A knighthood for Salman Rushdie?

Osem · 19-06-2007, 10:32

Why a knighthood? Why now ?

cimt · 19-06-2007, 10:38

First I've heard of him. What use has he gave England? Sounds like a pointless person to give knighthood to.

danielf · 19-06-2007, 10:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbc

"Sir Salman's knighthood is a reflection of his contribution to literature throughout a long and distinguished career which has seen him receive international recognition for a substantial body of work," British High Commissioner Robert Brinkley said in the statement.

Stuart · 19-06-2007, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by cimt

First I've heard of him. What use has he gave England? Sounds like a pointless person to give knighthood to.

IMO, a lot of people who recieve knighthoods, MBEs, OBEs and CBEs are of little use to England.

altis · 19-06-2007, 11:01

This was a highly tactless decision IMO.

It's not necessary to honour him. So why do it when it's bound to upset so?

punky · 19-06-2007, 11:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by altis

This was a highly tactless decision IMO.

It's not necessary to honour him. So why do it when it's bound to upset so?

Could be argued the other way, that why should Pakistan and other Muslims around the world dictate to us whom of our citizens we can honour and whom we can't?

Stuart · 19-06-2007, 11:04

Actually, Giles Brandreith made some interesting comments about all these awards (MBE, CBE etc) on Room 101 a while back. Basically, the practical upshot was that he considers the whole thing to be a waste of time, and is basically a case of knowing the right people.

And, yes, he was on the selection committee during the 80s, so should know what he is talking about.

Pierre · 19-06-2007, 11:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by altis

This was a highly tactless decision IMO.

It's not necessary to honour him. So why do it when it's bound to upset so?

The whole system is pointless, and most are underserving. But if it has been decided that he is going to receive one then so be it. The decision certainly should be influenced by others.

Stuart · 19-06-2007, 11:24

After all, how many Sports Stars or Actors actually benefit the country? Sure, they often do by providing Entertainment, but is this more important than (say) a fireman who saves lives for a living, yet doesn't get (or expect) an M/O/CBE?

Osem · 19-06-2007, 11:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavin

Could be argued the other way, that why should Pakistan and other Muslims around the world dictate to us whom of our citizens we can honour and whom we can't?

Agree but still don't see why Rushdie has been awarded anything and think the timing is very dubious. Having said that, I reckon many of the people who come up with these nominations (for cash or not lol) must need their heads tested.

Woolly One · 19-06-2007, 11:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavin

Could be argued the other way, that why should Pakistan and other Muslims around the world dictate to us whom of our citizens we can honour and whom we can't?

Totally agree - however it appears that they can and do dictate.

vbnmu · 19-06-2007, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavin

Could be argued the other way, that why should Pakistan and other Muslims around the world dictate to us whom of our citizens we can honour and whom we can't?

Why should we dictate who is alowed to have nuclear power and who can't? Thats putting it on a different level but It all comes down to common sense. And this can be reflected on various other instances.
They felt offended, so be it.
The issue is really abt the worth of such honours! And IMO it's worthless if anyone and everyone seems to be getting it!

Wicked_and_Crazy · 19-06-2007, 12:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart C

Actually, Giles Brandreith made some interesting comments about all these awards (MBE, CBE etc) on Room 101 a while back. Basically, the practical upshot was that he considers the whole thing to be a waste of time, and is basically a case of knowing the right people.

And, yes, he was on the selection committee during the 80s, so should know what he is talking about.

My thoughts entirely. Especially as a lot of people get an award for doing the job that they get paid for. Whats so special about that, theyre being paid anyway!!

---------- Post added at 13:18 ---------- Previous post was at 13:13 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by vbnmu

Why should we dictate who is alowed to have nuclear power and who can't? Thats putting it on a different level but It all comes down to common sense.

A bit off topic but define common sense from a global perspective.

People in this country often dont think people in the middle east have common sense and hence the iran nuclear concerns. However i agree why shouldnt they be allowed when other nations are allowed and its the so called "allowed" nations trying to stop others from catching up.

punky · 19-06-2007, 12:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by vbnmu

Why should we dictate who is alowed to have nuclear power and who can't? Thats putting it on a different level but It all comes down to common sense. And this can be reflected on various other instances.
They felt offended, so be it.
The issue is really abt the worth of such honours! And IMO it's worthless if anyone and everyone seems to be getting it!

We don't. The UN does. Well, the UN does but noone takes any notice anyway. North Korea and Iran will soon be nuclear weapon holders whether we like it or not.

Anyway, the award is only as good as the receipient. Some are deserving, some aren't. He's a successful writer who has lived under constant threat of death standing by his right to freedom of speech. Not an easy or weak thing to do. I'm not saying he deserves a knighthood, but some would argue he does.

Russ · 19-06-2007, 12:43

I really don't see what it's got to do with Muslims. Seems like they do get offended after all.