The Royal British Legion has hit back at critics, who have been branded 'racist' for objecting to the charity's latest, inclusive Remembrance Day fundraising campaigning.
The campaign attracted criticism on social media for posting a video ahead of Remembrance Sunday featuring a mixed-race family. This showed the family urging people to observe the two minutes silence to remember British service personnel involved in conflict.
But the charity’s focus on equality, diversity and inclusion in the campaign sparked a flood of abuse, that has been described as "racist" by supporters of the charity. Criticism had included posters on Twitter saying they would not donate to the charity due to the campaign. One even said “shame on you” to the charity.
The Royal British Legion’s social media team has responded to much of the criticism online.
Hello. Please could you explain your standpoint here for why we should feel any kind of shame for recognising all who have served?
— Royal British Legion (@PoppyLegion) November 10, 2021
This included explaining the importance of inclusion and recognising “all people who have served to protect”.
We frequently recognise the white men and women who have served in the past and today, as you will see in previous posts and videos. However, inclusion is important to us and we need to also recognise all people who have served to protect.
— Royal British Legion (@PoppyLegion) November 10, 2021
The advertising campaign also garnered a flood of support from the charity’s supporters, welcoming the charity’s stance to promote inclusion in its fundraising.
One charity supporter, Dan, urged the charity not to be “disheartened by the comments” and hoped the campaign sparked an increase in donations.
Don't be totally disheartened by the comments.
— Dan Morrell 🌎💙 (@DanMorrellSA) November 10, 2021
Despite being disgusted by the racism on show here, rather than "going broke for being 'woke'", donations & support from the majority who support a celebration of diversity, has proven to outweigh the loss of donations from racists.
Another, Kerrie, urged critics of the charity’s advertising to “be brave” and admit their objections are “because they’re racist”.
Wish the people that don't like this would be brave and say its because they're racist. Just admit it folks!
— Kerrie 🏊♀️🌊 she/her (@KerrieJMorton) November 10, 2021
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