So was it really that touching? Or is the Anglophone world just having one of its periodic attacks of mass hysteria? Not touched in the heart, just touched in the head.
If they weren’t dabbing their eyes at the 60th jubilee of that aged foreign queen, Elizabeth II, it would be something else. The weepy outpouring that accompanied the exit of that ersatz royalty, Michael Jackson, springs to mind. It’s the braid and pomp that does it.
While the British monarch is indeed admirable in her unflinching devotion to duty and her dogged execution of a job she did not choose, it was astonishing to hear and read that joy at her jubilee was shared the length and breadth of the land. This land.
The Mercury‘s normally irreverent columnist, Graham Linscott, lamented a vanished land where “once we shared fully in that mystique of monarchy”. As befits a citizen of old Natal, proudly the British Empire’s Last Outpost, Linscott confides that he was of the final national service intake that swore allegiance to the queen and “I’ve never seen any reason to renounce it”.
The head of the SA Institute of Race Relations, John Kane-Berman, had a serious attack of crown envy. He declared in Business Day that the jubilee would “outshine the London Olympics” and went on to enthuse over the advantages of a monarchy, since the head of state is “above politics”. Umm. Swaziland, anybody? Or Britain’s narrow escape with the abdication of Nazi sympathiser Edward VIII?
In Britain itself the media naturally bowed, scraped and curtsied in unison. How different from 1997 when — again en bloc — it echoed and stoked in equal measure public anger at the queen’s supposedly “heartless” response to Princess Diana’s death, when she was accused of being out of touch with the national mood.
This time it was the state broadcaster that was apparently out of touch with popular sentiment. BBC coverage was slated as “mind numbingly tedious”, “inane” and “celebrity driven”, according to the celebrities quoted by its competition. In defence of the BBC, how interesting can one make a rainy day paddle down the Thames by an old biddy whose only signs of life were the rote swivel of the head to match alternate twitching hand-signals?
Sky, in contrast, chirped cheerily about what it called “the right-royal knees-up” for four full days. Its relentless coverage included an interview with another old queen, Elton John, who enthused mysteriously of Her Majesty that “she’s been the constant in my life”.
When Prince Philip missed the jubilee concert because of a bladder infection — standing for hours in the drizzle without respite for a piddle will do that to a 90-year-old man — the network’s royalty reporter sketched a fawning imaginary dialogue between the monarch and her consort.
It opened with Philip bravely saying “Don’t worry about me darling …” and continued downhill, ending with the Sky anchor’s cloying rhetorical question “What would Her Majesty want us to do?” Carry on in true Brit spirit, of course.
The Daily Telegraph boasted of the 4 200 jubilee beacons “lit across the globe tonight [by] loyal subjects, patriots and Royal family fans”. Not quite. Fewer than two dozen beacons were outside the UK.
Aside from the Australian government — ag shame, a territory still awaiting permission for its own flag — it transpires that most overseas beacons were erected by scouting associations (Caribbean), English-language teaching schools (China), publicity savvy charities (Cape Town and Uganda), and an entrepreneur (Tyson’s Village Store, USA).
Whatever the nostalgic imaginings of a scattering of Empire Loyalists, the queen’s overseas realm is terminally diminished. The true value of her monarchy lies in that — much like Nelson Mandela here — she binds the bitter regional, ethnic and class divisions of her nation, assuages its political decline and economic woes, and inspires in the face of a challenging future.
And also like Mandela, she won’t be around for much longer to do so.
Your comparison of the Queen to Mandela, is a gross INSULT to our dear Madiba. In fact, it elevates the Queen out of that deep sordid history of colonialism and imperialism – a cancer that much of the world is still recovering from.
Furthermore, calling musical geniuses like Elton John “another old queen” and labeling Michael Jackson “ersatz royalty” once again highlights the inner racism and homophobic theme that’s emblematic of you mean spirited blogs.
The jubilee was a truly pathetic spectacle of once feared mighty British Empire – how hath the mighty fallen. However, blogging about a non-event is even more pathetic!
Take a bow for these words: “The true value of her monarchy lies in that — much like Nelson Mandela here — she binds the bitter regional, ethnic and class divisions of her nation, assuages its political decline and economic woes, and inspires in the face of a challenging future.”
