Poppies for all.

[davywavy]

One of the replies I got when I posted a picture of a poppy to LJ for Remembrance Day was a question asking me what I thought of the Red Poppy vs. White Poppy debate.
Until I was asked the question I hadn't even been aware that there was a 'debate', although when the media tells us there's a 'debate' on something what it usually means is that it's a slow news week and so they're printing anything they can to fill up space. However, a bit of reading around informed me that white poppies are 'for peace'; as opposed to the traditional red ones, which are presumably in support of enthusiastic pursuit of warfare and bloodshed in all their fun-filled and laugh a minute forms.
So it struck me: ribbons are old hat for making a political/charitable point, and the time for wristbands has come and gone - why not poppies next for widescale co-option?

Yellow Poppies: Worn in remembrance of all those who died comfortably in their beds having dodged the draft.
Green Poppies Worn to highlight the contribution to global warming made by all those tanks and aeroplanes they use in wars.
Black Poppies Worn by goths to highlight that warfare makes them, you know, really miserable.
Orange Poppies/Green-and-white Poppies: Worn in remembrance of the Ulster troubles. Note that it is inadvisable to wear both colours at once, or to wear either in the wrong part of Belfast.
Burberry check Poppies: Worn to commemorate all those hurt in WKD Blue-fuelled brawls in the Roxy nightclub in Romford.
Blue Poppies: Worn to commemorate the war dead of the Conservative Party.
Pink Poppies: Worn to commemorate both the war dead and also to highlight breast cancer issues.
Rainbow Poppies: Worn to commemorate gay war dead, who faced the dual persecution of homophobia and also the Kaiser shooting at them.
Discreet Pinstripe Poppies: Worn by ukmonty, as it sets off the cut of his suit.
Houndstooth check poppies: Worn to commemorate the death and injuries of shoppers caused by the recent sale of a new line in coats at H&M.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

As I read it, white poppy is quite a serious attempt by well meaning folk to promote peace. I just don't see the point, since that's what red poppy is all about. That's probably why it hasn't really caught on.

I suppose I'd postulate the poppy in a bag, just like a normal poppy but it comes in an anonymous paper bag for people who are afraid of expressing an opinion about anything and like to cover their bases "Of course I've got a poppy, I just, er, haven't put it on yet..."

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

I agree - the white poppy idea seems rather redundant to me, as it does exactly what the red one does. I don't really object to it for that reason, but saying that white ones are 'for peace' suggests that red ones aren't is a bit off, perhaps.

[(Anonymous)]

Reminds me of the Theodore Dalrymple column one week, when he was asked by a woman patient if he was a member of a group of doctors who were "opposed to Nuclear War." To which he replied that no, he was wholeheartedly and enthusiatically in favour of Nuclear War.

H

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

Nine out of ten doctors are, I hear.

[(Anonymous)]

What is it with stupid people? I mean, really.

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

I know! Why can't they just be clever?

[(Anonymous)]

Having spent their formative lives at school pointedly not listening, why did they have to pay attention when they were told their opinions were interesting and valid?

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

It's a good thing people like that aren't allowed on Livejournal, or it would get intolerable pretty quickly.

[(Anonymous)]

Well, quite.

Your 'you must be at least *this* clever to post here' policy certainly raises the standard of your blog.

Let's see...

[(Anonymous)]

From todays guardian...


"I must stress that people should not try this under any circumstances, but if you drunk a lot of Diet Coke and swallowed a whole packet of Mentos without chewing, that could certainly produce an interesting reaction."

[elbly.livejournal.com]

I'd go for the pinstripe poppy - sounds like a dapper idea to me!

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

It's the fashion choice for the anti-war generation.

[elbly.livejournal.com]

Oh I didn't realise that I had to be anti-war to wear a poppy... DAMN THEM!

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

Judging from the evidence, I'd say that if you're pro-war you have to wear a Red Rose, I'm afraid.

[elbly.livejournal.com]

Erk! No! I don't want to be associated with them!!! Hmm... what to do... what to do?

Howsabout I wear a black rose... that way I can be pro really dark war?

[adventink.livejournal.com]

Campbell check Poppy: Because some things canna be forgiven ye bastards.

Red White and Blue Poppy: Because not wearing one to support freedom means you support terrorism...and just where exactly is YOURS young man?

[sesquipedality.livejournal.com]

It's quite simple. Money from the white poppy goes to the Peace Pledge Union, who asre a charity working for greater awareness of pacifism. Money from the red poppy goes to the Royal British Legion / The Haig fund who are a charity who help those affected by service in wars and their families. Supporting one says nothing about whether or not you think that the other is a good idea or not.

So, which is better then? Prevention, or cure? Erm, both, I would have thought.

Some people will turn anything into a pissing contest.

[kcontheroad.livejournal.com]

You've neglected the paisley poppy for those who think they may remember a war, but the colours, man. . . the colours!

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

Exactly; one group created a strong brand and another group hitched a related proposition to it to promote their own product. It's all advertising and marketing really.