Julian Casablancas added more heat to his hottest take that privileged, white “American Zionist” talk like they’re “Black people during slavery” in a newly released video of a speech at the Oxford debating society.
Delivered in May but released on YouTube Friday, The Strokes singer expanded on his perspective about Zionism, a controversial topic he first stepped into during an April appearance on SubwayTakes with Kareem Rahma when asked to give his most controversial opinion.
Clarifying His Remarks
On SubwayTakes Casablancas said “American Zionists get the benefits of white privileged people but talk like they are Black people during slavery” and addressed the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7th, 2023, saying that assault was bad, “But Native American rebellions didn’t mean it was okay to do what we did. Slave rebellions that were violent didn’t mean that slavery is not bad.”
During his talk at Oxford, Casablancas clarified his SubwayTakes remarks, saying “So what I should have said in the subway take thing maybe — let’s call it settler style Zionist expansionist and maybe some good hearted indoctrinated moderates — when they’re talking in this kind of victim language, (it) is weird because they get many of the perks of white privilege and in America . . . But speak like they are Black people during slavery . . . So I was not talking to my friends who say Israel has the right to exist.”
Defining Zionism
Casablancas began his speech by talking about his opinion that words have lost meaning in political expressions and “keep our discussions going in these endless rage bait circles.”
One of those words is Zionism to Casablancas, which led him to explain his thoughts on the term. Here’s an excerpt of his talk on the topic:
“Discrimination obviously is vile. And I think antisemitism is stupid and small-minded and vile. Many of my most dearest friends happen to be Jewish, and some are the most moral, bright, wonderful people I’ve ever known. If you’re Jewish or Muslim or anything other than a Nazi type, wonderful. You are my brother. Be proud. Devout. You should love Israel, and I want to be able to go there, and I want to know it’s going to be a safe place. And that’s all well and good at this point.
Now in terms of dividing up the word Zionism, I think the true nerve point really comes down to one thing, and that is ‘expansion.’ Expansion is the key concept, I think, more than a vague nationalism or love of a country — meaning Israel settlements and greater Israel. You can love England and want its inhabitants safe without wanting it to control India, for example. The greater America project is insane to me, but I don’t feel the need to be defensive ’cause I’m American. I can differentiate. I can say ‘it’s fucked.’ I can say (larger) reparations are . . . far overdue.
The Strokes Tour and Controversy
Casablancas discussed his distinction between “green liners,” who believe Israel’s borders are set — a group he belongs to — and “expansionists,” who want Israel to expand. This latter group and the idea they promote, the singer described as causing turmoil in the Middle East.
Getting back to the origins of the whole controversy, The Strokes singer said, in his defense, he had given nine takes before talking about “American Zionists” on SubwayTakes.
Casablancas is not a fan of those lengthy, winding, and meandering messages.
The Strokes are currently on tour. Fans can look for tickets here.
In conclusion, Julian Casablancas has sparked a heated debate with his comments on Zionism and Israel. While some may agree with his perspective, others may find his words controversial and thought-provoking. As The Strokes continue their tour, it will be interesting to see how Casablancas’ comments affect their fanbase and the music industry as a whole. With his unapologetic and honest approach to discussing sensitive topics, Casablancas has once again proven himself to be a bold and thought-provoking figure in the music world.
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