Just as it played out in this country, wonder who will take over the important role of the monarchy? Will the ‘next-in-line’ (who wanted to be ‘reincarnated as a tampon’) fit the bill? Or will the Queen hang in there until he is past retirement age and ascendency to the throne filled by her grandson? Prince William seems to be loved and respected, and well schooled in playing the star role required of him in the Royal soap opera.
More insults – both personal and racial – from Dave.H.
If anyone were to write a recipe where the egg whites were separated from the yolks (and the writer were white), he’d insult the writer for choosing the subject, he’d be up in arms that the whites were separated – and be frothing at the mouth that the other ingredients were ‘beaten’.
How one wishes that some Queen – even the one in Alice in Wonderland – would say ‘off with his head’. And in the light of our current president’s painting, Dave H. could take it any way he wished.
Someone tell me again, why are we even bothered about the Queen’s jubilee? It means nothing to me as a citizen of a democratic nation. I am not a subject of anyone. My life is governed only by the contitution of the land. Please stop writing about such meaningless things, I won’t mind if I never hear a thing about the british monarchy again. Ever!
…..no, I will shut up
)
I thought the bloc was going to be about last nights rugby
@Captain Harris, SADF: Gosh, was Michael Jackson gay? If only we had known…
William thank you for a very interesting read.
@Charcoal, I am sure around here Harris is seen as a xanthippe. This man is angry at everyone and everything and worse his gadzookery and extremist remarks removes all credibility from his post around Thoughleader.
Now let’s see… somebody else said how much more democratic a republic would make South Africa, lead to national unity, etc., etc. Now who would that have been then? Oh, yes, Hendrik Verwoerd.
@ WSM. Despite your witty take on it, your final words did put Queen Elizabeth 11′s role into perspective. And one has to hand it to her:
For 60 years, she has conducted herself with decorum and dignity; “devotion to duty and dogged execution of the job she inherited.”
She is admired worldwide for her royal commitment as the country’s most venerated non-political ambassador, as well as its bonding-and-binding force.
Millions of people participated and watched this historic (according to racist troll, Dave Harris) ‘non-event’ and which the had of SA Institute of Race Relations says “outshines the London Olympics. SABC has been featured it for 2 consecutive weeks and again as a documentary this evening.
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I understand that the referendum in 1960 to become a republic was only won by a very narrow margin – and that those who voted represented a very minority portion of the total population.
Those who fought in the Union Defence Force saluted a very different flag to the hybrid vierkleur that we have today.
I superficially scanned your article, nevertheless you are in the running for the Rapala award for troll of the week.
William, name calling again I see…nice!
Your homophobia is directed to Elton John and your racism to Michael Jackson. But your ability to be so easily confused isn’t surprising. Interestingly enough however, racism and homophobia seem to go hand in hand with closet supremacists masquerading as “liberal” bloggers.
The more interesting phenomenon is the fixation of our mainstream media, demonstrated by your blog, on the sexuality of celebrities. I suppose due to generations of growing up under under a unique form of Christianity, where sexuality was repressed and white supremacy encouraged, some still find penis sizes, polygamy, homosexuality and other aspects of human sexuality all very titillating and fascinating. Its never too late to learn William
Harris – where is the comparison between the Queen and Madiba? Absolutely anything Saunderson-Meyer writes and you’ll take the opposite view. Also, you end off by saying “However, blogging about a non-event is even more pathetic!”. And commenting on said blog makes you……just as pathetic?
Honestly, I think the jubilee was an absolute triumph. To see a nation come together as they did, in spite of the doom and gloom that surrounds Europe, was just the tonic the British people needed. The party’s over, but at least they had something to cheer about.
Don’t forget that Mr. Saunderson-Meyer is writing from Natal, the Last Outpost, where remarks like this are considered rather cutting-edge.
My partner still remembers the League of Empire Loyalists going tiger hunting in the Pietermaritzburg Botanical Gardens, wearing solar topis.
Born British, I didn’t watch, but that’s doubtless because I no longer own a TV, so disgusted I am with the SABC. I could happily have wasted a few hours swapping out between the Comrades and the jubilee.
Dave Harris has so little a sense of humour he doesn’t even realise how much he contributes to mine. Charcoal’s additional comments have made my day worthwhile.
On my part, I believe British royalty to be an institution like no other and while I think poor Queenie has been duped, it has been more by her near relations than her subjects. She’s not perfect, but she (and they) all do far more for their people than anyone in this country.
