Something in my head.
 

Something in my head is really offended by over-the-top events. I was a lector at a cathedral Mass a couple belief systems ago. A priest asked me how I liked it, expecting me to gush, but I was a country church, everybody is equal before the Lord, guy. I found it wholly unattractive and not the least bit spiritual. The same always went for Popes, Cardinals (excepting Ozzie Smith), and incense. The ceremonies around our elected officials strike me the same way. The intent is to create a mystique around the office so they can be effective, but it makes me less likely to submit to "authority". What draws people to support opening public coffers for nonsense like royal weddings when the actual work of government is cut to the bone. It is always sold as something to "take peoples mind off their problems". Take a walk, watch a movie, or read a book. <shrug>

Intelligent people are not influenced by ritual.

A meme is born.

Yes Griff, you can't unsee what's been seen. Once you start making those connections in your head the hyperbole and hypocrisy are glaring.

(This post has been brought to you by the prefix hyp)

It's also good for tourism. BTW much of the wedding shennanigans does not come from the public coffers. The ceremony itself and all the parties, for example were paid for by the Middletons and the Royal family.

It's horses for courses. Some people like to dress in bright clothing and make a statement. Some don't. There's no right or wrong to either of these. If the British people didn't enjoy it, then the Royals wouldn't do it. Simple.

It's probably a matter of what you're used to. I find the form patriotism takes over here OTT, but only because I didn't grow up with it. Slowly I get used to it.

American patriotism often looks obscene from my POV. I can almost see the royal stuff from an English perspective but to be following it as an American whose ancestors were oppressed by royals is pretty strange stuff.

It must be such a boost to their economy! With all the parties people have and the tourists coming over. Go England :)

As opposed to the British whose ancestors weren't?

ah good point

Interesting perspective. I guess that is a product of our break away from the King.