The Pope Kissed a Boy and Didn’t Like It
I normally attempt to keep the articles here more directly music-related than this one, however this law suit just blows my mind and I couldn’t remain silent. I apologize for the tangent, but supporting a company touting equality and love for one’s fellow human as well as supporting freedom of speech are more important than staying strictly focused to music related topics. There are song lyrics at the bottom of the post though, so that should count for something. 🙂
Before I continue, I want to make sure that this article makes sense and, to do that, I need to provide context. If you have not seen Benetton’s ad campaign or heard the Vatican’s outcry, please head over to Reuters’ article. I’ll still be here when you return.
First off, I would like to point out that I am not a lawyer and am not familiar with the legal system of Italy (where Benetton is located). That being said, I have no clue what the Vatican is going to cite as the reason for the suit. The last time I checked, malicious intent had to be proven for a libel claim, which given that this advertisement is speaking out against hate, should be pretty hard to prove. Also, if the Vatican is sueing over the use of the Pope’s likeness, I doubt it will lead to much. This campaign would seem to be covered under fair use in many countries as, unless the Pope actually kissed an Imam, this should be a derivative work of the original photograph.
What is possibly more baffling is that by suing over a campaign against hate, the Pope is apparently stating that he is pro-hate. This does not help his reputation since the current Pontiff is already seen by many as being intolerant. The best thing that he could do is embrace the advertisements and say that he too is against hatred in all of its forms. As it is, the Vatican – and by extension, the Pope – just apears to be extremely homophobic.
If the anyone from the Vatican is reading this (highly unlikely, I know), I hope that they see that embracing hatred implicitly through attacking an ad campaign promoting acceptance, peace, love, etc. is never a wise idea. And that, conversely, loving and accepting your fellow human for who they are is the right decision.
Likewise, in the also highly unlikely event that someone from Benetton is reading this, unlike the Pope I think that spreading messages of acceptance is a good thing. The Vatican should have been thankful for the free publicity that they were receiving.
As promised above, to make this article a bit more music related, I have come up with parody lyrics for the title of this article. And before the Pope decides to sue, I am releasing these lyrics under good faith that they are covered under fair use as they are clearly a parody of Benetton’s advertising image and the Vatican’s response to it.
Also, if anyone wants to sing this and upload it to YouTube, feel free, unlike SOPA I don’t have a problem with that (bu t please link back to this article and post a comment here so that I and other readers can find your video). If any professional parody artist (i.e. Weird Al or similar, again highly unlikely but one can hope) wants to record this, let me know I’m sure we can work something out :).
The Pope Kissed a Boy and Didn’t Like It
This manly kiss may get me banned
Excommunicated
I lost my mind, hat on head
Such a hot Imam
I’ve never kissed before
Imam’s got it going on
We’re furious at Jews
I was a Nazi
I kissed a boy and didn’t like it
At least that’s what I told the press
I kiss imams ’cause I like it
Hope the Vatican don’t mind it
I wear a hat
He wears a hat
We keep hats are in our closets
But we are not in there with them
Don’t hate us
I don’t believe in your faith
But I can convert
You are my extra-special flame
It got better
Than when I
Was in school
Now I am accepted
In shcool they were so rude
Hard to get through
I kissed a boy and didn’t like it
At least that’s what I told the press
I kiss Imams ’cause I like it
Hope the Vatican don’t mind it
I wear a hat
He wears a hat
Our hats are in our closets
But we are not in there with them
Don’t hate us
We clerics are so fabulous
Nice hats, nice cars (so driveable)
I can’t desist, so lovable
Stop trying to fight it
Ain’t a problem to Innocent
I kissed a boy and didn’t like it
At least that’s what I told the press
I kiss imams ’cause I like it
Hope the Vatican don’t mind it
I wear a hat
He wears a hat
We keep hats are in the closet
But we are not in there with them
Don’t hate us