western activism doesn't work.

Summary

This video discusses the complexities of activism, particularly the pitfalls of Western celebrities engaging in performative acts in countries with strict laws against LGBTQ+ rights. It critiques Matty Healy's on-stage kiss in Malaysia, highlighting the unintended consequences and the need for culturally sensitive, locally-driven activism. The video also touches on the historical impact of Western colonial laws on current anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and advocates for a more nuanced approach that supports local activists and respects cultural contexts.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Matty Healy, the lead singer of The 1975, has been involved in controversial acts of public affection towards men in countries with strict anti-homosexuality laws, including kissing a bandmate in Malaysia and a fan in Dubai.
• 🏳️‍🌈 The act in Malaysia was criticized for potentially harming local LGBTQ+ activists and communities, with some accusing Healy of a white savior complex and not considering the local context.
• 📖 The Malaysian anti-LGBTQ+ laws are rooted in British colonial laws, which have influenced more than half of the 76 countries that criminalize homosexuality today.
• 🌐 Western celebrities sometimes face backlash for performing in countries with problematic legislations, as seen with Beyoncé's performance in Dubai and Lady Gaga's in Azerbaijan.
• 🏛 Historically, Western powers have imposed their values on other cultures, including strict gender roles and religious education, which have been challenged over time.
• 👥 The script discusses the importance of local activism and the pitfalls of performative activism, emphasizing the need for support from Westerners that is sensitive to local contexts.
• 🌍 The video touches on the concept of 'modernity' and how it has evolved from a focus on nuclear families and religious education to recognizing and ensuring basic human rights.
• 📚 It highlights the story of Soong May-Ling and the resistance of progressives like Ruan Lingyu, showing that Western definitions of modernity do not always equate to liberation.
• 🎬 The transcript mentions the film 'New Women' as a symbol of the struggle for gender equality and the tragic real-life story of its lead actress, Ruan Lingyu, who committed suicide.
• 👸 The example of Vogue Arabia's cover featuring Princess Haifa Bint Abdullah Al Saud is used to illustrate the performative nature of liberation and the silencing of actual activists.
• 🌱 The script concludes by advocating for localism in activism, citing the French climate activism movement 'les Soulèvements de la terre' as an example of effective, locally-focused action.

Q & A

What was the main topic of the video suggested by Chloe?

The main topic of the video was about unconventional forms of love and how it can transcend societal norms such as gender, class, and race, with a focus on the actions of Matty Healy, the lead singer of The 1975, in countries with strict anti-homosexuality laws.

Why did Matty Healy kiss a bandmate on stage in Malaysia, and what was the reaction?

Matty Healy kissed a bandmate on stage in Malaysia as a spontaneous act, expressing regret for agreeing to play in the country due to its anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The reaction was mixed, with local activists criticizing his actions as a 'white savior' complex and potentially harmful to the local LGBTQ+ community.

What is the 'white savior' complex mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to Matty Healy's actions?

The 'white savior' complex refers to a pattern where white individuals perceive themselves as rescuers of non-white communities, often without understanding the complexities of the local situation. In the context of Matty Healy's actions, the term is used by local activists to criticize his perceived lack of consideration for the local LGBTQ+ community's struggles and his potentially harmful impact on their situation.

How did the Malaysian anti-LGBTQ+ laws originate, as discussed in the video?

The Malaysian anti-LGBTQ+ laws originated from British colonial laws. The Indian Penal Code of 1860, which outlawed certain natural practices, served as a model for anti-homosexual ideology laws throughout the Commonwealth, including Malaysia.

What is the significance of the 76 countries criminalizing sexuality and their connection to British colonial laws?

More than half of the 76 countries that criminalize homosexuality do so using laws derived from British colonial legislation. This highlights the lasting impact of colonial-era legal systems on contemporary LGBTQ+ rights issues in many countries.

How did the concept of 'modernity' evolve from the colonial era to the present, as discussed in the video?

The concept of 'modernity' evolved from representing traditional Western values such as the nuclear family and religious education during the colonial era, to recognizing and ensuring basic human rights in the present day. This shift reflects changing societal values and the growing importance of human rights discourse globally.

What was the role of Soong May-Ling in promoting Western ideals of modernity in China, and how was it received?

Soong May-Ling, the wife of the President of the first Republic of China, Tchang Kaï Chek, was an educated woman who embodied the Western model of a modern woman and sought to spread this model throughout China. However, her efforts were not entirely successful due to cultural resistance and the limitations placed on women, as exemplified by the film 'New Women' and the tragic real-life story of its actress, Ruan Lingyu.

Why was Vogue Arabia's cover featuring Princess Haifa Bint Abdullah Al Saud controversial?

The cover was controversial because Princess Haifa was portrayed as a symbol of female empowerment and progress in Saudi Arabia, despite not having contributed to lifting the ban on women driving or supporting women's rights activists who were imprisoned by the royal family for their advocacy.

What is the significance of the French climate activism movement 'Les Soulèvements de la terre' mentioned in the video?

Les Soulèvements de la terre was a French climate activism movement that brought together diverse groups to focus on local actions against environmentally harmful projects. The movement's significance lies in its localism and its ability to mobilize a wide range of people around specific, impactful actions, demonstrating the effectiveness of localized activism.

How does the video argue for a more localized approach to activism, and what are the implications of this approach?

The video argues for a more localized approach to activism by emphasizing the importance of understanding and responding to the specific cultural, social, and political contexts of each community. This approach recognizes that effective activism must be tailored to local needs and realities, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution. The implications of this approach include more sustainable and impactful activism that is better aligned with the goals and values of the communities involved.