Quote: sergeant pepper "The OP you mentioned above was aimed at me, so I hope you don't mind if i answer your question.
Honest answer would be no - I don't think the club should run any of those days, apart from maybe mothers and fathers day and that's only because the cynic in me only sees those as marketing ploys anyway.
Remembrance Day, Pride, St George's Day etc are all somewhat political and in many ways divisive. If I hone in on the Pride angle, then I'll wholeheartedly say that I support gay rights and equality through marriage etc, but I know good people who have been Wigan fans for a hell of a long time that do see this as 'shoving it down their throats'. I wouldn't say they are homophobic, but they are definitely conservative - does this however mean their opinions don't count and it's ok to put aside their feelings & support for another social cause?
Likewise with the BLM cause - I get what they are trying to achieve and I do support that, but does taking a knee almost condone some of the things we've seen over the past few weeks? What about the war vet who (rightly) gets upset at the defacing of some of the war memorials? How does he feel when he sees the team taking a knee? What about the police officers who are fans and also good people, is it a slap in their face to say they are racist? Simplistic I know, but everyone has a different opinion on what's ok and what upsets them.
I'd be happy if they club stayed away from all of it, or just stuck to the community day and celebrated all the groups within the community i.e veterans, LGBT, carer's, local coaches & players in one go.'"
The reply from enforcer was aimed at me, but put that to one side.
The OP seems intent on telling everyone that he wont be putting his money into the club whilst it supports such "Social Trends".
These are not social trends, they are basic human rights.
Anyone who believes there hasnt, and still isnt any inequalities for minorities is living in dreamland.
The basic response to this is that certain people say they "Dont want it shoved down throats' even though they claim not to be against those minorities.
Now, I'm ok with people not wanting to be involved, not wanting to comment, finding it boring etc.
So why not say nothing? Let other people get on with it? Concentrate on what they find important and not tell other people what they should or shouldnt feel aggrieved and discriminated by.
But what CANNOT happen is that the minorities and inequality is silenced and not spoken about because it may upset what is largely a White/straight etc Majority.
It's strange how those other causes (and Armed forces day gets used as an example a lot) dont draw out those "Majorities" into criticism of those causes.
Why is that? Because that doesnt make them feel as uncomfortable?
Well I know that it may make them feel that way, and it may not be something that they want to talk about, but it Has to happen.
And like it or not it is those "Conservative/old fashioned/traditionalist" or whichever way you can to describe it attitudes that need to change, not the minority/inequality voices.
I come from one those old fashioned, traditionalist backgrounds, looking back a lot of uncomfortable things spring to mind. Nothing bad, just the odd thing, but that's how the world was back then. I'm not the same person I was 30 years ago and have had to learn more about other peoples issues.
But quite rightly it isnt anymore. And no-one has any excuse not to be part of that change. Even if that is just allowing those minorities to have a little more of a voice after hundreds of years of oppression etc.
I keep hearing posters say they haven't got a problem and they arent Homophobic or racist or whatever, and maybe they arent in the true sense of the word. But by asking those minorities to "Be quiet", or ask our clubs not to help or assist in advancing the fight for equality and acceptance we are in effect adding weight to those that dont want that to happen.
You bring up defacement of statues, personally I dont agree with that.
Same as I dont agree with any kind of violence, looting or whatever. There are relatively small numbers on both sides who are using the causes whether that is right and left or black and white But that doesn't take away from the basic principal of the cause.
But comparing the defacement of statues and someone being upset about it IS NOT THE SAME as a minority being discriminated, abused or murdered because of how they were born.
Certain people dont want to contribute any money to the club , fine.
To blame it on the club being part of the advancement of equal rights for all is just pathetic.
Say nothing if they want, but dont stir up I'll feeling to minorities and blame them for you (and I dont mean you personally) not wanting to support the club any more
Because that says more about those individuals than it says about Great club
If our club refused to get behind such things I would be ashamed.
Grimmy may need his season ticket money back to pay for his donations.
I promise I wont enter any further debate about this particular issue, but if anyone posts BS reasons for it that lay the blame at a minority or do the same on any other subject I'll call it out.