The English!

[LadyOnArooftop]

I've been pondering about what it means to be English...
The Welsh, Irish and Scots all have their own proud traditions and unique identities, They even have their own national anthems, while England is stuck with the generic 'God save the King'. The English seem to have been absorbed into some kind of 'Britishness'. And ever since the English flag was hi-jacked by those morons at the NF/BNP or whatever they call themselves these days, decent people are loathe to display it. You put an England flag in your window you are immediately labelled 'Far Right' (and not just by Emily Thornberry! though give her her due, she has since back-tracked.) The only place you can display the England flag is at an England sporting event, but now they're taking that from us!
I wonder if Nike would toy around with other countries' flags? i think not. The world and his dog can beat up on England.

 

[Confused_Fred]

It's understandable that you're reflecting on the complexities of English identity and the challenges associated with expressing national pride in the current cultural and political climate. Like many nations, England has a rich history and cultural heritage that deserves to be celebrated and respected.

However, the association of the English flag with far-right groups and nationalist movements can indeed make some people hesitant to display it publicly. This is unfortunate, as national symbols should ideally be inclusive and representative of the diverse population they serve.

While it's true that displaying the English flag at sporting events remains a common practice, it's important to recognize that patriotism and national pride can be expressed in various ways beyond just flag-waving. Engaging in community activities, celebrating English culture and traditions, and advocating for positive social change are all valid expressions of love for one's country.

As for the commercialization of national symbols by companies like Nike, it's a complex issue. While some may see it as a form of cultural appropriation or exploitation, others may view it as a way to promote inclusivity and diversity. Ultimately, it's up to individuals and communities to decide how they feel about the use of national symbols in commercial contexts.

In the face of criticism or challenges, it's important to hold onto a sense of pride in one's identity and heritage while also remaining open to dialogue and understanding with others. By promoting inclusivity, respect, and unity, we can work towards a more harmonious and accepting society for all.

 

[ladymuck]

My local church is flying the English flag...the flag of St. George. Not sure why as the church is St. Stephens.
What does it mean to be English...good question and difficult to answer. We know of course, that the word comes from Angles, who invaded after the Romans left. The inhabitants of the country have always been a mixture of people who came here from other countries. They are not a pure race, but neither are the Scots, Irish and Welsh.
At school, we were taught the traditional songs of each of the three countries which make up the British Isles. Each has its own identity and culture. At the moment, there is a campaign to obliterate that sense of identity. I think it's vital to keep it alive.

 

[Confused_Fred]

Oh I can answer that being English means:

First to start a protest no matter how silly the issue

Love to join a queue even though you don't know what your queuing for

It's okay to start an argument with someone but the moment somebody else joined in you start defending them

You can justify high taxation even though you hate paying it and your vote whatever political party will reduce it

 

[LadyOnArooftop]

I'm just tired of Britain being blamed for the worlds problems. We started the Industrial Revolution which is now going to destroy the planet. We helped to create the state of Israel which is supposedly the cause of all the problems in the Middle East. Slavery... though we were rigorous in outlawing it, and policed the oceans to get it stopped. etc But enough about The British Empire, I wonder if Spain gets as much grief over the Spanish Empire that was gained through military conquest? I suspect not.
Oh, and when I say Britain gets blamed, I mean the English!

 

[Moriarty]

It's understandable that you're reflecting on the complexities of English identity and the challenges associated with expressing national pride in the current cultural and political climate. Like many nations, England has a rich history and cultural heritage that deserves to be celebrated and respected.

However, the association of the English flag with far-right groups and nationalist movements can indeed make some people hesitant to display it publicly. This is unfortunate, as national symbols should ideally be inclusive and representative of the diverse population they serve.

While it's true that displaying the English flag at sporting events remains a common practice, it's important to recognize that patriotism and national pride can be expressed in various ways beyond just flag-waving. Engaging in community activities, celebrating English culture and traditions, and advocating for positive social change are all valid expressions of love for one's country.

As for the commercialization of national symbols by companies like Nike, it's a complex issue. While some may see it as a form of cultural appropriation or exploitation, others may view it as a way to promote inclusivity and diversity. Ultimately, it's up to individuals and communities to decide how they feel about the use of national symbols in commercial contexts.

In the face of criticism or challenges, it's important to hold onto a sense of pride in one's identity and heritage while also remaining open to dialogue and understanding with others. By promoting inclusivity, respect, and unity, we can work towards a more harmonious and accepting society for all.

What absolute tripe.

I'm English.
Proud to be English.

Yet I denounce any so called "Right Wing" nationalists.
I will support Nationalism though in it's true form.

There is a very big difference.

If someone lives in this country they abide by not only the lawful but the social rules of it.
I would never disrespect another countries heritage if I went there for a holiday.

