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The Figurehead is a Distraction: The British Royal Family

Bradley Tucker
5 min readJan 24, 2022

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By No-longer-here from Pixabay

What is a figurehead but a mere symbol or focal point for the masses to direct their energy and emotions? It is an absurd idea to think that figurehead/s of state or of a religion are the independent actors that their position prescribes.

Why do we accept a figurehead of state anywhere in our interdependent world today, and the outdated notion that this self-interested and successful orator really has the ability and resources to enable real change for millions of people? In reality, this idea is perpetuated by the many tens of thousands who work tirelessly behind the scenes to orchestrate an elaborate pantomime which allows a self-possessed figurehead to act as though he or she does.

The Royal Family in the UK, is one of the most obvious examples of the figurehead symbol. They receive worldwide attention and publicity despite their limited contribution to the UK and its people. Questioning the necessity of the Royal Family in centuries past could land you in jail for sedition or worse, hanged.

The fallacy of the figurehead is so incredulously accepted by much of the British people who have been indoctrinated into defending their history, pompous traditions, and nationhood that they willingly accept a monarchy that no longer serves them in the name of Britishness. And so, the Royal Family…

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Bradley Tucker
Bradley Tucker

Written by Bradley Tucker

Melbourne based writer, hoping to captivate, inspire and inform. Have a love affair with poetry, travel writing and philosophy. Open to writing opportunities.

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