Posted on 11/27/2003 7:00:23 AM PST by TheOtherOne
Rasta Poet Rejects Honor From Britain's Queen With Harsh Words for Monarchy, Prime Minister
Published: Nov 27, 2003
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Zephaniah, one of Britain's best-known contemporary poets, announced he was spurning the invitation in an article published in The Guardian newspaper, breaking the convention that those who reject honors do it privately.
The poet, who grew up in England and Jamaica, was recommended for an OBE award, or Officer of the Order of British Empire.
But in a blistering criticism of Prime Minister Tony Blair and the monarchy, he railed against Britain's colonial past and its support of the U.S.-led war in Iraq.
Zephaniah said his proposed title reminded him of "thousands of years of brutality, it reminds me of how my foremothers were raped and my forefathers brutalized."
He added: "Stick it, Mr. Blair and Mrs. Queen, stop going on about empire."
The queen awards a series of titles - the highest accolade being a knighthood - twice a year on Blair's recommendation to individuals in recognition of exceptional achievements or services to Britain.
Zephaniah's rejection of the honor echoes John Lennon's return of his MBE, or Member of the Order of the British Empire, medal in 1969 over Britain's stance on Vietnam and the civil war in Nigeria.
"You can't fool me Mr. Blair. You want to privatize us all; you want to send us to war," Zephaniah said. "You stay silent when we need you to speak for us, preferring us to be the voice of the U.S."
Zephaniah, who was nominated for his services to literature, questioned why he was not considered for his work in animal rights, fighting racism or his anti-war campaigning.
His works include "The Little Book of Vegan Poems" and "Funky Chickens."
"I may just consider accepting some kind of award for my services on behalf of the millions of people who have stood up against the war in Iraq. It's such hard work - much harder than writing poems," he said.
Zephaniah published his first poetry collection, "Pen Rhythm," in 1980 and has become known for his distinctive "performance poetry." His latest collection "Too Black, Too Strong" addresses the struggles of black Britain.
Zephaniah said he has nothing against the queen herself, whom he met once backstage after he hosted a concert.
"She's a bit stiff but a nice old lady," he said.
Buckingham Palace's recent honors lists have been headed by music and film stars, backed up by industry leaders and social campaigners.
In the latest round, "James Bond" actor Roger Moore was named a knight and Helen Mirren, star of the "Prime Suspect" television police dramas, became a dame.
Fashion designer Alexander McQueen, television's "Naked Chef" Jamie Oliver and Anita Roddick, founder of the Body Shop cosmetics chain, also were honored.
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On the Net:
Zephaniah's article in The Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/monarchy/story/0,2763,1094010,00.html
AP-ES-11-27-03 0934EST
Copyright 2003 Associated Press
Rhis has just GOT to be from THE ONION!
VEGAN POEMS???!!! Give me a $&*&$#@@## BREAK!
Thousands of years? Britain didn't even start becoming a colonial power until the 17th century.
Another load of crap from another leftist.
----------------------------------------------
The Little Book of Vegan Poems 
Author Zephaniah, Benjamin
Publisher AK Press
ISBN 1902593332
Binding PB
List Price £3.95
Categories Poetry
Benjamin Zephaniah dedicated this collection of 22 new poems to "the caring, dedicated young vegans of the world. . . who will not stand for any exploitation whatever the species." Filled with the unique "radical rapper" poems that Zephaniah is famous for, this book also includes an extensive contact list of international vegan and animal rights organizations.
buy this book at http://www.word-power.co.uk/catalogue/1902593332
Yeah, true. But especially not "entertainers" who are so obviously PC leftists.
From his website:
Talking Turkeys
(from 'Talking Turkeys')
"Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas
Cos' turkeys just wanna hav fun
Turkeys are cool, turkeys are wicked
An every turkey has a Mum.
Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas,
Don't eat it, keep it alive,
It could be yu mate, an not on your plate
Say, Yo! Turkey I'm on your side."
I got lots of friends who are turkeys
An all of dem fear christmas time,
Dey wanna enjoy it, dey say humans destroyed it
An humans are out of dere mind,
Yeah, I got lots of friends who are turkeys
Dey all hav a right to a life,
Not to be caged up an genetically made up
By any farmer an his wife."
In America he would have won Pulitzer and be honored as a great poet.
Ben, it's beyond your ken
Eat a chicken
Don't be vegan
Ride a toboggan
Use your noggin
Zephaniah, too much a name for too little a man
Don't count your funky chickens before they hatch
How's that?
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