you're cold.

You are yellow when you're afraid.

You're green when you're sick.

You're gray when you die.

And you, call me "color"?

I am 100% behind ABE and RobinHood on this! You establish the best team you can in the beginning... not going into the main contest. Even to consider changing a key element for any reason other than health or overtly poor performance is demoralizing and demotivating for all future potential participants. This holds true in business and sports as well as the arts!

This article is an embarassment to all civilized beings.

Met 2 cars on Kaknäsvägen & Lindarängsvägen (30 zone) Stockholm today. They were definitely over 100!!! They rly frightened me!!!

@ Dein

Devisive comments aren't ever helpful.

"I simply said that since the semi-finals were introduced in ESC no coloured person has ever made the final. And then I said: 'I sincerely hope this doesn't affect us'," he said to the paper.

what the hell is this guy muttering? it's he who should be replaced!

makes no difference if pink and orange aliens represent sweden, they are still not going to win! Swedes point blank to refuse that the eurovision is meant to be a cross between a pantomine and a cicus, not a "serious" music competition. Its quite obvious that Russia will win hands down with the little old ladies.. its a song true to eurovison.. it ticks all the boxes... Sweden has no chance as per usual, so weather the dansers are black, blue, pink , green or orange and yellow spotted people it make NO difference!

Norway did it two years ago for Stella Mwangi (STL), an immigrant from Kenya. Of course she never went far. The only memorable thing was that guy who massacred 80 college students quipping that by allowing that immigrant to represent Norway, Norway was being politically correct.

I am afraid Sweden, despite being europe's egalitarian framework showcase, has the same options: Make a politically correct nomination and lose, or discriminate and hope to win! That is the reality.

This Björkman character seems to be a true idiot with an urgent need of a reality check.

They should have female backing dancers in Burka's then it would really be like Sweden

Why on earth would any country now _want_ to win Eurovision? Block voting by balkan micro-nations and former USSR-ites make it difficult for anyone else to win and even if they do .... all you've won is the headaches of putting on next year's bash.

Don't get me wrong, I love Eurovision for the kitschy bad music freakshow it is, I just don't see why any sane country would worry about winning.

Wait, did I say 'sane'? Okay, I guess that lets Sweden out. Knock yourselves out guys.

@ si

"Don't fret Uncle - even if they fail to win, you will still be able to get the cd - a taste that no doubt reflects your terrible judgement.."

Oh, I am sorry, is it not allowed to like the song? I am terribly and utterly sorry. A racist and closed minded dog like me did not know that it is not "in" among the cool people with an amazing taste in music.

What should I like, si, in order to get an approval of such a multicultural acceptance advocate, that one shall listen to his/her advice? What sort of music would directly pinpoint a good taste, rather than a bad one? I am really lost here, as I would really love to be exercising a BETTER judgment.

I am sure that the next step would be teaching me - one who has no idea about Eastern European general openness and love towards any human being (as Balkans, Chechnya, Prednistrovye and Ingushetia/South Osetia, as well the situation of Roma people clearly proove) on how to understand the deep love of all slavic people towards blacks, asians, Jews, arabs and pakistani people... So stupid of me even doubting that there is no racism problem over there and that they are not rooted in the culture of E. Europeans... My apologies.

I believe a multicultural performer will increase the chances of winning. Every time Sweden sent ethnic Swedish performers in the recent years, they end up losing really bad. One exception is Carola, who has established herself long ago with her past winning record. Last year they sent Eric Saade who has Lebanese background, and surprisingly (or not), Israel gave him full points that rocketed him into 3rd place in the final minutes. Another example is Elena Paparizou, raised in Sweden, started out in Sweden but competed for Greece. She won in 2005.

I think it's very logical: if you have roots in other countries than the one you are competing for, people outside your host nation find it easier to relate to you. As contrasted by purely Scandinavian performers, who are mostly unknown to viewers outside Scandinavia. Since most of the contest is still decided by peer-votes (despite the introduction of judges), you need a large potential fanbase. Scandinavian countries vote their neighbors, just like everyone else. With multi-cultural and multi-ethnic performers, it should be easier to gather support from both your neighbors and the neighbors of your other country (birth country). Unless your song really stands out, the determining factor is personal recognition.

I look forward to the day in Sweden, when foreign people with talents are not looked down upon, but actively promoted for what they deserve. And the Swedes are encouraged to leave the country to gain international experience before welcomed back. And in my opinion, it may very well start from here, the representation at Eurovision. People should be made aware!

