‘Keep Calm and Carry On‘ – heard that expression lately? It’s likely that you have if you live in the UK. In fact, it’s likely that you have heard the expression, and derivatives thereof, rather a lot. Why? Where has it come from? And, well, why has it got so bloomin’ irritating?
The Original WW2 Poster
The original Keep Calm and Carry On poster was designed as an effort to boost morale after the outbreak of the second world war, and thousands were printed ready to be posted around the UK in the event of an invasion by Germany. No-one knows if it would have helped. (I tried to call my Granny to ask her opinion on whether five words would have made a difference, but she was out. She has a busier social life than me and I have a deadline so, Granny, you missed your chance to be heard on the internet.)
When Germany didn’t invade and the war ended, the posters were almost all scrapped. Some were discovered a decade-ish ago and, it appears, the catchphrase captured British hearts – especially over the last few dark years of financial and political oddness.
Now, just because it annoys me doesn’t mean it *didn’t* capture British hearts. There wouldn’t be so many marketing campaigns based on the slogan if it didn’t sell stuff.
(Cue Rant) Keep Calm and AAARGGHHH
I just don’t see why it’s *still* selling stuff. I mean, articles were being written about it’s proliferation five years ago! Stereophonics used it as the title of their 2009 album. It’s been used in merchandise for everything from the Royal Wedding to Doctor Who to Mario. McFly’s latest tour is even their Keep Calm and Play Louder tour…I love McFly (and I WILL talk more of that love soon) but, come on boys, that title doesn’t even make sense!
So why does it seem there’s not a shop in Brighton without a Keep Calm and {insert derivative here} tea towel, poster, mug, keyring or t-shirt? Why do I keep seeing it used on my Facebook timeline every day? Why hasn’t the fad waned and forced designers and marketers to think of something new?
I suppose the answer lies somewhere in the vicinity of nostalgia.
Nostalgia – AKA Liza Trying To See The Other P.O.V.
I like nostalgia as much as anyone. I basically dress in nostalgia every day. I literally gobbled up the fad last year for old-school sweets – Sherbert Dip, anyone? Give me a card game from my youth or a DVD of Sabrina the Teenage Witch (er…I mean it…please give me a DVD of Sabrina) and I’m set for the afternoon. Some people don’t get my kind of nostalgia – could it be just that I don’t get theirs?
Nostalgia for a feeling or a way of life is something I didn’t quite consider until writing this article. I can, just about, see how the phrase ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ encapsulates that sense of just getting on with things – being brave and coping in the slightly stiff British way. A nurse friend of mine tells me the slogan has been inspirational for her and her workmates over the last few years and I can’t really knock something that’s helpful for nurses dealing with increasing amounts of pressure in the times of a dwindling NHS.
Need some advice on keeping calm? Have a look at a lovely HelloGiggles reader post on How to Keep Calm and Carry On.
Do I Now Feel Calm?
I’ll admit it – in the course of researching this article, I did giggle out loud at both ‘Change Words and Be Hilarious‘ and ‘Keep Calm and Fake a British Accent‘. So now I feel like a bit of a hypocrite and invite you to consider this my last rant on the matter.
Just, please, keep it out of my face for a little while.
Otherwise I most definitely risk Not Staying Calm.
I almost could’ve written this (although you did so a lot better than me!) My friend and I have a Facebook thing going on where whenever we hear another completely ridiculous version we send it to one another to mock how completely out of control it’s gotten – 1 said “Keep calm and eat junk food” as if not eating junk food is causing some kind of national panic! Enough already indeed.
ARGH! I’m so fed up with that thing! At first it was cool and encouraging and now I just want to destroy every bit of merch with that phrase on!
Not just me then
YES!!!!!!!!! I am american but absolutely LOVE all things British, so I love your blog. Accordingly, I have been obsessed for about 5 years now and I love that reference and can’t wait to hear more about your love for them! <3 Danny Jones. ah. thank you for being you and being British and oh so lovely
YES. Finally someone is coming out and speaking the truth. I first stumbled on this last year, just after I caught The King ‘s Speech. Then I found out the significance of the line, and what it meant during that period of time in the UK. But then it morphed into this out-of-control meme/monster/generic unmotivating motivational poster-mantra-thingy. Which I now look upon with disdain.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
It’s not just the “Keep Calm and Carry On” mantra that is annoying me… it’s all the variations being sold and advertised.
This was hilarious! I agree with your opinion on it, though I love some of the clever variations. Also, can’t wait to hear more about you love of McFly since I love them as well!
to further annoy you, here is a video that gives more background of finding the original poster, etc. http://youtu.be/FrHkKXFRbCI
the video is very sweet.
This cracks me up, I felt like the only one suffering from keep calm overload!
I did laugh pretty hard to the one that said “freak out and punch people”. But seriously. Enough I’d enough, the phrase is taking up all the daily planners at Barnes and nobel