This has some real “all lives matter” vibes
In a very superficial way, yes; in a meaningful way, not at all imo. In response to Black Lives Matter, “all lives matter” was a way of delegitimizing a marginalized group’s fight for justice and equality. Recognizing all victims of war and not strictly NATO soldiers (ie the red poppy) is about including more marginalized people in our memorializing, not fewer. It’s quite opposite to “all lives matter” actually
The “all lives matter” equivalent here would be asking: what about people from the countries that didn’t participate in the war?
While it’s understandable that you might think so, that’s not where this is coming from.
The white poppy comes from the UK originally where they treat Remembrance Day rather differently from the way we do. While in Canada, it’s a moment to remember the horrors of war and the millions lost when we embrace industrial scale international violence, the UK really doubles down on the whole “To Our Glorious Dead” thing. They take the day to recognise the sacrifices “for freedom” and other deeply propagandistic ideas.
So in rejection of this, the white poppy came about as a rejection of this messaging. In a way, it’s an effort to make Remembrance Day more how Canadians tend to recognise it.
If the white poppy is now appearing in Canada, it might be in answer to how the day is changing culturally.
Source: I was born and raised in Canada. My grandfather fought in our armed forces to liberate the Netherlands and we attended Remembrance Day ceremonies regularly as far back as I can remember. I emigrated to the UK when I was in my 30s, and I will not wear a poppy here. It means something very different.
Oh wow thanks for the knowledge. I’m a Canadian too but haven’t been to the UK. I would agree with that sentiment if the UK style of the 11th was popular here. It does seem to be getting more popular sadly.
I mean, there’s a peace symbol in the thumbnail, so I’m not sure if it’s even supposed to be a secret.
Such a silly thing. I look forward to the day we judge each other based on the poppies we wear.
“White Poppy? Oh you’re one of those woke veteran haters.”
“Just a red poppy?? Wow didn’t realize you were a racist.”
Politicians will rejoice as they discover yet another silly non-issue to argue about.
It’s best to avoid all ribbon campaigns altogether to avoid being misinterpreted, including poppies.
When someone asks me why I’m not wearing {x}, I tell them I am making a stand against peer pressure.
