AIBU to think that honours shouldn't

[Hedgeblog]

be given out to random entertainers. Why do entertainers get OBE's and CBE's etc for doing their job services to entertainment.

I can think of so many more ordinary people who do extraordinary work every day for little pay. Why don't they get honours?

Niceviper: But Hedgeblog's link is from a show he did in 2008.

NiceViper

Do you mean his act is very much a reflection of white male working class tastes?

Also niceviper, it's very offensive to suggest that he reflects working class tastes. There are racists in all classes and working class culture is not inherently racist.

That's great Thesecondcoming

I can't get the link to work.

His OBE was given in 2001 on the recommendation of the then head of Government.

I think his act is very much oriented to working class tastes. If other posters wish to invent a viewpoint, and attribute it to me (ie that he is universally popular with all of a particular class) then that is of course your prerogative.

The demonisation of the working class which took hold so strongly after the class denial policy of New Labour (see Hazel Blears on this, fascinating) has done us all a great disservice. It is interesting that when a middle class comedian (say Stephen Fry) is grossly offensive on repeated occasions in ways that breach the Equalities Act, then he's a national treasure having an off moment. When it is a hard working, working class comedian, who has founded (not just supported, but founded) a charity in support of the Forces then the reaction is very different and condemnatory.

A relative of mine has a OBE but he has a high profile job so isn't ordinary in the true sense.

Have you actually looked at the proper big list? There are bloody hundreds of people on each one and the vast majority are Mr or Ms Bloggs. I know a couple of people who have received honours for long standing service to their chosen career. Nothing special but someone obviously thought they deserved it.

I agree with gwendoline I have worked at investitures and out of 100.s being honoured u got the odd sleb they r only ones u here about

Would rather some of those people got it than have fred goodwin retain his knighthood.

I'm involved in honours through work.

Anyone can make a nomination for anyone they know to get an honour through the cabinet office. just having 'done your job' for so long isn't enough to get one (but id agree it sometimes seems that way!) for what its worth, they've changed the way they're done recently to give more weight.to voluntary and charity work

I know a midwife who was given an honour for her services.
Actually, I saw Jim Davidson live a few years ago. He was racist, disablist, sexist, ageist, childist, the audience was made up of men, women, coloured people, the elderly and disabled people. I'm a woman! Everyone was hysterical! The person he took the piss out of most was himself! If you don't like his humour, don't pay to go see him!
He spent a lot of time entertaining soldiers and got an OBE. Your point is?...

You can download the full Honours lists here: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200708

Mind for 2012 list there are 96 pages! Not that many famous ones really though.

my aunt has an OBE for services to education - she was a headteacher (in an ordinary primary school) and did work for HMIE.

He spent a lot of time entertaining soldiers and got an OBE. Your point is?...

I think the point is that people shouldn't be rewarded for being racist, sexist, homophobic wankers.

Someone from a particular minority finding something funny doesn't make it ok.

I also think that using the term 'coloured people' to (pressumably) describe someone who's not white doesn't sit very well.

I also think that using the term 'coloured people' to (pressumably) describe someone who's not white doesn't sit very well.

""coloured"" was polite when I was growing up and ""black"" was derogatory. We move with the times - but I still have to check myself that I dont inadvertently use ""coloured" and unwittingly give offence where none is meant.

Thanks Trois.