Newsreader Jon Snow rails against 'poppy fascism'

Posted by Dicky Snapples

Quote:

Jon Snow has sparked controversy by refusing to wear a Remembrance Day poppy on air in protest at "poppy fascism".

The Channel 4 newsreader said he wore a poppy off-air but didn't believe in wearing symbols in front of the camera.

Writing on a Channel 4 blog, Snow admitted the absence of a poppy on his lapel had prompted viewer complaints.

But the newsreader said he didn't believe in wearing anything on air which represented any kind of statement.

He said: "I am begged to wear an Aids ribbon, a breast cancer ribbon, a Marie Curie flower... You name it, from the Red Cross to the RNIB, they send me stuff to wear to raise awareness, and I don't.

"And in those terms, and those terms alone, I do not and will not wear a poppy.

"Additionally there is a rather unpleasant breed of poppy fascism out there - 'He damned well must wear a poppy!'

"Well I do, in my private life, but I am not going to wear it or any other symbol on air."

The Royal British Legion said wearing a poppy was a voluntary gesture and Snow was entitled to his opinion.

Corporate communiations director Stuart Gendall said: "While we are extremely grateful for the support shown to us by all those in the public eye who wear a poppy in the two weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday, we see this as a voluntary gesture of support and would never prescribe when and how any member of the public wears one."

peoples views on this?

i dont see what the problem is?? just because he refused to wear a poppy on air.
wearing a poppy isnt the only way to remember our fallen heroes. and he should be able to express himelf how he decides. freedom of speech and all that!

Posted by Sammy_boy
Seems fair enough to me too, his choice, and as the organisations themselves have said it's a totally voluntary gesture.

I'm wearing a poppy as we speak, which is my choice. I have to admit though the last couple of years I didn't get round to buying a poppy though!

Considering some people are getting very picky and causing arguments over wearing crosses or veils etc., it's fairly relevant!

Posted by fatreg
of the things people had to do to get mr snow his freedom and liberties i think a little poppy is the least he can do.

i dont get my people wont stand up for what the believe in.. winds me up.. if you believe in something you back it 100% and give it all you have..

*a very disgruntled fatreg*

Posted by Dicky Snapples
just because he wont wear two bits of paper and two bits of plastic he's not standing up for what people fought and died for?

crap

[ This Message was edited by: Dicky Snapples on 2006-11-10 23:55 ]

Posted by SsTiTcH
Its good to see an anouncer with some principles. All to often these days people are becoming fanatics over causes and frown upon those who dont support them. Ive seen many friends die in battle and remember them every day. Dont need a symbol to remind me of it. And as its partially a free world ppl should have CHOICE not be forced to wear a symbol out of political force.

Posted by whizkidd
I agree with what sstitch just said....

Posted by axxxr

Quote:

On 2006-11-11 05:07:00, SsTiTcH wrote:
Its good to see an anouncer with some principles. All to often these days people are becoming fanatics over causes and frown upon those who dont support them. Ive seen many friends die in battle and remember them every day. Dont need a symbol to remind me of it. And as its partially a free world ppl should have CHOICE not be forced to wear a symbol out of political force.

Absolutely agree,this is exactly my stance on this issue.

Posted by Sammy_boy
You don't necessarily need a symbol to show that you're supporting a cause, though with the poppies of course the money from buying them goes to a good cause.

There is far too much emphasis on 'showing' you support a cause, or even supporting causes in general.

Not nessecerily the case with poppies, but there does seem pressure to be in this person's 'gang' or that person's 'gang', it getting like playground rules again!

Posted by axxxr
I had an argument with one of my managers a few years back because i refused to wear a poppy at work.

The way he said it was that i had to wear one because we (our company) had to portray the "right image" in the marketplace.

_________________
U.S BLEW UP THE TOWERS

[ This Message was edited by: axxxr on 2006-11-11 11:47 ]

Posted by whizkidd
@axxxr, you work???!!! How do you find the time?? I mean you're here all the time. How do you manage both. Need some lessons from you in time management.

Back to topic: Most of my colleagues agree with my views on the symbol thingy as well. For once I guess we ALL AGREE!!

Posted by axxxr

Quote:

On 2006-11-11 12:16:00, whizkidd wrote:
@axxxr, you work???!!! How do you find the time?? I mean you're here all the time. How do you manage both. Need some lessons from you in time management. <IMG SRC=\"/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif\">

Back to topic: Most of my colleagues agree with my views on the symbol thingy as well. For once I guess we ALL AGREE!! <IMG SRC=\"/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif\">

of course i work mate,i was'nt born with a silver spoon in my mouth!

Im here all the time because,i am online from work plus i am also lucky i guess that i am allowed to do a lot of my office work from home...sorry can't help you with the time management thing,need help with that myself.

On Topic: fatreg doesn't agree!

Posted by whizkidd
Oh yeah... Dint notice thaat....