Poll: Proud to be British

[emeraldrafael]

I small percentage. and not really, i wasnt born there. I run on the american basis of provable 2%-ism (mainly its you have ot be 2% to be considered seriously of that race/ethnicity.

I'm (rounded numbers):
6% Native American.
24% Italian
15% German
36% Polish/Pollack (i'm told there's a difference, but i dont see it)
14% Irish
4% mixed (pick a country in europe, chances are I'm part of it geneologically)
and
1% British

Its a waste of ink to even say i'm british.

So in other words you're (rounded numbers):

6% Native American
90-94% European (Depending on what 'mixed' means (mixed sweets maybe?))

And that makes you a Native American. Wow.

It makes me Native American cause i was BORN IN AMERICA. I'm Cherokee before anyhting else, American second, then American-Italian decent...

6% > 24% > 36%
The American education system, everyone. Give it a hand.

You were born in America, not Native America. You're American. You're welcome to acknowledge the small percentage on your heritage that is Native, but that isn't what defines you ethnically.

it is when its what i take my largest influences from. Really I'm more Native American in my Customs and more Polish in my eating habits, so I'd say I was Cherokee-Polish if someone pushed my to say whats shaped me ethnically as a person. and 6% > 1%. I didnt say I disliked the rest of Europe. only Britain has left a bad taste in my mouth with how i was treated there.

 

[JackandTom]

Sure, us Brits can't carry around guns but doesn't that make it safer? One thing i wish us Brits didn't have is Chavs. And David Cameron.

 

[JoshGod]

Why should i be proud of being British? I didn't earn my nationality, i was British by chance.

 

[Azure-Supernova]

Of course I'm proud to be British.

We've got a decent government who won't take shit; a nice little history and hell, when royals get married we get lucky and score a day off work.

I'm in the lower end of the middle class, barely being able to pay the bills every month and I get paid a shit wage. But hell, at the end of the month I look into my bank after paying all my bills and go "Well, at least I don't live in a third world country!" and I realise how fucking good I have it!

Also, I never knew there were this many Conservative haters out there. And seriously, Maggie Bashing? Well that's just low, when John Major left office we had a booming economy... and then along came Labour...

 

[emeraldrafael]

Snip

No. I didnt get the... um... opportunity(? I've heard from some who grew up on Resevoir [yes, I know i misspelled that, some words give me more trouble then others] that its a good thing, from others its a bad thing) to grow up in a nation, but when i grew up, my mom (had the Cherokee in her) taught me all the customs more then "american" customs and the ancestry and beliefs more then anything. So its had more of an influence on my then anything else (besides my Polish/pollack) so thats why i consider myself that.

 

[Danzaivar]

I was never asked directely. here's more or less how people found out:
British Person: Hey, nice tan (this was around september). That natural?
me: yeah.
B: So you from around here (also dont have the British speech, since it wouldnt be an accent to you)?
M: no.
B: where you from?
M: I'm American. Native American.
B: oh. So... How's it feel to know my great grandfather made your people civiliz.. blah blah blah.

So yes, British people did ask me, cause i tan better then most people (Combination of Spanish and Cherokee blood. I can get dark).

If you was tanned they probably expected something like California or Florida or Texas etc. Instead you said you was a Native American, implying you'd want to talk about being a native american, and the only thing most Brits would know about native Americans is that they got wiped the hell out quite early on.

I can't tell if that last bit is because the conversation was really strenuous and that's all they had to go on with (likely assuming your one word answers were accurate), or if they was trying to be funny and you just didn't get it. Can see why you could think there was any malice behind that though, a bit.

