James Blunt's letter to Chris Bryant !!

[studio150]

I would agree with the view that in this country there is a desire to dumb down, rather than raise the standards for all on the basis of greater inclusion. As an example there is pressure to move to 'plain English' which basically means using about 5 or 6 monosyllabic words where previously one word would have been sufficient, but its use is seen as elitist.

There are of course other examples of musicians 'making it' from posh schools, Genesis being a prime example as the group formed in Charterhouse School.

Also many comedians from the 1960s onwards honed their skills in the Cambridge footlights.

 

[Creaky]

If you read what he is saying he is not knocking anyone from any background for their success, Blunt or otherwise. He is asking whether regardless of background do we all have a similar chance for that success if we have the talent and work hard?

It is not a criticism of success, it is only asking if that success is open to all. Which seems a fair enough question for a society that seeks to be fair.

Of course the question is fair enough, where Bryant has gone wrong is by using Blunt as an example of how a privileged background can give someone an advantage.

Blunt's letter makes it abundantly clear that if anything his background was a hindrance not a help and that in his chosen field it is not the privileged that have the advantage, quite the contrary.

Surely the lesson from all this is that if you are going to use someone as an example to support a position you hold then make sure that you choose someone that actually does that!

 

[Rusthall Seagull]

Im selective on issues not the person.

this should be on the 'Dad Jokes' thread

 

[DavidinSouthampton]

He's someone from a privileged background championing people without privilege. I fail to see the hypocrisy.

Precisely.

And having read the original article (above), James Blunt is reacting to things that weren't actually said, as far as I can see.

 

[User removed 4]

this should be on the 'Dad Jokes' thread

Why , because I'm a dad who actually takes my kids to games ? You tiresome fool , I suppose it's pointless to ask if you're actually going tonight ? I will be in the brewers if you want a pre match aperitif ?

 

[daveinprague]

lol

 

[Brian Fantana]

Of course the question is fair enough, where Bryant has gone wrong is by using Blunt as an example of how a privileged background can give someone an advantage.

Blunt's letter makes it abundantly clear that if anything his background was a hindrance not a help and that in his chosen field it is not the privileged that have the advantage, quite the contrary.

Surely the lesson from all this is that if you are going to use someone as an example to support a position you hold then make sure that you choose someone that actually does that!

This.