Espresso macchiato is a coffee made from a single espresso shot with a small amount of milk foam on top, which softens the bitterness of the coffee without altering its intense flavor. There is a distinction between espresso macchiato and latte macchiato, the latter containing much more milk. Recently, the song “Espresso Macchiato” at Eurovision attracted attention from the Serbian audience but also sparked a reaction in Italy, where officials considered the song offensive to Italian culture and national heritage. The Vice President of the Italian Senate called for the song to be banned from Eurovision due to its alleged insults towards Italy. This event sparked a discussion about cultural identity and symbols on the international stage.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets tend to focus on the cultural appropriation and the importance of respecting national symbols and heritage, while also emphasizing artistic freedom and the right to creative expression. They may highlight the controversy as an example of nationalism clashing with cultural exchange.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts of the controversy, explaining the nature of espresso macchiato and the reactions from Italy and Serbia. They provide balanced coverage of the cultural significance and the Eurovision context without strong bias, focusing on the event’s impact on international relations and cultural diplomacy.
Right: Right-leaning media emphasize national pride and the protection of cultural heritage, often supporting Italy’s stance on defending espresso macchiato as a national symbol. They may criticize the Eurovision song as disrespectful or provocative and highlight the importance of preserving traditional values and national identity.
