Clash of symbols
Who is to judge the competing importance of symbols when they clash?The Daily Mail article doesn't explain because reporter James Chapman assumes that his British readers know that the red poppy in Britain is worn in November to honor British war dead. The symbol for the Brits comes from the poppies that grow in European military cemeteries.
In China, the poppy -- especially in British lapels -- has another meaning. Whose symbols should take precedence?
David Cameron rejects Chinese request to remove 'offensive' poppies during visit
David Cameron and four Cabinet ministers wore poppies in defiance of Chinese demands to remove them yesterday.
The Prime Minister was told that allowing his delegation to sport the symbol would cause grave offence because it would remind Chinese ministers and officials of the Opium Wars…
The British victories in both conflicts apparently still weigh heavy on Chinese minds, since the prospect of British ministers and officials wearing poppies while attending this week's talks in Beijing prompted horror…
Mr Cameron… refused to remove his poppy, as did Chancellor George Osborne, Business Secretary Vince Cable, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne and Education Secretary Michael Gove, who are all accompanying the Prime Minister in China…
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posted by Ken Wedding @ 6:17 AM
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