News / Nikesh Shukla
Bristol writer Nikesh Shukla turns down MBE
Nikesh Shukla has revealed the reasons why he turned down being awarded an MBE for services to literature.
The Bristol author, screenwriter and journalist published his latest book, Brown Baby, earlier this year.
He has previously written novels including Coconut Unlimited, was the editor of The Good Immigrant and the launch editor of Rife Magazine, Bristol’s youth-led online platform based at Watershed.
“The main reason for not accepting the MBE was because I hate how it valorises the British Empire, a brutal, bloody thing that resulted in so much death and destruction. To accept the MBE would be to co-sign it,” said Shukla.
“As the country fights over the history of Empire and whether it was good or bad, I considered Operation Legacy. A project to destroy all colonial documents that might embarrass the British. If the empire was so good, why need operation legacy?”
Shukla encouraged his followers on social media to check out Fuck / Empire, a cycle of poems by Inua Ellams, from his book The Actual.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CP_sl08HoUY/
On Instagram, he wrote: “Last month I was offered an MBE for services to literature. I said no thanks. I do not wish to be a member of the order of the British Empire.”
By turning down an honour, Shukla joins a club including David Bowie, George Harrison, Nigella Lawson, Jon Snow, Nitin Sawhney and Benjamin Zephaniah.
Main photo: Jess Connett
Read more: Breakfast With Bristol24/7: Nikesh Shukla
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