Well, I'm not sure how I should take it when someone says something like what you just said, where you only know my people ebcause tehy were almost wiped off the face of the earth, or when they say things like how without country's interventions i would still be a mindless savage running around the woods with sticks. Or how my people where demons and monsters because we tried to protect our lands. So excuse me when the humour falls on thin patience. I'm pretty sure any jew would react the same if i walked up and siad, "my, its a shame hitler didnt wipe you off the face of the earth. But hey, least now you got something to write about and make money"*

besides, I find it rather rude of someone to just ask me blantently where i'm from without me talking to them first just cause i look/talk different. I dont do that to others, I'd rather like if people did not do it to me. I'm much more open and friendly when someone wants to be civilized and say, "hey, how are you," or, "whats up?"

*NOT, I repeat NOT!!! how i actually feel about that instance in history or the jewish people in general. I find them to be rather good people.

Did Native Americans even run around woods with sticks? I thought they lived on plains (Or them old films lied!). Never heard of the demons/monsters thing (That has an element of religion to it, sounds American more than British).

And if I asked someone "So, where are you from?" and they said "I'm a Jew" I don't even know what I'd do, probably just think they're not listening to what I asked and try end the conversation quickly. (So I guess mocking them over the holocaust would probably resolve the conversation pretty sharpish...)

GOOD JOB INVOKING GODWINS LAW THERE BY THE WAY

Frankly I don't even know what to take from this now. You make some good points but it sounds like you're pulling a lot of this out of your arse, it's hard to survive as an intolerant brit like the ones you make out in todays society.

 

[Zykon TheLich]

look how the French did it. Sure I dont know if it would have continued, but at least they had healthy respect for the Natives of the land.

There's a lot of North Africans and SE Asians that would disagree with you there.

 

[RewardMe]

I was never asked directely. here's more or less how people found out:
British Person: Hey, nice tan (this was around september). That natural?
me: yeah.
B: So you from around here (also dont have the British speech, since it wouldnt be an accent to you)?
M: no.
B: where you from?
M: I'm American. Native American.
B: oh. So... How's it feel to know my great grandfather made your people civiliz.. blah blah blah.

So yes, British people did ask me, cause i tan better then most people (Combination of Spanish and Cherokee blood. I can get dark).

If you was tanned they probably expected something like California or Florida or Texas etc. Instead you said you was a Native American, implying you'd want to talk about being a native american, and the only thing most Brits would know about native Americans is that they got wiped the hell out quite early on.

I can't tell if that last bit is because the conversation was really strenuous and that's all they had to go on with (likely assuming your one word answers were accurate), or if they was trying to be funny and you just didn't get it. Can see why you could think there was any malice behind that though, a bit.

Well, I'm not sure how I should take it when someone says something like what you just said, where you only know my people ebcause tehy were almost wiped off the face of the earth, or when they say things like how without country's interventions i would still be a mindless savage running around the woods with sticks. Or how my people where demons and monsters because we tried to protect our lands. So excuse me when the humour falls on thin patience. I'm pretty sure any jew would react the same if i walked up and siad, "my, its a shame hitler didnt wipe you off the face of the earth. But hey, least now you got something to write about and make money"*

besides, I find it rather rude of someone to just ask me blantently where i'm from without me talking to them first just cause i look/talk different. I dont do that to others, I'd rather like if people did not do it to me. I'm much more open and friendly when someone wants to be civilized and say, "hey, how are you," or, "whats up?"

*NOT, I repeat NOT!!! how i actually feel about that instance in history or the jewish people in general. I find them to be rather good people.

You would not be a mindless savage if we did not colonise, but you would not of been born. Thanks to that british guy who married your grandmotherx5 you are here today.

 

[Assassin Xaero]

I said no, because I'm not British. I'm American, but not really proud of that...

 

[flamingjimmy]

I am not proud to be British because I have nothing to be proud of.

Yeah we have a history with some good and some bad, but none of that was anything to do with me, I've only been on this planet for 23 years, so I'm neither proud nor ashamed of being British. It is just a label signalling where my home is.

 

[dombot]

besides, I find it rather rude of someone to just ask me blantently where i'm from without me talking to them first just cause i look/talk different.

im sure if you explained that you found it rude people would have been sorry for taking an interest. accents can be a major source of conversation in britain as out accents are so varied. maybe people just didn't have anything else to talk to you about, it just seems as if you approached the trip to blighty with an attitude of i am going to hate this place

the jewish people in general. I find them to be rather good people.

generalisation much?

