Prince Harry’s speech

Well I thought it was a good speech. It covered the terrible right wing backlash we are seeing in politics (would anyone expect him not to criticise the US after the awful abortion legislation?). Dealt well with the problems of Africa and praised people working to solve those problems. Above all it referenced Mandela throughout which given that was the reason for it seems pretty accurate.
You could criticise the choice thinking it should be someone who is black and from Africa rather than a member of the ruling family of a country which has a past rooted in colonialism. But I suppose using Harry worked as more people listened to a speech they would usually ignore.

Lucca, I agree, the numbers of ‘celebrities’ and indeed politicians and royal families (not just ours by any means) who use private jets whilst telling the rest of us that we should take fewer flights really gets my goat. So a moderately paid normal family are told that they shouldn’t take their annual EasyJet/Ryanair flight to Spain or Greece for their one holiday of the year, whilst people who think the rules don’t apply to them, and this clearly includes Prince Harry, are free to take as many private jets a year as they think they deserve. This is the reality of the situation. And it annoys me. I can just about accept that maybe a royal visit/tour, or a political visit may, and I mean may because it may not, be an occasion when a private jet needs to be used, but many, including Harry, use them them simply because they can. To go on holiday or to play a polo match. It’s unacceptable. But don’t you dare cram on to your EasyJet flight and go on your only holiday of the year. Lecturing people about climate change, when you yourself contribute huge amounts of carbon to the atmosphere is pathetic and entitled. Lead by example, that’s the way to do it. And none of our current royal family, including the Queen ( although this thread is not really about her) do that because they all, every one of them, use private jets and helicopters when it pleases them to do so.

And I haven’t even started on him criticising the country he has chosen to make his home in. Bad manners at the very least!

You could criticise the choice thinking it should be someone who is black and from Africa rather than a member of the ruling family of a country which has a past rooted in colonialism. But I suppose using Harry worked as more people listened to a speech they would usually ignore.

I think it would have been more appropriate to have had a black African deliver the speech. Maybe more people will listen to youtube recordings of Harry's speech, but I was disappointed in how empty the chamber was. There were far more empty seats than taken ones.

I don’t agree with the situation re abortion in the USA, but it’s not Harry’s job to criticise his adopted country.

I agree Rosie, it would have been far preferable to have a black African to speak at this event.

maddyone

I don’t agree with the situation re abortion in the USA, but it’s not Harry’s job to criticise his adopted country.

He is one of hundreds of thousands criticising the US anti abortion policies all around the world. Good on him.

So dull, his delivery was fine but the content was very wide ranging. I wonder who it is aimed at, who on earth cares what his opinion on politically charged matters is? He has no influence and it is so easy to mock him for being so hypocritical.

I would not criticise the choice of speaker for being white and British as opposed to being black and African, but the fact that the gathering was not well-attended shows that he is no longer a crowd-puller and has little original or inspirational to offer.

Gagajo, I agree that many around the world are criticising the position re abortion in America, myself included, but rather off thread topic I realise, but why aren’t thousands around the world criticising the position re abortion in Malta? Abortion is totally forbidden in Malta. Perhaps that should be a new thread.
Anyway, back to Harry.

Would it be acceptable if the American husband of a British
actress gave a speech here criticising our abortion laws

maddyone

I don’t agree with the situation re abortion in the USA, but it’s not Harry’s job to criticise his adopted country.

So how far would you carry that? If you go to live in another country must you be prepared to abandon all principles and agree with every government action no matter how cruel or despotic?

Anniebach

Would it be acceptable if the American husband of a British
actress gave a speech here criticising our abortion laws

Yes if those laws prevented women from deciding about their own bodies.

Glorianny I wouldn’t go to live in another country to be honest. I like visiting other countries but I wouldn’t want to live somewhere else. If I did, I would probably become a citizen of that country so that I would be entitled to have opinions on their government. Harry isn’t a US citizen as far as I know. I think as a visitor you have to abide by, and respect their laws, so I wouldn’t choose to live in countries where I disagree with them ie USA, any Arab state, probably most if not all of Africa etc. I don’t agree with capital punishment, lack of access to abortion, corporal punishment, making being gay illegal, and so on, so I wouldn’t live there.

And if criticism was of this country abolishing the death penalty?

Anniebach

Would it be acceptable if the American husband of a British
actress gave a speech here criticising our abortion laws

No it wouldn't.

maddyone

Glorianny I wouldn’t go to live in another country to be honest. I like visiting other countries but I wouldn’t want to live somewhere else. If I did, I would probably become a citizen of that country so that I would be entitled to have opinions on their government. Harry isn’t a US citizen as far as I know. I think as a visitor you have to abide by, and respect their laws, so I wouldn’t choose to live in countries where I disagree with them ie USA, any Arab state, probably most if not all of Africa etc. I don’t agree with capital punishment, lack of access to abortion, corporal punishment, making being gay illegal, and so on, so I wouldn’t live there.

I wonder why it has to be so personal. Let's consider it the universal You rather than the particular. So should someone who marries someone from a country where FGM is practised refuse to accompany their spouse, go and keep quiet, or go and campaign against FGM?

Blossoming

Ah, the daily H&M bashing thread is here

and you clicked on it just as i did.

do you think he got paid to make the speech? He is always looking to earn his own income so it would seem sensible on the one hand though bad taste in another way.

62Granny plus he went to Sandhurst and was an Army officer.
I think this is the first time he’s out on his own without advisers, so effectively you could say he’s 17 in development terms.

Rosie 51 just by the way it was someone else who mentioned the Cambridges holding hands
I haven’t a clue who does or who doesn’t!

Anniebach

Would it be acceptable if the American husband of a British
actress gave a speech here criticising our abortion laws

Yup. If it was made illegal.

I agree with you Gagajo

I just find it illogical and inconsistent that one minute Harry readily admits he is no expert on American politics, then with the next breath he starts criticising its Constitution. Someone must be feeding him the information they want him to get across.
At least GNetters on these threads remain consistent in their appraisal of H & M's performances!

Haven't heard the speech, no intention of listening.

But please, please, please stop complaining about celebrities in private jets and helicopters. All the private jets in the world don't add up to a fraction of the emissions from carbon fired power stations. And nobody is telling you not to fly to Marbs for your hollibobs.

The problems we face are much bigger than that, just stop feeling indignant about it.