Tough love for Britain
Dave quotes this, and more, from George Monbiot…
I don’t hate Britain, and I am not ashamed of my nationality, but I have no idea why I should love this country more than any other. There are some things I like about it and some things I don’t, and the same goes for everywhere else I’ve visited. To become a patriot is to lie to yourself, to tell yourself that whatever good you might perceive abroad, your own country is, on balance, better than the others.
…and then says himself…
I’ve never understood patriotism. I love the UK, but I can’t see what anyone gains from an unquestioning belief that your country is the best at everything.
Actually, thinking about it, I feel like a Londoner and I feel like a European. I don’t particularly feel British.
I don’t disagree with Dave; and George Monbiot, in his much lengthier piece, makes a compelling case against patriotism.
But, come on, folks, there’s a world of different positions between having no particular feelings towards a country and being patriotic. And that’s the thing that really needs exploring here.
It’s likely my feelings towards Britain might classify me as “loving my country”. But it’s not a love in which the beholder can see the loved one doing no wrong. It’s a love which involves honesty and straight-talking. It involves what we might call tough love. If you scream and shout and don’t eat your greens, then you you’ll be sent to your room. And if Britain thinks it’s going out dressed like that, then it’d better think again.
I wouldn’t say that about any other country. It’s only for its own good. And it’s only because I care.
