David Beckham reportedly expressed his anger in a foul-mouthed tirade against singer Katherine Jenkins after she received an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her public service. His outburst calls into question the British Honours Committee and just what standards of merit they are using to award such national accolades. Beckham’s reaction highlights all the contradictions and paradoxes that exist in the British class system, something that to outsiders seems ridiculous and pointless.
The Honours Committee, tasked with recognizing individuals of national significance, generally reserves its highest honors for those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and inspiration. Critics argue that the criteria for selection can be inconsistent, leading to frustrations among those who feel overlooked despite their contributions. Beckham, who had started laying the groundwork for significant commitments to soccer during the 2010s, was reportedly in tension with the committee’s choices.
Beckham’s irritation was inflamed still further by the recent publication of an unauthorised biography by Tom Bower, called “The House of Beckham.” Zoe Williams, columnist for the Guardian, argues to Beckham’s credit that some of his complaints about his depiction in the biography are valid. It is Bower’s writing style that is as unique as it is powerful. He occasionally paints Beckham as “incredibly mean,” harping on his youthful indiscretions, to include an alleged affair and some shoddy tipping practices in Madrid.
Beckham’sStatements on Jenkins’ Honor reflect a rising frustration with the glorification of problematic public figures. This sentiment points to a deeper injustice about who gets acknowledged in our world. He reportedly questioned the merit of Jenkins’ award, saying, “for what? Singing at the rugby and going to see the troops plus taking coke. F—ing joke.” A huge section of the British public clearly identifies with this feeling. They would send the likes of actor Danny Dyer for a knighthood rather than half the names on the last three honors lists.
This culture of class deference in Britain has been very much at how we think about this idea of recognition and merit. And everybody seems to agree that while the general public will put up with a few “foul-mouthed tirades,” they will have none of the sycophancy and incompetence. The class system can warp the voices of the people fighting back against its unfairness. The result is that dissent often seems both necessary and pointless.
Even the ludicrousness of the British class system is, to many, as clear as day. People who dare to explore it find themselves ensnared by a sticky net of paradoxes that can lead to their complaints being perceived as petty or unreasonable. Americans are beginning to reexamine how we celebrate public figures. They hope to celebrate people whose visions and work resonate more deeply with real-life experiences.