The English

1. The English identity: A collective imagination rather than reality

"The English have become exiles from their own country. Their relationship with this arcadia is that of some emotional remittance-man."

Imagined England. The England that exists in the collective English mind is often at odds with the reality of modern England. This idealized version typically involves rural landscapes, village life, and traditions that are no longer representative of most English people's daily experiences.

Nostalgia and reality. This disconnect between the imagined and real England creates a sense of loss and nostalgia among many English people. They yearn for a past that may never have truly existed, while struggling to reconcile this vision with the multicultural, urbanized reality of contemporary England.

• Elements of the imagined England:
  • Rural landscapes and village life
  • Traditional customs and manners
  • A sense of continuity with the past
• Realities of modern England:
  • Urbanization and suburbanization
  • Cultural diversity and multiculturalism
  • Rapid social and technological change

2. The island mentality: Shaping English character and global influence

"Being English used to be so easy. They were one of the most easily identified peoples on earth, recognized by their language, their manners, their clothes and the fact that they drank tea by the bucketload."

Geographical influence. England's island status has profoundly shaped its national character, fostering a sense of separateness and uniqueness. This geographical isolation has contributed to the development of distinct English traits, including a certain insularity and skepticism towards continental Europe.

Global impact. Paradoxically, this island mentality also fueled England's global ambitions, as the sea became a highway to empire rather than a barrier. The English navy's dominance allowed for the spread of English influence, language, and culture around the world.

• Characteristics influenced by island mentality:
  • Sense of exceptionalism
  • Pragmatism and empiricism
  • Emphasis on individual liberty
• Global consequences:
  • Development of a vast maritime empire
  • Spread of the English language
  • Export of English political and legal systems

3. The paradox of English imperialism: Conquest and cultural assimilation

"The Empire was created by initiative, greed, courage, mass production, powerful armed forces, political scheming and self-confidence."

Imperial contradictions. The English Empire was built on a complex mix of motivations, from economic exploitation to a sense of moral duty. This paradoxical nature of English imperialism led to both the spread of English culture and institutions globally and the absorption of diverse influences back into English society.

Legacy and identity. The collapse of the empire has left a lasting impact on English identity, forcing a reevaluation of what it means to be English in a post-imperial world. This process has been complicated by the influx of immigrants from former colonies, challenging traditional notions of Englishness.

• Motivations for empire:
  • Economic expansion and resource exploitation
  • Strategic and military considerations
  • Missionary zeal and "civilizing mission"
• Post-imperial challenges:
  • Loss of global influence and prestige
  • Integration of diverse cultures within England
  • Redefining national identity and purpose

4. The evolution of the "ideal" Englishman and Englishwoman

"The Breed was bred for empire and action and not for post-war England."

The model Englishman. The concept of the ideal Englishman, often referred to as "the Breed," was shaped by the needs of empire and the public school system. This model emphasized qualities such as stoicism, duty, and emotional restraint, which were seen as essential for governing a vast empire.

Changing ideals. As the empire declined and social norms evolved, the ideal of the English gentleman and lady became increasingly outdated. The post-war period saw a gradual erosion of these traditional models, with new cultural icons and values emerging to reflect a changing society.

• Characteristics of "the Breed":
  • Emotional restraint and stoicism
  • Sense of duty and public service
  • Adherence to social codes and manners
• Factors contributing to changing ideals:
  • Decline of empire and loss of imperial purpose
  • Social and cultural upheavals of the 20th century
  • Increasing gender equality and changing gender roles

5. The English obsession with class and its impact on society

"The English resort to an entirely unjustified pretence at superiority at the drop of a hat, yet produce the vilest football hooligans in Europe."

Class consciousness. The English have long been preoccupied with social class, with elaborate systems of etiquette, speech, and behavior serving as markers of status. This obsession has shaped everything from education and career opportunities to social interactions and cultural preferences.

Persistent inequalities. Despite significant social changes in the 20th century, class distinctions continue to play a role in English society. The persistence of these distinctions contributes to ongoing social tensions and debates about inequality and social mobility.

• Traditional markers of class:
  • Accent and vocabulary
  • Education (particularly public schools and Oxbridge)
  • Occupation and family background
• Modern manifestations of class divisions:
  • Educational opportunities and outcomes
  • Regional economic disparities
  • Cultural and lifestyle differences

6. The unique relationship between the English and their language

"The English seem not merely to have adjusted to the fact that they no longer control their language, but positively to exult in its growth."

