Last night the Olympic Games was opened with a spectacle of British history, culture and diversity. From Britain’s green and pleasant lands, to Dizzee Rascal’s homage to the East End. From a celebration of the National Health Service to a moment’s reflection of those who had died in the 2005 London bombings – it was an opening ceremony like no other before. The event organiser, Danny Boyle, wanted to reflect Britain’s past, present and future. From the dark satanic mills to tomorrow’s young athletes lighting the torch, he wanted to celebrate the nation we are. Was it a Britain you identified with?
When former footballer-turned pundit Robbie Savage told HOPE not hate earlier this summer that the Olympics was every racist’s “nightmare” he could not have imagined the horror that BNP, EDL and other far right activists must have felt last night. The internet and twitter is in overdrive this morning with people feeling proud to be British. Are you one of them? Is pride in one’s country good and is this a mood we should build on and encourage? Of course, not everyone was happy with last night. Conservative MP Aiden Burley (Cannock) described the opening ceremony as “the most leftie opening ceremony I have ever seen”. He went on: “Thank God the athletes have arrived! Now we can move on from leftie multicultural crap.” This from the man who enjoyed a stag do in France with friends dressed up in Nazi uniforms. Are you appalled by what Aiden Burley said? Should HOPE not hate do something about it? I’d like to hear your thoughts.
Summer 2012 was always going to be a time when Britain was on show. Following the Queen’s Jubilee weekend I asked whether you felt Proud to be British. Over 3,000 people responded and unsurprisingly, our supporters had mixed views. Now I would like to ask the question again. Did last night reflect your Britain and if so is this something we should celebrate and build on? Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks Nick Lowles
Contact Dorset Eye and let us know what you thought of the ceremony both nationally and locally.
