Why are we still referring to the British Empire then?
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Ex-Liverpool player Howard Gayle turns down MBE
- Thread starter Eeyore
- Start date
Why are we still referring to the British Empire then?
Apart from its notional use in the titles given to awards, we now refer to it as the Commonwealth. I suppose we could call it the Order of the British Commonwealth, but why bother.
We have Knights of the Bath and Knights of the Thistle - but these awards have nothing to do with baths or thistles. It's just a name ffs.
clapham_gull
Legacy Fan
- Aug 20, 2003
- 25,878
Surely we can find a way to celebrate (and award) Englishness/Britishness without resorting to an outdated Empire Gong ?
I was reminded of being in Greece in a hotel during the London opening Olympic Ceremony. Bloke there thought it was a "disgrace" that the Red Arrows weren't invited
I was reminded of being in Greece in a hotel during the London opening Olympic Ceremony. Bloke there thought it was a "disgrace" that the Red Arrows weren't invited
And all a load of pompous bollocks.
That of course is your opinion, and you're entitled to it. But it is not the reason Howard Gayle gave for turning down the award.
Brian Fantana
Well-known member
I've never heard of this bloke, but good on him for standing up for his beliefs. Even if everyone else has moved on.
yxee
Well-known member
That we call our national history.
As was slavery.
As was the abolition of slavery.
Thunder Bolt
Silly old bat
Led by Britain.
I think the 'empire' bit should be changed to Commonwealth, which consists of 53 countries, who all voluntarily belong. Nobody makes them, they just want to be part of it. It's the envy of the world.
yxee
Well-known member
Right then. Our ancestors were among many who did a bad thing. National heritage must be rejected. Is that your point?!
I'd give you one you HUNK of a man you x
Gay pride is now over.Please head back up the M1 thanks
You can't reject history as it is fact but I don't think we need to continue celebrating it by awarding people in the name of the "Empire".
That's OUTRAGEOUS...................what about the M6?
Time to squeeze in an Empire song from the SCARIEST man I have ever seen play live.
Ludicrous thread. Peevish scouser sticks two fingers up at the non scouse universe. An everyday happenstance in the land of Paddy's Wigwam. Nothing to see here.
- Apr 5, 2014
- 25,957
- Thread starter
- #38
He is not suggesting that black people should not accept anything from Britain. He is rallying against the symbolism of the award itself. For many of his ancestors the Empire was a rotten thing. It's like a disabled German accepting an award for modern endeavour under the name of 'Member of the Third Reich'. The descendants of those who suffered would understandably have issues with it.
I suggest a more modern system would have left him better disposed.
Buzzer
Languidly Clinical
- Oct 1, 2006
- 26,121
My ancestors were enslaved by Romans. I've got over it.
Should I happen to be recognised for my services to lying on the sofa scratching I'd have to think long and hard about accepting.
The difference being I'd be thinking 'am I off to America soon?'
Sir Stat MBE would be an upgrade golden ticket over there - bless'em.
The difference being I'd be thinking 'am I off to America soon?'
Sir Stat MBE would be an upgrade golden ticket over there - bless'em.