A Commonwealth Day Vent
Buckle Up…
Yesterday was Commonwealth Day. A day to celebrate, acknowledge and discuss the diversity, shared values, achievements and benefits of a group of nations who actively choose to remain together as a group. But of course, a group of protestors and the media and online commentators decide to make it about something else - Andrew of course. I’ve actually tried to be a little polite and respectful throughout this whole Andrew mess recently, so I’ve held back some things I wanted to say but honestly I’m fed up. Grumpy Jane is here…
This laser focus on one issue is exhausting. I think that it’s a huge problem in general that people seem only able to focus on one issue at a time, see that issue in complete black and white - no nuances or complications whatsoever, form their view of that issue and expect the rest of the world to do exactly the same. And until the online world deems it okay to move on, that is what we all must talk about. Constantly.
Well, guess what. The world does not stop because Andrew was arrested. Legal investigations take a loooooong time - this isn’t a forty minute episode of Law & Order. What do these people honestly expect the royal family to do? Stop going on engagements? Release statements? Do interviews? Talk about Andrew and nothing else for twenty four hours a day until the world is satisfied? Yes, this is a huge issue and a major crisis for the Royal Family. However, it is not the only issue happening in the world and the rest of their work does not stop because of it.
Starting With The Protestors…
Yesterday outside Westminster Abbey at the Commonwealth Day service was a group of republican protesters. With their loud yellow posters proclaiming “Not My King” and a new one added to their repertoire “What Did You Know” (referring to Andrew).
As I have said since these protestors began regularly showing up at royal events - everyone has a right to protest and the media have a right to and a responsibility to report on said protests. Where the media and online commentators lose me is when they amplify these protests beyond belief to attack the royal family. If you’re going to show photos of the protestors, also show photos and write countless headlines asnd stories and podcast episodes about the large, happy crowds that greet the royal family on engagements.
Let’s do a little fact checking shall we?