multisync (21/11/2009)
The difference then to now is that we no longer as selective with regard to social status given the fact that we 'celebrate' a soap star as a famous mason rather than a PM etc. Thus a parade of roofers, binmen, cabbies, the odd all round family entertainer etc (God bless them) perhaps doesn't carry the same kudos. . I also find those photo's of those dressed up laying stones and marching rather cringe worthy.There is no need IMHO.
Once a year a member of our Lodge is invited to the Mayors Christmas luncheon. Someone goes -but he's not dressed up like a Christmas tree!
Advertising the Craft is insulting to me at least. Where would it be advertised. On telly, during current affairs?, news?, X-Factor? Tracy Beaker?.
"hey don't forget folks :2b1ask1!" *winks to camera*
Why the need to show the world, I thought Freemasonry is an inner journey.??
Parading is all about "look at me" type stuff. Don't kid yourself it's anything else.You want others to look at you slightly different in a "wow look,it's xyzx he lives by me" ego puffery BS. I'm 'proud' to be in the Craft but I do not have the urge to wander around Market square dressed up all fancy like.....
Personally I would not ever be seen outside the Lodge with my regalia on. That includes photo's etc. It's a society with secrets, lets keep it that way...
Multisync, why be so negative. The glass can be half full and still contain the same as yours that is half empty.
A well thought out advertisement well placed does not have to be anything like you suggest here...A parade does not have to be pompous as you suggest.
When we parade into the Temple (or Lodge room) are you saying 'look at me' - no of course not. And why do you describe being dressed in our regalia as being 'dressed up all fancy like' and even worse 'dressed up like a Christmas tree'. That is not at all how I feel when I put my regalia on.
There are many examples of groups that parade in public who are proud to do so but are not guilty of the excess that you describe. I would be pleased & proud to take part in a parade on certain occasions and at certain times in public. As long as it was sensitive and for a good reason.
Plainly there are very different views on this but I think that we should all be much more open about being Freemasons. Its the secrecy that fuels the anti's - take the secrecy away and they have nothing else to feed on.
Vintagemalt