Areatha Franklin can sing the pants off any white man or woman, and Michael Jackson (when he was alive) and many other black dancers today can make white dancers look like clumsy newborn giraffes trying to stand up for the first time.

If Eurovision was about actually about singing and dancing then the stage would be filled with black artists the entire evening.

Oh my!!! Sweden having racial problems? Ha.

Wow!

And I thought this contest was for and about EUROPEANS!

Again, I'm ?????

It is such a shame. Can't believe that after all these years of human knowledge and understanding, some people still choose to live in the era of slavery and slave trade, and in the era of the steam engine. Shame to you Björkman for even bringing such opinions up, given that Loreen and her team have gone this far into the preparation for the contest. altering anything now would be just recipe for failure

@ Deinschatz IRO post # 28:

Didn't you mean to write that white people are colorful?

How many colorful white people are on any sub-saharan African nation's national dance troupe?

To all you uninformed xenophobes who claim "Eastern Europeans are racist/won't vote for Black people" (you know who you are), Ukraine's entry this year, Gaitana, is of Sub-Saharan African origin and Romania's entry this year, Mandinga, has several Black Cubans in the band. The Czech Republic (they're more in Central Europe, but anyway) sent a Roma group several years ago. Do your research before you make fools of yourselves.

They should leave him in.

If they don't win they can then say: "Hey, it's not us, it's those racist East Europeans".

Never mind that this is a racist statement towards Eastern Europeans.

Oh yeah, and Bulgaria's entry in Eurovision this year, Sofi Marinova is also a Roma! Evidently this incompetent Björkman isn't aware that's it's not just the "open-minded, welcoming, racist-free and angelic Western Europeans" who send minority people to Eurovision.

Sad Sad Sad .....but I guess it is a fact of life!

strange thing I was reading about university admission in apartheid SA the other day , this "clever" scheme had 4 categories: white, black, colored and Indian/asian. (to keep separated.....sounds like hard work 2 me)

I always was of the understanding that colored and black was the same (interchangeable) BUT apparently NOT ... It appears that black ppl are insulted if called colored and vice-versa (black ppl prefer the N word in preference)

this leaves me a dumb cluck as to the difference (just curious now) !

is my guess that coloured means of mixed heritage (hate using the R word) true?

personally I don't care if a person is light brown or dark brown as long as they are nice and kind !

@Jeff10 #44

So u mean that "colored persons" r unworthy of a white dancer?

@Da Goat

The admission system is based on historical inequalities as a result of apartheid. Even today there is a marked difference in the quality of education for different race groups and the admission system tries to address that.

Fact is if admission is based purely on performance, the average black child has a very, very slim chance of ever getting a good education and getting out of poverty. The system is inherently unfair but for now, thats the best there is.

As for colored people, yes they are of mixed heritage. Generally lighter skinned than blacks and generally but not always descendant from the xhoi and hottentot tribes.

@Reason abd Realism #40

Couldn't agree more.

If the show was about talent and enjoying the arts then I don't see what race has to do with anything. If winning at all costs it what it is all about then they need a morality check.

@DeinSchatz:

No, it means that I was being frivolous. The fact is, most Americans are tired of the race discussions. Things are what they are, meaning that races have achieved what they've achieved. The rest is just meaningless BS.

Read the Bell Curve.

Let me provide one example. In the US, Northeast Asian and Indian (i.e., descendents of those from India, Pakistan, etc., not American Indians) comprise about 1% or so of the US population. Yet, these people comprise about 65% or so of all computer engineers (you know, the ones who design the mechanics of computers). White males compromise about 30% of so of this group. The remaining 5% is women and people of other races.

Why?

Why is it that 82% of players in the NBA is about 82% black and for the NFL about 60% or so, but management in these sports is about 85% white. The fan base for these two sports overwhelming is white in the US. Worldwide, the most NBA fans may be in China.

Why?

Do these percentages even matter?

Do we need to spend time and money delving into the why fore of these percentages? Or is it res ipsa locquitur?

Swedes! grow up & get a life

If this was a true talent contest, we would see performers from every musical genre, with musicians and singers of every color imaginable.

I don't think race/colour has anything to do with it, especially since the competition will be held in the east this year. Every year I've watched Eurovision, countries normally give the highest points (12, 10...) to their neighbours and then points to other performances they like. The only exception to this is when a song is so good that it gets a good score from a lot of countries and it's obvious that it will win (even though there are still plenty of the final scores to be read out). So, overall it's all political anyway except when a song does exceptionally well which doesn't always happen.

