Wrapping up history
From time to time in this blog (for example in this post) I have pondered on the ability of our generation to comprehend and make use of history. I suppose a final comment on this might be taken from an item in the newspaper, the Scotsman. A sample of young British people were asked to name the most inspirational leaders in history. The top 10 results some worthy entries – Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King, for example – and some logical if slightly questionable ones, such as Henry VIII. And – wait for it – Simon Cowell!
If you don’t know who he is, then fair play to you, as we say in Ireland. But clearly that doesn’t apply to today’s youth, who not only know who he is (and there’s nothing wrong with that), but who think him to be an ‘inspirational world leader’.
There really isn’t anything more I can say about this!
Explore posts in the same categories: culture, historyTags: Simon Cowell
You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.
October 26, 2009 at 11:20 pm
No. It just shows that they have a shared sense of humour, perhaps. Just like many newspaper surveys of ‘young people’ there’s often a deliberate, mischievous desire to subvert the outcome.
October 26, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Iain, I’d love to think you’re right, but I am certain you’re not. If the intention were subversive, it would have been Groucho Marx, or maybe Pete Doherty, or someone like that – but not Simon Cowell. Also, you are almost assuming a conspiracy amongst those questioned, which wouldn’t be possible. No, I’m afraid this smells of sincerity!
October 27, 2009 at 7:39 am
And then you have Purdey higher than Cowell. There it was her stance on the Gurkhas, I for the life of me cannot think what else it could be.
If -and you have to wonder what voting system was used- both people came out of the one mind you would have to say there is some hope.
October 27, 2009 at 10:34 am
I know..I was just trying to cheer you up! It’s too depressing otherwise.