AntiSocial

Amidst conflict in the Middle East, some people have been calling for Israel to be banned from the Eurovision Song Contest. Now that Israel’s participation in the 2024 competition has been confirmed, critics are vowing to boycott the event in protest. Eurovision’s organisers say that the song contest is “a non-political music event and a competition between public service broadcasters”, not between governments. But over the years, Eurovision has found itself caught up in controversy and geopolitics. Adam Fleming charts this history with Dean Vuletic, historian and author of ‘Postwar Europe and the Eurovision Song Contest’.

One of the UK’s biggest Eurovision parties has been cancelled in protest at Israel’s inclusion, so how worthwhile is a boycott of the event as a response to the war in Gaza? The song contest’s organisers say the event is non-political, but this isn’t the first time global events have had an impact on participation and even lyrics - we chart the key moments. And it’s not the first time Israel’s participation has sparked debate - a Eurovision expert talks us through the ups and downs of its long association with the event. We’ll also hear about the controversy around Israel’s song this year and how it’s changed, plus the view from the Middle East on what Israelis and Palestinians are saying. Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Simon Tulett, Simon Maybin, Ellie House and Paige Neal-Holder Editor: Penny Murphy

In anticipation of new hate crime legislation in Scotland, people have been arguing about whether misgendering - for example referring to a trans woman as a man - should be against the law. Adam Fleming speaks to Sharon Cowan, professor of feminist and queer legal studies at the University of Edinburgh, to find out how this question has been handled elsewhere in the UK.

Exploring the debate around gender, pronouns, and Scotland’s new hate crime law.People online are threatening to report misgendering - for example referring to a trans woman as a man - to the police. They say new Scottish legislation due to come into force in April will make misgendering a criminal offence. What does the new law actually say? What existing laws apply across the UK around misgendering? And does Scotland’s new law prioritise trans people over women?Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Simon Maybin, Simon Tulett, Ellie House, Paige Neal-Holder Editor: Richard Vadon

Statues, monuments, and memorials have become battlegrounds in recent decades. Whether it’s tearing down statues of controversial historical figures, or erecting monuments for minority communities, they are often at the centre of debates about identity, history, and representation. How did statues become so central to the culture wars, and why do they make people so angry?

Plans announced in the Budget to spend £1 million on a war memorial for Muslim soldiers who died in the two World Wars have been applauded by campaigners, but others worry it is singling out one religious group for special treatment. Some have also questioned the timing of the announcement, when the Conservative Party is facing allegations of Islamophobia.What role did Muslims play in the two World Wars? Do other religious groups have their own memorials? And how have monuments like this become flashpoints of the culture wars? Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Simon Tulett, Nick Holland, and Ellie House Editor: Penny Murphy

Exploring the controversial 'white gaze' concept, its impact on the play 'Slave Play' and the desire for authentic Black experiences. Discussing the historical roots of the white gaze, including its connection to double consciousness and discrimination faced by Black Americans.

A theatre production dealing with race issues has been criticised after announcing plans to stage some of its performances for primarily black audiences. The so-called ‘Black Out’ nights are scheduled for two dates of Slave Play’s West End run. Some have labelled the move divisive and unnecessary, and even Downing Street has got involved. The show’s playwright and producers say they’re aiming to bring new audiences to the theatre and allow black people to watch it without the “white gaze”. But what does this term mean, what are the origins of Black Out performances, and is this a concept that’s applicable to other minority groups?Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Ellie House, Sandra Kanthal, Simon Tulett Editor: Richard Vadon

An AntiSocial special, charting the culture wars across Europe. In Italy, there's a battle over surrogacy - bringing into question the rights of same-sex couples, the exploitation of women, and the influence of the Church. In Spain, more than half the country thinks that men are being discriminated against with the push for women's equality. And across borders, both progressive and conservative activists are creating international networks to spread their message. Presenter: Adam Fleming Producer: Ellie House Reporter: Sofia Bettiza Researcher: Thomas Farmer Editor: Richard Vadon Studio Managers: Graham Puddifoot and Matt Cadman Production Coordinators: Janet Staples and Katie Morrison

How patriotic is the UK, and what do we know about the small but outspoken group of people who influence the debate about things like the monarchy and the Union Jack? Luke Tryl, UK director of focus group and opinion polling company More in Common, tells Adam Fleming about a section of society he’s termed ‘progressive activists’.