The professor of history at the University of Leeds, Dr. Kehinde Andrews, made some concerning remarks about the British monarchy. He is frequently invited to debate programs as his ideas are quite contentious as a Black studies lecturer. However, this week, a professor at Birmingham City University made headline-making comments. The campaigner informed the others on the show that the Queen of England is “the number one symbol of white supremacy in the entire world.”
The debate began after a student at Oxford University called for the removal of a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II from one of the common rooms. Andrews wanted to address why he regarded the withdrawal of the Queen’s picture “is such a big deal.”
In previous interviews, Professor Andrews has characterized “whiteness” as a “psychosis” and argued that “genocidal” capitalism must be toppled in order for the world to become a happier and better place. He’s also compared Sir Winston Churchill to Adolf Hitler, his archnemesis.
Dr. Anders was interviewed by the popular British morning show Good Morning Britain to discuss whether or not Oxford University had canceled Queen Elizabeth as part of a global trend of cancel culture.
“If we’re honest, the Queen doesn’t just represent modern colonialism. The Queen is probably the number one symbol of white supremacy in the entire world,” Andrews said in the video. “A born to rule elite of this really white family. The head of the commonwealth, which is actually the empire.”
Because students at Magdalen College thought the portrait of the Queen was “unwelcoming,” the debate began. The painting hung in the Middle Common Room. Because she has been in power since the middle of the 20th century, they wanted her photograph removed because “she represents the recent colonial history.”
The majority of students voted to remove the Queen’s portrait, which is why the issue had become a topic of national debate across the United Kingdom. One student claimed that the picture had to go because “patriotism and colonialism are not really separable.”
The provocative portrait depicted the Queen as a young woman. She was dressed with a sash that signified her membership in the Royal Victorian Order. She also had many precious stones on her person.
Professor Andrews continued: “Even in that picture, she’s wearing jewels stolen from different parts of the black and brown world. If we’re 100 percent honest, that’s what the Queen represents, and if the students decide they don’t want the Queen in the common room, I’m not sure why it’s such a big deal.”
“Absurd” and “ignorant,” according to British politicians, were some of the words used to describe the removal of the Queen’s portrait. Gavin Williamson, a politician from England, tweeted “Oxford University students removing a picture of the Queen is simply absurd. She is the Head of State and a symbol of what is best about the UK. During her long reign, she has worked tirelessly to promote British values of tolerance, inclusivity, and respect around the world.”
Is it fair for the Queen of England to be canceled since she is a symbol of colonialism?
