The London-based Libyan-born cultural journalist and blogger Nahla Al-Ageli argues that it is “wrong and terribly irresponsible to be singing about the killing of anyone”. The world, she says, has “moved on since Albert Camus”, and artists need to weigh up artistic licence and respect for others. “It is disturbing indeed that they chose to perform this song again in 2018 at a packed concert, dangerously playing on unfair and false stereotypes of what the ’Arab’ is.”
This made me literally jump out of my seat while eating waffles for breakfast, it irked me so. I respectfully disagree. No, no, no.
By playing this song at Hyde Park, TC was most certainly not "playing on unfair and false stereotypes of what the 'Arab' is." To make such a statement Al-Ageli must have no clue whatsoever about Robert Smith or the band as a whole, including their history. Some cultural journalist; seems she's not done any research at all. Oh, wait, she's a "blogger", too? Why would you be a blogger if you are a bona fide journalist? Ah, I get it.
The world has "moved on" since Camus? How convenient. Have we moved on since Bach, Rembrandt, etc., etc? I'm so pleased to know there is an expiration date on literature. Apparently that isn't true for any multitude of religious texts, though.
This flippin' irks me, but I shouldn't waste my breath or emotions on Ms. Al-Ageli's awesome "journalistic perspective." What's more, if this song inspires someone to actually pick up L'Etranger and read it, more power. Freakin' Internet bloggers.
I can't help but think when Bob initially changed the words that was counter-productive. Any "journo" worth their salt would have at least done a bit of research before having such violent knee-jerk reactions. But this was quite uncharacteristic of Robert to cave in. He (& The Cure) have pretty much always done their own thing in their own way. I'm frankly surprised these hacks haven't got all preachy about Fire In Cairo & the possibility of inciting arson attacks in Egypt's capital or Cut Here encouraging self harm/ suicide. But no. The current state of world affairs has put a hooning great microscope on the Middle East, so "naturally" the morons who report in the music press immediately jump to one conclusion. The WRONG conclusion.. Does anyone ever pull up Tone Loc for Funky Cold Medina? Nope. Still gets radio play (& is a fave on karaoke machines the world over) & it's a song about date rape & using roofies. It's not even subtle. But a clearly educated & articulated young bloke gets it in the neck for taking inspiration from one of his favourite books.
I think it is a very good manifesto of how ignorant you are, if you have a negative political opinion to KAA, since it’s not political...
It could as well have been Killing a rhino or killing a flower, but since Camus didn’t write a book about that, then it happend to be an arab.
And the world has not moved further than Camus when it comes to that, but maybe RS and the Cure have hoped that the world has moved further in general...
I thought this article was very well written, and quite possibly the most thoughtful and reflective piece about KAA I've ever read.
It is super frustrating when we hear knee-jerk reactions from people who assume the song is literal, and also the co-opting of the song by awful people. Which is why I think this song actually gives people an opportunity to discuss these things, in a time where discussion and not accusations is desperately needed.
I agree with steve that changing the lyrics in the past was counter productive. I personally don't believe in trying to rewrite history, but also, it makes it appear like there might be truth (or guilt) in the accusations. I do not think Camus and The Stranger are without flaws and certain biases, but it takes little research to see the song is a pretty straight interpretation of a key scene into a song. And yeah, @notkristie, getting people to discuss existentialism and French writers more...is a good thing. Can they just add Simone de Beauvoir to that list?
I never quite trusted Robert (he can never be, can he?) when he said he had no idea it would create such a mess when 'kaa' was first released. Even if you're only a small post-punk band and it's only your first single, on a new small record label, you know you're having a provoking song here, and that there's going to be some controversy. I completely believe he knew that it would be a good promotionnal thing. That he didn't know how far it would go at the time and that this is still a problem 40 years later is another question.
I never quite trusted Robert (he can never be, can he?) when he said he had no idea it would create such a mess when 'kaa' was first released. Even if you're only a small post-punk band and it's only your first single, on a new small record label, you know you're having a provoking song here, and that there's going to be some controversy. I completely believe he knew that it would be a good promotionnal thing. That he didn't know how far it would go at the time and that this is still a problem 40 years later is another question.
