In late June at Glastonbury, during what was meant to be a celebration of art, music and freedom of expression, the British media found its next scapegoat. Bob Vylan, a politically conscious artist known for his outspoken views on race, class and injustice, took to the stage and uttered a phrase that sent half the press into frenzy: "Death to the IDF. From the river to the sea, Palestine must be – will be – free. Insha Allah."1
It was, admittedly, a provocation. No artist of sound mind enters a major UK festival and says “Death to…” anyone without intending to shock. But what followed was not proportionate outrage, it was orchestrated hysteria. Keir Starmer2, who increasingly governs with a fear of upsetting the Mail more than a fear of losing integrity, called it “appalling hate speech.” Glastonbury, the very festival that used to brand itself as anti-establishment, quickly distanced itself. The BBC labelled the words “offensive3.” Ofcom began asking questions. And the United States revo…
