ITV Newsreader gets racist and sexist abuse for not wearing a poppy.

Stuart · 13-11-2013, 15:46

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2...oppy?CMP=fb_gu

http://www.buzzfeed.com/jimwaterson/...-rembrance-day

ITV London newsreader Charlene White has been subjected to sexist and racist abuse online about the fact she did not wear a poppy on the news.

Personally, I find this disgusting. I also agree with John Snow (Channel 4 newsreader who has received abuse also for not wearing a poppy) . He said the reason he does not wear a poppy on TV is simply that he thought those men died so we could choose which symbol to adopt rather than have one forced upon us.

Don't get me wrong. I do wear a poppy every year, and I donate to the British Legion (who do great things for *all* our soldiers, young and old). I have noticed this year a lot of facebook statuses (don't follow twitter much, so no idea how bad it is there) seem to imply that if you don't post a picture of a poppy, you are somehow disrespecting those who fought. That's wrong in my case and because I believe it is wrong, I refuse to post a picture of a poppy.

Either way, it is absolutely abhorrent that people feel the need to abuse other people because they won't wear a poppy.

LondonRoad · 13-11-2013, 16:02

I too wear a poppy, for many reasons, but mainly because I choose to.

Increasingly though the poppy seems to being adopted by the right wing nut jobs...... as if the poppy represents jingoistic celebration of all that is good about their idea of Britain. I don't see too many of them at dignified remembrance services though.

**Maggy** · 13-11-2013, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2...oppy?CMP=fb_gu

http://www.buzzfeed.com/jimwaterson/...-rembrance-day

ITV London newsreader Charlene White has been subjected to sexist and racist abuse online about the fact she did not wear a poppy on the news.

Personally, I find this disgusting. I also agree with John Snow (Channel 4 newsreader who has received abuse also for not wearing a poppy) . He said the reason he does not wear a poppy on TV is simply that he thought those men died so we could choose which symbol to adopt rather than have one forced upon us.

Don't get me wrong. I do wear a poppy every year, and I donate to the British Legion (who do great things for *all* our soldiers, young and old). I have noticed this year a lot of facebook statuses (don't follow twitter much, so no idea how bad it is there) seem to imply that if you don't post a picture of a poppy, you are somehow disrespecting those who fought. That's wrong in my case and because I believe it is wrong, I refuse to post a picture of a poppy.

Either way, it is absolutely abhorrent that people feel the need to abuse other people because they won't wear a poppy.

madmax215 · 13-11-2013, 20:41

Can somebody please tell me when it became illegal NOT to wear a poppy. Because there has been a few people that have been targeted for not wearing one, so it must be law that you have to wear one.

TheDaddy · 13-11-2013, 21:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmax215

Can somebody please tell me when it became illegal NOT to wear a poppy. Because there has been a few people that have been targeted for not wearing one, so it must be law that you have to wear one.

I don't wear one, haven't for years since I began feeling uncomfortably obligated to wear one, some people are borderline fascist about it and need to have a good look at themselves imo

Arthurgray50@blu · 13-11-2013, 22:02

I have worn a poppy each year, BUT don't feel you are oblige to wear it.

I cannot see what the fuss is about - to me its up to the person to choose whether to wear it or not.

I have the greatest respect for the Royal British Legion.

**Hugh** · 13-11-2013, 22:21

What Arthur said....

**Damien** · 14-11-2013, 22:39

It has become quite hysterical. It seems like some people feel a need to shame and bully those who don't wear one.

Hom3r · 14-11-2013, 22:43

There was a thing about this on Radio 4 on Tuesday IIRC, and the BBC said its up to the person to decide if they wear a poppy or not.

Personally I think some wear it to avoid any hassle they will get for not wearing one.

Russ · 15-11-2013, 14:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damien

It has become quite hysterical. It seems like some people feel a need to shame and bully those who don't wear one.

Absolutely. There is a growing and worrying attitude around today that your opinion is only valid if it's popular.

alferret · 15-11-2013, 16:26

This year is the first year that I did not buy/wear a poppy.
Getting abused for not wearing one if your in the public eye is disgraceful.

dilli-theclaw · 15-11-2013, 16:34

I will repost what I said on facebook the other day.

"No I don't have a poppy, I have a poppy band thing and donated via my mobile. In previous years I've donated on my phone and got sent a poppy picture. I had the poppy app too.

But what I think is important is that I donated. Some people assume I just didn't bother because they can't see the standard paper one.

As long as the cause gets its worthwhile support I am happy."

I've had problems in my community for not wearing a visible one.

Pierre · 15-11-2013, 21:14

The poppy " mafia" have been on the increase for many years now.

It starting to reach tipping point.

People need to back off.

There are many reasons why someone may not wish to wear a poppy, all of them are nobody's business.

LondonRoad · 15-11-2013, 23:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pierre

The poppy " mafia" have been on the increase for many years now.

It starting to reach tipping point.

People need to back off.

There are many reasons why someone may not wish to wear a poppy, all of them are nobody's business.

..... and the fact that the sticky on poppy doesn't last for the length of 30 minute commute. My daughter had put one on her school blazer on her way home..... it didn't last the 300 yard walk!!

TheDaddy · 16-11-2013, 07:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by dilligaf1701

I will repost what I said on facebook the other day.

"No I don't have a poppy, I have a poppy band thing and donated via my mobile. In previous years I've donated on my phone and got sent a poppy picture. I had the poppy app too.

But what I think is important is that I donated. Some people assume I just didn't bother because they can't see the standard paper one.

As long as the cause gets its worthwhile support I am happy."

I've had problems in my community for not wearing a visible one.

OMG seriously, that's outrageous lengths to have to go to just to appease some mentally deficient Facebook drones. I said earlier I don't wear one but I always donate, the legion helped my family many times over the years and it's the least I can do, incidentally I bet it's a considerably higher donation than the majority of the cretins that think it's ok to abuse others manage to scrape together, perhaps they should consider that or that the person their abusing could be a war veteran themselves, that'd almost be ironic.