Satirical Galloway imitation video challenges people to think

A new satirical video released yesterday by Palestinian artist Doc Jazz, proved to be quite a challenge for its viewers. This, of course, is one of the purposes of political satire: inviting people to think, while providing them with a good laugh at the same time.

Some people really understood the gist of the video; some apparently were confused by whether this was actually George Galloway or not. Even though the last lines clearly give it away (watch the video to know what I mean), it appears that peoples minds do not always take things at face value. What also plays a role is that people in this multimedia era often don’t listen close enough while they are simply clicking their way across the internet.

In the initial responses, people responded mostly in an extremely serious tone, apparently having been challenged by what is presented in the video. This is a great thing, since it covers one of the goals of this little sketch.

For those who really paid attention, it may become clear that the video is actually supportive of George Galloway’s stance, albeit with some reservations. It wouldn’t really make sense to cheer for Swedish recognition of Palestine, while at the same time having doubts about the value of a similar recognition taking place in the United Kingdom. Or would it?

The issue is not a simple one, and a lot can be said for Galloway’s position. There is no clear answer to what is the absolute best option, although most of us absolutely agree with Galloway’s support for the one state solution. However, is this motion truly supportive of the two-state solution if it doesn’t contain a clear indication of where the borders of the state of Palestine should be declared? And is it, as is challenged in the video, a good thing or a bad thing not to declare those borders?

Some viewers showed a clear understanding of the balance between serious content and political satire. This, however, was not the case for the majority of people who watched it.

In any case, have a look at this video and make up your own mind. No, it’s not really Galloway talking, which should be rather clear to those who listen closely enough. As the UK moves to cast its votes on this motion, there is one thing that is sure: Palestine is a long way from freeing itself from the yoke of violent, racist and expansionist Zionism. Perhaps Galloway, after all, is right in choosing to abstain from voting on a motion that continues to cause confusion in the ranks of pro-Palestine activists.

Watch the video here, and draw your own conclusions. Feel free to visit the Doc Jazz Facebook page and express your views!

Transcript of the video:

In other news, British Parliament is slated to convene on October the 13th in order to discuss a motion for the recognition of Palestine.
George Galloway, MP for the ‘Respect’ party, has surprised and puzzled many among the pro-Palestine activists by announcing that he will abstain from voting.
We now have a live connection with Mr. Galloway, so a good evening to you Mr. Galloway.

Galloway: Good evening to you Mr. Doc Jazz.

DJ: Mr. Galloway: do you think it is wise to abstain on such an important issue, while most supporters of Palestine in the UK would actually expect you to support such a motion?

Galloway: What a preposterous suggestion to make, to say that supporters of Palestine are not smart enough to understand the political game that is being played here. It’s absolutely absurd to assume this. It is equally preposterous to believe that this motion has any value for the cause for Justice for Palestine, while this motion makes no mention of any borders, nor does it make any mention of the rights of millions of Palestinian refugees worldwide to return to their home country. So yes, I have announced my decision to abstain, and I still stand behind this, as should anyone who truly supports the Palestinian cause.

DJ: Don’t you think that since the illegal Zionist entity known as Israel which has been recognised in the United Nations since the late 40’s, also has never declared its borders, that it would actually be a bad thing if this motion contained any reference to borders, since it would present the Zionists with more options to consolidate their claim on stolen Palestinian land?

Galloway: Mr Doc Jazz, that totally depends on how those borders would be defined. I did not specify that in my statement. Bottom line is: I am not going to sit among those spineless cowards whose only interest is what they can put in their already laden pockets and create a semblance of even seeming to be on the same page with those impostors on the Palestine issue by voting for that motion. It’s absolutely preposterous to expect this from me. There is only one thing that matters, and that is the protection of Occupied Palestine without handing its fate over to these mindless goons that David Cameron refers to as members of parliament. Voting against it would be playing into the hands of Israel, and voting for the motion would be preposterous, considering the absurdly inadequate contents of it.

DJ: We are on the same side on this issue Mr. Galloway, I am just interviewing you because Palestine activists want to know your opinion. And the issue of voting on this motion is something that has been keeping their minds busy.

Galloway: I understand Mr Doc Jazz, and despite that being quite a preposterous name for a Palestinian, I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to express my views, even though this is entirely satirical and you are doing an absolutely lousy imitation of my voice, which is equally absurd and preposterous. And you seem to have lost your American accent too, or do you happen to be trying to swallow a hot potato at the moment?

DJ: Haha Mr Galloway I am sure you will excuse me for not answering that question. We really appreciate all you do for the Palestinian cause, and even though your current stance has puzzled many and will still keep them equally puzzled after this interview, I wish to thank you for your contribution, and I wish you a lovely evening.

Galloway: thank you Mr Doc Jazz.

Dear viewers, thank you for watching this episode of Musical Intifada News. See you next time: this is Doc Jazz.