Poppy Fascism?

[TheGayTent]

So 77 year old socialist Roy Hattersley has attacked Jon Snow for not wearing a poppy on TV and for labelling his critics 'poppy fascists'.

Snow has previously stated "...they died that we might be free to wear a poppy whenever we wish. I wish to wear mine on Remembrance Sunday"

More here and here

What do we think?

I feel like many things the wearing of the poppy starts too soon. I do choose to wear a poppy. Usually I buy one approx a week before Armistice Day and take it off the monday after Remembrance Sunday. A bit like christmas, i'm not a fan of wearing a poppy in the last week of October, though just my personal preferance.

I haven't an issue with Jon Snow's position, but I do find it surprising he feels that strongly about not wearing one as seems to be the protocol for TV presenters.

Thoughts anyone? Do you choose to wear one or not? How long do you wear yours for?

[windy_miller]

No one should be forced to wear one, and no one should be forced to remove one.

[RABun]

The truth was, in 1914, Germany doesn't want war. Yeah, there's an arms race, but it's Britain who's leading it. So, why does no one admit this?

That's why. The dead. The body count. We don't like to admit the war was even partly our fault 'cause so many of our people died. And all the mourning's veiled the truth. It's not "lest we forget," it's "lest we remember." That's what all this is about — the memorials, the Cenotaph, the two minutes' silence. Because there is no better way of forgetting something than by commemorating it.

[Cardboard Box City]

The History Boys, one of the best things Alan Bennett has ever written

[ampersand]

i agree with him. good on him for not conforming. i'll be wearing mine next monday-friday i think. i know it's remembrance sunday, but it's all about 11/11 for me.

[RABun]

The film was shite.

[Cardboard Box City]

I loved the film, but i think it was because it was basically the play but on location lol

[greenfairy43]

When you wear it, please remember all those who have died in the Armed Forces, even those who have died in service in Peacetime.

Thank you x

[eFestivals]

What do we think?

I think it's poppy fascism.

In fact I've argued that point here on many occasions in the past at this time of year.

I have a feeling you're one (amongst many) that condemned my view as wrong.

[eFestivals]

When you wear it, please remember all those who have died in the Armed Forces, even those who have died in service in Peacetime.

Thank you x

I can remember that without need of a poppy, thanks.

[TheGayTent]

I think it's poppy fascism.

In fact I've argued that point here on many occasions in the past at this time of year.

I have a feeling you're one (amongst many) that condemned my view as wrong.

[windy_miller]

Only a certain percentage of the population buy poppies. I don't usually buy one and don't want to start now in case I inadvertently take the place of someone who would otherwise have bought one.

[TheGayTent]

Only a certain percentage of the population buy poppies. I don't usually buy one and don't want to start now in case I inadvertently take the place of someone who would otherwise have bought one.

[greenfairy43]

I can remember that without need of a poppy, thanks.

[gratedenini]

It was on 5 Live this morning.. i was f**kin livid. As usuual yer get the ends of the spectrum but towards the end there was a Jockulation on of Irish descent who came out with an absolute pile of shite about it all should be scrapped and all the wars were "our" fault (the english).

Poppy Day.. I think it should stay as poppy week... not poppy month as it seems to be becoming.

You always know its appraoching when you see football pundits, newsreaders,and bastards collarin yer in Tesco doorways in mid October.

I hate it.

But, for me buying a Poppy is simply a sign of respect.. resect for all those who`ve sacrificed which ultimately has given us the chance to live a "free" life.

I`ve touched upon this in The Frogs thread... but as the years go by..people start to question this and argue about that.. but the fact is.. life would be very different if it wasn`t for the sacrifice of all those men and women.

I think the politicising of it lately is on the back of Iraq and Afghanistan.. and i can understand that... but I think Snow is wrong.

I assume his Dad is dead... cos if not he would have expected a good lashin..and rightly so.

AND... what the f**k are these celeb poppys I`ve heard about?

All dolled up and fancy? What bollocks.

Me Dad hated Bruce Forsyth (cos he buried his dog in his garden)...what the hell he`d make of Cheyrl Cole and Co ---Lord knows.

den

[bunique]

I don't wear one but I don't really know why. I don't think it makes me any less respectful not wearing an outward symbol of it.

[dakyras]

When you wear it, please remember all those who have died in the Armed Forces, even those who have died in service in Peacetime.

Thank you x

[saratink]

I usually only wear the poppy on rememberance sunday, because it tends to fall off any other days..

I think as long as you made the contribution for the poppy, then you should be able to choose when to wear it.

[rexclark]

I don't think you should feel obliged to give money to any charity, it should be personal choice. If I chose not to wear a poppy I wouldn't expect to be asked why not. It's my business. Personally i probably will buy a poppy, not because I feel like I have to but because i have alot of respect for the work The British Legion does.

[gratedenini]

I don't think you should feel obliged to give money to any charity, it should be personal choice. If I chose not to wear a poppy I wouldn't expect to be asked why not. It's my business. Personally i probably will buy a poppy, not because I feel like I have to but because i have alot of respect for the work The British Legion does.

[brighteyes]

I only give to Dogs Trust.

Seems like a bit of a non-issue to me, wear a poppy if you want, all-year round if you really want. Or don't wear one.

[gratedenini]

One pound minimum? Really??

[Cardboard Box City]

I only give to Dogs Trust.

[LusciousLucy]

I am very happy to put a donation in a poppy box as you know/hope that nearly all the pennies go directly to the charity compared to crossing the road to avoid the totally fake happy smily £8+ an hour (plus commission) young chuggers working for Red Flag (and NOT the actual charity directly) with their clipboards and harassing tactics. It takes over 18 months worth of hefty donations from an individual for a charity to recoup the cost of these types of fundraising tactics. APPARENTLY this is still cost effective... My mind boggles and I've seen the tv news features and read the papers explaining this approach.

A word of warning too...watch what you sign at Glastonbury as I have spent my entire summer fending off endless calls from various charities asking for my commitment with a donation (when all I did was sign a petition each time). The phone calls are not as bad as having to dodge someone in the street as even though I have to politely tell them I have had no proper job and consistent earnings since nearly 2 years ago and cannot commit to a thing right now, you can have a pretty decent chat about the charity and its work with the thankful person at the end of the phone grateful they havent just had the phone slammed down on them. Following one phone conversation I am going to seek out Dogs Trust to volunteer at a city kennel when I finally move. The street chuggers on the other hand, I just really dislike the feeling of insincerity you get most of the time, let alone the pleading look and the chasing down the street! I know they are representing the charity the same as the phone chuggers but its just such an unpleasant experience.

[LusciousLucy]

In Oz, a nice way of asking for that little extra in the way of loose change for charity is to consider a 'gold coin donation'. This relates to $1 and $2 coins (roughly equivalent to 50p and a £1). I have seen this in practise where on at least 2 different occasions the collectors made up a picture with the gold coins in the logo of the charity on a very busy plaza in Sydney. The people walking past can then immediately see how well the collection is going and usually people actually reach in their pockets without hesitation.