taz.de
Georgian DJ Highlights Political Crackdown, Calls for International Support
Lasha Jorjoliani, a Georgian DJ and co-owner of London's \"Fold\" club, discusses the differences between club scenes in Tbilisi, London, and Berlin, highlighting the political significance of Georgian clubs and their role in promoting inclusivity amidst government crackdowns on pro-European protests.
- How do the club scenes in Tbilisi, London, and Berlin differ in terms of regulations, atmosphere, and political significance?
- Jorjoliani highlights key differences between the club scenes in Tbilisi, London, and Berlin. While Tbilisi and Berlin have fewer regulations, London's strict licensing limits operating hours. He contrasts London's musical diversity with the longer operating hours found in Berlin and Tbilisi, noting the political significance of Georgian clubs that promote inclusivity.
- What are the main challenges faced by Georgian club owners and activists, and how do these challenges reflect broader political issues in the country?
- Lasha Jorjoliani, a Georgian DJ based in London since 2009, initially went to the UK for studies but switched to music due to high tuition costs. He co-founded the London club \"Fold\" in 2018, which operates with a 24-hour license, unlike many other clubs in London.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of the current political situation in Georgia, and what role can international artists and activists play in supporting the pro-democracy movement?
- Jorjoliani connects the political situation in Georgia to the club scene, emphasizing the clubs' role in promoting inclusivity against the government's wishes. He draws parallels between Russia's actions in Georgia and Ukraine, highlighting the government's attempts to manipulate public opinion by using fear tactics to discourage pro-European sentiment. He calls for international support for Georgian protesters.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing heavily favors Jorjoliani's perspective. The headline (if any) and introduction would likely emphasize his experiences and his condemnation of the Georgian government. The sequencing of questions and answers reinforces this bias, allowing Jorjoliani ample space to articulate his views without significant challenge or counterpoint. This framing potentially shapes the reader's understanding of the situation towards sympathy for the protesters and a critical view of the Georgian government.
Language Bias
While the interview avoids overtly inflammatory language, there is a subtle bias in word choice. Terms like 'brutal verprügelt' (brutally beaten) and 'stehlen ihre Träume' (steal their dreams) are emotionally charged and could sway the reader's opinion. Neutral alternatives could include 'assaulted' instead of 'brutally beaten' and 'undermine their aspirations' instead of 'steal their dreams'. The repeated use of 'Held:innen' (heroes/heroines) reinforces the positive image of the protesters.
Bias by Omission
The interview focuses heavily on Jorjoliani's personal journey and his perspective on the political situation in Georgia. There is little to no inclusion of opposing viewpoints or perspectives from the Georgian government or those who disagree with the protesters' goals. This omission limits the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion on the complexity of the situation. While acknowledging space constraints, the lack of alternative voices constitutes a significant bias.
False Dichotomy
The interview presents a stark dichotomy between the protesters' desire for a European future for Georgia and the government's perceived attempts to suppress this desire. The narrative frames the situation as a simple 'us vs. them', potentially overlooking the nuances and complexities of Georgian politics and the motivations of various actors involved. This simplification could misrepresent the situation's intricacy.
Sustainable Development Goals
The interview discusses the political protests in Georgia, highlighting government crackdowns on demonstrators. This directly relates to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The actions of the Georgian government, including the brutal treatment of protestors, undermine these goals.