Comments on: Becoming one of us

By: Quote of the Day | Hentai Balustrade

Quote of the Day | Hentai Balustrade — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:59:37 +0000

[...] goes for all of Europe, I think. From Fistful of Euros . Share and Enjoy: This entry was posted in Life, Death & Taxes, Uncategorized. Bookmark the [...]

By: Ombrageux

Ombrageux — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:44:59 +0000

In all seriousness, it would not be all that difficult for Britain to have a little national mystique despite the end of Empire. My American passport is filled – rather quaintly and a little garishly – with pictures of ‘authentic’ Americana like bald eagles, moon landings and golden fields of wheat as well as quotes from famous Americans (MLK, LBJ, Kennedy, Washington, Jefferson..).

It would not be so difficult to hammer out a similar set of national imager and icons in the UK a little more formally. For what is British? In terms of people, one might have a long set of illustrious individuals including Cromwell, Newton, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Bacon, Hume, Shakespeare, Wellington, Darwin, Churchill and the Beatles.. As for British values? Moderation, fair play, openness to the world (both immigration, which has a long history, and trade/intercourse abroad via the empire), the balance of power (moderation/peace/independence), the sea, rock and roll..

That is not so bad a list of national imagery. Some of it might profitably make its way into a citizenship ceremony.. On the other hand, modesty and common sense are British traits too. Perhaps it is better for a no-nonsense and unpretentious approach, without the glitz and slightly silly ‘mystique’ that afflicts some countries.. Still, I think there is a bit of a crisis today in Britain’s identity. It is too amorphous and not positive enough!

By: quanticle

quanticle — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:10:34 +0000

PS: Is there any way of modifying your comments section to throw in a blank line between paragraphs? That would make comments much easier to read.

By: quanticle

quanticle — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:09:20 +0000

The problem with creating a British ‘national myth’ is that it’d be all too easy for people like the BNP to hijack it. The nations of England, Scotland and Wales were founded on the basis of religion, ethnicity and language. Unfortunately it is much easier to make those things exclusionary than it is to make them inclusionary.
America has it different, since it was founded on a set of abstract ideals, and has a very small native population. This means that an inclusive national myth can be constructed much more easily than in nations founded on more “traditional” bonds.
On another note, many have argued that this lack of a national myth is the reason that post-colonial countries have such a hard time holding together. Arbitrary boundaries make for countries that are diverse in ethnicity and language, and the lack of a founding principle makes it difficult for any leader to rally people around a form of nationalism that isn’t based on personal charisma.

By: michael4096

michael4096 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:07:22 +0000

One interesting effect of European integration (little ‘i’) has been the way larger political entities – those offering the citizenship – are seeing pressure for power to be devolved: Scotland, Catalonia, Walonie, Northern Italy… The 20th century nations providing citizenship today might look very different in 50 years with 100+ more equal sized states. But, who issues the passports? Probably, at European level just for practicality and efficiency?

I’m not sure how this would affect feelings of ‘belonging’ for the naturalized – maybe ‘European’ will be enough and Haggis training not deemed necessary.

By: Ombrageux

Ombrageux — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:46:56 +0000

Britain is a despicable ‘nation’. They have no ambition, no self-respect, and no prospects. They have nothing better to do than get plastered every other night and watch girls in miniskirts (despite the winter) throw up down back alleys,
[/bitter half truthful rant]

By: Quote of the Day « The Lair of the Suicidal Salmon

Quote of the Day « The Lair of the Suicidal Salmon — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:42:15 +0000

[...] This goes for all of Europe, I think. From Fistful of Euros . [...]

By: duaneg

duaneg — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:54:57 +0000

Went through the same ritual a few months ago. It was the second citizenship ceremony I’ve been too. The first was my then girlfriend, now wife, becoming a New Zealander. This time it was both of us becoming British.

That first occasion felt more special, even though I was just a spectator. They talked about how successive waves of immigration had defined the country; how distinct cultures would add to society by retaining their individual characteristics, while accepting and respecting existing NZ law and culture. There was singing, in Maori. Afterwards everyone had a drink and chatted and had their photo taken with the mayor.

Here, it was “nice of you to join us; repeat after me; and by the way, would you like to buy a commemorative photo?”

I don’t feel especially British and I certainly don’t feel English. I *am* a Londoner. Not proud, but grateful.