Patriotism, Nationalism...and St George's Day
St George’s Day passed on 23 April and I don’t recall seeing one English flag, or even reading about it in the free paper, the Metro (though that’s probably not surprising as it’s a rather “progressive” PC paper).
Not that I heard it, but the Jeremy Vine show on BBC Radio 2 today featured a debate on whether St. George’s Day is relevant in a multicultural society. Apparently the conclusion seemed to be that such a national day would be too Anglo-Saxon and did not celebrate the diversity of England.
So why are the English so afraid of celebrating their own day? Are the powers that be worried that we’ll turn into a bunch of rampant nationalists. What is the difference between nationalism and patriotism anyway- is nationalism just a stronger form of patriotism? Are they both bad? Can you be nationalistic without being patriotic?
Anyway, St Georges Day is also celebrated in Bulgaria, Georgia (of course that’s former Soviet Georgia, not the US) and Serbia. Maybe we should be looking to these nations for a bit of inspiration to celebrate our national day, or just to try and re-discover our identity?
posted by anton @ 7:54 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
I've said for years, if it wasnt for Ann-Marie's bday being the 23rd, i'd have a huge St Georges day party every year! For all our sins, i'm english and proud of the fact! And not in a racist way. But i cant imagine being any other nationality! I dont care where our patron saint comes from, or how frowned upon it is to love your country! I WANT A DAY OFF AND A ST GEORGES DAY PARTY!!!!
I do think England gets a very poor deal in the UK/British union. We still subsidise Scotland and N Ireland to the tune of up to £15 billion a year. Anyway it's good to see the SNP are doing well again - pushing for an independent Scotland. Hopefully English independence will follow soon after.
Racist!
:0
I don't need a day off to remind me I'm English, though I would like another day off :)
Post a Comment
<< Home