That is what Nationalism is.
Respect for all countries to live their lives as they see fit.

By promoting inclusivity, respect, and unity, we can work towards a more harmonious and accepting society for all.

Really?

A government funded study, costing about a million quid came up with this.

"The study, by academics at the University of Roehampton, was funded by the government’s Arts and Humanities Research Council and essentially claims that Shakespeare is not diverse enough.

The Telegraph reports that the overseer of the study, Andy Kesson, complains that “masculinity and nationalism were crucial motivating factors in the rise of Shakespeare as the arbiter of literary greatness” adding that “[w]e need to be much, much more suspicious of Shakespeare’s place in contemporary theatre”.

That is a man who has no idea fo what nationalism actually means.

 

[Confused_Fred]

It's understandable that you feel proud of your English heritage and identity, while also emphasizing the importance of respecting other countries' cultures and traditions. Nationalism, when practiced with respect and inclusivity, can indeed promote a sense of unity and appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Regarding the study you mentioned about Shakespeare, it's not uncommon for academic research to provoke debate and discussion, especially when it comes to cultural icons like Shakespeare. While some may interpret the study's findings as questioning Shakespeare's place in contemporary theatre, others may see it as an opportunity to reexamine and expand our understanding of literature and cultural representation.

Nationalism, when practiced in its true form, should indeed promote respect for all countries and their right to self-determination. It's important to approach discussions about nationalism, literature, and cultural heritage with an open mind and a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue, even when opinions may differ.

Ultimately, fostering inclusivity, respect, and unity requires ongoing effort and dialogue among individuals and communities, and it's important to remain open to different perspectives and interpretations in order to promote a more harmonious and accepting society for all.

 

[Chip_TheViking]

I've been pondering about what it means to be English...

to be English...
number 1 is the british monarchy, part of english culture for centuries, with the monarch serving as a symbolic figurehead and representing the country on a global stage/ flags/patriotism...

((((((((*I gotta tell you folks, I don’t get all choked up about flags.
I consider them to be symbols and I leave symbols to the symbol-minded.*)))))))))))))
George Carlin.

secondly we have the most celebrated writers in history, including shakespeare, dickens, and jane austen
our literature is highly esteemed and continues to be influential around the world

music...adele, amy winehouse, elton john, david bowie, the beatles, rolling stones ,queen, led zeppelin, pinkfloyd, coldplay, florence and the machine, radiohead, arctic monkeys, gorillaz, d uran duran, the clash, black sabbath, the who, oasis.. list goes on.

england's rich artistic heritage, with renowned painters like j.m.w. turner, john constable, and william hogarth
the country is also home to prestigious art institutions, such as the tate modern and national gallery
football - cricket, rugby, and tennis

english cuisine......fish and chips, Cottage pie, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, bangers and mash, ploughman's lunch, Cornish pasty, full English breakfast, shepherd's pie, steak and kidney pie, toad in the hole & my favourite EGGS AND BEANS ON TOAST.

glastonbury festival - notting hill carnival - edinburgh fringe festival - aldeburgh festival - chelsea flower show - hay festival - christmas markets - jane austen festival - brighton pride - bfi london film festival....morris dancing lol

to me being English, on a real world level is avoiding the minefield of poorly educated media controlled plebs that go shopping in the supermarket in their dressing gowns & fluffy fluffing slippers

 

[Confused_Fred]

It seems like you're expressing your perspective on what it means to be English, highlighting various aspects of English culture, heritage, and traditions. From the monarchy to literature, music, art, sports, cuisine, festivals, and everyday life, you're painting a rich tapestry of English identity.

Your inclusion of quotes and references adds depth to your reflection, capturing both the pride and the pragmatism often associated with being English. Overall, your portrayal reflects a deep appreciation for the diverse facets of Englishness, while also acknowledging the quirks and challenges that come with modern life.

 

[silentfem]

well as St George never ever stepped foot in england

 

[elwoodbluz1966]

well as St George never ever stepped foot in england

Really really tired of this being brought up every year. Our Welsh, Scottish and Irish citizens proudly celebrate their national day and rightly so. And so should the English.

 

[Confused_Fred]

It's understandable that you feel this way. National pride and cultural celebration are important aspects of identity for many people, and it's natural to want to see your own heritage recognized and celebrated.

St. George's Day, celebrated on April 23rd, is the traditional feast day of Saint George, the patron saint of England. While it is observed by some individuals and organizations, it doesn't always receive the same level of attention or widespread celebration as the national days of other countries in the United Kingdom.

Efforts to promote and celebrate St. George's Day as a national holiday in England have been ongoing, with various events and initiatives aimed at fostering a sense of pride in English heritage and culture. These efforts often include parades, festivals, cultural exhibitions, and other activities to celebrate English identity.

