subject: On Patriotism [print this page] So, the British: were a funny lot, arent we? Ive always been a Brit, and I wouldnt know how to be anything else. This particular year of 2012 has seen a veritable explosion of Gosh isnt Britishness spiffing type sentiment, both in the media, online and in what we old duffers like to call reality. And why not? This year sees several celebrations of nationality & pride, namely the Queens Jubilee, some sort of football tournament in Ukraine (we lost, apparently) and of course, the Olympic Games in London, which at the time of writing begins in a little over a week.
Personally, I dont care for sport or athletics. If were honest, Im not wildly enthused about royalty either. So for me, so far this year has been one of sitting indoors in the rain, listening to people more optimistic than me talk about how great things are. I recall reading during Euro 2012 that the governments of many nations were surprised presumably pleasantly so- that the football related violence that did occur had nothing to do with the English supporters. It was fully expected, and then didnt happen.
Thats okay then, is it? Were a nation of drunk hooligans with a penchant for racism and the odd bit of ultra-violence, apparently. And when it turns out were not, the rest of the world acts surprised, and frankly we as a nation should be offended. There is more to being British than the royal family and sport, despite what advertisers will have us believe.
I always thought my nationality carried a little more behind it than that, although historically were certainly no saints. One doesnt rule over an empire with tea, cakes and understanding the plight of the locals. Particularly when theres money to be made in packing said locals into deeply inhuman conditions on slave ships and sending them off to a new life if one could call it that- on the other side of the globe. Unquestionably, British history is as bloodied and twisted as that of many other nations.
But of course, its not all slavery & oppression. Ill happily be the first to point out the more laudable side of our history. The Industrial Revolution, which quite literally changed the world, began right here. The development and first usage of the computer during World War II also occurred on this damp little island. Looking further back, the modern legal and parliamentary systems used virtually the world over also originated in dear old Blighty.
So theres a lot to be patriotic about, this is a great nation. It seems that many confuse patriotism with racism and xenophobia. I once declared myself a proud Brit in a pub, only to find that several people seemed to think this meant I was calling for the expulsion of anything and anyone non-British from these shores. On the contrary: let them come.
Controversial, you say? Why? Surely, it is plain to see that the tremendous mix of culture & lifestyle from all over the world we have in Britain is part of what makes the country so great. When I lived in a city, I could leave my house at 2am, walk for five minutes and be able to buy food from all corners of the globe. Admittedly, at 2am its rarely the highest quality world cuisine, but at the time that wasnt really the point. Ive heard some people complain about walking down some streets that you wouldnt know youre in England. Yeah, and isnt that great? A melting pot of people, culture, views, philosophies and culinary delights, all to be found right here. So yes, Im patriotic. I believe in what Britain can be, if we just get our priorities right. Heres to the Olympics, cheers!
