Peaceful Giants

By Ritchie Hunter - 29/7/2014

On Lime St, there was cheering and clapping as the elderly woman came down the middle of the road. But this wasn't the giant granny – it was just an old lady pushing a shopping trolley, trying to get to the other end. When she realised everyone was cheering her, she smiled graciously.

Around the corner, we stood at the side of the road holding peace banners, trying to counter the glorification of war.

Most people, though, had just come to see the spectacle and soak up the atmosphere. That the event was billed as a commemoration of WW1 was secondary, maybe even thirdary or forthary to them. There had been some moments recalling the horror of the war, but all along we had the subliminal message of nostalgia for the the time, of comradeship and the feeling of adventure as pals go off to fight the common enemy.

I wonder how much the tireless performers gave consideration to what they were commemorating as they pulled the giant strings (although one gave us a thumbs up as they passed). They were dressed more for the Napoleonic Wars than for 1914, which seemed a bit of a slip in continuity. Shows how much Joe & Co thought this event through. They are so tied up with looking for a hook to hang their business hat on. It must have been a case of “Let's have the Giants back again. We can justify the money cos of the 100 year tribute”.

I suppose now it'll be “We could bring them back next year for the Waterloo celebration and Lord Liverpool was Prime Minister then too. What's more that will bring more dollians in for business”. Most of it just goes straight back out again, silly Mayor!

Event like these leave no tangible legacy and nothing to build on. The aftermath is like that of a big firework display. There's the 'Wow' factor, but what you're left with is only a memory.

There is such a lack of vision from Liverpool 'visionaries'. They are so locked in to promoting business that they miss the possibility to really involve people in shaping their own lives. Culture becomes something to view (as a consumer) instead of a means of creating lasting satisfaction and empowerment. How much better if a carnival had been planned alongside this event; an old May Day type procession or a Lantern Parade. Schools, community centres and libraries could have run classes making costumes, puppets and floats; building skills and community cohesion and leaving a worthwhile legacy.

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Comment left by dazza on 29th July, 2014 at 13:37
Excellent contribution Ritchie