Knighthood

I feel the whole process has been abused. Giving knighthood and Damehood to people who are undeserving or are celebrities is wrong. The whole reason for this I think was to honor people who have shown valor under adverse conditions. Just my thoughts.

This post has been edited by Aragorn on 19-Jul-2004, 10:27 AM

I agree with Aragorn's comment. I would be the first to admit, however, that I am a bit idealistic, and the "real" world often differs from what I would like it to be.

This post has been edited by BluegrassLady on 19-Jul-2004, 08:51 PM

My feelings seem to be in the majority rule.
Knighthood/Damehood should be honorary titled, but not just handed out. One should have something really extraordinary, or brave, or honorable before they should even be considered.

Sean Connery = YES
Bill Gates (?) = NO

IMHO, the qualifications to receive one should be tightened up a bit.

well i like the title Knighthood it shaws us that some normal people can acheve things

to all keep it tribal

I most agree with Kamchak - I don't think you should give it to sportsmen or Elton John-types, but to those who really has shown what agood person they are by fighting for human rights or saving lives.

Now THAT would keep me awake at night!

I would like to see the Brits keep the Knighthoods, I would also like to see as much notariety given to the medical/scientific/philanthropist as there is given to the celebrities. You have to remember that many of these celebs, Elton for example, were knighted not only for the contributions to society in entertainment but for the fundraising/advertising they do to fight diseases that threaten us all. I don't see Elton's knighthood as a waste of an honor. I do believe though that the media has skewed every one's thoughts on who does get awarded Knighthood and I'm sure the criteria for being awarded such is as stringent as it would be recieving a Presidential Award here in the US.

I think anyone that cites that only celebrities are awarded knighthoods really doesn't know what they're talking about.

Wasn't Michael Jackson angling for a knighthood a few years back?

I had to look it up to make sure I knew what a Knight really was supposed to be.

knight:
- a mounted man-at-arms serving a feudal superior
- a man ceremonially inducted into special military rank usually after completing service as page and squire
- a man honored by a sovereign for merit
- a man devoted to the service of a lady as her attendant or champion

knighthood:
- the rank, dignity, or profession of a knight
- the qualities befitting a knight

I see the words "service", "special rank", "honored for merit", "devoted to service", "dignity", and "qualities".

I also see, in the real world, knighthood being applied more with political correctness than honor or service. That said, I see some countries watering-down their knighthood to mere ceremony lacking in true merit.

There was a time, down here in the south, that the titles of Sir and Lady/Ma'am were earned and not given out freely.

Naé

knighthoods are a sad relic of englands imperial past along with other commendations such as mbe obe etc.

and scot or welshman who excepts one is a disgrace in my opinion

voted no ... they are getting pretty cheap. i remember reading one of the requirments back in the chivalris days... was to stay up all night in prayer soul searching... before recieving it... back then it wasnt given lightly NOR recieved lightly... give them an honorary doctorate if they got do something.

...I do hereby swear
By mouth and hand
To be a good and worthy Knight
To be a Lamp of Chivalry unto the Populace
To be ever courteous and reverent
To seek excellence in all my endeavours
To be courageous and faithful
To be always loyal and true
To temper justice with mercy
To defend my Crown and my liege
To be temperate and humble
To shelter the weak
To help the needy
To champion the right
And uphold the good
To teach what I know
To learn what I can
To be true to my Faith
And to be faithful to my duties
All this in each area of my life.
So swear I...

I think apples & oranges are being compared. Pop figures such as Elton John & Bob Hope are honourary knights. Not true knights. The definition I found on states:

British honours system is a means of rewarding individuals' personal bravery, achievement or service to the United Kingdom.

I do think that many of the "choices" loosely follow these definitions & are highly politically motivated.

I think the fame tends to over focus the accomplishments of the celebrities because of the loose fitting into the definitions.

Overall a stricter standard could be set & better public relations set. The core intent is a good one, but time & depredation have left it abused.

well guess i'll put my two cents in on this one......knighthood should be earned, not bought or sold at any price!!! there is a sacred responsibility attached to them that should never be taken lightly!!!