 

[Xpwn3ntial]

I said no, because I'm not British. I'm American, but not really proud of that...

Be proud of your country always and proud of your government when it deserves it.

OT: I am not British, but I am proud of my country.

 

[emeraldrafael]

I'm not saying colonialism is wrong, but look how the French did it. Sure I dont know if it would have continued, but at least they had healthy respect for the Natives of the land.

There's a lot of North Africans and SE Asians that would disagree with you there.

well, they were nicer to my tribe. you oculd probably say I have almost instinctual hate, cause my mom talks higher about French people then British, but someone being British never bothered me when i'm in the states. It wasnt till I went to Britian that they started to bother me, but again i said why.

I was never asked directely. here's more or less how people found out:
British Person: Hey, nice tan (this was around september). That natural?
me: yeah.
B: So you from around here (also dont have the British speech, since it wouldnt be an accent to you)?
M: no.
B: where you from?
M: I'm American. Native American.
B: oh. So... How's it feel to know my great grandfather made your people civiliz.. blah blah blah.

So yes, British people did ask me, cause i tan better then most people (Combination of Spanish and Cherokee blood. I can get dark).

If you was tanned they probably expected something like California or Florida or Texas etc. Instead you said you was a Native American, implying you'd want to talk about being a native american, and the only thing most Brits would know about native Americans is that they got wiped the hell out quite early on.

I can't tell if that last bit is because the conversation was really strenuous and that's all they had to go on with (likely assuming your one word answers were accurate), or if they was trying to be funny and you just didn't get it. Can see why you could think there was any malice behind that though, a bit.

Well, I'm not sure how I should take it when someone says something like what you just said, where you only know my people ebcause tehy were almost wiped off the face of the earth, or when they say things like how without country's interventions i would still be a mindless savage running around the woods with sticks. Or how my people where demons and monsters because we tried to protect our lands. So excuse me when the humour falls on thin patience. I'm pretty sure any jew would react the same if i walked up and siad, "my, its a shame hitler didnt wipe you off the face of the earth. But hey, least now you got something to write about and make money"*

besides, I find it rather rude of someone to just ask me blantently where i'm from without me talking to them first just cause i look/talk different. I dont do that to others, I'd rather like if people did not do it to me. I'm much more open and friendly when someone wants to be civilized and say, "hey, how are you," or, "whats up?"

*NOT, I repeat NOT!!! how i actually feel about that instance in history or the jewish people in general. I find them to be rather good people.

Did Native Americans even run around woods with sticks? I thought they lived on plains (Or them old films lied!). Never heard of the demons/monsters thing (That has an element of religion to it, sounds American more than British).

And if I asked someone "So, where are you from?" and they said "I'm a Jew" I don't even know what I'd do, probably just think they're not listening to what I asked and try end the conversation quickly. (So I guess mocking them over the holocaust would probably resolve the conversation pretty sharpish...)

GOOD JOB INVOKING GODWINS LAW THERE BY THE WAY

Frankly I don't even know what to take from this now. You make some good points but it sounds like you're pulling a lot of this out of your arse, it's hard to survive as an intolerant brit like the ones you make out in todays society.

Well, again, maybe they were joking like you said, but its a bit of a sensitive issue for me. and you dont know much about Native Americans. Native people lived EVERYWHERE in teh continent. Look up a tribe called the Hopi, they live int eh Southwestern United States region. you're probably thinking of the Sioux (Of custad's last stand infamy). So yes, we ran around many woods using bows and arrows to kill our food (deer mostly).

ANd the jew example isnt meant to be taken literally, but thats what its essentially like. I tried to end the coversation with one word answers and it didnt work.

 

[electric discordian]

our impact on the world and living standards/human rights.

