Key dates in the circus tradition
DR STEVE Ward can highlight a number of dates that performers from ethnic minorities and overseas made an impact on the circus in England.
In February 1879 an aerialist of partly Black heritage known as Miss La La – who was painted by Edgar Degas – made her debut in London. She hung from the trapeze while supporting a cast iron cannon, fired while suspended from a mouthpiece clamped in her jaws.
In 1854, Tuck Quy and his Chinese acrobats were the first genuine group to appear in the UK from China, while in 1867, the first troupe of genuine Japanese acrobats made their debut in the country.
In 1849, the son of Ramo Samee, the Indian Juggler, died as a result of swallowing a sword.
I SERIOUSLY believe the majority of people in the UK are not racist. Yes, there are some, as in every society and every country around the world, and it is not just oneway traffic.
We all know, or should know, that racism is abhorrent and thank goodness most of us do. However, what is happening now is so damaging to relations between groups it is more poisonous than anything to date. In truth I did not read racist remarks about Meghan Markle in the newspapers.
I think the interview by America’s Oprah Winfrey was lightweight in that it only pursued one line of questioning, when there were many other questions to be asked. I do not believe our Royal family should be accused of racism.
My memory is of Meghan being welcomed by the British public and of the Royal family, with Charles escorting her down the aisle on her wedding day.
Where was the questioning of Meghan’s dispute with her family? The American interviewer did only half a job – she should have learnt her trade from the late Sir David Frost or Yorkshire’s very own Sir Michael Parkinson.
I do feel a line should be drawn under this unfortunate interview – where was Harry when all of this was going on?
Before the witch-hunt continues, people should take time to reflect.
Please can we all respect each other and rejoice in our difference.
Park, Selby.
EVENTS of the past few days have highlighted a very worrying aspect of life within the 21st century – whatever someone says, because of who they are, must be accepted as both fact and true.
Anyone publicly expressing an opposing viewpoint is accused of being either a bigot or racist. This has to be totally unacceptable.
From: Jane Stringer,
Jamesville Way, Asenby, Thirsk.
GP Taylor’s opening paragraph states that he has never been an admirer of the Royal family (The Yorkshire Post, March 8).
When Graham Taylor joined the police force, he will have sworn allegiance to the Crown.
From: Brian H Sheridan, Lodge Moor, Sheffield.
INTERESTING that the Duchess of Sussex is Shakespeare’s fifth cousin 13 times removed (Anthony Clavane, The Yorkshire
Post, March 22). She certainly spins a good yarn.
From: Andrew Mercer, Guiseley.
HOW poignant to see the Duchess of Cambridge attending the vigil on Clapham Common after the death of Sarah Everard – what a contrast to her publicity-seeking sister-in-law in California. We’re blessed to have Kate as our future Queen.