Billy Bragg

He's getting absolutely slaughtered on Twitter - by an equal mix of women and men - many coming from a clearly Socialist angle. Who knows, maybe some of it will get through to him.

It occurred to me when I was cooking. Is he after a new generation of dewy eyed acolytes?

I remember him in the mid 80s and although my friends thought he was the dogs’, I thought he was putting it on a bit and acting up to the ‘me the working man hero’ image. I also thought he was a bit of an arse. I seem to remember seeing him play at an anti nuclear rally of some sort in Glasgow, mid 80s. I didn’t think he was very good.

So:

1. TWAW
2. Self-ID
3. .....Not That One!

he's sure it's possible to work out who is a bad man and keep them out.

Maybe when he has worked out that little gem, he can share it, and the world will be a transformed place for everyone.

good point, Binterested-

i'm annoyed with myself for over-investing in any blue-tick's opinion re gender bollocks on twitter (caveats jk rowling and glinner, obvs- critical thought evident) but, really, why should billy's thoughts matter to me or irvine welsh's for that matter (who happily has shown support for suzanne moore's article but prob isn't massively au fait with the whole issue). a high profile is certainly no guarantee of understanding ishoos. and, yes, billy comes across as a bit thick (promise that's not sour grapes!)- i kinda thought he'd be more cerebral but that's the beauty of twitter, innit? people disappoint you

I've been through his responses in my delirium. He's peppered them with stuff like 'if I didn't care about anyone else I'd be a Tory' style posturing, and then still managed to tell all the very, very patient women trying to explain reality to him that he's sure it's possible to work out who is a bad man and keep them out.

Presumably his plan is just to ask if they're Tories, or something.

Wave towards Winton and I might see you.

Awesome Mockers!

You are right Biology. His songs are smarter than he is. He’s a clever lyricist. But that does not equate to being a deep or critical thinker. I do always wonder why we look to celebs - actors and singers etc - for any insight. They are not paid for their critical thinking skills.

I followed Billy Bragg on Twitter because I have loved some of his songs but then I found he was just a tedious Momentum bloke and defollowed.

It's a great relief to me to be honest at last about my feelings about his lefty icon i.e. I never thought he was the sharpest knife in the box.

Yet another rich white man who doesn't understand why women want to hold onto all-women interview panels, their own awards and their own bloody toilets.

He's agreed with little OJ for so long I think this was always his thoughts.
As a huge fan of over 30 years, I'm sad. Not surprised, but sad.

Nice lyrical updates, Mockers and Karen Ingala Smith!

(and a god-awful singer)

Although I do love 'California Stars' to death, I think it was Wilco that sang it ...

... Yep, found a duet on youtube. Bragg really spoils it. So off-key it hurts.

definitelygc just read your response to me saying I was politically confused, it resonates so much to how I am feeling. I am originally from Blyth Valley, a red wall seat which fell to the Tories, the contempt which many on the left/liberal side has for people from there disgusts me, this with the gender debate is seriously making me question everything I thought true of the Labour Party.

Always thought he was an arse (and a god-awful singer).

I’m pleased to say though that there are an unusual number of men on the thread taking Billy to task on this. Thank you leftie men, finally.

I must say that ,having just seen a reference to Fun Boy Three on another thread, if Terry Hall - who I have loved from afar for almost 40 years - tries this line I will be officially cancelling all men.

Ereshkigalangcleg, when you said:

Like many left wing men who romanticise traditional working class stereotypes, Billy views women as helpmeets to support men who are doing the important work

you were so right. He's Momentum through and through.

Ta dido

Just googled. Him. Beard ✅ mates with corbyn ✅

I do think we now should be singing Billy Bragg songs at every future protest...with these new improved lyrics. Genius.

Inspired by Karen, please share this with the Twitterati:

Billy:
You've had relations with girls from many nations
You've made passes at women of all classes
But just because you're woke, a blinkered privilged bloke
I don't want to cause offence.
I just want you to see sense

Sexuality
Strong and warm and wild and free
Sexuality
Your laws do not apply to me
Sexuality
Don't threaten me with misery
Sexuality
I demand equality

I'm sure that even you must know what sex your body makes you.
Your lungs, your heart, your other parts, you shouldn't be a fake you.
You seem a total jerk before the scientific body of work.

Are you getting wieghed down with all this information?
Safe space deson't mean shared space. Just use your imagination.
Stop playing with yourself in trendy echo chambers.
You used to be my hero. Don't be a complete zero.

exuality
Strong and warm and wild and free
Sexuality
Your laws do not apply to me
Sexuality
Don't threaten me with misery
Sexuality
I demand equality

Bragg used to tour as "Billy Bragg and the Blokes"

He always was a self righteous twerp.

Looks like it is time for Billy Bragg to wake up and see what has been going on in the intervening years - judging by the twitter feed.

For many on the left this issue has seemed like a total non-issue......because if it was an issue there would be far much more public debate and media coverage. It has been able to be dismissed to twitter wars and the negative and polarising nature of social media; while everyone else just got on with more important things.

Rather than being truly radical, many on the left have actually become subsumed into the leftist mainstream; as various struggles have borne fruit in terms of civil rights etc. For many gay men...the job is now pretty much done...and they are focusing on the next big oppression. Meanwhile, women are still being expected to shove up and be supportive, and just hand over, out of kindness, any gains that have been made.

KIS is a damned legend.

I read Zoe Williams’s piece over my cuppa this morning and my first response was ODFOD.