The Pet Shop Boys and the Political

[markus]

You just validated everything I said about It's a sin with every quote, is actually what happened.

In medieval times, Neil would have been burned at the stake as a heretic. As a gay man, what he expresses in his lyrics ( very cautiosly) is that he is more righteous than the Church and its God. Putin’s Church in Russia is like a living museum from that era. It no longer holds the same absolute authority and power — but it would, if it could.

Where's the sense of alarm in the West about this?

[NotInvisible]

You just validated everything I said about It's a sin with every quote, is actually what happened.

LMFAO

Where's the sense of alarm in the West about this?

These are such bizarre non sequiturs.

[markus]

You just validated everything I said about It's a sin with every quote, is actually what happened.

LMFAO

Where's the sense of alarm in the West about this?

These are such bizarre non sequiturs.

So you only come out of your cage to announce that you’re right and everyone else is wrong?

I’ll let you know when there’s an open slot for that. Don’t call us — we’ll call you.

[NotInvisible]

So you only come out of your cage to announce that you’re right and everyone else is wrong?

This is another non sequitur. I understand you lack the ability to address any of these questions or counter any of the lyric examples provided, but frankly I'm feeling second-hand embarrassment on your behalf.

[markus]

So you only come out of your cage to announce that you’re right and everyone else is wrong?

This is another non sequitur. I understand you lack the ability to address any of these questions or counter any of the lyric examples provided, but frankly I'm feeling second-hand embarrassment on your behalf.

Refresh my memory with a recap? What questions?

[NotInvisible]

Refresh my memory with a recap? What questions?

...or you can read the thread.

[jasonjohn]

markus why do you listen to Pet Shop Boys?

You seem to detest them. Maybe find a band that upset you less. Aqua, maybe?

[markus]

Have you both lost your minds??

[markus]

Ok, seems when looking back at the discussion you (Notinvisible) started to misread me thinking I was talking about Pet shop boys when I was infact adressing the society in general: freedom of speech and taboo subjects - bigotism and religion. I was pointing out that Neil is a victim in the midst of this, having to watch his mouth. Seems you don't mess with religious authorites, even in our day, especially outside the western world.

[NotInvisible]

Ok, seems when looking back at the discussion you (Notinvisible) started to misread me thinking I was talking about Pet shop boys

I didn't misread you; you literally wrote this:

I think it’s a misconception to call them “political.”

And this:

It gives the wrong impression to label them as political because the political arena is a system with its own rules and limits

And this:

I’ve seen what real political engagement looks like in this very forum, so by definition that is being political. I don’t think discussions between Neil and Chris sound anything like that.

Politics has never catered to their needs, and it has never been the only way to have influence in the world. They’ve done what they could in other ways to push for change, and they may have achieved much more precisely because they chose that path.

And this:

I’d call it social commentary, not politics. It’s really nothing more than that.

...so don't bother trying to gaslight here. Meanwhile you haven't engaged with a single counter example. Which is your right, of course, but boy howdy does it make you look silly.

I was pointing out that Neil is a victim in the midst of this, having to watch his mouth.

He doesn't have to watch his mouth, though. He can say whatever he wants.

Seems you don't mess with religious authorites, even in our day

You've already been shown examples of Neil criticizing religion, but in any event this is a bonkers claim. People in the West criticize religion all the time.

[markus]

That was several pages ago, me expressing my opinion and then I have progressed in explaining it further. You disagree? That's fine with me. I said what I wanted to say, as did you. What was the problem again?

[NotInvisible]

That was several pages ago, me expressing my opinion and then I have progressed in explaining it further.

Yes... it was several pages ago because you kept adding to the subsequent page count by posting nonsense instead of engaging in discussion. I still can't help but note you haven't addressed any of the questions or lyrical quotes, instead opting for this gaslighting approach. It looks like a few others have called it out as well. I don't expect an intelligent response, so in the words of Neil in what you would bizarrely describe as not a political song, "Why face the facts when you can just feel the feelings?"

[markus]

That was several pages ago, me expressing my opinion and then I have progressed in explaining it further.

Yes... it was several pages ago because you kept adding to the subsequent page count by posting nonsense instead of engaging in discussion. I still can't help but note you haven't addressed any of the questions or lyrical quotes, instead opting for this gaslighting approach. It looks like a few others have called it out as well. I don't expect an intelligent response, so in the words of Neil in what you would bizarrely describe as not a political song, "Why face the facts when you can just feel the feelings?"

I don’t mean to ignore you or be impolite, but you didn’t really raise anything I hadn’t already considered. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about things and have reached conclusions I see as well-established. I'm always intrested in seeing if there's something I missed.

[telys]

Let's close this thread, it got out of hand.

[markus]

Let's close this thread, it got out of hand.

Or, maybe the debate is just upsetting to you? This is the real world at display here: politics and religion - not for the fainted hearted.