I’ve always liked Lady Gaga. Her songs were always fun and catchy. Born This Way was a major sleep-inducer for me though, and despite the numbers, sucked big-time. I didn’t even understand what was going on, and firmly believe Lady Gaga should stick to fun stuff, not existentialist, philosophical crap. Edge of Glory and Judas also paled in comparison to classics like “Disco Stick” and “Love Game”.

Unfortunately, the idiotic series of bans in Lebanon continues, completely undermining the reality of things in Lebanese society. The stupidest such ban I can remember is Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code a few years back.

These bans make me feel like we are in some theocracy where a Big Brother dictates what I can and cannot read, watch and listen to. To that, I say, who the fuck are you to decide what I want to listen to, watch or read?!

I doubt any cop or priest or sheikh knows more than I do about the things I love. I am disgusted at this ban, not because I’m head over heels for Gaga, but because the principle of “banning” something on religious grounds is unacceptably backwards. Let’s start whipping women for driving to ABC next, seems like a punishable enough crime according to archaic religions.

For a nation that prides itself on freedom of speech, choice and expression, we sure take the Saudi or Iranian path sometimes. This is unacceptable and simply sad. That’s why I’ve embedded the video and song link, so that anyone can download it freely.

Offensive to Christians? Seriously? I’m sorry, but I was raised a Christian, and I remember that we weren’t exactly pro-banning stuff that mocked religion, for faith was “strong enough”. If people’s faith is that strong, a song will not destroy it. Plus, Christians often criticize fundamentalist Muslims for being overly-insecure about satire and criticism of the Muslim faith… Way to set a good example for freedom of speech and tolerance guys, bravo!

What’s even worse is that our reputation, already tarnished by never-ending wars, is starting to pick-up, with titles like “the Middle East’s Paris” being passed around again… With bustling nightlife, immaculate hospitality, rich history and divine gastronomy making us relevant again, we get condescending articles like this one, which are well-deserved for imposing such a stupid ban.

Let’s see if I’m right or wrong about Lebanese people… Your belief-induced prejudice aside, was this the right thing to do?

Download Judas here