Morrissey & why celebrity status must not blind us to racism

Morrissey has outrageously described Chinese people as a "subspecies" when commenting in the Guardian about their track record on animal welfare.

The former Smiths front man, an advocate of animal rights and a vegetarian, made the comment to the Guardian, describing the population's attitude to animal rights as "horrific".

"Did you see the thing on the news about their treatment of animals and animal welfare?" he said. "Absolutely horrific. You can't help but feel that the Chinese are a subspecies."

When it comes to issues of race Morrissey is a serial offender and it certainly not the first time he has made controversial remarks about other races.

In 1992 was quoted in Q Magazine saying he didn't

"really think, for instance, black people and white people will ever really get on or like each other. I don't really think they ever will."

While in 1994 he told Select magazine that the National Front should be given a clear voice or platform in order for them to be "less of a threat".

In 2007 he told the NME:

"The gates of England are flooded. The country's been thrown away."

When asked if the star, who was living in Rome at the time, would return to England, he replied that Britain is "a terribly negative place".

"Also, with the issue of immigration, it's very difficult, because although I don't have anything against people from other countries, the higher the influx into England, the more the British identity disappears," he added.

"England is a memory now. The change in England is so rapid compared to the change in any other country.

"If you walk through Knightsbridge on any bland day of the week you won't hear an English accent. You'll hear every accent under the sun apart from the British accent."

For his part Morrissey has always denied any racist tendencies. After the NME article, he issued a statement along with a legal writ:

"I abhor racism and oppression or cruelty of any kind and will not let this pass without being absolutely clear and emphatic with regard to what my position is."

Simon Woolley of Operation Black Vote expressed his anger and dismay at Morrissey latest outburst:

"This man has a clear track record of making outrageous and derogatory comments about Black, Asian and now Chinese communities and yet both the music press and his supporters continue to support him despite his vile racism. These apologists should now completely and unequivocally condemn these comments."

Lee Jasper, Secretary of the National Assembly Against Racism stated:

“Morrissey is once again trying to promote his forthcoming album and is willing to say anything to grab press attention to promote his flagging career. Love Music Hate Racism was wrong to accept his racist guilt money in 2008, which he used to defray genuine criticism of his deeply offensive comments. In essence they have provided on going cover for a unreconstructed racist.”

He added;

“To suggest that the Chinese are a "sub human species " is pure unadulterated racism. My view is that LMHR should now issue a clear statement condemning Morrissey as a racist. The Guardian should report the matter to the police and he should be charged with making racially offensive comments and dragged into court. Its time to stop indulging Morrissey’s racism.”