Britain/British day... - Page 3

West Ender · 14-01-2006, 22:58

It is sad that the thought of celebrating Britishness immediately becomes a subject of wariness about racism. The premise that being proud to be British may be equated with racism shows how insecure, if not paranoid, we have become. It is on a par with being wary of using Christian symbols for fear of offending other faiths. That is not being considerate to other races and faiths, it is patronising.

This is Great Britain, is it not? Not called "Great" because of glorification but, historically, to differentiate geographically from "Lesser Britain" - parts of Normandy and Brittany. We may originate from another part of the world, we may follow a religion other than the established Church but, if we hold or are entitled to hold a British Passport, we are British citizens. No matter what our origins we should celebrate the fact, all of us, together.

mani · 14-01-2006, 23:35

i think it shud b on july 7th

just a thought.

cashman · 15-01-2006, 01:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by West Ender

A British Day is a great idea but leave Remembrance Day alone. I vote for 21 October, Trafalgar Day, particularly if it became a Bank Holiday as there is none between the end of August and 25 December.

I would also like to see more made of 23 April, St George's Day. Saints Andrew, Patrick and David always have their flags out and their celebrations. We English should do the same.

that sounds just about right west ender.

shillelagh · 15-01-2006, 02:06

I agree with leaving Remembrance Day/Sunday alone. Every other country has a different day from Remembrance day so why cant we?

mez · 15-01-2006, 12:37

got to agree with you there westender....... great suggestion.

Madhatter · 15-01-2006, 15:02

I agree with that west ender, I think it's sad too, unfortunately it's true though, cross that fine line and you'll have everybody thats the least sensitive about thier origins, even brits down on you like a ton of bricks. I've debated this on other forums and it seems that what triggers people to play the race card on the subject of st georges day, britishness and flags, is when it comes across as saying we're better than others. We are great britain, we've achieved great things and should be able to be proud of that and everything good that we are now.

Madhatter · 15-01-2006, 15:04

I also agree with the day, that would be perfect.

garinda · 15-01-2006, 15:08

I don't see our problem. The United States is the most patriotic country in the world. They are also the most ethnic and culturally diverse country in the world, but that doesn't stop them being proud of their country. We should be able to do the same, without being accused of being racist.

We also have the lowest number of Bank Holidays in Europe, so we definetly due an extra holiday to celebrate our culture and heritage.

Madhatter · 15-01-2006, 15:17

Yes well, thats down to the people who pander to them when they cry racism. Personally I'd tell them to get a life cos most of it isn't intended that way and it's obvious that it isn't.

Madhatter · 15-01-2006, 15:22

I don't get up in a morning, think I know, I'll go down long street and buy some flags and put em up on the block cos it's overlooked by the window of a pakistani family, I put them up cos I'm celebrating something that we should be proud of, and it brightens the place up.
And no they never once complained, they probably took it for what it was.

SPUGGIE J · 15-01-2006, 18:05

It only takes one numpty to stir things up and it falls down like the straw house in the three little pigs.

mani · 15-01-2006, 18:48

alot of these pc ppl who cry or worry thats its racism make these claims pre-emptively - like i said b4 no one complained when i was a kid singin merry christmas at school and no one still does. everyone just likes to worry that someoen will.

*sigh* some politician just needs the balls to say lets do it - forget the pc brigade and choose a nice summer date. *cough* may 23rd *cough*

Madhatter · 15-01-2006, 18:51

non of them will

WillowTheWhisp · 15-01-2006, 23:40

Why should celebrating a Great Britain day be construed as racist? There are all sorts of races creeds and colours of people in this country and surely this should be a celebration which unites us all as having one thing in common - being British. Anything which brings people together has got to be a good idea.

Yes it's about time we claimed the flag back from the BNP and we ought to have the right to fly it without it being illegal/non PC or whatever.

Er, why July 7th?

I do think best to leave Remembrance Day alone and have a separate day but don't know when. It would brighten the winter months up a bit if we had it sometime between Valentine's Day and Easter or between Christmas and Valentine's.

SPUGGIE J · 15-01-2006, 23:45

Is something that is like a cross between Independance Day and Thanks Giving in the USA what you have in mind Willow?