She’s a bit late to the game, but Queen Elizabeth II wants to “celebrate diversity” and will apparently make a public statement to the effect that “that people should see each other as being individuals who are special.”
“Special” is the most overused, meaningless word currently in use in the English language. “Amazing” is coming a close second.
If the Queen starts talking about how “special” we all are, and how “amazing” everyone looks, the takeover of mediocrity - in language, social discourse, historical reference, etc - will be complete.
Now…Your Maj - I can call you “Maj,” right, since I’m special…how about the Catholics? Are they special yet? Can William marry one and keep his throne? Are we celebrating that much diversity, yet?
UPDATE - Yes, I know, a little snarky of me, but I’m cranky today, my best pal is in hospital and we don’t know what’s wrong with her yet. But maybe it is time for the royal family to go back to simply being royals (anointed sovereigns) rather than heads of a church that is lately troublesome to them both politically and personally.
March 12th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Tee-hee…if you get called “special” (”speeeshuuull”)in my neighborhood that means you’re dim-witted or possibly inbred.
March 12th, 2007 at 11:14 am
The problems between the Church of England and the Catholic Church run deeper then mere diversity. There’s a sticky issue of canon law. When it comes to a mixed marriage, the couple MUST agree to raise the children Catholic. Do you think an heir to the throne, and possible head of the Church of England, would do that?
March 12th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Yeah, yeah, canon law. If she really wants to celebrate diversity, there you go!
And perhaps the sovereign should not also be the head of a church in these enlightened times.
March 12th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Careful, dear Anchoress - your Irish is showin’! (Not that there’s….)
Emkay
March 12th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Anchoress, I hope everything will be fine with your friend.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Same here.
Meem
March 12th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
I vote that the word “appropriate” be put in mothballs for awhile along with “special”. They need to disappear for awhile to get their meaning back.
March 12th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Not being Catholic, but a long-time student of English history - this is certainly an interesting situation.
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Like most high ranking government officials, HRM probably has NO CLUE that her “speeehhshullll” comment made half the kingdom burst into giggles and sniggers. Next thing you know, she’ll be hosting SNL.
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Hope your friend gets better and home soon!
March 13th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
The word I hear tossed about most often in my college classes is “awesome”, and it’s not always spelled correctly! Maybe it could go into hiding along with “special” for awhile.
Prayers for your dear friend, as well.