Ghost of a flea: Just don't mention the war

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June 11, 2005

Just don't mention the war

Spectators for the reenactment of "an early 19th-century sea battle" that some might mistake for Trafalgar are in for a nasty surprise (with a tip of a tricorner hat to Ben).

Admiral Nelson saw off the mighty Franco-Spanish fleet at the battle of Trafalgar but 200 years on, he has been sunk by a wave of political correctness. Organisers of a re-enactment to mark the bicentenary of the battle next month have decided it should be between �a Red Fleet and a Blue Fleet� not British and French/Spanish forces. Otherwise they fear visiting dignitaries, particularly the French, would be embarrassed at seeing their side routed.

Well, heaven forbid an historical representation acknowledge the existence of "sides" let alone make an ethical or aesthetic choice between or among them. One organiser had some candid words on the decision, "Surely 200 years on, we can afford to gloat a bit. Not even the French can try and get snooty about this." Watch this space.

Posted by Ghost of a flea at June 11, 2005 06:23 AM

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Comments

but would perhaps not lovers of blue be offended when the blue side loses?

Posted by: mainja at June 11, 2005 09:04 AM

oh, by the way, 6:23 on a saturday morning?!?!?!

Posted by: mainja at June 11, 2005 09:04 AM

Reds are oppressors. There oughta be a law banning them!

Posted by: urthshu at June 11, 2005 11:47 AM