What is the BBC Thinking?

I really don't see why anyone should take offence at patriotic songs such as Land of Hope and Glory. Our history is not perfect but there is a lot we can be proud of. Here is a video of The Last Night of the Proms from slightly less crazy times.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpEWpK_Dl7M]

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Frank52 · 70-79, M

From what they said, the BBC is thinking that there can be no crowd singing at this year's Proms so an instrumental version of the songs will be played instead. Next year the songs will be back.

Others are thinking that, hiding behind a faux patriotism, they have a great way to have another bash at the BBC which has the temerity to show views they don't like as well as ones they do and, even worse, sets a good standard of broadcasting [b]without making a profit![/b] Outrageous.

MrSimons · 41-45, M

@Frank52 I am not really sure what the "faux patriotism" part is all about. Are you saying that people who express patriotic feeling are not really being sincere? I am not really sure what basis you have for saying that, unless you have the ability to read hearts and minds.

That's seems to me to be a rationalisation after the fact. The controversy was originally sparked over reports that they wanted to drop the songs because of their perceived link with colonialism and slavery. That's also what the extreme lefties have been banging on about all week.

And don't make laugh about them representing different views. They usually have a conservative minded person on along side three left wingers who shout the conservative minded person down. I don't think anyone has a problem with different views being aired. It is just that the BBC is supposed to be impartial and quite often they appear not to be.

You're probably right about the songs being back next year though. With public anger towards them being what it is, they will have no choice.

Frank52 · 70-79, M

@MrSimons By 'faux patriotism' I meant that certain politicians who dislike the BBC were using a debate about the songs to damage a traditional (if flawed) institution. I suggest they are not real in their patriotism because of the words and actions that flow from them at other times.

I agree that the BBC are not impartial over certain things: parliamentary democracy, royalty, the rule of Law, anti-racism are not usually 'balanced' debates. They support them. As to what constitutes 'left' or indeed 'extreme lefties', 'right' or 'centrist' depends on where you stand and are not easily defined terms.

I tend to see the BBC as supporting the establishment line on most things. Reflecting modern British attitudes which have an ever decreasing consensus will always be difficult especially in a world where lies and failure to accept responsibility are par for the course in political circles.

By the way, only some of the public got angry.

Ian123 · 61-69, M

I totally agree with you, to not sing Land Of Hope and Glory is ridiculous. Many British people are proud of our country 🇬🇧

Ironicman · 56-60, M

Thanks for posting this and yes I will be singing from the roof tops. A musical master piece, beautiful in every sense. Part of British History. Every nation has history it's proud of and history it is not so proud of and I think many around the globe will agree that the British have pioneered and transformed wrong doings and opened our arms to the world. And this is why I will always hold my head high when I belt this out.

Dave1955 · 61-69, M

Singing isn'r allowed at the moment due to COVID 19 it's just for this year

HairbrushDiva · 31-35, F

There's an anti-British conspiracy taking over, I'm sure there is. There once was a time when I thought other people were exaggerating when they said that, but now I think they are right.

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Ian123 · 61-69, M

@HairbrushDiva I would certainly let them know my opinion if they tried with me 🙄 I’m glad to hear you feel the same as me. Here in Portsmouth hundreds of people came out to see the new aircraft carriers come to the dockyard and Union Jacks were everywhere. We also have one of the great symbols of British history in HMS Victory 🤗

HairbrushDiva · 31-35, F

@Ian123 I've never been to Portsmouth but I have heard about it.

Ian123 · 61-69, M

@HairbrushDiva You ought to come then, see the Victory, Mary Rose, HMS Warrior and the Spinnaker Tower

revenant · F

I read about that.
Ah but you got to be a global citizen now !

sillyfire · 41-45, F

beautiful video

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