Hollywood actor Ethan Hawke has drawn criticism for comments made about Liverpool during an appearance on the popular social media series "Subway Takes." In a video that has now been viewed over six million times, Hawke described the city in derogatory terms while discussing the origins of The Beatles.
Key Takeaways
- Actor Ethan Hawke called Liverpool a derogatory name in a viral video for the series "Subway Takes."
- The comments were made during a segment where he praised The Beatles for their humility and global impact.
- Hawke also made factually inaccurate statements about the socioeconomic backgrounds of all four band members.
- The video has generated a significant online backlash, with many defending the city and correcting the actor's claims.
The Viral Video and Hawke's Remarks
The incident occurred during an episode of "Subway Takes," a viral video series hosted by Kareem Rahma. The show's format involves guests sharing a personal opinion, or "take," while riding the New York City subway. The series has become a social media phenomenon, attracting millions of views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram and featuring high-profile guests.
In the video, Ethan Hawke began by praising the collaborative genius of The Beatles. He argued that it is impossible to have a favourite member because their collective chemistry was the source of their magic.
"To say I have a favourite Beatle is to say I have a favourite ventricle of my heart. It doesn't make any sense," Hawke stated, adding, "The magic of the Beatles is because of the chemistry."
He praised the band members' willingness to support each other, citing it as an example of humility. However, the tone of the video shifted when Hawke began discussing their upbringing. He suggested their success was achieved in spite of their origins, mispronouncing the name for the city's residents.
"Liverpool, forgive me Liverpuvlians [sic], is a s**thole. These guys came from a really tough place," he said.
Video Views Reach Millions
The "Subway Takes" clip featuring Ethan Hawke quickly went viral, accumulating over six million views across various social media platforms. The high viewership amplified the impact of his comments, leading to widespread discussion and debate online.
Factual Inaccuracies in the Statement
Beyond the inflammatory description of the city, Hawke's comments have been challenged for their factual inaccuracies regarding the band's background. His assertion that "they came from a really poor background" oversimplifies the diverse socioeconomic circumstances of the four members.
The Beatles' Real Backgrounds
While The Beatles' story is one of incredible ambition and talent, their upbringings were not uniformly impoverished. The historical record provides a more nuanced picture:
- John Lennon: Grew up in Woolton, a middle-class suburb of Liverpool. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Mimi and George Smith, in a semi-detached house named 'Mendips'.
- Paul McCartney: Came from a stable, working-class family. His father was a cotton salesman and jazz musician, and his mother was a midwife. The family lived in council housing in Allerton.
- George Harrison: Also had a working-class background. His father was a bus conductor and his mother a shop assistant. The family was supportive of his musical ambitions.
- Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey): Had the most challenging upbringing of the four. He grew up in the Dingle, a more deprived area of the city, and suffered from serious illnesses during his childhood.
Critics of Hawke's comments point out that ignoring these details, particularly Lennon's more affluent background, perpetuates a misleading narrative about the band and the city itself.
Liverpool's Cultural Identity
Liverpool's status as a major port city has historically made it a cultural melting pot. This unique environment, with its access to American rhythm and blues records brought over by sailors, is widely credited with shaping the musical landscape that allowed The Beatles and the Merseybeat sound to flourish. Many argue that the band's wit, resilience, and creativity are emblematic of the city's character, not something that developed in spite of it.
Online Reaction and Public Response
The actor's off-the-cuff remarks sparked immediate and widespread criticism online. Social media users from Liverpool and beyond expressed their disappointment, labeling the comments as an outdated and lazy stereotype.
Many pointed out the irony of Hawke making such a dismissive statement just moments after delivering a monologue on the importance of humility. The mispronunciation of "Liverpudlians" was also highlighted as evidence of a superficial understanding of the subject he was discussing.
The backlash was not limited to expressions of anger. Many responses focused on celebrating Liverpool's cultural achievements and its significant contributions to music, arts, and sport. The city's resilience and strong sense of identity were frequently cited as points of pride.
Liverpool's Global Impact Beyond Music
While The Beatles remain Liverpool's most famous export, the city has a long history of producing individuals who have made a global impact across various fields. This legacy continues to the present day.
The city's cultural sector is thriving, recently hosting major international events like the Eurovision Song Contest. In the world of acting, Liverpool-born performers have achieved top honours, including recent Emmy Award wins. Furthermore, the city has been at the forefront of significant social justice campaigns that have led to fundamental changes in British law and society.
Defenders of the city argue that comments like Hawke's ignore this rich and complex reality, reducing a vibrant metropolis to a one-dimensional caricature. While the actor likely intended no serious harm, the incident serves as a reminder of how easily negative stereotypes can be propagated on a global scale through viral media.