poppies

[joe-90]

Is the poppy emblem something that is being sullied by celebrity overuse? Everyone that appears on BBC or Sky news wears a poppy. I'm sure they didn't all arrive at the studio wearing one so when they went to make-up they had one fitted. Surely it is up to the individual to decide if they wish to wear one - not some kind of blanket use by large corporations for marketing purposes? Does the England team really need to wear a poppy? If so, could you stop other teams wearing crucifixes and Islamic symbols? What's your view on the poppy?

Mine is that I support it - but on an individual basis whereby you buy a poppy and pin it to your jacket. I don't support the celebrity poppy. I think it is trivialising what it stands for.

 

[expertgasman]

I hear what you say, Joe, but can you imagine the uproar if a newsreader DIDN'T wear one?

Remember when Peter Simpson didn't wear a black tie to announce Saint Diana's demise? It seemed almost as if HE might have to have an accident.

 

[AndrewSchofield]

I too am somewhat sceptical that people on tv are wearing poppies because they've been chosen to or if they've been given it before going on screen. And I agree that that shouldn't be the case. For one thing, wearing the poppy is only part of the point of it - to wear one having not made the effort to obtain one and donate some money in exchance is a bit off (I once knew someone who kept his poppy and wore the same one every year so as to avoid the cost... I never quite understood that point of view?)

I totally agree with the poppy as a symbol of rememberance for those that have lost their lives fighting for their country and I feel everyone should wear one and children should be tought in school as early as possible what they are for and what they mean - we had a chat with our 6yr old son yesterday about just that. However, people should wear them out of choice, and not because someone applied it them as part of their costume or 'make-up'.

I also don't think you can compare it to a cricifx or other religous symbol as the poppy has no connection (that I am aware of) to religion.

 

[ellal]

It's funny how 'dictatorial' certain organisations get when dealing with an individual choice...

Our eldest got told to remove her white poppy at school, and yet no-one could answer her question as to why apart from trying to make it out as 'disrespectful'...

And not one of the teachers knew anything about the idea/history of it, or even with the (Butcher) 'Haig Fund' issue...

Kids should be told of the meanings, but not indoctrinated!

 

[Blasphemous]

Our eldest got told to remove her white poppy at school, and yet no-one could answer her question as to why apart from trying to make it out as 'disrespectful'...

Was she actually told that it was being viewed as disrespectful or did she perceive that as the view?

And not one of the teachers knew anything about the idea/history of it, or even with the (Butcher) 'Haig Fund' issue...

Just like us, teachers don't know everything. Some may not know what the whole 'poppy' symbol is about.

Kids should be told of the meanings, but not indoctrinated!

Just as adults/teachers should. I've no doubt at all there will be many things you have knowledge of that I do not ellal. We could all do with a little more knowledge.

I think we all (including myself), get a bit tetchy with symbols such as this and usually for all the right reasons.

 

[ellal]

Was she actually told that it was being viewed as disrespectful or did she perceive that as the view?

I think it's fairly obvious what the words 'wearing that colour of poppy isn't appropriate and may indicate that you are showing disrespect' mean...

And I'd say the letter she had to bring home saying the same thing was equally obvious ...

Just like us, teachers don't know everything. Some may not know what the whole 'poppy' symbol is about.

Then why lecture someone else on what is appropriate?

I think we all (including myself), get a bit tetchy with symbols such as this and usually for all the right reasons.

'usually for all the right reasons' is quite an assumption...

 

[Blasphemous]

Was she actually told that it was being viewed as disrespectful or did she perceive that as the view?

I think it's fairly obvious what the words 'wearing that colour of poppy isn't appropriate and may indicate that you are showing disrespect' mean...

And I'd say the letter she had to bring home saying the same thing was equally obvious ...

You didn't outline that in your original post so it would be impossible for me or anyone else to know.

Just like us, teachers don't know everything. Some may not know what the whole 'poppy' symbol is about.

Then why lecture someone else on what is appropriate?

Again, I was unaware of the outline in your post above. Given the statement made by the school I now fully appreciate your grievance.

I think we all (including myself), get a bit tetchy with symbols such as this and usually for all the right reasons.

'usually for all the right reasons' is quite an assumption...

We ALL make assumptions mate.

You seem somewhat offended at my post ellal. My intention was not to provoke you and certainly not where your daughter is concerned. Like you, I would attack ANYONE who I perceive to be attacking my child.

 

[joinerjohn]

Was she actually told that it was being viewed as disrespectful or did she perceive that as the view?

I think it's fairly obvious what the words 'wearing that colour of poppy isn't appropriate and may indicate that you are showing disrespect' mean...

And I'd say the letter she had to bring home saying the same thing was equally obvious ..

The white poppy is about peace, and the hope for a peaceful world free from war.
As far as I can see, there's nothing disrespectful in wanting this, or showing that you share or support that opinion.
Historically, there were a lot of white poppy wreaths laid at cenotaphs all over the world in the mid 1930's.
It certainly doesn't show disrespect at all, and I hope you told your daughters teachers.

 

[LooPrEvil]

I take the point on board about 'celebs' sporting poppies, but I think anything that highlights the charity and what our predecessors, and the current armed services, have done for our benefit, can only be applauded.

 

[Alarm]

Well I dont know about you lot but I`ll be out on Sunday at a remembrance service and laying of a wreath. Well my son will be doing that with his Army cadets.

 

[cantaloup63]

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/remembrance/poppy.htm

 

[securespark]

Me and the eldest will be in our Scout uniforms at the church service.

 

[ellal]

It certainly doesn't show disrespect at all, and I hope you told your daughters teachers.

We didn't....she did!

 

[obmcfc]

I remember a BBC Borthern Ireland newsreader refusing to wear one - think might have been Rose Neill and it caused uproar

I will be at local war memorial as usual and this year will extra poignant as a young lad Ranger Aaron McCormick RIR from Coleraine was killed in Afghanistan on Rememberance Sunday

One of my proudest days was when my son then aged 12 was asked to lay the wreath on behalf of the Boys Brigade

 

[pred]

I had a post on this topic and have just noticed it has been removed.

Why was it removed?

Have i upset somebody?

There was one swear word which you hear every day on the tv followed by the word "OFF".

I was not directing my feelings at any one particular individual.

I was making a statement (if you dont like it here go)

A young girl that was on "the apprentice" said on the tv to her muslim communities Quote if you dont like it here then go! sorry i'm terrible at remembering names.

Why can she say it and not me, apart from the obvious that she is very attractive, but i was born in this country as were my parents and theirs and so on, i've served in the armed forces for this country, and i cant make a simple statement about poppies.

Why not???