07 June, 2012

The Diamond Jubilee

Last four days, it has been a massive celebration whole the UK because of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. 60 yeas has passed since Her Majesty became the Queen of the United Kingdom and commonwealths.

I was watching BBC to see how and what it was. And then thought about lots of things.

a. The Union Jack
The Union Jacks on the walls, at the Mall, people waving it, wearing it, painting it on faces. The Union Jack was everywhere anyway. I quite like its design, colour but, it was too versatile during the celebration. The flag is obviously the national flag but, I felt it was quite light thing to the people waving it. And I'm skeptical about if the people really love the Britain. Japan has royal family as well and there are lots of its supporters as well however, you can not see the same scenes in Japan and Japanese don't do that since it looks too much patriotic or nationalistic. It reminds me Nazi's Nuremberg Rally in a way.

b. BBC
BBC spent absolutely long time to cover this historical event during the four days. I always watch BBC News channel, it has broadcast everything about the Diamond Jubilee. The race horse, pageant, concert, lunch, thanks giving, every single moment. BBC is a public broadcasting station therefore, it should be neutral however, it seemed to me BBC agitate national identities of the nation by covering it. Their on air schedule of the events was that long.

c. People
As I mentioned above, I'm not sure whether the spectators are certainly found of the country. (If they are big fun of the Royal family, they should wave the flag of the Royal family, of course if it is available.) And I watched many people interviewed by BBC but, their comments are always exactly the same, "Lovely" "I love the Queen", "Brilliant", "Amazing", "Beautiful", whatever. I wanted to say that do you know any other words? have you got any other impression? In addition, they haven't got hierarchical relationship in terms of age or status therefore, they can be excited even in front of the Queen and the Royal Family. Anyway, if they are just enjoying the events, that's fine.

d. The Royal Family
They are quite different to Japanese one. They are much more casual. Prince Charles says joke, other members were always having chat including the Queen. I suppose it is important to express their kindness to the people, but on the other hand, many opinion poll think that the system of the Royal Family would not remain for good. Presumably, the family is somewhat lacking its sort of authority or social status or meanings. In the case of Japan, people basically respect the Emperor and his family and they regard them as the symbol of the nation. Finally, fashion. Although their style might be traditional, it looks a bit gaudy. Costumes, vessels, decorations, they seemed majestic and cheep to me.

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