mentalbunny
27th November 2003, 09:00
On the front page of the Guardian today was an article about Benjamin Zephaniah, a fairly well known black rasta poet. He has turned down an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in an unprecendented manner.
Others who have turned down the honour include actress Helen Mirren and director Ken Loach, but these people were much quieter about their refusals, at the behest of 10 Downing Street. However Zephaniah is furious about the whole concept of honours and has chosen to reveal his reasons in an article for the Guardian, in today's G2 supplement. Zephaniah is not only a poet, he is also involved in work againt racism and for animal rights, and a variety of other issues. This article is a fascinating insight into his life and views.
Read Benjamin Zephaniah's Article (http://books.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,4806228-99936,00.html)
Others who have turned down the honour include actress Helen Mirren and director Ken Loach, but these people were much quieter about their refusals, at the behest of 10 Downing Street. However Zephaniah is furious about the whole concept of honours and has chosen to reveal his reasons in an article for the Guardian, in today's G2 supplement. Zephaniah is not only a poet, he is also involved in work againt racism and for animal rights, and a variety of other issues. This article is a fascinating insight into his life and views.
Read Benjamin Zephaniah's Article (http://books.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,4806228-99936,00.html)