JZ may have a clutch of wives, but I don’t notice any of them bringing us together in love and patriotism. Picture (God forbid) SA at war (with another country, rather than the promised civil one) and conscription announced…I for one, wouldn’t be knitting socks or rolling bandages and I’d get my son out on the next plane out of here, even if I had to use credit to arrange it. I love SA despite our government, certainly not because I have any faith in it.
Cing Cong, if you listen to the private conversations of lovers, what does that make you?
I’ve come to the conclusion that her biggest value is the fact that she has no political affiliations, so her people can admire and respect her without having to support any particular political party. It also has the huge advantage of cutting politicians down to size on state occasions which involve her – they become far less important, and more like the servants of the people that they are and should be.
She unites her people, brings in tourists, and keeps alive all those fascinating and often ancient traditions.
Have to add – like MLH, I get a lot of amusement each weekend out of seeing how Dave Harris tries unsuccessfully to spin his only thought to suit whatever the topic is.
What I noticed was that the Queen was wearing orthopedic black shoes which did not match her outfit and a black handbag (what does she keep in it – she never opens it), that Prince William is going bald young, and that the only spontaneous smile from the Queen was at the fly-by of the Spitfires.
Just for interest sake – the British Royals are the ONLY Parliamentary monarchy in the world; all the rest are Constitutional Monarchies.
Which means that the British Parliament can vote out the Queen.
@ John Patson. Point taken. And, for the record, I don’t usually do that.
But it was broadcast everywhere – and if I’m not mistaken, at a time when Prince Charles’s divorce from Princess Diana was not yet finalised.
The puiblicity also undoubtedly contributed to the Queen’s ‘annus horribilis” speech in 1992 which saw the marriages of her 2 sons, Chares and Andew, break up and during which Windsor Castle caught fire.
Despite it all, the Queen’s behaviour was, as always, still one of equamity and poise.
@ John Patson. Correction: For the record, I never do that.
I thought the contemptuous approach of the article was a little Afrikaans.
@Harris: Name calling, Captain? I just find it amusing that a man who served the old order with such distinction and enthusiasm has appointed himself the arbiter of what is politically unacceptable. You must admit, a bit cheeky.
@ Mike Venter
I had to look up the word ‘xanthippe’. It’s definition is “a nagging, peevish, or irritable woman”. (In this case, though,‘insulting’ would be more fitting than ‘irritable.)
And as the name ‘Dave Harris’ may well be fabricated, the word ‘xanthippe’ actually does raise a point. D,H, may actually be a woman.
But whatever the gender, there is something so venomous and hate-filled about this person, that it far supercedes ‘peevish or irritable”.
Having said that, ‘xanthippe’ is a great word. … Can’t wait to intoduce it into a conversation.
@William
The fact that you have a long history with the Sunday Times, one of the main propaganda arms of the apartheid regime, speaks volumes. It time to put away your old SA flag, to stop singing the old national anthem in the privacy of your car, and pining for your old SADF days.
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The old lady clings to the throne not because it’s God’s will but because she knows what a weirdo the next-in-line to the throne is.. Quite distasteful really, when you consider how monarchs handle this succession story in modern democracies like Holland. Talk about being way past her sell-by date!
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God shave the Queen!
@Harris: Sorry Captain. Never worked for the Sunday Times.
Nor have I ever supported the apartheid government. In fact, I am open to trading history on that regard. Tell us about your SADF years and I’ll tell about mine…
A QUEEN’S RANSOM
Palaces and luxury
Carriages and livery
Jewellery and finery
Cavalry and chivalry
At what cost the price
For forfeiture of privacy
Forever on show
She stands ramrod straight
And bows to the nation
@William:
1. You claim not to have written for the Sunday Times, however it seems like you forget that there’s a little thing called GOOGLE on the internet. LOL
2. You’re still using the old apartheid agent trick trying to figure out who I am. Why do you assume that worked for the SADF and not the MK? btw. You reveal a lot about your character by your name calling.
3. How can you claim not to have supported apartheid when you were part of the SADF – that committed the most vile atrocities against blacks for generations?
Rather than playing the man instead of the ball and deflecting from the real issue, how about addressing the themes of homophobia and racism in the blog instead?
@Harris: I never worked for the Sunday Times. I have written for it, that’s obvious. It says so on the blog profile. Duh!
