Joost Klein, who participated in the Eurovision Song Contest this year, has declined the offer to return in May 2025. Although his decision is understandable, the fact that this whole drama ended this way is also a bit sad.
Joost’s Social Codes
Sadly, it was not just Malmö that seemed to spell trouble for him. Even in the Netherlands, people and organisations seemed to drop him. Some were displeased when he left the theatre during André van Duin’s lifetime achievement award (Klein had only gone to the restroom). Others disapproved when he waved during an in memoriam segment (his wave was intended for Son Mieux).
It is somewhat awkward that Joost Klein does not always pick up ‘social cues’, which he himself has acknowledged. The same could be said for his actions in Sweden (such as putting a flag over his head and asking ‘Why’ to his Israeli fellow contestant). However, there is another side to this.
First Point of Contention
Firstly, many people display behaviour that’s not always understood by others. Klein’s neurodivergence isn’t confirmed, but we know that over 1 percent of the population has autism, and 3 percent has ADHD. These individuals may wear headphones in social settings, display nervous tics, or sometimes show no signs at all due to exhaustion. Despite facing ableism, society is gradually becoming more inclusive. So: why should we accept these differences in others, but not in Joost Klein?
Second Point of Contention
Secondly, tu quoque (or ‘whataboutism’) is a logical fallacy, and criticisms of Joost stand on their own. But it is worth noting that far more serious issues than ‘maladaptive behaviour’ persist.
For example, De Telegraaf, still allows Ronald Plasterk to publish misleading columns. This continues despite De Snijtafel debunking his climate article and despite Plasterk having claimed credit for an invention that was co-developed with a colleague. The paper also serves as a platform for far-right rhetoric from Wierd Duk and often directs harsh criticism towards female politicians like Sigrid Kaag and Femke Halsema.
In a WhatsApp chat following the BLM protest on Pentecost Monday 2020 – where Mayor Femke Halsema addressed the paranoid of De Telegraaf reporting – then Minister of Justice Ferd Grapperhaus even commented: ‘All is well. The T. is what the T. is.’
Vandaag Inside, where Aran Bade was a guest, is not much better. This decade alone, the TV pub has drawn negative attention for incidents like labelling an MP as ‘not a truly West Frisian’, the ‘candle incident’, and referring to rapper and broadcast chairman Akwasi as ‘Black Pete’. Derksen’s experience with an abusive father or Gijp’s struggles with depression are comparable to Klein’s background, but these similarities seem to go unacknowledged.
It seems that these critics feel entitled to lecture Joost Klein about ‘socially appropriate behaviour’. But perhaps they could learn a thing or two from misunderstood individuals and learn to appreciate people’s differences. Unique qualities, after all, can strengthen individuals, organisations, and societies. Up to a certain degree, of course.
(Addendum, Friday 1 November 2024, 13:16: Typos, uncommon ways of formulating and other language errors are deleted.)
(Addendum, Saturday 2 November 2024, 10:24: In the column, I wrote that Aran Bode is working for De Telegraaf. That allegation is false; he is working for RTL Boulevard and was a guest at Vandaag Inside. The text is edited.)