What Makes You Proud to be British?

[MidnightFlyer]

Assuming you are either
a) British; or
b) proud whatsoever.

 

[Kernowfem]

Our armed forces. My brother is in Afghanistan right now. The British public who support them. (Including those who are apposed to the war) Especially those who make their way to Wootten Bassett to pay their respects, many of them elderly.

Oh, and sunday roasts!!

 

[ainsworth74]

• Our armed forces, what they have done in the past, what they are doing now and what they will do in the future.
• The history of this country and what as a nation we have achieved over hundreds of years.
• Our ingenuity and general scientific skills (thinking of things like the work we did in the early days of computers for instance).
• Cider

 

[Ivo]

Very little :roll:

Mind you, I'd choose to form my own country if I could. I wonder if Sealand is still up for sale?

 

[Geezertronic]

There's very little that makes me want to call myself British so I tick the box on the forms I fill in with reluctance.

I am English plain and simple. I work with Scots, Welsh and Irish people and they don't see themselves as British either, in fact they are even more passionate about it than I would ever be.

 

[Greenback]

Nothing. I don't consider myself British either.

 

[90019]

Nothing; I'm Scottish.

 

[Ivo]

You all say that, but I'm not exactly proud to be English either...

Mind you, I'm a better goalkeeper than most English professional goalkeepers, so maybe I could play for England at Brazil 2014 Then I'd be "proud"!

EDIT: You never know; I have joined a team!

 

[Donny Dave]

Regardless of nationality, I'm proud when any sports person does well at their chosen sport, as they are raising the profile of the United Kingdom each and every time they represent their country.

PS. I consider myself to be English as well, not British.

 

[the sniper]

I can't really understand why anybody would be proud to be English, Welsh or Scottish, but not be proud to be British. The United Kingdom of Great Britain as a union has achieved more then any of the countries have done independently.

And just to be controversial, you've got to say, the Scottish and Welsh (I'm half Welsh, btw) haven't exactly done badly out of being part of the Union, and to this day do well financially out of being part of the United Kingdom. I think you could argue (again, maybe controversially) that Ireland would be better off nowadays if it were still in the Union...

Anyway, getting to the OP's question, I suppose I am 'proud' to be British. I find Britain's fascinating history and influence on the world through our imperial past intriguing. Though a lot of bad was done, many countries would be much poorer (not just financially) had they not been ruled/developed and influenced by British ways. I also greatly admire the innovations that Briton's have given to the world, chief amongst them being our beloved railways.

I'm also proud of institutions like the BBC. Though it's fashionable to slag off everything they do, they're a world respected British organisation that deliver a heck of a lot of content for a relatively small sum. I know some people despise the Beeb, I'd sorely miss it if it were to become a commercial broadcaster or disappear altogether.

I'm not sure if I'm straying from the pride subject now, but one of my main reasons for being fond of Britain is the wide variety of landscapes/scenery that can be found here and the variety of architecture that can seen (even here in Birmingham ).

Finally, I think it helps that I'm generally a glass half full kind of guy. I can see past the Daily Mail headlines to see that the vast majority Britain's are decent respectable people like you and me, so I don't get brainwashed into thinking that Britain and British people are all awful. I certainly wouldn't argue that Britain is the greatest country on Earth, far from it, but I think many Britain's sell this country short. If the place was so bad, why would so many tourists and immigrants want to visit/live here?

(PS, I withhold the right to debate against myself tomorrow when when I re-read this post in the cold light of day and realise that my points are incoherent, unfounded or just plain stupid; and that'll teach me not to tackle such heavy subjects in the middle of the night... )

PPS. Being a massive motor sport fan, I suppose I do also feel proud that Britain is so successful in motorsport. After all, just in Formula 1, 10 of the 12 teams are based in Britain and most are almost entirely staffed by British mechanics, designers and engineers.

 

[Ivo]

PPS. Being a massive motor sport fan, I suppose I do also feel proud that Britain is so successful in motorsport. After all, just in Formula 1, 10 of the 12 teams are based in Britain and most are almost entirely staffed by British mechanics, designers and engineers.

I only count 7 or 8. McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, Force India, Lotus, Williams, Virgin, *possibly* Renault (France and Oxfordshire). A fair point though, 'til you realise that most of them are in the South Midlands!

