Morrissey race row... again

Who'd have thunk it, two posts about identity politics in as many days, but thanks to Morrissey it seems I can. Never one these days to be afraid to make a controversial comment he's said in an interview with the Guardian,

"Did you see the thing on the news about [China's] treatment of animals and animal welfare? Absolutely horrific. You can't help but feel that the Chinese are a subspecies."

Cue screaming and shouting about racism against the Chinese.

Now, let us look at Israel for a moment. I know what you're thinking, you're thinking "WTF Dizzy, this is about China not Israel!" but you'd be wrong. You see, think back to how, if someone who is pro-Israel suggests that pro-Palestinians are being anti-Semitic, i.e. racist, the instant retort is "I'm criticising the country not the race". Now look at Morissey's comment again.

Of course, I'm not using their argument against them, but merely pointing the world where identity is at the core of political argument and what is and is not acceptable to say, you inevitably have these rather odd, and dare I say, quaint contradictions.

It gets better though you see, because Morrissey has defended his comments too, saying ,

"If anyone has seen the horrific and unwatchable footage of the Chinese cat and dog trade – animals skinned alive – then they could not possibly argue in favour of China as a caring nation. There are no animal protection laws in China and this results in the worst animal abuse and cruelty on the planet. It is indefensible."

Yay identity politics (animal rights) versus identity politics (race)! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

What more can I say?