Prince Harry

[FP]

I am appalled by the reaction to Prince Harry's gestapo outfit at a PRIVATE fancy dress party.  What on earth is going on in this country.  Why on earth should he apologise.  I am so fed up of political correctness in the Uk that I would really like to move out.  Surely people can dress up as 'baddies' as well as 'goodies' and what on earth has it got to do with anyone else what he was wearing except for the people at the party.  Any comments?

[Philtaz]

I have to disagree.  'Dressing up' is one thing.  As a high profile member of the most famous (rapidly becoming infamous) high profile family in the world and third in line to the throne to wear a Swastika is unforgivable.

 

Everyone knows the stigma attached to and high emotions evoked by a Swastika.  As a man(for that is what he is, not a boy) with a high standard of education about to enter Sandhurst as an officer and a gentleman he should have made a personal apology, not dismiss the matter with a short statment from some private secretary.  In doing so he may have regained some honour and respect. 

His demeanour suggests a flagrant disregard for those who suffered under the Swastika.  Those who harp on about Barbarians and Romans seem to forget that we are talking about and referring to events that are still within living memory, with constant reminders and testimonies from those who survived.

 

The whole issue is nothing to do with political correctness.  If events and references linked to the Holocaust are treated in a light hearted manner then society is in danger of allowing such events to repeat themselves.

Does anyone recall the pictures of the men encircled by a barbed wire compound in Srebrenica only a decade ago? They were there purely because of their race/religion.

Ring any bells?

[FP]

Hi Philtaz,

On a final note - I still think that a youth (and he is a youth even at 20) at a PRIVATE party is entitled to wear fancy dress of his choice, even if he is third in line to the throne.  But then, as I said before, I really haven't any views one way or another what Royalty should be doing.  I can only see it from the point of view of a young man out for an evening.   I think the whole think has been blown out of all proportion.  And as for 'An Officer and a Gentleman'  I don't think many are.  That's another subject...............

 

Best wishes and I promise to remain quiet about this now!

[chaff]

what happens next?-do the thought police go to all fancy dress hire shops and remove all "offensive" outfits?Where does this end-remove books with photos of people wearing swastikas?Ban the showing of war films?

These people are beginning to look like the nazis they profess to despise.....

[Philtaz]

Hi FP,

Me too!(though I admit it's difficult when one is as opinionated as myself!)  We've laboured our points and fought our corners vigorously.

Thanks again for the debate.

[Philtaz]

B*gger!  Forgot to add the following:

It is currently illegal to display a Swastika in Germany.  As part of their curriculum, German men when undergoing National Service are taken to a former Concentration camp. It reminds them of the suffering endured by millions and hopefully evokes humbleness and humility.

If only the Prince were to make the same trip...............