Think Thompson is just another singer? Think again! For 20 years, the same story has been playing on repeat — a national theme, a problem, or pride? Since the early 2000s, Thompson has been a symbol dividing Croatia into two camps. On one side, right-wingers defending his songs and salutes as expressions of patriotism, and on the other, left-wingers seeing him as a danger and shame to the country.
It all started with the song “Jasenovac and Gradiška Stara,” and nothing has changed since. Critics and fans have been having the same debate, using the same arguments, only the media changed — from Latinica to social networks. Thompson’s concerts gather half a million people, and the salute “Za dom spremni” still sparks the dumbest arguments.
Right-wingers rationalize every move he makes, while left-wingers expect him to somehow change and stop using controversial symbols. But no, he still fills stadiums, and the government and opposition play their roles in this political soap opera.
Croatia is a land of contradictions where half a million people don’t faint at Ustaša symbols, and those shocked can’t accept reality. While right-wingers take pride, left-wingers complain, and Thompson just keeps earning and filling hippodromes.
If you think this is just a local drama, remember that regional leaders like Vučić and Dodik have commented on his concerts, while the same old story plays out in Croatia.
So next time you hear Thompson’s name again, remember — nothing new under the sun. Just the same old human centipede with its roles, the same arguments, and unchanged passion. And you? Are you on the side of defenders or critics? Or are you just tired of this endless soap opera? Share your thoughts, maybe you’ll brighten us all up a bit!
