The BBC has raised the issue of jingoistic claptrap on the last night of the proms. Nigel Farage and Laurence Fox have been quick to put their 2p in. That is a predictable response. Music is mainly for enjoyment but the lyrics of "Rule Britannia" and "Land of Hope and Glory" are calculated to insult other nations and races.
Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel but for some right-wingers, it is the first, second and third as well.
"Land of Hope and Glory" was originally entitled "Pomp and Circumstance" which is a better title altogether. Boris Johnson has stepped into the row because it is a nice diversion from the government of chaos over which he presides. And you couldn't ask for a more pompous champion in the circumstances.
The Marseillaise is probably alone among national anthems in not insulting all other nations in order to boost jingoism.
Laurence Fox is standing up for privileged white males. Britons never will be slaves but other people can be as far as he is concerned.
How many privileged white males have died in police custody? How many have been stopped and searched without justification? How many have been passed over for jobs?
Still, for Laurence Fox and Nigel Farage, Black Lives don't matter as much as their own lives apparently.
Since this was written the BBC has denied any intention of chopping the jingoistic claptrap so the balance of the universe is restored.
The Empire Strikes Back.
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