In the United States, nobody would have suggested removing him because of the color of his skin. Sadly, Sweden, which prides itself for being an open culture, still has a long way to go. What matters, however, is that the country is on the right track.

As for whether Sweden should change the dancer to favor victory at Eurovision, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said it best: "Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness."

Change happens because courageous people shine light into darkness. If Sweden loses over the color of his skin, Sweden can now stand upright and proud, on the right side of history.

@towns

You moron. "Researching racism" through eurovision songs is like claiming that the nazis loved the Jews, because Schindler existed...

Here something to research... just a taste:

http://antisemitism.org.il/article/71286/antisemitism-xenophobia-and-racism-are-rise-eastern-europe-under-guise-ultra-nationali

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/120329/eastern-europes-hitler-nostalgia-echoes-hitler-pt-5

Of course a conversation with any black person visiting eastern europe and feeling the constant point-blank stares could be also a good part of a research. As for the Roma people - their situation is the WORST in the world in E. Europe, in spite of the fact that some entertainers were sent to Eurovision. I suggest to do some research on that. Then I suggest to tell Roma that their situation in that part of the world is excellent. If you cannot type it in Google, I could assist with links...

All that Christer Björkman from SVT suggested was that it is a PROBLEM. It is true that it is a problem. However the suggestion was rebuffed. This hysteria over the racism of SVT appeared out of thin air.

@57

Obviously "researching racism" through Eurovision songs as you put it is both asinine and unscientific, I was merely using those as examples. Why I brought it up in the first place is because I saw some individuals on here talking about Eastern Europe as if it's some barbaric place. It's typical Western misinformation about 40 years behind the times. What also irks me is when people dismiss "Eastern Europe" as one entity when there is about as big a difference between say Serbia and Latvia as there is between Portugal and Norway.

I have lived in both "Western" and "Eastern" Europe. Yes, there are people in Eastern Europe who do not like Jews and Roma but such individuals are found everywhere. Even in Canada, the "Holy Grail of Multicultural Perfection" there is racism, albeit under the surface (and I'm talking about racism from all colours!).

There are now more people at risk of poverty in France, Netherlands and Germany than there are in the Czech Republic. Prague and Bratislava both have a higher GDP PPP than Vienna, Tallinn and Warsaw have about the same GDP PPP as Belgium, Slovenia is wealthier than Greece and Portugal and Bucharest has about the same level of economic development as Lisbon. And these are all Eurostat facts. Yes, wages might be lower, but so is the cost of living. It's all relative. Why do you think many Poles have moved to the UK? Not because they are "at risk" of poverty at home but because they can have Western wages and send money back to their relatives or go back home themselves and live with Eastern prices. I know some of these people, I know their experiences.

You said "have a conversation with any Black person visiting Eastern Europe" I know an individual of Cameroonian background personally who has lived in Poland since the early 90's and has never had any problem with racism. Recently he went to Denmark and people literally spat in his face. I also know a Korean student who went backpacking through Europe and claimed the friendliest people he encountered where the Estonians while the rudest were the French. I met a Belarusian man once who visited Sweden and a Swedish woman asked him if they had milk in Belarus. Yes, you read that write, a perfect example of the condescending attitude people in the West have.

Western Europe is full of marginalized youth of immigrant background who feel like second class citizens in the countries they grew up in. In France one in three children being born in the last few years are fully or partially of non-French origin, with one in four being of non-European origin. In the Netherlands 50% of the population of the three largest cities are of non-Dutch origin with around 30% each being of non-European origin. In Germany you have several million Turks who won't integrate. Again, these are facts. You can have your Rosengård, I'll take my Prague.

The guy just needs a better haircut - if he stops looking like "Buckwheat", the song may have a chance.. He reminds me of Puffy - he should get a haircut like him!!!!

God "towns".

You give me a GDP per capita for a CITY as an argument of non-racism of Eastern Europe? Do you even read what you are writing? Moscow is the MOST expensive city in the world containing the MOST billionaires per capita... How is that related to the situation of Kalmyks and Nanai in Russia? I am working with plenty of non-whites and Jewish, who describe Poland, Russia and Estonia as highly antisemitic and aggressive.

