Poppy on kids sports kits

[HelenHen]

This seems to be a big thing now, but seems very unfair.

How can a kid choose to not wear a poppy if its being handed out by their coach before a game?

Not everybody chooses to wear a poppy, for whatever reason... many people do and that's totally ok... but it seems harder and harder for kids to make the choice.

“I can't think of any reasons why someone would/should refuse.”

are you serious?
do you live in the UK?

”It’s like saying you don't want to support anti-racism campaigns.”

No, it isn’t at all like that.
Terrible analogy.

I think it is more likely to be the parents that care than the kids, most I know wouldn't necessarily have an opinion. So if it bothers you, it is down to you to intervene.

@JaneDoeHere It is simply ignorant not to wear one in the UK.

It is simply ignorant to have such an incredibly limited understanding of political and historical events in the UK.

Not to be getting too pointed, but not everyone wants to support veterans of the British armed forces.

Or indeed any armed forces.

Exactly I don't know why people cannot understand this very simple point.

“The money raised by poppies doesn't go to the armed forces though, it goes to veterans.”

For many people that isn’t the winning argument you believe it to be.

I mean it’s one and the same really.
Why would you donate money to the veterans of an armed force you might be politically or morally opposed to?

You can’t understand why people might have been negatively effected by the British army and would feel differently to you?

Honestly the ignorance on this thread from people spouting such insanely strong opinions is insane!

Barely understanding British history and claiming being against the poppy is like being against anti-racism! Literally nuts.

Because people are happy to have the benefits of what the armed forces do for us, so I don't think wearing a poppy is much to ask in return.

Try growing up moving around the country every 2 years and having your Dad be posted to the other side of the world for months at a time!

Imagine how different life would be today if we had lost WW2.

Jesus Christ. Try being one of the families who suffered at the hands of the British army on UK soil and see how your “I had to move every 2 years” stands up.
Talk about tone deaf.

But there have been numerous conflicts since then that many would argue were not just, right? There are many people living in the UK whose families may well have been negatively affected by British Armed forces, right?

I'm sorry your dad was away a lot, but that doesn't in any way negate some of the less palatable actions of the armed forces for many people!

What about British children who have lost a parent at war? Or having parents are on the front line?

Just trying to make a point that the armed forces affects families in more ways than many people realise.

Please consider that some people reading this may be from or have family from the very places the British armed forces were posted to.

For you, the British armed forces may be the reason you sleep safely in your bed at night, but for others they're the very opposite. And for a huge number of people in the middle it's a really nuanced question.

Do you understand that your life situation does not apply to everyone?

You are clearly very biased here, and that is fair enough. Of course you will have a different viewpoint.

But do you think forcing your biased viewpoint is endorsing what the poppy stands for?

We're a long way from conscription. Anyone in the modern armed forces was there because they made a choice, and it's not a choice that everyone agrees with.

I fully respect your right to your views, but please consider that others may have wholly different experiences to draw on.

"It is simply ignorant not to wear one in the UK."

It most certainly is not.

It's so, so important for history to be taught differently in schools. I'm reading this thread hoping that some of the more insulting posters are of a soon-to-be bygone era, and that hopefully the histories of others (ie history told by the targets of the British army) will become more mainstream and widely known. If they're young, I can only see civil strife because some of the ideas on here are shocking.

Do you understand I’m talking about British families?
The British army does not only have a track record abroad.

Secondly if someone chose to join the British army that’s their decision, i‘m not sure what point you’re making really. I’m not going to be any more inclined because someone signed up to the army but also had children. I don’t really see the relevance when discussing the poppy appeal.

Fully agree about the record within the UK.

But it's also important to note that lots of British families have other heritage too, that may present equally complicated issues.

Just don't think it's much to ask to wear one, especially if you are given one without being asked for money. Does being part of a team not include doing things for solidarity and team spirit that you might not necessarily agree fully with?

Not saying everyone should wear one all the time but I think in this context the whole team should because they are a team.

In what way is it wrong to act with your conscience?

They were lied to and we have learnt absolutely nothing from the wars that they wastefully died in. I'd imagine a fair few would be delighted that some didn't want to wear an emblem of war.

I can't understand any possible reason why you shouldn't wear a poppy to show respect for those who died or served in the armed forces, also the civilian services eg ambulance, fire who are also remembered at the remembrance events. This isn't about politics, it's purely respect.

Suggesting there is two sides impliesxtk kids that it might have been ok to appease hitler!

Why would being part of an U14 football club mean you all have the same political leanings? It makes even less sense when we are talking about children.
What does the poppy appeal have to do with team spirit?

Thats like being asked to wear a pin supporting the political party you don’t vote for because the boss does and ‘you’re all a team’.

Of course it doesn't take much to put a sticker on your kit. It's literally just lifting some fingers.

But are you really saying that team spirit and solidarity with your teammates is more important than abiding by your own conscience on matters of life and death, war and politics, all the things relating to violent war? Is that what you're saying?

I don't wear one, never have and never will.