-Caveat Lector- http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/ Why we Britons are going through an identity crisis What does it mean to be British? Is it a matter of identity or of citizenship? These questions lie at the heart of today's most pressing policy debates - over Europe, devolution, multiculturalism and race. The changing nature of Britishness was the main theme of Professor Linda Colley of the London School of Economics in the last of the Millennium Lectures this week. These J.F. Kennedy-style events have been held regularly in Downing Street over the past year by Tony Blair in front of an audience of what used to be called the intelligentsia before we heard of the chattering classes. Professor Colley made her name as the author of Britons, which argued that Britain was largely an 18th-century invention. She said that most of these forces no longer apply: outside Northern Ireland, Protestantism no longer "serves as an effective linch-pin of British identity"; the monarchy is unlikely ever again to be "the kind of charismatic, unifying icon it was in the 1940s and 1950s"; the Empire has gone, and so has the spectre of major war. Nor are we willing to acquiesce in the kind of strong, centralised government from London that emerged this century in response to the demands of war. Customary notions of Britishness have been challenged by increasing involvement with the European Union, by large numbers of non-white immigrants, and by the impact of the radical Thatcher and Blair administrations. The latter have helped to fracture notions of national class politics, as opposed to those of place, ethnicity or religion. Professor Colley rejected as unlikely a break-up of Britain via a resurgent English nationalism (because of common interests), full integration within a united Europe (since a superstate is unlikely), or carrying on much as before. Britishness might not signify much a century from now, but politicians should not be mesmerised by debates about identity and should concentrate instead on renovating British citizenship. This is similar to a distinction between identity and values which Gordon Brown highlighted last week in urging a joint approach to social problems. The Colley soundbite was the "Citizen Nation" - combining a Charter of Rights, a more open and less hidebound public culture (with a less pompous style of monarchy and no titles), a broader diffusion of power (including more individual involvement) and a greater emphasis on equal opportunities for minorities and women. This all sounds thoroughly new Labour, though Professor Colley gave warning against facilely being "against the past" and lacking a global perspective. Much of her argument is about what has been happening for two or three decades, as well as the past two or three years. This amounts to a shift from subjects to citizens, and a very different relationship between individual and State. Yet we are still a long way from creating a "Citizen Nation" in practice: just read yesterday's report from the Ombudsman on the obstacles that departments still instinctively put in the way of people seeking information. Whether or not we still feel British, the death of the familiar, secretive paternalist State is likely to take a long time ============================================== alternaively its a slow process, but certain to be integrated into the NWO DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
