Is this a step too far in Britain's quest for multiculturalism.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2241656/Sikh-soldier-Jatinderpal-Singh-Bhullar-guard-Buckingham-Palace-bearskin.html

Please don't turn this into a racist condemnation thread.

There are some British traditions that have stood firm for hundreds of years, why should they be changed now?

Nothing wrong with him joining the Scots Guards, but regardless of his religion he must be prepared to wear the correct uniform.

[rojash]

//David Cuthill, chairman of the Dundee branch, said today: 'It should be regiment first and religion second."//

Clearly Mr Cuthill is not a Christian.

[sp1814]

I think he should be applauded for doing exactly what the OP has called for so frequently.

Joining in.

Brave soldier who wants to defend his country and honour his religion.

Also, as a side bar - in he 21st century, should we not be reassessing whether our soldiers should be wearing animal skins purely for ceremonial appearances?

[rojash]

//He will look 'ridiculous' to tourists and onlookers//

Whereas a man with a dead animal on his head looks entirely normal and sane.

[anotheoldgit]

sp1814

/// I think he should be applauded for doing exactly what the OP has called for so frequently. ///

/// Joining in. ///

/// Brave soldier who wants to defend his country and honour his religion. ///

Nothing wrong with joining in, and indeed he will most likely turn out to be a brave soldier, as all those of the Sikh religion have in the past, who are fearless fighters and have served the British Army well.

But there are a vast number of other regiments he could join if he holds certain objections regarding this particular one's ceremonial dress.

/// Also, as a side bar - in he 21st century, should we not be reassessing whether our soldiers should be wearing animal skins purely for ceremonial appearances? ///

Which goes to prove that both you and rojash have little knowledge of the present days Guards 'Bearskins' are made of synthetic fur.

/// 'bearskin' is not now strictly the right description as wearing the skins of bears in this way is no longer politically correct and so, although many of the 'bearskins' in use today are still real Canadian bear fur, when they are no longer serviceable they are being replaced by artificial fur, a practice which has been going on for quite a few years now. ///

Incidentally sp while on the subject of side-bars, I notice you gave no apology regarding the Daily Mail 'Female Today' side bar.

[sandyRoe]

They're not made of synthetic fur.

http://action.peta.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=5&ea.campaign.id=2149

[anotheoldgit]

rojash

/// Whereas a man with a dead animal on his head looks entirely normal and sane. ///

I gather from your ignorant post, that you neither wear leather shoes or jackets?

I don't use the word 'ignorant' in an insulting way, but regarding your lack of knowledge regarding the 'Bear Skin'.

[daisya]

The only thing I can think of to say is...if anyone of any persuasion doesn't like the uniform (etc) or won't wear it for any reason WHY join and I don't just mean the forces...any organisation.

[Baldric]

Scroll down to 'The Bearskins'

http://projectbritain.com/royal/footguard.htm

///no acceptable alternative to the fur has been found///

[joko]

That is quite a small turban, i dont see why some adjustments to the proper helmet couldnt be made to fit over the top of it... those hats are large enough to conceal that turban no problem.

i support neither religion or the monarchy or stuffy old traditions etc but if you are going to join something then you must be prepared to follow the rules - or dont join.

if this affected him in some way personally then i would support him - but it doesnt, its just a hat that he doesnt want to wear.

[sp1814]

Baldric

You got there first.

[rojash]

Regarding your erroneous claim that bearskins are synthetic, I guess you won't mind if I point out that you are an ignorant old git. No doubt you'll be anxious to correct your mistake, and apologize, AOG.

[sp1814]

AOG

Incidentally sp while on the subject of side-bars, I notice you gave no apology regarding the Daily Mail 'Female Today' side bar.

I have absolutely no idea what that comment refers to. Please clarify.

[joko]

I would just add that I too am against the bearskin hats - as a veggie of about 20 years i think its unnecessary ... but my response was purely about the man and his turpin

[rojash]

//my response was purely about the man and his turpin//

Do you mean his dick?

[jno]

I assume Her Majesty would want the best soldiers protecting her, rather than the ones with the fanciest hats.

[China Doll]

No, absolutely not too far, good for him. I think it will be great for tourists to see multiculturalism at work at the palace.

[Baldric]

//turpin//
Is that anything like a terrapin?
;o)

[joko]

turban! lol

(my dad is old and doesn't hear so well and always pronounces it turpins - and i was thinking of that while typing haha)

[sandyRoe]

If this particular soldier found himself serving in Afghanistan would he refuse to wear a tin helmet and trust to the protective properties of his turban?