Patriotism, Hipocracy, and Britain

[Jude]

I most likely only see this because of the fact that this is virtually non-existant in America, but even on this forum, I tend to see alot of patriotism voiced by the British members. I don't mean for Britain itself, but for Counties, or provinces or whatever...

Is this not patriotism, or at least in the same category? And is patriotism not a punishable offence? :unsure:

[Taevus]

If you're referring to Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland...they aren't really mere provinces, they used to be countries in their own right and have(/had) their own languages and culture. Bit shady on my history, but I think it's something to do with a King inheriting both thrones of Scotland and England, then some kind of Union treaty later on, hence the name 'United Kingdom'. There are also governments in these former states, but I'm not really sure on the details, being a snobby southerner. Just a bit of background there.

Yes it is patriotism, maybe alike to the feeling of Baltic state-citizens under the Soviet Union (although naturally the circumstances are a lot different). I don't think that's a punishable offence under law though? o_O
I can understand the basic reasoning behind it, people feeling like the government doesn't listen to them and isn't in touch with their region/country, etc.

[Jude]

no... as I have previously stated, I am referring to Yorkshire, Lancashire, Essex... that sort of thing, and I don't need a history lesson on the fact that Scotland, Wales, and Ireland used to be fucking countries, SO... does anyone, preferrably someone who knows what they're talking about, have an answer for me?

[sexyguy]

. no... as I have previously stated, I am referring to Yorkshire, Lancashire, Essex... that sort of thing, and I don't need a history lesson on the fact that Scotland, Wales, and Ireland used to be fucking countries, SO... does anyone, preferrably someone who knows what they're talking about, have an answer for me?

Taevus was only trying to help. He took the time to reply to you and it was you who mentioned “provinces” !
I think I know the kind of information you are looking for and you will have to get it from someone else. Ignorant twat.
.

[Janus]

It would be helpful if examples were provided.

[sexyguy]

OK.

The short answer is that it mostly low level regional county or city based chauvinism of the sort you might find between rival but friendly football supporters and that most people are happy to be on the receiving end of . It’s not been ‘done-over’ by political correctness. E.g. Allegedly Londoners are wise-arses, People in Yorkshire mean, Essex girls are air brained, in Liverpool they are witty and criminal, bit thick (stupid) in rural areas (as usual) etc, etc.
Some of this has long historical roots -wars of the roses between the royal houses of York and Lancaster. So, “The only good thing to come out of Lancashire is the road to Yorkshire” boom boom!

The working class in Britain (as a class) are not generally weakened by this sort of thing these days and while we never say ‘never’ it is highly unlikely to become a source of division of (the class) This, by the way, I would say is also true of ’nationalist rivalries’ in the British isles. The working class in England and the ‘provinces’ have to much in common. The revolution won’t come to a grinding halt either, because someone called somone else an ‘ignorant Yankee twat‘! ;)

NOTE
[edit] Usage
Although it can also refer to the female genitalia, the word is used as a more general term in various ways:

A fool, synonymous with the word twit - 'You are a real twat and a half'
One who behaves in a childish, extroverted manner to the annoyance of others - 'He can be an annoying twat sometimes'
To hit something (or someone) really hard or violently - 'I twatted him one'
To become drunk or otherwise intoxicated - 'Let's get twatted'
Also used in reference to annoyances - 'I hate going to work, it's a twat'

[kingbee]

Doesn't some type of allegience to where you're from happen in every country? In University here in Britain, I've never met anyone who has not been proud of where they're from in some type of way: either by thinking that London is the centre of the universe or by pointing out their Northerness in one way or another.

I'm Welsh myself, and am proudly so. But it is for other reasons will will diverge from what we are talking about here...

[Hit The North]

To be proud of your place of origin is completely irrational and ever so slightly reactionary.