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.

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

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Frank52

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 without making a profit! 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

@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.