Saturday, 7 November 2015

Weekly News Update 7



The Poppy display
In the Daily Mirror this week, a sensitive issue arose in the form of Remembrance Day. Bosses at ASDA in Harpurhey, Manchester removed a poppy display that depicted a dead soldier following many complaints. The display included a stuffed figure that was lying on the floor, yet many shoppers took to twitter to complain about just how insensitive this was. ASDA were trying to create a commemorative display yet upset so many people by doing so. But why was this?
The boss at ASDA said the display was a mark of respect. She said “It was never our intention to cause offence with the poppy display but it was to show respect and our pride in supporting the Poppy Appeal”. ASDA create displays every year but this has been the first to upset shoppers.


The display after the 'fallen soldier' was removed
Brad Wray, 26 of Droylsden, who served in the Royal Air Force for seven years, spoke to the Manchester Evening News. He said “For someone who has served and seen casualties on the battlefield or a family member who has lost someone, to walk and see that could really trigger stress. I have always known the Royal British Legion to be professional and respectful so I am glad it was changed.
I think this story is really interesting because Remembrance Day is a time to be respectful, but how far do you go to be respectful? I don’t think ASDA’S intentions were to cause offence, but I do see how they were trying to commemorate the day. However i do agree with what Brad Wray said whereby it could trigger distress and upset in customers because it can remind them of dark and upsetting times.


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3 comments:

  1. Unknown8 November 2015 at 06:11

    I like how you have both raised and answered questions in your analysis and the source of the story is also helpful to me as a reader to help with contextual detail. The inclusion of the image is also helpful as a reader to understand why the display caused such controversy.
    To make this even better perhaps include an image of another Remembrance Day display to show contrast and other ways to show respect without causing offence. Also be sure to proof read your work to avoid little mistakes like missed capital letters. Well done x

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  2. Unknown8 November 2015 at 16:31

    You summarized the story well enough that I am able to read this and understand what this story is about. But I think it could be better if there was more analysis of the news story itself, such as where is comes from, and why it may have been covered. But you do give a well detailed opinion on the story, looking at both sides of the argument.

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  3. Caena Lewis9 November 2015 at 04:51

    You have given a detailed insight into the content of the story as well as raising some interesting rhetorical questions and arguing from both perspectives. In order to improve, you could go into more detail into how Asda as the institution has been represented in the article - perhaps analyse the quote and explain why you included it?

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