Will Britain Survive?

[Dennisons Wrong Foot]

Not been here for a few months (negativity/abuse/misunderstandings), but just read this article in the Atlantic.

How Britain Falls Apart

What do you guys think? Is Scotland already essentially a different country? What about Wales? I consider myself English, but have lived in the US since 2005, have a Scottish last name, and am 50% Scottish. My youngest brother is as English as me, but is now considered Scottish.

How do you identify?

 

[Alan]

If you asked a Brit from 200 years ago they'd probably say that the UK is already dead, relative to what they knew.

I know my mother's side, where I get my Scottish from (clan McKinnon, for those curious), always referred to themselves as Scottish rather than British. I don't think they loved being called the latter, either. And the ones who cared were born late 1800s to early 1900s, so it's not necessarily a new phenomenon.

 

[Tony Towner]

Nice to have you back Dennison

Scotland is an Independent nation in spirit I'd say, still not convinced they will ever take the leap economically.

Personally, I think of myself as English first and British second, although to be honest a large percentage of English People are selfish wankers, so it's more theoretical rather than something I'm proud of.

Despite being very anti Brexit I've never really thought of myself as European other than in the geographical sense

 

[Johnny75]

If you asked a Brit from 200 years ago they'd probably say that the UK is already dead, relative to what they knew.

I know my mother's side, where I get my Scottish from (clan McKinnon, for those curious), always referred to themselves as Scottish rather than British. I don't think they loved being called the latter, either. And the ones who cared were born late 1800s to early 1900s, so it's not necessarily a new phenomenon.

I don't mean this to sound derogatory Alan, but this is hilarious to me.

 

[Wilf Wolf]

I'm a Remainer but only European for the Ryder Cup! Probably 55% English 45% British, but the more nationalist English I encounter the more British I feel!

 

[Alan]

I don't mean this to sound derogatory Alan, but this is hilarious to me.

It's the closest thing I have to a perspective on the topic.

 

[Johnny75]

It's the closest thing I have to a perspective on the topic.

I tip my hat to you Al for giving it a go.

I just had this vision of you sitting there with Mel Gibson asking how historically accurate Braveheart is and if you could pop over the loch to speak to the neighbours about borrowing a sporran to make your new kilt.

As if Scotland was somehow permanently trapped in the 1700's.

 

[Alan]

You mean I don't have to wear blue facepaint to be accepted in Scottish pubs?

 

[Lupo]

You mean I don't have to wear blue facepaint to be accepted in Scottish pubs?

Wear an England shirt, that should help!

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

I always regarded myself as a European and having that unilaterally taken away from me without my blessing hurt. I'm a generation too far away from being able to become a fake Irishman too.

I hate Brexit and everything it stands for.

 

[Tredman]

Meh, it’s all a nonsense invented by people unable to stand by themselves.

 

[Dennisons Wrong Foot]

Have been talking with some Americans today. They tend to think either that Britain = England (= London), or that Britain, England, Scotland, Wales are four separate countries.

 

[Alan]

Have been talking with some Americans today. They tend to think either that Britain = England (= London), or that Britain, England, Scotland, Wales are four separate countries.

The average American has no idea how the UK works on that front. The Ted Lasso bit about it is pretty spot on.

 

[Paul]

Have been talking with some Americans today. They tend to think either that Britain = England (= London), or that Britain, England, Scotland, Wales are four separate countries.

Is this from a nation that half of them think they're Irish and the other half Italian


Only joking

 

[Dennisons Wrong Foot]

Is this from a nation that half of them think they're Irish and the other half Italian


Only joking

Plus Scots and German.

UK is class based society, US definitely race based.

 

[Alan]

I'd say the US is ultimately class based, it's just that we've never grappled with the reasons why certain racial groups end up in "lower classes" more often than white folks.

Matter of semantics, probably.

 

[Derby Wolf]

You mean I don't have to wear blue facepaint to be accepted in Scottish pubs?

No but if you want your cunt kicked in it's a sure fire way

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Right. Unsurprisingly I am a little conflicted in this as Mr Wenglish.

I consider myself Welsh. I qualify for Wales, my mother brought me up as Welsh. Even though my English dad despaired I was bought Wales rugby tops and I was taught to cheer on JPR, Gareth, JJ, the Viet-Gwent. My dad got hold of my brother and he follows England (although my dad was horrified when London Welsh offered him a trial!!).

But beyond that, going back two generations there is some Scottish and a lot of Irish. I know on a maternal side a great (or possibly great great) grandfather owned a lot of Temple Bar in Dublin in some fashion. Shame that went down the other side of the family!!!

 

[The Saturday Boy]

I always regarded myself as a European and having that unilaterally taken away from me without my blessing hurt. I'm a generation too far away from being able to become a fake Irishman too.

I hate Brexit and everything it stands for.

What’s a fake Irishman?

 

[Lupo]

Half English, half Italian, born in Guernsey