WATCH: Ira Losco Calls For End To Tribalistic, Personal Attacks After Trans Woman Targeted Online
Ira Losco has urged people to move away from the kind of politically tribalistic personal attacks that pervade and smear so many arguments in Malta.
The leading Maltese singer published an Instagram video after a swathe of people targeted Angela Coleiro online over her trans identity because she had criticised the government’s COVID-19 policies.
“I believe that she has just as much of a right as everyone else to voice their criticism, no matter what it is, because she lives in a democratic country and pays taxes like all of us,” she said. “I also believe that people should stop dragging political colours into these matters. Let’s open our minds, let’s be a bit mature in the way we engage with other people’s opinions without bringing politics into it.”
“Why can’t we criticise the people in government without getting attacked by others who think we have something against this government? When my friends ask me for their opinion on whether they did something right, I could say ‘Yes, but perhaps it could be improved upon’ or ‘No, I don’t really like it and think it could be better.’ Does that mean I hate the person? I don’t think so, right? Let’s look at the situation like this.”
Ira went on to recount how she had spoken out against revenge porn some years back, only to receive sneering comments insinuating she was only speaking out because people were sharing her own naked photos.
“Well done, the way you think is truly amazing,” the singer said sarcastically. “Why can’t someone pass an opinion because they believe it’s a fair opinion without getting personally attacked for it?”
What do you make of Ira Losco’s comment?
READ NEXT: Charmaine For Ġieħ Ir-Repubblika? Young MP Calls For Nation's Highest Honour To Be Given To Public Health Superintendent
