RANTERS – an unfortunate choice of words by the Daily Express, which illustrates two things:
- Words can, in many instances, change their meanings over the centuries.
- People who shout – or perhaps rant – most about defending British culture, heritage, history and traditions are usually the ones who know least about them.
The word “ranters” has several meanings. Historically, and in a religious sense, it was a common nickname for the Primitive Methodists, who were about as far away from Islam as Pluto is from the sun. I’m not sure any self-respecting Muslim would approve of its use in this context, but I’m certain John Wesley would have had something to say – even rant – about the people who plastered it across the front of this newspaper.