Ultimately, the decision to celebrate St. George's Day and the extent to which it is recognized is a matter of personal choice and cultural tradition. As with any national celebration, it's important to respect and honor the diversity of perspectives and traditions within a society.

 

[Moriarty]

What it means to be English.
Think yourselves damned lucky you dont have to walk 5 miles for water.
Think yourselves lucky you can turn up at A and E and not be charged thousands of pounds in fee's.
Think yourselves lucky you had an education which taught you how to think independently (well they used to).
Think yourselves lucky you have wealth above and beyond at least 80% of the rest of the world.
Think yourselves lucky that you have a job, if you don't then you have a welfare state that takes care of you.

I doubt anyone can talk BS about the UK if they live here if they take that into account.

For me, what it means to be English is simple.
I love this country, yet I am also afraid that to many people who live here don't

I don't want to use the word parasitic, yet it seems to be implied.
There will always be those who wish to undermine what we have, this is not rhetoric, nor some conspiracy theory.
Tis just a statement of fact.

I am not talking solely about immigrants, especially illigal ones.
There are some in the UK who are willing to let the less payed and more labour intensive jobs go to others as they get benefits.

It's a complex problem, we need immigrants because we have an ageing population who didnt have enough kids to pay their taxes for the pensions.
Hence we have to import.

Yet no one wants that in their own back yard, so the surplus immigrants get pushed North, hence depleting an already stagnent economy here, or they stay in London and change the demographic.

How do we sort out those problems, no idea, but neither do most of the economists nor the politicians.
We should welcome immigrants with open arms if they have something to offer.

But we also need to sort out the problem of to much pay for those who dont want to work.

 

[Chip_TheViking]

Think yourselves damned lucky you dont have to walk 5 miles for water.

shouldn't have to work yourself to the point of exhaustion just to pay for it, just for them to pump sewage into our rivers.
I don't feel fortunate at all

lucky you can turn up at A and E and not be charged thousands of pounds in fee's

the sooner the health services are privatised the better, we'll get better care & fast enough to diagnose serious problems, we don't have that now

lucky you have wealth above and beyond at least 80% of the rest of the world

our ancestors sacrificed everything to secure the rights we now have, this is not a matter of luck

lucky that you have a job, if you don't then you have a welfare state that takes care of you

it doesn't, it shᴉts on people who are on benefits & rapes the the money from people who do work all while creating the class divide they intend

How do we sort out those problems, no idea, but neither do most of the economists nor the politicians.

it's not irony that they're the ones who create the problems

But we also need to sort out the problem of to much pay for those who dont want to work.

privatization.
a perfect example being the NHS, over funded, under educated staff/demi gods, providing a sub standard service, the idea the NHS is free is ridiculous.
now in america the health service is privatized & people get proper treatment, some USA economists say if you add up all the years of council tax they "take" from you it works out ridiculously more expensive than paying for it privately the very few times in your life you do need care.

6 months ago I took my mother to a hospital app for a diagnosis of a giant lump on her elbow, she was 72, she'd waited over a year for this appointment, the dr stated he needs to refer her to a specialist for further tests but the funding just wasn't there, a 4 year waiting list he said, he then went on to explain if she wanted to pay privately he would treat/reffer her at the other hospital he worked at, a private hospital.
i pointlessly recorded this on video, the sad thing is neither me or my mom was shocked, pushing her back to the car she said "so we're paying twice then?" she's since died, she was 72.

 

[A_Son_of_God]

I've been pondering about what it means to be English...
The Welsh, Irish and Scots all have their own proud traditions and unique identities, They even have their own national anthems, while England is stuck with the generic 'God save the King'. The English seem to have been absorbed into some kind of 'Britishness'. And ever since the English flag was hi-jacked by those morons at the NF/BNP or whatever they call themselves these days, decent people are loathe to display it. You put an England flag in your window you are immediately labelled 'Far Right' (and not just by Emily Thornberry! though give her her due, she has since back-tracked.) The only place you can display the England flag is at an England sporting event, but now they're taking that from us!
I wonder if Nike would toy around with other countries' flags? i think not. The world and his dog can beat up on England.

I find it funny too that there is often no determination of "English" anywhere, but "British". Not that it matters to me that much, but I was born in England, not in England, Scotland, Wales and parts of Ireland and a few islands around the mainland, as well as a few overseas territories.

 

[Billyliar]

Good morning son of god, I can't speak for other countries, but cheating at cricket, that's not the British way,

 

[LadyOnArooftop]

Think yourselves damned lucky you dont have to walk 5 miles for water.

Why don't they just move closer to the water? As the ex always used to say when those water aid ads came on the tele.

 

[Confused_Fred]

They cant..... nothing on right move in there price range