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What makes the English English? I think there's a lack of national identity that goes some way towards our lack of focus as a country.
Part of it is the seemingly in-built cynical side of this island that says we have nothing to be proud about, but is that really true?
St George's Day is a celebration, we all know when it is but should it be celebrated and if so, in what way? Perhaps this could be the linchpin for our identity?
If the Government made that day a national holiday and used the same PR it used for political campaigns it could work on a scheme to make us feel better about our country. Everyone who lives permanently in England should be considered English but we need to find a way for everyone to feel proud about their country, or at least have an idea about what England should be.
We don't have a pledge of allegiance as in the US, and nor should we, but we do need something that says 'you are English' or at least gets us in the mindset to want to make our country work. In short, if we find out what set of variables makes us 'English' and what is expected from that, then we can start moving towards a common goal of unifying this country. Race, sex or religion should not stand in the way of feeling that you are part of a whole. This doesn't mean they should be ignored, but we need to move forward under a set of criteria for the country and these things shouldn't have any impact on that.
History dictates that a country which has a National Identity is stronger than those which don't. While our Heritage has both good and bad elements historically and we shouldn't forget those, we need to embrace the good and use the bad to learn from our past mistakes rather than dwelling on them and pointing a finger.
Part of it is the seemingly in-built cynical side of this island that says we have nothing to be proud about, but is that really true?
St George's Day is a celebration, we all know when it is but should it be celebrated and if so, in what way? Perhaps this could be the linchpin for our identity?
If the Government made that day a national holiday and used the same PR it used for political campaigns it could work on a scheme to make us feel better about our country. Everyone who lives permanently in England should be considered English but we need to find a way for everyone to feel proud about their country, or at least have an idea about what England should be.
We don't have a pledge of allegiance as in the US, and nor should we, but we do need something that says 'you are English' or at least gets us in the mindset to want to make our country work. In short, if we find out what set of variables makes us 'English' and what is expected from that, then we can start moving towards a common goal of unifying this country. Race, sex or religion should not stand in the way of feeling that you are part of a whole. This doesn't mean they should be ignored, but we need to move forward under a set of criteria for the country and these things shouldn't have any impact on that.
History dictates that a country which has a National Identity is stronger than those which don't. While our Heritage has both good and bad elements historically and we shouldn't forget those, we need to embrace the good and use the bad to learn from our past mistakes rather than dwelling on them and pointing a finger.
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What makes the English English? I think there's a lack of national identity that goes some way towards our lack of focus as a country.
Part of it is the seemingly in-built cynical side of this island that says we have nothing to be proud about, but is that really true?
St George's Day is a celebration, we all know when it is but should it be celebrated and if so, in what way? Perhaps this could be the linchpin for our identity?
If the Government made that day a national holiday and used the same PR it used for political campaigns it could work on a scheme to make us feel better about our country. Everyone who lives permanently in England should be considered English but we need to find a way for everyone to feel proud about their country, or at least have an idea about what England should be.
We don't have a pledge of allegiance as in the US, and nor should we, but we do need something that says 'you are English' or at least gets us in the mindset to want to make our country work. In short, if we find out what set of variables makes us 'English' and what is expected from that, then we can start moving towards a common goal of unifying this country. Race, sex or religion should not stand in the way of feeling that you are part of a whole. This doesn't mean they should be ignored, but we need to move forward under a set of criteria for the country and these things shouldn't have any impact on that.
History dictates that a country which has a National Identity is stronger than those which don't. While our Heritage has both good and bad elements historically and we shouldn't forget those, we need to embrace the good and use the bad to learn from our past mistakes rather than dwelling on them and pointing a finger.
Part of it is the seemingly in-built cynical side of this island that says we have nothing to be proud about, but is that really true?
St George's Day is a celebration, we all know when it is but should it be celebrated and if so, in what way? Perhaps this could be the linchpin for our identity?
If the Government made that day a national holiday and used the same PR it used for political campaigns it could work on a scheme to make us feel better about our country. Everyone who lives permanently in England should be considered English but we need to find a way for everyone to feel proud about their country, or at least have an idea about what England should be.
We don't have a pledge of allegiance as in the US, and nor should we, but we do need something that says 'you are English' or at least gets us in the mindset to want to make our country work. In short, if we find out what set of variables makes us 'English' and what is expected from that, then we can start moving towards a common goal of unifying this country. Race, sex or religion should not stand in the way of feeling that you are part of a whole. This doesn't mean they should be ignored, but we need to move forward under a set of criteria for the country and these things shouldn't have any impact on that.
