At the republican competition of children’s folklore ensembles in Sokobanja, parents of children from KUD Mladost Kovin filed an official complaint alleging irregularities in the jury’s work. They claim the decision on the winner was made before the program ended, judging criteria were inconsistent, and jury comments were discriminatory, especially regarding the absence of male dancers in the ensemble. Organizers and the president of the Central Association of Amateur Culture of Serbia deny these claims, stating the judging was objective and in accordance with the rules. This case has raised concerns about fairness and transparency of the competition, as well as the messages sent to children and their families.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the concerns of the parents regarding fairness, transparency, and discrimination in the judging process. They highlight the importance of equal treatment and the negative impact of biased comments on children and their families. The narrative focuses on advocating for reforms in judging criteria and protecting children’s rights in cultural competitions.
Center: Center-leaning sources present a balanced view, reporting both the parents’ complaints and the organizers’ denials. They focus on the facts of the case, the procedural aspects of the competition, and the need for clear and objective judging criteria. The narrative stresses the importance of maintaining the integrity of cultural events while addressing concerns raised by participants.
Right: Right-leaning media tend to support the organizers and the official jury, emphasizing the professionalism and expertise of the judges. They dismiss the parents’ claims as unfounded or exaggerated and stress the importance of tradition and established rules in folklore competitions. The narrative often downplays accusations of discrimination and focuses on defending the reputation of the cultural institutions involved.
