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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think the term "national treasure" is ridiculous

45 replies

DyslexicScientist · 27/12/2015 08:41

Its never given by rags to proper people that have helped improve peoples lives and made the world a better place.

Instead third rate actresses / singles with dodgy pasts are adorned with it.

OP posts:
Dipankrispaneven · 27/12/2015 08:44

Are they? IME it's people like Judi Dench, who can't conceivably be described as third rate and who probably has improved people's lives, if only by giving enjoyment.

BrandNewAndImproved · 27/12/2015 08:46

It's people like Cheryl Cole dip

I agree op and who gets to decide who this crappy title goes to because I've never been asked for my free vote.

Notagainmun · 27/12/2015 08:57

Maggie Smith, David Jason Ant and Dec are national treasures as they are very talented and appear to be very lovely people. Cheryl Cole is stunning looking and can sing a bit but is rather wooden on camera, so nowhere near the same league as the others I have listed, IMO. My opinion though. We need a national opinion poll to verify.

Melfish · 27/12/2015 08:58

Private Eye sometimes do a 'National Treasure' round up from that fortnight, a selection of who the papers have gushingly described as such in some sycophantic article usually to promote a film or sponsorship deal.

Original poster
DyslexicScientist · 27/12/2015 09:03

Judi is good, I love notes on a scandal, but has she improved peoples life as much as some pioneering docotors or scientists?

I was referring to another actress on the new years honers list as 3rd rate, with alleged gangster connections.

I'd rather Judi and Maggi were just called amazing actresses, and left it at that.

OP posts:
Original poster
DyslexicScientist · 27/12/2015 09:04

Off toppic. But private eye subscription! That's what I should of asked for Xmas!

OP posts:
PitPatKitKat · 27/12/2015 09:08

YANBU. I put the phrase "iconic" in the same bracket tbh.

GnomeDePlume · 27/12/2015 09:46

Your post reminded me of this:

Make Me a National Treasure

Well worth a listen! It analyses what makes a National Treasure.

eddiemairswife · 27/12/2015 10:08

Dame Barbara Windsor!!!

sassytheFIRST · 27/12/2015 10:15

That phrase always makes me think of Rolf Harris. You know, before we knew.

So I hate it these days.

Janeymoo50 · 27/12/2015 10:19

Thora Hird was a true National Treasure, I always connect it with older ladies to be honest (not Cheryl Whatshernamenow).

SanityClause · 27/12/2015 10:24

When that thing happened with Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross and Andrew Sachs, Andrew Sachs started being described as a national treasure.

As far as I know, he had played one well known character in one television series and now does after dinner speeches about having done so.

Siwi · 27/12/2015 10:30

Dame Rebekkah Brooks.

Sparklingbrook · 27/12/2015 10:55

I can't think of anyone that deserves the title these days TBH. Nobody mentioned so far on the thread is one as far as I am concerned.

Siwi · 27/12/2015 10:57

Alan Bennett?

Brian Blessed?

Siwi · 27/12/2015 11:00

Sue Pollard?
The Chuckle Brothers?

VikingVolva · 27/12/2015 11:01

I thought it was mainly used posthumously anyhow, like Ronnie Barker, or are well into retirement, like Vera Lynn.

And on the odd occasions when it isn't, it's usually because something has happened, like to Andrew Sachs.

Sparklingbrook · 27/12/2015 11:01

We need a criteria.

Siwi · 27/12/2015 11:03

There is a criteria. I think it was Alan B who said that to qualify one only needed to reach a certain age and still be able to... Can't remember rest of quote.

Yam bo

Farahilda · 27/12/2015 11:04

"but has she improved peoples life as much as some pioneering docotors or scientists?"

If that were the measure, they'd be the people getting the footballers' salaries.

Nor would we ever have sporting heroes when we have emergency and armed services.

I think you just have to accept plurality of meanings.

National treasure is usually a term for the field of entertainment, even though other things can also be treasured.

Sparklingbrook · 27/12/2015 11:06

I think mine change week to week. This week I am mostly thinking Noel Fitzpatrick.

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 27/12/2015 11:06

A criteriON, Sparkling. Criteria = plural. List of criteria = what you're after, I think.
(Yes, I know, grammar police, pedant, boring, rude, blah blah).

I agree with OP to some extent - I think it's over-used and mis-applied but I would still use it to describe Maggie Smith, Ronnie Barker, David Jason even.
But definitely NOT Barbara Windsor.

I'd also use it for people like Jessica Ennis, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson - people who have used their success to help others.

Sparklingbrook · 27/12/2015 11:08

Cheers Thumb Hmm

Original poster
DyslexicScientist · 27/12/2015 11:19

I also wouldn't class anyone listed here as a nt.

Re JE, she's far too young to even be considered IMO and has accepted a small fortune of coke to promote their aspartame drinks along with many other unethical companies and dubious products.

OP posts:
ThenLaterWhenItGotDark · 27/12/2015 11:53

Gosh, but you're wasted on MN Thumb. Merriam-Webster need you...www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criterion

Or maybe not, hey?

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