Knighthood

[CelticRadio]

There has been a recent call to end the Knighting of certain individuals by the British throne. Many figures from the musical, acting and political arenas have been awarded the titles. Dos this award really mean anything? Is it a left over from medieval times? Can you imagine Bill Gates as a real knight? Ok, the floor is open!

[MDF3530]

I don't have a problem with honorary titles. The only way they are legally allowed to use them is if they are UK citizens.

[celtica]

I don't have a problem with the titles but with the people they are given to : singers, sportsmen and so on. It's exactly the same in France with the Légion d'Honneur, the highest decoration of the country. I wish it would be given only to persons who are really useful for the country or even the world in general, like great scientists, persons like Sister Emmanuelle who fought all her life against poverty in Egypt...

This post has been edited by celtica on 13-Jul-2004, 01:57 PM

[greenldydragon]

I agree with Celtica, but I voted to get rid of the titles. True they are only honorary titles, but if they are being bestowed upon people who don't really deserve them, they shouldn't be allowed. It is like saying someone is better than others because they got this title. Getting a title doesn't change what they did to deserve it (if they did deserve it), it just makes them seem more important than people who didn't do something that way. Another view, I think, is that some people may do some things to get those titles that they wouldn't have done if they weren't bestowed. It doesn't really bother me either way, but doing something good doesn't need rewarding, it (should be) is rewarding enough to know that you did something good for the world (if you have). The title is just a nice topping to those that weren't after the title in the first place, and will continue doing good deeds, while those after the title will stop.

[greenldydragon]

If you can't tell from my above post, I have mixed feelings about the issue.

[Kamchak]

I would think Knighthood would be reserved as something like "The Medal of Honor" You saved someones life, etc.

[emerald-eyedwanderer]

I agree that they should be kept and reserved for people of importance that have made a difference, not just for entertainers.

[birddog20002001]

I will clarify my comments with, I am not a British citizen so my opinion is worth what it cost, nothing. Personally I feel it is an honor that should be bestowed only on warriors. It was a title given to a soldier that fulfilled martial, social and moral requirements. By awarding it to others due to political influence and social status you prostitute the value and integrity of the award.

For example one thing that I do feel strongly about the US Army has adopted black berets for all of its soldiers (this was given by Gen. Shishenki sp?) in order to bring up the morale of the troops, I say if you want to wear the beret go to Ranger school and earn it the same with knighthood. By recieving permission to wear the beret you don't become a warrior, by becoming a warrior you get to wear the beret. I was a paratrooper and wore the maroon beret and while I was attached to 7th Special Forces Group I still wore the maroon beret not the green one because my military schooling level was only certified maroon ok I got lost on a tangent but I think every one can see how I feel confused

[Kamchak]

That is exactly the way I feel birddog! That is what I am saying when I say you save someones life! Knighthood should be honored in this way!

[Madadh]

The awarding of Knighthoods is just like our awarding honorary PH.D's. They are honorary titles. You do not have to do anything special, just meet the requirements of the issuing party. Hell, even Michael Moore could get one.

[Catriona]

The British 'Honours' system is complex... and I remember that this topic inflamed passions when it was last posted on here...........

This site explains how the system works - http://www.knowledgerush.com/kr/jsp/db/fac...+honours+system


My personal view is that many, many ordinary men and women receive some level of award from the Honours system - and that is right and proper. However, in recent years it has become a source of 'patronage' to the ruling political party - at present the Labour party, but the Tories are certainly not far behind in getting their snouts into the trough. Tony Blair has awarded so many Honours to such odd people that they are known over here as 'Tony's Cronies'....

[behan]

ANYONE WHO VOTED THAT BRITIAN SHOUL NOT STOP HANDING OUT KNIGHTHOODS WILL PROBABLY BE FROM AMERICA AND HAS NO CLUE WHAT THEY ARE OR HOW CORRUPT THEY ARE , KNIGHTOODS AND ORDERS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE ( LOL WHAT EMPIRE ) ARE A COMPLETE JOKE , THEY ARE CORRUPT IN HOW THE PEOPLE WHO GET THE HIGHEST AWARDS ARE PEOPLE WHO P[AY THE HIGHEST DONATIONS TO THE MONARCHY ETC, HOW CAN YOU JUSTIFY SOME COMPANY DIRECTOR GETTING A HIGHER AWARD OVER A PARAMEDIC , DR. OR SCIENTIST ONE THING THE BRITISH ARE REALLY GOOD AT IS OUTDATED PATHETIC POMPOUS CEROMONIES THAT MAKE THEM LOOK VERY SILLY , GET WITH THE TIME AND GET REAL FOR CHRIST SAKE

[Shadows]

I voted NO with some reservations!

Knighthood is an age old and honored tradition and should be continued as long as it is in congress with it's original intent.

Just because someone becomes "of money" does not mean they should be knighted, there needs to be some evidence of chivalry, charity, and concern for others well being. To give out knighthoods like candy is not good, it would be like the US giving out "Medals Of Honor" to our rich sports figures ( something that makes me shudder because I see it coming) !

[faolin]

I voted NO, but I feel that some substantial changes should occur in regards to how knighthoods are awarded ( or rather how the recipients are chosen). I feel that there should be more public involvement in the nomination process, and that more emphasis be placed on the need for the recipient to have made a great personal ( and not monetary) contribution to society. I mean, Conrad Black's knighthood was a bit of a joke, at least for most people here in Canada. I think that the whole honors system is integral to Britain, and that they should focus more attention on revitalizing it. Well, those are my two cents at least

[drexcia]

i am wondering if your aware of how many knighthoods / obe's / mbe's etc, are handed back or turned down , a lot thats how many this aged system of hounouring people who dont really deserve it has to be stopped what do we need knights for or commanders of the british empire its a complete farce and most british agree with this , why else do you think its being scrapped