Linguistic evolution. The English language has undergone constant evolution, absorbing influences from various cultures and adapting to new contexts. This flexibility has contributed to its global spread and dominance as a lingua franca.

Pride in diversity. Unlike some other cultures, the English have generally embraced the evolving nature of their language, taking pride in its ability to incorporate new words and expressions. This attitude reflects a broader English tendency towards pragmatism and adaptability.

• Factors contributing to English language evolution:
  • Historical influences (e.g., Norman Conquest, Empire)
  • Technological and cultural changes
  • Global spread and localization
• Attitudes towards language change:
  • Openness to new words and expressions
  • Resistance to prescriptive grammar rules
  • Celebration of regional dialects and accents

7. The transformation of English society: From empire to multiculturalism

"By the late 1990s, the British Council was predicting that at the turn of the millennium 1 billion (thousand million) people would be learning English."

Post-imperial shift. The collapse of the British Empire and subsequent waves of immigration have dramatically transformed English society. This shift has challenged traditional notions of Englishness and led to the development of a more diverse, multicultural society.

Cultural adaptation. The English have had to adapt to these changes, often with mixed results. While there have been tensions and challenges, many aspects of immigrant cultures have been embraced and incorporated into contemporary English life, from food and music to religious practices and social customs.

• Factors driving social transformation:
  • Post-war immigration from former colonies
  • Globalization and increased mobility
  • Changing economic and social structures
• Areas of cultural integration:
  • Cuisine (e.g., curry as a national dish)
  • Music and popular culture
  • Religious and cultural festivals

8. The persistence of English individualism and eccentricity

"The English are simultaneously rediscovering the past that was buried when 'Britain' was created, and inventing a new future."

Valuing uniqueness. The English have long prized individualism and eccentricity, often celebrating those who march to the beat of their own drum. This cultural trait has fostered creativity and innovation in various fields, from science and technology to art and literature.

Adapting traditions. As English society has changed, this tendency towards individualism has helped in adapting and reinventing traditions. Rather than rigidly adhering to the past, many English people have found ways to blend traditional elements with new influences, creating unique cultural hybrids.

• Examples of celebrated English eccentrics:
  • Scientists and inventors (e.g., Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin)
  • Artists and writers (e.g., William Blake, Virginia Woolf)
  • Public figures (e.g., Boris Johnson, Vivienne Westwood)
• Areas of cultural reinvention:
  • Fashion and style
  • Music and subcultures
  • Local customs and festivals

9. The English approach to food, drink, and social behavior

"The English have a miraculous power of turning wine into water."

Culinary evolution. Historically, English cuisine has been derided for its blandness and lack of sophistication. However, recent decades have seen a significant transformation, with increased interest in both traditional English dishes and international cuisines.

Social lubrication. Alcohol has long played a central role in English social life, often serving as a means of lowering inhibitions and facilitating social interactions. This relationship with drink has contributed to both positive aspects of English conviviality and problematic behaviors such as binge drinking and hooliganism.

• Traditional English food and drink:
  • Roast dinners and fish and chips
  • Tea and beer
  • Regional specialties (e.g., Cornish pasties, Yorkshire pudding)
• Modern culinary trends:
  • Fusion cuisines
  • Gastropubs and farm-to-table restaurants
  • Craft beer and gin revival

10. The future of Englishness in a globalized world

"The new nationalism is less likely to be based on flags and anthems. It is modest, individualistic, ironic, solipsistic, concerned as much with cities and regions as with counties and countries."

Redefining identity. As England becomes increasingly integrated into global networks and systems, traditional markers of Englishness are being reevaluated. The challenge for the English is to forge a new identity that acknowledges their history while embracing the realities of a diverse, interconnected world.

Balancing act. The future of Englishness will likely involve a delicate balance between preserving valued traditions and adapting to new circumstances. This may involve a shift towards more localized or individualized forms of identity, as well as a greater emphasis on shared values rather than ethnic or cultural homogeneity.

• Potential elements of future Englishness:
  • Emphasis on individual rights and freedoms
  • Celebration of cultural diversity and fusion
  • Continued evolution of the English language
• Challenges to navigate:
  • Balancing national sovereignty with global integration
  • Addressing regional inequalities and divisions
  • Maintaining social cohesion in a diverse society

Last updated: October 6, 2024