Bowie’s Five Words

You might have noticed David Bowie – my favourite artist – said something on Scotland last night, in a message delivered by Kate Moss at the Brit Awards in London. Five words, to be precise: ‘Scotland, please stay with us’. A short sentence, but one that got the Internet terribly excited.  His name was trending across Scotland within the hour and the comments have continued to flow in this morning.

As with most of Bowie’s recent comments, his remarks on Scotland offered very little in the way of explanation. There was no suggestion that he doesn’t think Scotland has the right to a referendum later this year and nothing to indicate he doesn’t like the SNP or Yes Scotland campaign.  In fact, the only thing that can be read in his remarks is that he would prefer Scotland to stay in the UK.

Despite working for a newspaper that covers independence every day and seeing first hand just how animated the debate can get, I was surprised that so many people felt the need to argue overnight that Bowie should not be allowed his opinion – largely because he lives in New York and isn’t Scottish.

Here are some examples:

David Bowie….like your music and stuff, but you like in NYC and dont pay tax in my country so you and Moss can get fucked

— Janey Godley (@JaneyGodley) February 19, 2014

dear Scotland a man who lives in New York speaking about the future of Scotland and using a skinny model as a mouthpiece can RUN UP MA HUMP

— Janey Godley (@JaneyGodley) February 19, 2014

Dear David bowie if you're such a fan of The U.K how come you're have a green card and live in New York ? yours Scotland

— mary bourke (@marybourkecomic) February 20, 2014

David #Bowie has been a tax avoider who hasnt paid British taxes since 1976. #celebritytaxavoiders

— Gerry Hassan (@GerryHassan) February 19, 2014

@mmclean04 @parkhead01 @nickeardley A man who's lived in America for 20 years?? Its that good in England he fkd off

— Tommy Burns (@firstyin) February 19, 2014

So David Bowie, who couldn't be bothered leaving his New York penthouse, sends a political message to Scotland? Ok then. The arrogance!

— Eddie McGuigan (@Eddie_At_Skaro) February 20, 2014

So, David Bowie – a tax exile living in New York who doesn't have a vote in Scotland – tells Scotland to vote no. Seems legit. #IndyRef

— Drew McGowan (@TheRealMcGowan) February 19, 2014

@parkhead01 @nickeardley this is a our referendum for scottish people to decide what the future holds,why does Bowie think he needs input

— Maureen McLean (@mmclean04) February 19, 2014

It’s become almost inevitable that people get wound up very easily when it comes to independence. In one sense I can understand why– this is the biggest decision Scotland will make for centuries and people on both sides have some very strong views. But we also need to keep a sense of perspective and lighten up a bit. This was five words, a short sentence, a brief interjection.

Bowie’s opinion wouldn’t sway my vote and I’d be surprised if it has a significant influence on other people. But I do think he’s entitled to it because I’m fascinated by what other people think of Scotland’s constitutional debate. I enjoy David Leask’s As Others See Us pieces and, whenever I’m down in London visiting friends, I like to hear what others think of the discussions we’re having north of the border. Is it not  better to hear a variety of views, domestic and international, on the subject? Is there a suggestion I shouldn’t listen to my pal from Aberdeen who lives in New York  on the issue? Or my brother who is off to Spain for his third year of uni shortly before the referendum?

We need to be able to listen to people we disagree with over the next few months, even if they don’t have a vote. Whatever your politics, Bowie should be allowed his five words.