[kirklancaster]

Originally Posted by MTVN

I understand the motives behind the white poppy tbh and used to quite like the idea (still sorta agree with the premise, I just don't think it's that necessary). In the same way that the Union Flag has become quite appropriated by nationalists, the poppy has imo become increasingly associated with a jingoistic brand of patriotism and been exploited for cynical political purposes instead of purely lamenting war and its losses.

I've gotten over my issues with the red poppy now though because I realise that even if the above is true it doesn't take away from the meaning and poignancy of the red poppy and also that it doesn't have to necessarily stand for one thing. It can be a very personal symbol that holds different connotations for different people, an act of remembrance doesn't need to be politicised and there doesn't need to be a distinction between pacifists and non pacifists, red and white.