Do They Know it's Christmas? Band Aid

Apparently some African people resent the "White Saviour" attitude towards them.
Over the years, the song has been criticised for what many percieve to be a “white saviour” attitude that perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Africa.

Would they prefer for themselves and their children to be left to die? Surely skin colour is irrelevant. What matters is genuine human kindness and helping one's fellow man. The Africans who allegedly resent it are unlikely to be the ones who are suffering.

It's easy to sit on your arse criticising, I guess, considering the idea was conceived forty years ago.

Bob got off his, did something, and coerced others (not all were willing, at first) to do the same by using their voices for the good of others.

If it helps someone surely it can't be a bad thing. Bob said this morning that some of the money is going to Sudan to help overcome the mass raping of women.

Sarnia

I remember watching Bob Geldof on a chat show many years ago and he was asked if he knew where the money actually went. He got very annoyed when it was suggested that when the Band Aid millions reached Africa, corrupt leaders were ordering a new plane.

Apparently Ed Sheeran was upset that his vocals had been used without his permission on the new version as he has changed his views on the Band Aid charity:

Posting to Instagram Stories, Sheeran also shared a statement by Ghanaian-British musician Fuse ODG, who accused the campaign of “[dehumanising] Africans and [destroying] our pride and identity in the name of ‘charity’”.

“My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals,” Sheeran wrote.
A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by [Fuse ODG]. This is just my personal stance. I’m hoping it’s a forward-looking one. Love to all.”

Apparently some African people resent the "White Saviour" attitude towards them.
Over the years, the song has been criticised for what many percieve to be a “white saviour” attitude that perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Africa.

I'm ambivalent about it.

I thought it was lovely that one of the pop stars of the time, forgotten his name, was on radio 2 yesterday and mentioned how lovely Paula Yates was to everyone on the day of the recording.
I don't think Bob was always the saint we were led to believe

He can be very attractive, when he's not sporting the "something the cat bought in" look.

I saw him on The One Show. He was on This Morning with Midge Ure. Bob looks rather attractive with his white hair and his lovely Irish accent.. Just saying I've never thought he was before.

Yes, I think that's exactly what those lyrics meant. I think many of us have been guilty of thinking that way when we've seen horrific events unfold on the news.

Exactly that.

“Well tonight thank God it’s them instead of you”.

But true. How many of us, faced with the troubles of others, be it bereavement, illness, floods, famine… let’s be honest, we’ve all thought it.

“Thank God it’s not me, or mine”.

He, Geldorf knows how to swear, he pitches his four letter words into the right context to give that word meaning, not the casual way it can be bandied around these days. For all his four letter expletives, he's amazingly erudite

I can’t stand him, never have. Quite unreasonable of me, no reason really. Well there is, but it is complicated .

I think he did something good and noble, straight from the heart which hopefully saved many lives and watching the Live Aid concert his heartfelt passion in endeavouring to raise as much money as possible was commendable. I can see in retrospect that at times, however well intentioned such causes were, they are viewed as patronising by Africans themselves. I remember buying the record but oh yes those lyrics "Thank God it's them instead of you" whoever wrote that line, it always sounded horribly shocking

There's nothing better than Bob having a go!

I went there for counselling for a little while.
It really good cause, and lunch sounds delicious.

I hope you have a wonderful time, and raise funds, too.
My daughter went there once, but she absconded!

I had a worried phone call asking if I'd seen her.

I remember watching Bob Geldof on a chat show many years ago and he was asked if he knew where the money actually went. He got very annoyed when it was suggested that when the Band Aid millions reached Africa, corrupt leaders were ordering a new plane.

MissAdventure

Oh, that sounds a nice event.
What's on the menu?

First Christmas meal of the year, Turkey and all the trimmings.

It is for our local Hospice, I expect you know the one I mean, my darling Mum spent her last 11 days there. It is an odd thing to say but the Hospice is such a serene and surprisingly joyous place.

Oh, that sounds a nice event.
What's on the menu?

MissAdventure

Oh.
Lorraine.

I am channelling my inner sloth, not even dressed 🙀

In my defence I am about to shower and put my glam on for a charity lunch…

Oh.
Lorraine.

Just seen him on Lorraine (don’t judge me 🤣)

Well done Sir Bob.

I've always been a big fan of Bob.
Anything he does is fine by me, and if that means stirring people up so be it.

And awareness.

I did see him on the One Show last night. Its a very good cause and as he said will continue to raise money.