Last night of the proms (hopefully)

[Lottie1988]

With the last night of the proms looming next week, do you think it is outdated and stuck in the past. It is symbolic of everything that is wrong with Britain today. It harks back to the empire and glorifies Britains shameful military past.

The flag waving and jingoism of the last night is something that we would expect of a third world republic and not what we would expect of Britain in the 21st century.

Is it time we consigned this awful display of nationalism to the dustbin of history where it belongs.

[B00]

No it is not!!!

For one night a year I feel proud to be English, I adore LNOTP and I fail to see what is wrong with taking a pride in the country you were born into.

[~Wingnut~]

I knew you would post B00! lol I remember you passionately talking (typing) about last night of the Proms before on here and I have to say I agree with you :o)

[B00]

Heh wingy- guilty as charged!

I love LNOTP and I aint ashamed to admit it ;-)

[Ethel]

Certainly not!

I bet an awful lot of Poles see this as the land of hope and glory, even if you don't. :)

This country does not celebrate its nationality enough - people only seem to fly the flag for sporting events.

Compared to other westernised countries - USA, Germany, France and many others, we are restrained and modest in our love of our country.

It's time we all took a bit more pride in ourselves and our country.

[Lucy Thomas]

In a nutshell love, if you don't like it here then go and live somewhere else. Britain obviously doesn't suit you.

[B00]

Speaking of other countries taking a pride in their nationalty, have anyone else noticed that schools in other countries seem to display their countries flag in the classroom, the States noticably? I shudder to think of the outcry if our schools started doing the same.

[Octavius]

"flag waving" and "jingoism"?

Did you used to be called cambus?

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Society-and-Cul ture/Question453252.html

[littleoldme]

I think I can hear AOG's wig flipping. ;-)

It astounds me how many people, at both ends of the political spectrum, seem to be unable to tell the difference between patriotism, and xenophobia. Nothing wrong with the former, which is all about celebrating your own country rather than belittling or attacking others, plenty wrong with the latter. My regular fans (ahem) will know I'm no Daily Mail monkey (the very idea), but neither do I go along with this trend of seeing racism, jingoism and countless other isms round every corner. There's more than enough real prejudice around - why go looking for more?

"It harks back to the empire and glorifies Britains shameful military past. " Really? All I see is a bunch of people waving their little flags and having a sing-song.

The 23 encores of LOHAG (cracking tune though it may be) can get a little tiring though, I agree.

[naomi24]

It's something that we would expect of a third world republic? What twaddle! What first hand experience do you have of third world republics? I hope the Last Night of the Proms continues forever!!

[terambulan]

Lottie...do u play a musical instrument, have u any idea how long it takes to reach the calibre of RPO. Orchestras of the West are the envy of the world and tour likewise. Music is an endemic part of our culture and religion. Especially at this time of cultural and religious conflict, is the time to SHOUT of our music and an opportunity to waive the flag as earnestly as possible and be proud of this achievement.

How dare you say our military past is shameful.....its because of them that you have the freedom to make such a comment.

[stewey]

Yes! Let us not forget that the British attempted to, and partially succeeded, in conquering the World whilst exterminating most of the indigenous population of the countries they were attempting to 'civilize'....make the map pink...pip pip, jolly good show:,,,,there'll always be an England!

[Lucy Thomas]

terambulan. I think you mean wave the flag instead.
Waive has the opposite meaning.

[stewey]

.....and, as an afterthought, when the Germans tried to do the same thing, twice, the British became consternated

[stewey]

'quite consternated" that is.

[naomi24]

Lucky for us they did.

[R1Geezer]

I would urge you to follow Lucy's advice above, as clearly you hate it here, surely they'll give you asylum in lefty-wishy-washy land.

[whiffy]

Enjoy it while you can, it won't be long before it is banned as racist. Expect to see future Last Nights abolishing Elgar and Parry, and glorifying the massive contributions made to world harmony and science by Chad, Somalia, Ethiopia, Jamaica, etc.

These from memory are:

[Quinlad]

littleoldme, terrific answer. Spot on. Why go looking for offence?

Let them get on with it, I say. I wouldn't go myself. It's the Radio 3 equivalent of a Eurovision party. But there's no harm in it. More power to them.

[Gromit]

I really like the music, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a little patriotism, but the audience at last night of the proms seems to be populated with a certain type of english twit.

I agree we should celebrate our mostly glorious past and present, it is just that the fervor seems slightly fake and ever so slightly naff.

My local council puts on a 'Proms in the Park' event every year. Plastic Union flags made in China are handed to you at the park gates along with an 8 page manual of how to safely deploy and use it.
Manchester Camerata are always brilliant, and most of us twiddle our flags with slight embarrassment only eased by the sight of the deranged loonies waving there's as if they are trying to swat a particularly bad tempered wasp.

[B00]

I want to see Gromit twiddle his flag!!

;-)