History dictates that a country which has a National Identity is stronger than those which don't. While our Heritage has both good and bad elements historically and we shouldn't forget those, we need to embrace the good and use the bad to learn from our past mistakes rather than dwelling on them and pointing a finger.
pb wrote:
St George's Day is a celebration, we all know when it is but should it be celebrated and if so, in what way? Perhaps this could be the linchpin for our identity?
I think its dificult to be proud of something and identity with it when you have non-specific days like this. St George has no connection to England and theres no real exploits to acknowledge or be proud of. Contrast that with the US where their public holidays centre around specific achievements. Its no wonder they have a better sense of identity in my opinion.
St George's Day is a celebration, we all know when it is but should it be celebrated and if so, in what way? Perhaps this could be the linchpin for our identity?
I think its dificult to be proud of something and identity with it when you have non-specific days like this. St George has no connection to England and theres no real exploits to acknowledge or be proud of. Contrast that with the US where their public holidays centre around specific achievements. Its no wonder they have a better sense of identity in my opinion.
So we'd rename it England Day? That would work.
As I said, I dont think non-specific days work. :) I dont think theres any lack of understand that St George's day is England's national day so renaming it doesnt help or change anything in my opinion.
With regards to the whole pride thing, is it really acceptable to be proud of something you didn't earn?
Alfoncy wrote:
With regards to the whole pride thing, is it really acceptable to be proud of something you didn't earn?
It's a case of being proud to be part of something, not something you've done.
With regards to the whole pride thing, is it really acceptable to be proud of something you didn't earn?
It's a case of being proud to be part of something, not something you've done.
Does active national pride really have any place in a multi-national society? More to the point, do the politicians really believe in it or do they see it as regressive at a point when it's more important to be forming closer ties between communities.
Personally I'd like a bit more positivity but I just think it's the English way to be reserved. There's a thin line between being proud of your country and propagandist jingoism that exists elsewhere and I think the English are very aware that they don't want to cross that line.
Personally I'd like a bit more positivity but I just think it's the English way to be reserved. There's a thin line between being proud of your country and propagandist jingoism that exists elsewhere and I think the English are very aware that they don't want to cross that line.
I am incredibly proud to be English really. But really I'm not sure if it's because you are "meant to be" ............ I don't like how England does the majority of things to be honest, so why would I be proud of being part of it? :S
Originally we were a proud race because of our naval (and therefore military) prowess. Guess old habits die hard?
Originally we were a proud race because of our naval (and therefore military) prowess. Guess old habits die hard?
As long as we are governed by people like David Cameron and Nick Clegg the English just like the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish will always be at the bottom of the pile.
National identity is one thing but what you achieve in the long term is down to who you cast your vote for.
None of them really care about what is in the best interests of the entire country so in future let us all rejoice every time one of them who are caught fiddling expenses are hauled before the courts and are given time in prison...maybe then national identity would really mean somrthing.
National identity is one thing but what you achieve in the long term is down to who you cast your vote for.
None of them really care about what is in the best interests of the entire country so in future let us all rejoice every time one of them who are caught fiddling expenses are hauled before the courts and are given time in prison...maybe then national identity would really mean somrthing.
I'm inclined to agree with Warhunt here. I am myself very proud to be English, yet it isn't simply a blind allegiance. I find England (and indeed, all of Britain) to be a beautiful place, and I really do enjoy traveling it's landscapes.
Having said that, I am not too keen on some of the ways the country is run. I am not one to get into dense political dicussions though; I do not wish to upset or aggrevate people, and to be honest, my opinion of politics in general is low. All I will say is that it angers me immensly to witness the sometimes delirious decisions the government makes. I am also not a "fan" of any of the major British political parties, and often feel the situation is always going to be lose/lose.
but simply being "English" is something I definately feel a certain pride in. I do not beleive in blind patriotism, but always feel a degree of respect for my country in itself - but not it's leaders or indeed some of it's people. Therefore, you could argue that it is folly for me (or someone with similar views) to feel proud of the country at all, and honestly, you are probably right.
To finish on a slightly lighter note, does anyone else feel that Jerusalem is the best British national song? I certainly do!
Having said that, I am not too keen on some of the ways the country is run. I am not one to get into dense political dicussions though; I do not wish to upset or aggrevate people, and to be honest, my opinion of politics in general is low. All I will say is that it angers me immensly to witness the sometimes delirious decisions the government makes. I am also not a "fan" of any of the major British political parties, and often feel the situation is always going to be lose/lose.
but simply being "English" is something I definately feel a certain pride in. I do not beleive in blind patriotism, but always feel a degree of respect for my country in itself - but not it's leaders or indeed some of it's people. Therefore, you could argue that it is folly for me (or someone with similar views) to feel proud of the country at all, and honestly, you are probably right.
To finish on a slightly lighter note, does anyone else feel that Jerusalem is the best British national song? I certainly do!
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