People Are Calling on Radio Stations to Stop Playing ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’
The iconic Christmas hit Do They Know It’s Christmas? has come under fire, with many urging radio stations to pull it from their holiday playlists.
A Seasonal Classic Under Scrutiny
As Christmas approaches, festive tunes like Bing Crosby’s White Christmas and Ariana Grande’s Santa Tell Me fill the airwaves. However, the 1984 Band Aid classic, written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, is facing backlash.
Initially created to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, the charity single featured stars like Sting, George Michael, Bono, and Boy George. Despite its charitable intent, critics argue its lyrics perpetuate outdated and harmful stereotypes about Africa.
Why the Criticism?
Writer Indrajit Samarajiva sparked debate through a Medium blog post, labeling the song’s lyrics “ignorant” and “racist.”
“They take an ignorant and colonial attitude, more about making white people feel good than helping anyone,” Samarajiva wrote.
Lyrics such as:
“And there won’t be snow in Africa this Christmas time”
“Where nothing ever grows. No rain or rivers flow”
“Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?”
Singers recording 'Do They Know Its Christmas' for Band Aid at Basing St Studios. Credit: Steve Hurrell/Redferns/Getty
…were called out for generalizing Africa as a barren, hopeless continent. Samarajiva highlighted inaccuracies, noting that Africa does experience snowfall in some regions and has a rich history of agriculture, rivers, and cultural celebrations, including Christmas traditions predating those in England.
“What does the metaphor communicate? That Africa is a desolate, dark place which white men have to get together and save?” she added.
Public Reactions
The controversy has spilled onto X (formerly Twitter), where opinions are sharply divided.
- One user wrote:
“Heard Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas? yet? Please listen to the lyrics carefully and then complain to your radio station/supermarket re: explicit racism & lack of Christmas spirit.”
- Another added:
“I always thought that lyric was to echo back the thoughts that people have (but would never say out loud) when seeing people in places far away from them suffering…”
- A third chimed in sarcastically:
“Why haven’t you banned Bing Crosby’s all-time seasonal classic White Christmas?”
Defenders Speak Out
Not everyone supports the call for a ban. Some listeners argue the criticism is overblown, defending the song’s charitable origins.
One commenter dismissed the backlash, stating:
“Get a life.”
Others see the controversy as a distraction from the song’s intended purpose: raising awareness and funds for those in need.
What’s Next for the Christmas Staple?
Whether or not Do They Know It’s Christmas? remains a festive staple, it has undeniably sparked an important conversation about representation and the messages embedded in our holiday traditions.
Will you still listen to this classic tune, or do you think it’s time for it to be retired?
Featured Image Credit: Steve Hurrell/Redferns/Getty