And then there's the slight issue of using non-British engines :roll:

 

[CarterUSM]

I'm British and Scottish, in that order. Proud to be both, I'll second the armed forces comments first and foremost. I also agree that we perhaps haven't got as much to be proud of as we have had in years gone by, but it's quite a subjective thread. We did however have the greatest empire the world has ever seen, and i'd argue the world is largely the way it is today thanks to us, whilst a lot of it is good, there is plenty bad, the partition of india comes to mind instantly. But interestingly, if you look at many of the ex British colonies, very few are dictatorships, I can only think of Myanmar and Zimbabwe, who as far as I am concerned are. I think we left a legacy of decent government in many of the colonies, though that is of course also subjective.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I can't really understand why anybody would be proud to be English, Welsh or Scottish, but not be proud to be British. The United Kingdom of Great Britain as a union has achieved more then any of the countries have done independently.

And just to be controversial, you've got to say, the Scottish and Welsh (I'm half Welsh, btw) haven't exactly done badly out of being part of the Union, and to this day do well financially out of being part of the United Kingdom. I think you could argue (again, maybe controversially) that Ireland would be better off nowadays if it were still in the Union...

Anyway, getting to the OP's question, I suppose I am 'proud' to be British. I find Britain's fascinating history and influence on the world through our imperial past intriguing. Though a lot of bad was done, many countries would be much poorer (not just financially) had they not been ruled/developed and influenced by British ways. I also greatly admire the innovations that Briton's have given to the world, chief amongst them being our beloved railways.

I'm also proud of institutions like the BBC. Though it's fashionable to slag off everything they do, they're a world respected British organisation that deliver a heck of a lot of content for a relatively small sum. I know some people despise the Beeb, I'd sorely miss it if it were to become a commercial broadcaster or disappear altogether.

I'm not sure if I'm straying from the pride subject now, but one of my main reasons for being fond of Britain is the wide variety of landscapes/scenery that can be found here and the variety of architecture that can seen (even here in Birmingham ).

Finally, I think it helps that I'm generally a glass half full kind of guy. I can see past the Daily Mail headlines to see that the vast majority Britain's are decent respectable people like you and me, so I don't get brainwashed into thinking that Britain and British people are all awful. I certainly wouldn't argue that Britain is the greatest country on Earth, far from it, but I think many Britain's sell this country short. If the place was so bad, why would so many tourists and immigrants want to visit/live here?

(PS, I withhold the right to debate against myself tomorrow when when I re-read this post in the cold light of day and realise that my points are incoherent, unfounded or just plain stupid; and that'll teach me not to tackle such heavy subjects in the middle of the night... )

PPS. Being a massive motor sport fan, I suppose I do also feel proud that Britain is so successful in motorsport. After all, just in Formula 1, 10 of the 12 teams are based in Britain and most are almost entirely staffed by British mechanics, designers and engineers.

great post mate.

 

[thefab444]

I'm also proud of institutions like the BBC. Though it's fashionable to slag off everything they do, they're a world respected British organisation that deliver a heck of a lot of content for a relatively small sum. I know some people despise the Beeb, I'd sorely miss it if it were to become a commercial broadcaster or disappear altogether.

Fully agree with this, the BBC is perhaps one of the last great British institutions. There's not much else to be proud of though.

Personally I see myself as English and also a European.

 

[Greenback]

I'm glad that the English have a greater sense of identity now. Let's confine Britishness to the bin! It's an artificial concept created and sustained by the public school colonials!

 

[starrymarkb]

I only count 7 or 8. McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, Force India, Lotus, Williams, Virgin, *possibly* Renault (France and Oxfordshire). A fair point though, 'til you realise that most of them are in the South Midlands!

And then there's the slight issue of using non-British engines :roll:

Not entirely - IIRC Mercedes racing engines are built in the UK.

It amuses me to hear Ron Smeadley (sp) talking to Fillipe Massa in thick Yorkshire

 

[4SRKT]

I can tell you what doesn't make me proud to be British. Going down to my local railway line and seeing a seemingly endless procession of Spanish built EMUs, punctuated by the odd American locomotive hauling trainloads of imported coal.

