War Gaza
Governor Greg Abbott, here at a press conference on border security with former President Donald Trump in late February. — © AP
More and more music groups are canceling the well-known South by Southwest festival (SXSW) in Austin in protest against the American involvement in the war in Gaza. Greg Abbott, the Republican governor of Texas, reacts furiously: “If you don’t like it here, stay away.”
“We cannot in good conscience participate in an arts festival of which the US military is a ‘super sponsor’,” Kneecap reported on Israel. “That has serious financial consequences, but it is nothing compared to the unthinkable suffering that the people of Gaza face every minute and every day.”
Other artists such as Lambrini Girls, Scowl, Gel, Okay Shalom, Squirrel Flower and Sprints have also canceled the festival, which will take place until March 16 near the capital of the American state of Texas.
The musicians came under heavy criticism from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who stated on X that his state is proud of the American army. “Music groups cancel SXSW due to US military sponsorship. Bye. Don’t come back again. Austin remains the headquarters for the Army Futures Command. San Antonio is Military City USA (the Texan city got that nickname because there are so many military bases, ed.). We in Texas are proud of the United States Military. If you don’t like it, stay away.”
Festival distances itself
However, the festival was quick to distance itself from Abbott. “SXSW disagrees with Governor Abbott,” said X. “We respect the decision of these artists. We are seeing indescribable tragedies worldwide, the rise of repressive regimes and an increased number of armed conflicts. It is more important than ever to unite and tackle these bigger humanitarian challenges.”
At the same time, SXSW tries to justify why the American military supports the arts festival. “The defense industry has been a testing ground for many of the technological systems we rely on today. These institutions are often at the forefront of emerging technologies, and we think it’s better to understand how their approaches will impact our lives. The Army’s sponsorship is part of our ambition to elevate ideas that shape our world.”
2024-03-13 20:20:35
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