There is a lot of talk about patriotism and ‘the flag’ and Englishness. This all unsettles me. I was born in Essex, have lived in Sussex and Somerset but find my identity unclear in terms of patriotism and nationalism. I am English I guess, ancestory has no immigrants mentioned at all. But whilst I support England at football I would not fight or even argue for the concept of a nation. I support Essex at cricket, Sunderland at football (although I have never been close to the city!), but really do not identify with the concept of a nation. Borders change both geographically and mentally.
Culturally I feel European. There is a certain arrgance related to having an ancestry rooted in centuries of buildings and indeed “history’, which inhabitants of the USA try so hard to inculcate. I do not need to wrap myself in a flag, nor sing praises to a monarchy. I am often ashamed of others who profess their pride in these things.
Nationalism and patriotism grew out of a need to find protection in violent and unsafe times. In a modern world ruled by fair laws there should be no call for patriotism. Identity with a geographic region, religeon or political doctrine is a way for some to exert power over the rest of society. Who are those who are most nationalistic or patriotic? It is those with vested interested in the power structure and perversely those who are the most vulnerable, who can gain an aura of security or power from identification and security from alignment with the powerful. This is how populism and fascism appeal to the disadvantaged masses. It is no co-incidence that the likes of Farage, Johnson, Sunak and Rees-Mogg are part of the powerful establishment, using the client media to manipulate the populace by means of divide and rule.
Thus the first target for the powerful is to call on the populace to blame minorities for their short comings. This directs anger from the disproportionate wealth garnered by those with power and their incompetence and criminality; and places it firmly on the defenceless or minorities whether it be a religeos or racial group, or the sick or even people with different agendas like trade unionists.
So back to the start – my patriotism is firstly and lastly to myself and my family. I would like to say humanity but that means including those who do not fulfil the term!