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[Nmaro Makari]

On a related note, some of the commentary from the Right Wing has been hilarious. Like this Gem from the Daily Mail:

But it was the absurdly unrealistic scene – and indeed one that would spring from the kind of nonsensical targets and equality quotas we see in the NHS - showing a mixed-race middle-class family in a detached new-build suburban home, which was most symptomatic of the politically correct agenda in modern Britain.


This was supposed to be a representation of modern life in England but it is likely to be a challenge for the organisers to find an educated white  middle-aged mother and black father living together with a happy family in such a set-up.

Almost, if not every, shot in the next sequence included an ethnic minority performer. The BBC presenter Hazel Irvine gushed about the importance of grime music (a form of awful electronic music popular among black youths) to east London.

Emphasis mine

Apparently its also been taken off the Daily Mail's website. You know you've crossed a line when even the Daily Mail thinks its a bit much 

Edit: In the interests of avoiding drama, I point out that this is a minorty view on the Right and some on the left are just as guilty with hijacking the message of the ceremony.

[Matariki Rain]

These people haven't been to London, have they? It's one of the worlds major multi-ethnic cities (and quite a surprise to people who thought they were going somewhere which fitted their preconceptions of "English").

[Nmaro Makari]

These people haven't been to London, have they? It's one of the worlds major multi-ethnic cities (and quite a surprise to people who thought they were going somewhere which fitted their preconceptions of "English").

Russians can be especially hilarious on visits. "Alot of black people here..." from my friend's Russian exchange student. Was a bit  and

But yes, back to the message I think it was a good portrayal of Britain and essentially how we became what we are (with some bits :empire: omitted in the interest of tact and not dividing things, probably rightly so). And yes, obvious truth is obvious but London is probably the western captial of multiracial families, conveniently omitted by Rick Dewsbury who wrote that article (if I remember correctly).

There wasnt anything particularly "leftist" about the ceremony, in fact I would have thought the part about industrial revolution and and the growth of a nations wealth would put a smile on most conservative faces.

Also, yes, the Queen's cameo = Monarchy secured for at least a half-century

[Seriphyn]

These people haven't been to London, have they? It's one of the worlds major multi-ethnic cities (and quite a surprise to people who thought they were going somewhere which fitted their preconceptions of "English").

That's the Daily Mail for you. Their audience is white folk living out in Kent and Jolly Old England without having a grip on this particular reality that you have rightly pointed out about London.

[orange]

These people haven't been to London, have they? It's one of the worlds major multi-ethnic cities (and quite a surprise to people who thought they were going somewhere which fitted their preconceptions of "English").

with some bits :empire: omitted in the interest of tact and not dividing things, probably rightly so

Those empire bits made London the multi-ethnic city that it is.  Without being the capital of a globe spanning empire, all of those people would not have spoken English.  An unwillingness to appreciate that English/Anglo-Saxons, Scots/Picts, and Welsh/Celts went out and subjugated 1/5 the world's population (1922) means turning a blind eye to the particular reality that makes London what it is.

[Nmaro Makari]

These people haven't been to London, have they? It's one of the worlds major multi-ethnic cities (and quite a surprise to people who thought they were going somewhere which fitted their preconceptions of "English").

with some bits :empire: omitted in the interest of tact and not dividing things, probably rightly so

Those empire bits made London the multi-ethnic city that it is.  Without being the capital of a globe spanning empire, all of those people would not have spoken English.  An unwillingness to appreciate that English/Anglo-Saxons, Scots/Picts, and Welsh/Celts went out and subjugated 1/5 the world's population (1922) means turning a blind eye to the particular reality that makes London what it is.

Well, I certainly appreciate your point, but if the ceremony had invoked the Empire, then that means opening a whole other bag of political dogs which simply do not belong in an international event like the Olympics. Emphasis on the International part, here.

Historians, particularly British ones, make careers from arguing the toss on wether the Empire benefitted or hindered the world. Quite simply, the answer is murky as the River Thames.

Yes, the infrastructue was beneficial, yes, it had some hand in spreading democratic ideals and yes it layed the foundations of the modern world. BUT, that also comes with some significant baggage, inc. but not ltd to, involvement in the slave trade, surpression of native populations, human rights abuses, economic pillaging of nations under the flag and some responsibilty for the shambles of some former colonies today.

Croke Park in Ireland, The Sepoy Mutiny in India, Mau Mau rebels in Kenya, The Opium wars in China, the Second Anglo-Boer War, things like these are part and parcel of Britian's "Imperial" past which you simply cannot omit when bringing it up.

In short, the point is that in an Olympic Opening Ceremony you want to showcase the best of the Nation. You simply cannot show the best of the Empire without showing the worst, it is impossible. On top of that, it would be thoroughly insulting to many of the Nations taking part in the Games to see Redcoats paraded across the stadium, metaphorically or literally.

It would be simmilar the USA celebrtaing its own diversity by doing a musical homage to the slave trade. Just plain wrong.

[orange]

Redcoats were paraded in the stadium, literally.

[Nmaro Makari]

Redcoats were paraded in the stadium, literally.

One the one hand touche, but on the other those are the Chelsea Pensioners, less of a nod to the empire, more to retired soldiers.

[orange]

I decided that delving into a the nuances we are both aware of would be less interesting than showing a picture of the Redcoats. 

[Seriphyn]

I just frown at those trying to politicize the ceremony. Not anyone here mind, just people who flailed around and called it "leftie". I was like "waaaat". Just, why bother.

But when the response is near-universally positive, those who shout nay are going to get some attention/readership.