BEING ENGLISH

Being English?…I'm not sure I can answer that, I wonder if anyone else can either. It seems to be something different for each and every person to whom you put the question. It is, I confess, something I have pondered for many, many years. The answers always differ according to the era to which it relates and the period in which the question is asked.

Some years ago I decided to make a determined effort to rationalise and if possible understand more clearly the feelings of being English that I have had (and still have) since I was very young. To begin with I took up the study of genealogy and began tracing my family back as far as I could. Was I an Englishman or composed of many nationalities? If the latter which nationalities? Well after about five years I had traced the line of my male ancestors back to 1537. All were the progeny of English parents as far as I could establish. I have no doubt that somewhere in the lines on both sides there must be some blood from other countries but so far (10 years on) despite considerable diligent research I haven't found any evidence of it. So I suppose I can claim to be a bone fide Englishman.

I was born before World War II and lived in East London through that terrible period. I was in the Cubs and went on to be a Scout. None of us had any doubts about what being English meant then. The King, our Country, our family and our way of life, that was what being English meant then. Despite all the horrors and difficulties we had perforce to endure, no other country could compare in any way with ours and we would all defend these perceived principles to the death. Sir Winston Churchill (Winny) put it into words that have gone into history with him. So perhaps being English is to be Steadfast, Loyal?

As I grew up I was aware of the great attitudinal and social changes taking place around me, respect for the rule of law seemed to be lessening, suddenly politicians were trying to tell us that England wasn't that great a place after all. Our history was being examined and found wanting by those wishing to make a name for themselves. Authority was no longer with those who were supposed to exercise it. New Groups of people were assuming the right to force change at a rate that seemed to be both dangerous and in the wrong direction. Industries upon which the country had founded it's wealth were suddenly closing down and the natural order of things no longer seemed to be the norm. It was an uncomfortable period that began new threads of thinking that have continued ever since. So perhaps to be English is to be Inventive, Innovative, and Able To Adapt to Change?

Now we face challenges and problems that seem new but are really old problems in new suits. There has always been immigration into this country, a good thing too. But it has always been a bone of contention. Few indigenous people are violently against new people coming here to live, what they are opposed to are those who, having left their own land, come here to live and try to change our ways of living to that of the country they have abandoned and complain when they realise that it won't happen. So perhaps being English is to be Tolerant?

Overseas, England is constantly under criticism or attack, nothing new there except now we don't feel inclined to fight back as often as we did. I do not hate or even dislike other nationalities, I have learnt though to be distrustful of some more than others. So perhaps being English is being Cautious, Peace Loving…or maybe Complacent

I look back through our history and see a country that though small in physical size has made an impact not just on other countries but on the development of civilisation. Of course mistakes were made, it would be ridiculous to suggest otherwise but overall England has been a power for good in the world that far outweighs it's size. So perhaps being English is to be Expansive?

Consider too all the culture that the people of this island have given the world, language, thinking, government, judicial system, sports, arts and crafts, commerce, and medicine to name but a few. That's not to say other countries haven't made similar contributions, of course they have, but size for size England has performed well. So perhaps being English is to be Creative, Inventive, Constructive, Orderly?

In the modern day it has become fashionable to knock all the established cornerstones of society's structure; show disrespect for the Monarchy, the Law and all forms of government. The family, once the cornerstone and foundation of the nation is gradually being destroyed by so called modern thinking, what will replace it has yet to surface, I suspect that it will be a form of chaos. I believe that many politicians have a secret agenda that has as it's goal the complete disintegration of the United Kingdom and the abolition of the Monarchy. Why? I can't answer that because to me it makes no sense and no politician I have spoken to, and I have spoken to many, will ever admit that they are on such a course. I can only surmise that in the event of the break up of the Union it would be easier to sell us the idea of becoming a part of The United States of Europe…..God forbid! So perhaps being English is to be Distrustful, Slightly Mad, Anarchic even?

I end where I began, I don't think anyone can say what being English really is because the population is so diverse that there can never be a proper definition and in any case the definition will change as each era phases into the next. One thing we can sure of though and that is that the generations to come will be quite sure that our lot did it all wrong, and they could and would have done everything much better. 't was ever thus! So perhaps being English is to be Opinionated, Self Confident, Critical?

So where do I stand in all this? Well, I am and will remain an Englishman first a Briton next…never, never will I be described as a European. I am by nature and inclination a Monarchist, I believe in the rule of law and that everyone should have a fair chance in life whatever their background, colour, creed, religion or class. By right all should be entitled to a good education, basic health care, as much success as their talents or desires will give them and the freedom to do and say whatever they choose within the law. I hold the opinion that to have children is not a right but a privilege and that having brought a child into the world it is the responsibility and duty of the parents not the State to take care of that child until it can provide for itself. I think the strong should provide for the weak in every walk of life. I want to lead my life in the way I decide and not the way a politician says I must or should. My loyalties are to The Queen, the Country and my family. If all that adds up to being English well so be it, if it doesn't well it's a bit late now to change but if anyone can tell me why I should, I'll listen….So perhaps being English is to be…Yourself.?