Posted by The Editors
on November 6, 2009, 9:23 am
From a reader...
Eds
I have long considered it wrong that the BBC allows and has a culture that encourages the wearing of red poppies by presenters.
1) it reinforces the view that the BBC is partial to the 'Establishment' (The Monarchy, the military and the status quo)
2) it significantly adds to the pressure exerted on individuals to wear these poppies
3) are BBC presenters told that they can wear white poppies if they so wish?
4) the red poppy is heavily associated with Britain's military culture as is Remembrance Sunday - hence the establishment of the white poppy
5) how many BBC TV presenters wear the white poppy and how many wear one of each?
6) is the BBC aware that in the northern part of Ireland the red poppy is associated with Unionism?
7) does the BBC allow presenters to wear other symbols for charity fundraising?
8) is the BBC aware that it is taking the side of the anti white poppy lobby eg Margaret Thatcher?
9) given the British military's part in the invasion, conquering and ongoing occupation and control of Afghistan and Iraq, together with the intertwining of remembrance Sunday, red poppy sales and support for 'our troops', should the BBC not be trying its utmost to avoid any risk of compromising public confidence in the BBC's impartiality in the context of an ongoing news story?
sent to BBC Complaints
Mark
Responses: