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Benjamin Zephaniah reveals why he turned OBE down in resurfaced interview
The Independent
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12/7/2023
Benjamin Zephaniah on why he turned OBE down in resurfaced interviewCredit: The Big Narstie Show
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Transcript
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00:00
The OBE means Order of the British Empire.
00:03
MBE is Member of the British Empire.
00:06
I've been fighting against empire all my life.
00:09
I've been fighting against slavery and colonialism all my life.
00:14
I've been writing to connect with people,
00:16
not to impress governments and monarchy.
00:19
So how could I then go and accept an honour
00:23
that puts the word "empire" onto my name?
00:27
That would be hypocritical.
00:28
(audience applauding)
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