Thursday, January 22, 2009
Hail To The Chief
CBB6 Day TwentyWe've had a few rather odd incidents over the last day or so. I found the clip of Verne kissing that doll a bit...strange...
I probably wasn't alone, as the snippet was cut from the repeat of the highlights show. Why would anyone edit that bit out if there wasn't some concern expressed?
Then, during the inauguration, we had Coolio giving a 'salute' that was much in vogue in the late 1960s, but surely the election of President Obama is for all American citizens and not just for a section of the community?
Ulrika gave a big, big, sigh, and offered us her analysis of LaToya, who, Ulrika felt, was ingratiating herself to the other housemates, particularly the men. Probably true, but no great insight, as that is the behaviour exhibited by several housemates each year, if they wish to be serious contenders.
Delicate LaToya let out a wail when she first encountered the rodeo task, yet, as with other, earlier, tasks she put her heart into it and survived the experience.
Never was the notion that the UK and the USA are two nations divided by a common language, shown more unremittingly than in the housemates' behaviour during the new President's inauguration. Several of the European contingent felt obliged to give a running commentary with, one housemate in particular, making very derogatory remarks about the last President.
Now before we get on our 'high horse', and begin to tell our US cousins to calm down a bit, we should examine how these differences occur.
Because we are a monarchy led democracy, we can criticise Mr Brown or Mr Cameron, and it is not considered unpatriotic, as we have the Queen as our nation's figurehead. So consequently, she stands above the politicians, and we can respect our Queen and Country, but still 'have a go' at MPs; even parody them, and make them the butt of jokes. It doesn't reflect on the country as a whole, merely on the individuals who put themselves up for office.
But, the USA is a republic. They don't have a monarchy, or non-elected representative, like our Royal Family. So the President, elected though he may be, is not only the political leader, he is also the icon that stands for all that is the USA, and the American people see the President as emblematic. Regardless of who received their vote, as soon as the election is over, everyone supports the President.
In was in this context that LaToya made her very valid point, that the 'non-Americans' should have viewed the proceedings with respect. Criticism of the USA and the President hurts American people to their soul. Disrespect of the President is treated as disrespect of the country and its people.
Even if much of humanity outside of the USA has qualms and concerns about recent American (in particular military) behaviour throughout the globe, it could be deemed to be very inconsiderate to choose Barack Obama's inauguration as the moment to launch into an anti USA rant. In fact, it was simply bad manners, at the very least.
So it is a 'well said' and cheerio to Latoya, who conducted herself with dignity, and left with equal grace.
An expert in psychological analysis might be able to tell us why Ulrika feels compelled to be the person who says the last word to the evictee, and feels equally strongly, that she simply must hold the door open for the housemate to leave, standing there watching them amble up the steps.
Perhaps she feels she is the mother hen, sending her little chicks out into the world.
Or maybe she's thinking, "I wonder if I can leg it up there and escape behind LaToya?'.
Too late Ms Jonsson, you're there to the end now, girl.
remotevision@gmail.com
# posted by Terence : 6:21 PM
