I see that one of my favourite poets, Rudyard Kipling, is in the news again, because the BBC has decided that the musical version of his celebrated poem “Mandalay” is being removed from their showpiece programme commemorating the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, much to the distress of the WWII veterans’ organisation the Burma Star Association. This is because just one of the performers objected to the line ..“an wastin’ Christian kisses on an ’eathen idol’s foot” .. as he felt .. “it derogatory to people of colour.” Quite how that works, is a little beyond my old brain’s understanding.
If you have not read Kipling’s poems, I should warn you that they do not fall into the category of ‘WOKE-PC’ , although “Fuzzy-Wuzzy” was written about the bravery and fighting skills of Sudanese tribesmen and his …
“Of all them blackfaced crew
The finest man I knew
Was our regimental bhisti, Gunga Din…
… Though I’ve belted you and flayed you,
By the livin’ Gawd that made you,
You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din!”
… are extracts from a poem which may be complicated by the reality of imperialism and the overtones of racism. However, this soldier’s tribute to the Indian servant who saved his life is touching nonetheless.
“There is no sin so great as ignorance. Remember this.” … Rudyard Kipling
bigjohn 