The whole notion of 'pride' in something that is an accident of birth (like nationality), and therefore nothing any individual can control is completely absurd anyway.

 

[oldrailman]

Our armed forces. My brother is in Afghanistan right now. The British public who support them. (Including those who are apposed to the war) Especially those who make their way to Wootten Bassett to pay their respects, many of them elderly.

Oh, and sunday roasts!!

I'd certainly agree with those sentiments. I am exRAF (22years service) and was down the Falklands and got to know many of the Army lads and lost some very good friends. Attended some of the Armed Forces Day parades last weekend and was very proud to do so.

 

[the sniper]

I only count 7 or 8. McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, Force India, Lotus, Williams, Virgin, *possibly* Renault (France and Oxfordshire). A fair point though, 'til you realise that most of them are in the South Midlands!

Ah yes, on reflection I'd say eight, I forgot about Toro Rosso and Sauber.

And then there's the slight issue of using non-British engines :roll:

Not entirely - IIRC Mercedes racing engines are built in the UK.

Indeed. The most successful and widely sought engines in F1 are of course the Mercedes units, but what they don't like to publicise is that their engines are built in Brixworth, Northamptonshire, and are built by a company that has only been 100% owned by Mercedes since 2005. The company was called Illmor up until 2002 when Mercedes raised their stake in the company from 25% to 55% following the death of one of the companies founders.

Illmor built all of Mercedes' F1 engines since 1993, when Sauber switched from World Sportcars to F1; though in '93 only 'concept by Mercedes' was written on the engine cover.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Proud:

• The Beeb
• Our spectaular countryside
• Our monarchy

Unproud:

• Sportsmen representing 62,000,000 people on the world satge and only mumble/don't bother with our national anthem
• The fact that pizza gets to your door faster than emergency services.

 

[Aictos]

The sad fact that we can and have sold off various industries/companies to other countries managing to destroy our own ability to produce products and having to import stuff from aboard.
If the rolling stock freeze of the 90s never happened and the various railway works kept open then maybe they might have been able to produce trains for the UK rather then having to rely on foreign trains ie the Desiros, 59s, 66s, 67s, Junipers, 390s etc...

A WCML order for 91s and Mk4s might have occured with Pacers never being built and Sprinters in use instead and decent locos like the 60s still being used.

 

[Kneedown]

Well i'm Welsh and British in equal measure. I support England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, even Rep of Ireland, in whatever sport, as long as They're not playing Wales! I'm proud to be a Brit, but also proud of my Celtic background.

I love the vast array of different countryside contained in this small Island, and the wildlife within, the mountains and Glens of Scotland, Snowdonia, the peak district, the lake district, the lochs and loughs of Ireland that i like to fish in as well as the rivers, drains and canals of England, and the sea around the Country. The forests are magical, i could go on and on.
I've travelled quite widely, but could never imagine myself living anywhere else. I'd swap any view in the world for an Autumn stroll through the countryside, with it's golds and russets in the leaves, followed by a pint of English/Welsh real ale, or a Scottish/Welsh/Irish single malt.

 

[Oswyntail]

.....The whole notion of 'pride' in something that is an accident of birth (like nationality), and therefore nothing any individual can control is completely absurd anyway.

Yes - but you as an individual can contribute to the nation, so, to a very small extent, you can control it.
I am proud that the British are still one of the most tolerant nations in the world.

 

[Heinz57]

What makes me proud -

Firstly our armed forces. Particularly the SAS, the best special forces team in the world is British!
The fact that in F1 the best cars on the grid and two of the best drivers on the grid are British!
The country itself - Britain has got some marvalous landscapes, countryside and so on

What makes me not proud -

The England football team. Not because of the embaressing defeat we had in the world cup. But how nealy all of the players behave of feild. Running around making fools of themselvs, showing off, cheating (And not cheating in football I might add)
Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron. Nuff' said

 

[me123]

Nothing; I'm Scottish.

I'm the same. I am not proud to be British. On nationality/ethnicity forms, I'll always skip past "British", tick "other", and write "Scottish" alongside. Yep, I'm that person. Actually, you'll find most Scots consider themselves "Scottish" first and foremost (although there's plenty of people like CarterUSM as well).

