Poppy's

[milly143]

This may have been discussed already so sorry if it has. Why is there so much debate about whether it's wrong or right to wear poppies this year? I've never seen so much of a fuss made about them before. Why can't people just be free to wear one if they want to and people left alone if they chose not to?

[naomi24]

We seem to have the same discussions on here year after year with the same people wearing them and the same people objecting to them.

[ludwig]

I've never know it to be such an issue before. I suppose the answer is the inevitable creep of political correctness coupled with the fact that we're currently involved in two wars where we're seeing bodies being flown home on the news every night. People are much more minded to question anything which they perceive as glorifying the military.

[rowanwitch]

I wonder if as well as the traditional poppy offering a more discrete pin version like you can buy for other charities would be preferable to some people.. and the wristbands appeal to younger supporters.... I'd still want a traditional one I think but younger friends have commented they look a bit over the top although they all would give to the RBL (the coverage of Wootton Bassett has a big effect on them as the wives and girlfriends of the dead servicemen are mostly their age group or younger....) Might make more money as a set price could be put on pins/wristbands rather than trust in generosity with 'donation' for poppy...

[jake-the-peg]

Well in this case the "political correct" behaviour is wearing a red poppy and there's little tolerance of people who don't happen to see it in the way that we're meant to see it.

Funny thing is it's usually from the very same people who decry the advent of political correctness.

Seems that Political Correctness is OK when it supports their way of thinking

[Davethedog]

Poppys are a matter of choice and are no different than Pink ribbons or daffodils. Its a charity you give or you don't. End of.

[naomi24]

I think you've hit the nail on the head, Ludwig. People who object to poppies don't seem to understand that Remembrance Day isn't about glorifying war, but about respect for those who have lost their lives in war. (I think Jake and I have a run in about it practically every year, don't we Jake). :o)

[McMouse]

I'm free to wear a poppy and I do and will continue until I pop my clogs.

[wolf63]

The important things are that we remember that war is futile.

A person could have donated money about 10 years ago and still be bringing out the same poppy each year. I don't buy a poppy (have done so in the past) and would resent anybody trying to force me to buy and wear one.

[ludwig]

I disagree Jake - I think there's a definate movement towards attempting to brand poppy wearing as a politically INcorrect thing to do.
I know it's still the norm, but that's a different thing. I predict this nonsense will get worse every year from now on, with initially more TV presenters following Jon Snows refusenik approach, and then politicians jumping on the bandwagon.

[ludwig]

...it'll end up with people like AOG coming on here and complaining about how come we can't buy the red poppies any more, only the white ones, and other people saying 'shut up AOG, if you want to buy a red poppy that means you're a racist who wants to invade other countries and kill people'.

[McMouse]

The poppy collection goes to the RBL and the funds are used for the benefit of ex servicemen and their dependents. Many people who fall through the cracks in the benefit system are helped by the RBL. This ranges from respite care to provision of wheelchairs or even assistance with heating bills. The poppy appeal has nothing to do with glorifying war, it's about helping the casualties of war.

[naomi24]

^^Exactly.

[ludwig]

// The poppy appeal has nothing to do with glorifying war, it's about helping the casualties of war. //

Yes, I know mcmouse - others would disagree though.

[McMouse]

It's a free country, other people agree or disagree that's their choice. Just as I would not wish to force anyone to wear a poppy, I would defend my right to.

[jake-the-peg]

If you think wearing a red poppy is a politically incorrect thing to do I suggest you wear a white one for a few days and see how you feel then!

And Naomi I've never used the phrase "glorifying war"

I have used the phrase "jingoistic" and that is because it is a nationalistic cause

The white poppy is to remember all victims of war - all sides - civillians and military.

I'll wear a red poppy when there are Germans at the cenotaph

[jaydah]

Grandparents who recall the sacrifice are dying out and schools are failing to educate how todays freedom was won.

Poppies make youth aware of the past.

[woofgang]

Interesting discussion, especially as observing the silence is becoming more widespread IMO.

[ludwig]

// If you think wearing a red poppy is a politically incorrect thing to do I suggest you wear a white one for a few days and see how you feel then! //

Jake, If anyone's questioning your white poppy, it's not because they think you're being politically incorrect - it's precisely the opposite.

[jake-the-peg]

See Jaydah's post for evidence of what is politically correct.

no tolerance for people who dare to have a different opinion - not allowed - our children must be "educated" to think the same was as us - they must not be allowed to think differently

Such opinions are always base in the distant past of WWII as it is the only example in 2 centuries where we actually had to fight a true defensive war.

They never want to talk about Suez or Aiden or Iraq other unpopular wars in far off countries - they always want to harp on about a war that few of them actually remember.

[jaydah]

Jake, you're only expressing the freedom that Allied blood was shed for !