The
latest publication of my 'On the Social' column from the Bristol City matchday
programme, Red Alert: Hull City, September 24th
2011
Joey Barton: X-rated or X Factor?
Until a few months ago most would have unknowingly bracketed Barton in the ‘thick footballer’ category – not enough sense to realise the potential he was seemingly wasting and surely destined for little once his legs gave up on him. However the nature, subject matter and eloquence of his tweeting have caused many to rethink this and such is the power of this new form of media, he now seems destined to move into mainstream when he’s finished being everybody’s favourite boo-boy on the green fields of England (and Swansea).
His headline grabbing tweets have generally been contentious, for instance his criticism of Newcastle selling Kevin Nolan to West Ham and his comments upon leaving St. James Park “Somewhere in those echelons of NUFC, they have decided, I am persona non grata”. Even in this instance, including ‘echelons’ and ‘persona non grata’ in the same 140 characters would be beyond many more established minds.
But beyond these criticisms, in recent months he has commented maturely on the riots that swept the country - “Violence always comes from a place of misunderstanding and low to zero self-worth, well mine did anyway” (admittedly talking as if his violence is in the past tense may be pushing boundaries somewhat); has quoted George Orwell in a profound exchange with respected journalist Henry Winter (@HenryWinter); published photos of his favourite Monet and Picasso masterpieces following a visit to the Tate Modern; gave his verdict on former Labour MP Margaret Moran’s expenses hearing and was the foremost campaigner in the online campaign to get official papers on the Hillsborough disaster released by the Government.
Joey Barton: X-rated or X Factor?
One of the
reasons for the existence and growth of social media is that it gives everyone
a voice. Anyone can write a blog,
contribute to forums or tweet their views on any topic they like. Whilst your average Joe has embraced this
opportunity gleefully, many celebrities have also taken the opportunity to
prove they’re not just a pretty face/talented sportsman/musical genius.
One such contributor is doing so with an ever-growing impact on Twitter. Joseph Anthony Barton (@Joey7Barton) has attracted publicity ever since he burst onto the Premier League scene back in 2002 with his well-publicised on and off-field antics ensuring he’s never far away from the headlines. Violence, petulance, general ill-discipline and apparently a world-record breaking chip on his shoulder have generally cast Barton in the worst of lights. And for many that’s where he still belongs, his crimes too heinous to forgive.
One such contributor is doing so with an ever-growing impact on Twitter. Joseph Anthony Barton (@Joey7Barton) has attracted publicity ever since he burst onto the Premier League scene back in 2002 with his well-publicised on and off-field antics ensuring he’s never far away from the headlines. Violence, petulance, general ill-discipline and apparently a world-record breaking chip on his shoulder have generally cast Barton in the worst of lights. And for many that’s where he still belongs, his crimes too heinous to forgive.
Until a few months ago most would have unknowingly bracketed Barton in the ‘thick footballer’ category – not enough sense to realise the potential he was seemingly wasting and surely destined for little once his legs gave up on him. However the nature, subject matter and eloquence of his tweeting have caused many to rethink this and such is the power of this new form of media, he now seems destined to move into mainstream when he’s finished being everybody’s favourite boo-boy on the green fields of England (and Swansea).
His headline grabbing tweets have generally been contentious, for instance his criticism of Newcastle selling Kevin Nolan to West Ham and his comments upon leaving St. James Park “Somewhere in those echelons of NUFC, they have decided, I am persona non grata”. Even in this instance, including ‘echelons’ and ‘persona non grata’ in the same 140 characters would be beyond many more established minds.
Selected Barton tweets:
There are people
that can control themselves everyday, I am not one of them" Which
philosopher said that?? Answers on a postcard......
This campaign
[Hillsborough] has got me thinking, surely social media can bring people
together to fight for a better society and demand accountability... ...from
MP's and our government. Am gonna go away and speak to some techies about a
People vs type website, to tackle issues in our society
"And in the
end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your
years." Abraham Lincoln
And to prove it’s not all high-brow:
"Wolves snubbed
me" I read in this morning papers hahahahahaha....don't know what Mick's
been smoking......
But beyond these criticisms, in recent months he has commented maturely on the riots that swept the country - “Violence always comes from a place of misunderstanding and low to zero self-worth, well mine did anyway” (admittedly talking as if his violence is in the past tense may be pushing boundaries somewhat); has quoted George Orwell in a profound exchange with respected journalist Henry Winter (@HenryWinter); published photos of his favourite Monet and Picasso masterpieces following a visit to the Tate Modern; gave his verdict on former Labour MP Margaret Moran’s expenses hearing and was the foremost campaigner in the online campaign to get official papers on the Hillsborough disaster released by the Government.
His portfolio of comments on
these subject matters is more likely to be discovered in the Guardian than the Daily
Star and no doubt the TV channels, radio stations and newspapers are already
considering rich offers to this most controversial of characters. Football media may not even end up being his
limit.
Loved by a few, despised by many – whatever your view of Barton there is little doubt that to change people’s perception of him would have been futile before the days of social media. Whilst many of his ½ million followers on Twitter hope to see something explosive, an increasing number are genuinely intrigued as to what will be the next strand of public life philosophised upon by this most compelling of characters.
Loved by a few, despised by many – whatever your view of Barton there is little doubt that to change people’s perception of him would have been futile before the days of social media. Whilst many of his ½ million followers on Twitter hope to see something explosive, an increasing number are genuinely intrigued as to what will be the next strand of public life philosophised upon by this most compelling of characters.
The Exiled Robin (@cider1977)
Very good read. I've been following the Barton bandwagon in recent times, both in the press and on Twitter, and just this weekend gone uttered the words to my old man of "I quite like Barton. . . "
ReplyDeleteThe world needs characters, as does the sport.