I wasn’t part of the SADF. I refused to serve and got a suspended jail sentence. You are claiming now that you were an MK soldier? LOL.
O CAPTAIN! NO, CAPTAIN! Your crafty perjury is done
The ANC have pirated every rand, the prize they sought is won;
Elections are near, your lies we hear, the people now all thinking
While follow eyes the crumbling ANC, the vessel grim and sinking
N.B. Walt Whitman lays no claim; he cannot take the blame
Nor does it have anything to do with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Flotilla
So William, first you want to distance yourself from your long standing affiliation with the Sunday Times, now you claim a “suspended jail sentence” well, well, well! Rather convenient after the apartheid regime destroyed all military records. Nice try though! LOL
So, when will you cease these useless personal attacks and address the homophobic and racist themes in the blog?
@ ‘Dave Harris’
Quite besides W.S.M.’s statement “I wasn’t part of the SADF. I refused to serve and got a suspended jail sentence”, it is high time you rescind the reckless, derogatory and defamatory accusations which you continually direct towards W.S.M., and apologise.
@Harris. Look, Captain. Until you have the courage to operate under your real name instead of hiding behind a pseudonym to launch your abusive sallies at the M&G blogging community, it is pointless to engage with you.
It is remarkable and unfortunate that contrary to trends everywhere else in the blogoshpere, the M&G allows you such carte blanche anonymity. After all, one cannot, contrary to your assertion, launch a ‘personal attack’ on a cyber cipher. Nor can one effectively defend oneself against the kind of innuendo in which you specialise, some of which is close to defamatory.
As it happens, the SADF personnel records have not been destroyed, nor those of the courts. Don’t know where you got that idea from. Nor have MK’s. Though I notice you are now backing off from that from claiming heroic cadre status?
WMS
Dave Harris was never an MK cadre, and Tofulux was never a coloured educated in the Western Cape. Both of them are probably not even South African
Why do you bother to argue with personas and not with people?
“So, when will you cease these useless personal attacks and address the racist themes in the blog?” And that, Kaptein Harris, describes everything you should do, EXACTLY. Understandable of course, because your only reference is what you are, and what you do. Dismissed.
@Lyndall: Thanks, Lyndall. I shall take your advice
C’mon William, this conversation is getting pretty boring dude! Instead of name calling and personal attacks, I thought you could enlighten us as why took a dig at Elton John and Michael Jackson? Do they really deserve those mean-spirited stereotypes, seeing that their musical genius made our world a better place. What did your Queen ever contribute to our world huh? The continuation of the evil tyranny of imperialism?
Maybe you should first brush up on the importance of the value of anonymity in freedom of expression http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anonymity#Anonymity_on_the_Internet . Then tell us why ALL major newspapers and blogging sites throughout the world, except possibly some repressive regimes, support anonymity features. Unfortunately apartheid indoctrination prevents some from understanding this basic right. Anyway, if you can’t stand the heat then get out of the kitchen!
btw. Just for the record, all the old SADF military records, especially the ones linked atrocities, have been thoroughly cleansed before archiving. You see, unlike the Nazis after WW2, the apartheid regime had MANY years to plan their exit strategies. Another reason why the TRC concept became our only option.
@Harris: I can completely understand why some would choose to shelter behind a pseudonym. Let’s imagine, hypothetically speaking, one were a former SADF intelligence officer who participated enthusiastically in the invasion of neighbouring territories and the defence of the old regime. Such past realities would expose one’s post-liberation blogging enthusiasm for holier-than-thou attitudes as something of sham, especially maybe if one were not even living in SA any longer. In such a case a pseudonym would be essential, I’d think. Couldn’t survive the blushes without it.
WSM: Its a badly kept secret that Dave is Stateside, think NY. He let it slip a cuople years back when he wrote about him and his mates going to SA for Soccer World Cup. Why he hides behind a fake name is anyones guess. A case of the man protesting to much when it comes to the nat days?
Haha! Fascinating stuff, Marcus. So Captain America is more accurate a title than Comrade Dave!
Hey William….ahem “Marcus”, your bizarre conspiracy theories cannot deflect from your own role in supporting the apartheid regime and the shameful issues of racism and homophobia in the blog. Please introspect on this.
Oi, cheeky bastard! William and Verwoerd make strange bedfellows.