" there are people in Eastern Europe who do not like Jews and Roma but such individuals are found everywhere"

When you say "do not like", do you mean "most racially motivated attacks in the peaceful world per capita"? Or perhaps you mean "Most neo-nazi or other organizations claiming for purity of race than any other country in Europe"? Then we agree...

Simply READ about majority of Jews who left the entire Eastern Europe when they finally could. READ about everyday attacks on people of Caucasus or Roma descent.

Also, statistically, most racially motivated attacks in the west are performed by MINORITIES of "you know which descent", rather than the locals. So let's get into proportions here.

Arguing that statistically it is safer for a non-white to walk the streets of Belgrad or Sankt Petersburg than those of Salzburg or Antwerpen is simply not understanding the massive problem that is a reality in Eastern Europe (or non-ability in simple algebra).

Well aren't you interesting, where did you get the idea I was using GDP per capita as an argument of non-racism? Just because I mentioned it in the same comment? You seem to have missed my point.

I'm sorry to hear you have Jewish and "non-white" friends who have racist experiences in Eastern Europe. If you want I could invite you and them to Tallinn, Warsaw and Prague (the cities I'm most familiar with) I think you and your friends would be pleasantly surprised.

I know individuals of Sub-Saharan ancestry who live in Estonia and have integrated well and are not looked down upon by Estonians as they would be in Sweden simply because they don't have the right surnames. And it's not only minorities that commit crimes in the West, you're revealing your racist colours Uncle! What about the facts that prove Somalis in Finland and Sweden are among the most discriminated AGAINST minorities in Europe? Selectively ignoring facts eh? How convenient!

Antwerp versus "Питер" as the Russians call it? I'd live in Saint Pete's over Antwerp any day! I've always loved the Russian language much more than the French and Dutch they have in Belgium. Western Europe is an expensive employee's paradise. Eastern Europe is an entrepreneur's paradise and I'm an entrepreneur!

Keep living the dream Uncle, lol!

Sweden's Loreen will never make it. And it does not matter if she has Obama as a dancer or Carl Bildt. Sweden will not make it. The "song" will put Sweden into the last places of the Eurovision. And this, is not racism. It is the truth. I am the least euphoric, elated, blissful, joyful, exhilarated about her "Euphoria"..

"Питер"

Woah, apparently the Local's comment section is not compatible with Cyrillic!

@ Uncle read my comments again, my point with mentioning GDP had nothing to do with racism, I was trying to make a different point.

I'm sure you're a nice enough guy and I have no interest turning this thread into a game of wit tennis so I'll just give you this comment from John Godson, Poland's first Black MP (who guess what, was elected by white Polish people!)

"Poland is not a racist country."

I'm sure there's many things we agree on, hopefully such mutually compatibility will arise soon enough...

Yes, Poland is not a racist country.

WASHINGTON — "Neighbors," a book by Jan Tomasz Gross that startled present-day Poland as well as many Jewish corners of the globe, will be published here in April.

Subtitled "The Destruction of the Jewish Community in Jedwabne," it deals with several days in July 1941 when Poles in a village near Byelorussia rounded up virtually all 1,600 Jews in the town and killed them, burning many to death in a barn doused with kerosene.

Up to now, small monumental stones in Jedwabne have blamed German "Gestapo and the gendarmerie" for the ghastly crime. In the past few days, those stones have been removed. Both Roman Catholic Primate Jozef Cardinal Glemp and President Aleksander Kwasniewski have asked publicly for forgiveness.

A gruesome secret is out.

Yes, Poland is not a racist country

"Yes, Poland is not a racist country" - OUIJA

You've got that right OUIJA, glad someone's listening ;)

@OUJIA

Have some faith in her. Who would've though Eric Saade could make it to the 3rd place last year? I for one, hated his lyrics from the very first line where he rhymed "impossible" with "possible". The way I see it, Loreen has much better chance just by not being totally white swede. I'd like to bet 1 million euros against you that Loreen will definitely NOT end up in the bottom place!

Estonia has won the contents with a "coloured" singer, or are Swedish "coloured" people somehow more colorful than Estonian?

I am from Sweden, but live in Eastern Europe for a long time now. People here are more homogenous and more afraid of blacks than in Western Europe. Suggesting anything else is simply wrong.

Roma = thieves, black = n******, jews = devils. These are just facts here.

Loreen will never win Eurovison since she is NOT EUROPEAN!! Why is the contest even called "EuroVision" if it is now open to any minority who is not of European ancestry? Sweden should only ever have white blondes represent the country.