Belinda Walker

As it’s October 1st, a very warm welcome to ‘There Banning Poppies Season,’ an annual British tradition of manufactured culture war outrage that only serves to detract from the very important work and messaging of The Royal British Legion. So … NOBODY IS GOING TO BE OFFENDED IF YOU DECIDE TO WEAR A POPPY NOBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED IF YOU DECIDE TO NOT WEAR A POPPY THERE IS NO ‘RIGHT’ OR ‘WRONG’ WAY TO WEAR A POPPY We have this same ridiculous pantomime every year, where the memory of those who gave their lives in the fight for freedom (including freedom of expression) is tainted by people who use the poppy for political point scoring and even hateful bigotry. Every single person who posts ‘If my poppy offends you ...’ rubbish on Facebook isn’t a patriot. What the hell is ‘patriotic’ about using a symbol of remembrance to stir up hatred against people who are actually often proud to wear the poppy as well. It belongs to everyone, mainly because people of all backgrounds have sacrificed their lives in conflict, and I would bet my b******s to a barn dance that the Royal British Legion gets fed up with the annual ‘Poppygeddon’ event when so many people lose their minds over it all. So, if you are tempted to fly off the handle when you see a celebrity or a footballer without a poppy this November, please remember that they will have their reasons for doing so - it doesn’t mean that they don’t respect the millions who never came home. And finally, regarding the ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ way to wear one: ‘There is no ‘correct’ way to wear a poppy Wearing a poppy is a personal choice reflecting individual and personal memories. It’s a matter of personal choice whether someone chooses to wear a poppy and how they choose to wear it.’ ‘From paper poppies to pins, bag charms to pet poppies, the best way to wear a poppy is simply with pride.’ That’s a direct quote from the Royal British Legion by the way. They just organise the whole sodding thing, but what do they know, eh?