Nothing makes me proud to be British. When I think of Britain, all I can think of is the absolute shambles that continues to come out of Westminster on a daily basis. Illegal/dodgy wars. Expenses scandals that no-one could make up. The farce that is the House of Commons. The bigger (and more expensive) farce of the House of Lords. These are just some of the reasons why I'd be embarrassed to call myself "British".

Now, of course there are "British" things that are inspiring to me. I can only echo the comments about the armed forces; agree or disagree with the war, they're still heros. There's also the BBC and NHS; two organisations that are unique to these isles (even though the NHS now varies in each country as a result of devolution). But, on the whole, I do not consider myself British, and certainly would not be proud of such a title.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

What makes me not proud -

The England football team.

So the English Football Team does not make you proud to be British?

You've (probably inadvertently) raised another point for me. Another reason I don't actually consider myself British is that people use the words "British" and "English" interchangeably. That's like using "American" and "Texan" interchangeably.

(I'm not going to have a go at you, but I'm sure this is one of many reasons why many Scots don't feel British).

 

[CarterUSM]

I'm the same. I am not proud to be British. On nationality/ethnicity forms, I'll always skip past "British", tick "other", and write "Scottish" alongside. Yep, I'm that person. Actually, you'll find most Scots consider themselves "Scottish" first and foremost (although there's plenty of people like CarterUSM as well).

Of course, i do love being Scottish also, i just think we've achieved more all together as a union, and a successful union it has been too.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

So the English Football Team does not make you proud to be British?

You've (probably inadvertently) raised another point for me. Another reason I don't actually consider myself British is that people use the words "British" and "English" interchangeably. That's like using "American" and "Texan" interchangeably.

(I'm not going to have a go at you, but I'm sure this is one of many reasons why many Scots don't feel British).

I agree, i can't help thinking that the national anthem for England international football matches should not be God save the Queen anymore, though i much preferred all the Home Nations using it before to be honest. I think Northern Ireland still use it also though, so us and Wales are in the wrong !!!

 

[lm321412]

I am proud to be English and that is for the following:::

Proud:

Plenty of decent(ish) Countryside
Sunday Roasts
Typical British Moaning

Not Proud:

Political Correctness Gone Mad (Banning barr barr black sheep springs to mind!)
The joke that is Britain's Railways
The England National Football Team - utter disgrace

 

[90019]

Political Correctness Gone Mad (Banning barr barr black sheep springs to mind!)

Which is something that didn't actually happen.

 

[LE Greys]

Well:
Our position as 'Workshop to the World', a great powerhouse of industry. 'Made in England is a byword for reliability and workmanship, and 'Clyde-build' is the hallmark of a sound ship.
Hang on a minute, is it all gone! :roll:

Our position as a bastion of democracy, with one of the oldest parliaments in the world, a shining example of how to run a country.
Here, what's that about expenses? hock:

Our noble Royal Family, who rule the country (and about a tenth of the world) with dignity and wisdom.
Just a sec, Prince Charles! :roll:

The Royal Navy, the force that holds Pax Britannica, keeping the shipping lanes open and the world stable. The Army, solid and reliable, ready to face down anyone who dares to challenge us. The Royal Air Force, first and finest, defending our skies and, if necessary, ready to devastate the industry of any country who turns against us.
Here, what have they scrapped now?

Concorde, the world's finest and fastest airliner (half-French, but that's not her fault).
What? They've grounded her! hock:

Finally, our railways. We invented them, and we still hold many records for speed and frequency of service, and for ton miles of freight per track mile. We have the finest system in the world, serving every village with passenger and goods.
Who the heck is Doctor Beeching?

This country was gutted and filleted in the last hundred years. Hardly a shadow of her former self. We are turning into a province of the European Union, retiring into obscurity to wither away to a forgotten power. In 1898, Great Britain was the most powerful country the world has ever seen. Now . . .
:cry: :cry: :cry:

 

[delt1c]

Scotish Born and Bred. And proud of it. scots are proud to be Scotish 364 days a year not just on special ocasions

 

[mumrar]

Scotish Born and Bred. And proud of it. scots are proud to be Scotish 364 days a year not just on special ocasions

I take it that means you're happy to be British on Xmas Day or something. I'm proud that the education I got in England taught me how many days are in a year!