Originally Posted by jfman (Post 36039756)

The poison that is English nationalism won't go away though, it'll just manifest itself in another way until England solves it's identity crisis. It's jealousy at other cultures taking pride in their own identity remains unresolved.

Originally Posted by papa smurf (Post 36039757)

I get the feeling you don't like the English.

Originally Posted by jfman (Post 36039758)

I like English people. However English nationalism on parade yesterday is utter poison. A mix of bile and hatred that I'm sure most reasonable people would consider appalling.

The thing is it's not 'for' anything, it doesn't convey a positive image of the English or British identity. Other than it resists others right to their identity - but that's reflective of the national psyche being grounded in centuries of oppressing and exploiting other identities and culture across the globe.

Originally Posted by papa smurf (Post 36039759)

Have you seen the Scotts when they go tribal,not exactly loved up are they.

Originally Posted by jfman (Post 36039760)

Tends to be due to a clash between British and Irish culture though when they do. :)

Originally Posted by papa smurf (Post 36039761)

Obviously it'll be someone else's fault.

Originally Posted by jfman (Post 36039762)

I don't understand... Most scenes in Scotland similar to those seen yesterday in London (Nazi salutes, etc) tend to be football related. One set of particularly confused individuals like the Nazi salute/Israel flag combo to be really out there...

Originally Posted by Pierre (Post 36039769)

It seems the “English” are not allowed to have an identity. Personally, I am comfortable in my white, straight, male identity. I’ve never racially abused anyone, or sexually abused or harassed anyone. I’ve always tried to be a nice person, not always managed it.

If I have “white privilege” so be it, it’s an accident of birth, I won’t apologise for it.

There is enough legislation in this country to ensure everybody is treated fairly by the law.

So I will get on with my life.

Originally Posted by jfman (Post 36039770)

Of course England is allowed to have an identity. My point is that it doesn’t have one - which leads to thugs embracing it and acting against anyone trying to develop their own positive one for themselves based on their own backgrounds. Be that the BAME communities, Scots, Irish, Welsh.

The notion of English identity got lost to a British one. Then the Empire crumbled. Creating a fragile national psyche threatened by seemingly anything innocuous.

I’d love England to develop a positive, outgoing, welcoming cultural identity for itself that it’s proud of. That gives it the confidence to not be threatened by others. And one that respectable people took ownership of, not absolute thugs.

Originally Posted by Hugh (Post 36039729)