Yeah.... As an american, I cant say yes, so my answer would have to be no, but i wouldnt go flaunting that around. Britain isnt exactly know for its peaceful and respectfulness in its treatment of the native people.

To be fair, Britain was the birthplace of modern economics, and the Liberalism that now retrospectively derides those actions. It could be said that we at least learned from our mistakes.

And anyway, why the hell are there any US peeps on dis' ere fread? So far the two that have posted have just popped in to remind us how awesome the USA is and how bad the UK is. Thanks a bunch, guys. You made my dog cry. :[

Don't listen to those Scottish peeps. They just hate all us Southerners for no good reason. =P

I didnt say America is better. I just siad I'm American, so I cant say yes. And true, but still, you shouldnt make that statement without atleast acknowledging the things you've done (India, Native Americans, the Irish). I'll glad tell you all of the atrocities America has committed against people as well, but just recognize the faults. The effects are still clearly visible. And dont talk like that, not all Americans are slacked jawwed.

Besides, to an extent the OP here could be saying that Britain is the best country since he made this pretty much for British people to say how patriotic they feel.

We first wrote the Declaration of Independence, didn't use it.
We invented Cricket.(I will duck the great steaming piles of evidence the Scots hurl my way to disprove this!)
One of the most industrialised countries in the Western World
Inventor of the windup radio
One of the first places in Europe to Ban Child Labour
And Slavery

To say we did anything to the Irish is a wee bit simplistic, before Cromwell stuck his boot in there were Religious wars and tribal hatred. Britain in fact stupidly attempted a police action to prevent further blood shed. After all why the hell would we want a country whose sole exports are spuds, alcohol and Novelists!

My only concern at the moment is the fact that Democracy seems to have been abandoned. It will be Bastille storming time soon guys! If that wasn't in France, Strangeway's storming time! (The biggest Prison near me!)

 

[Canid117]

I am Scottish. Not British.

And no, I am not.

HAHAHAHAHA!

I love Scottish people.

 

[Harrowdown]

I am not proud to be British because I have nothing to be proud of.

Yeah we have a history with some good and some bad, but none of that was anything to do with me, I've only been on this planet for 23 years, so I'm neither proud nor ashamed of being British. It is just a label signalling where my home is.

/thread.

 

[YouCallMeNighthawk]

I'm very proud to be British, more so English :3

Sure we could do with some more hot weather, but be patient and global warming will kick in XD (I say whilst watching 11th hour .... IRONYYYYY!)

 

[Danzaivar]

Well, again, maybe they were joking like you said, but its a bit of a sensitive issue for me. and you dont know much about Native Americans. Native people lived EVERYWHERE in teh continent. Look up a tribe called the Hopi, they live int eh Southwestern United States region. you're probably thinking of the Sioux (Of custad's last stand infamy). So yes, we ran around many woods using bows and arrows to kill our food (deer mostly).

If it's a sensitive issue then why the hell bring it up in conversation? Why would we even learn about native americans anyway? That's American History, and there's more than enough of our own history to teach in school.

I mean to be fair, the evil british who killed Native Americans and conquered America didn't all sail back to the UK when they was done. They settled down and became Americans (Which would be why they wanted the land in the first place). We could have common Ancestors centuries ago but most of their offspring will be Americans such as yourself. It's a shame and all but they aren't our people, they're your people.

 

[Zykon TheLich]

I'm not saying colonialism is wrong, but look how the French did it. Sure I dont know if it would have continued, but at least they had healthy respect for the Natives of the land.

There's a lot of North Africans and SE Asians that would disagree with you there.

well, they were nicer to my tribe. you oculd probably say I have almost instinctual hate, cause my mom talks higher about French people then British, but someone being British never bothered me when i'm in the states. It wasnt till I went to Britian that they started to bother me, but again i said why.

Well, it seems to me you have had the UK equivalent of an English person walking into a sterotypical redneck bar, although seeing as they didn't beat you into a pulp I'd be inclined to agree with Danzaivar and say they may well have been joking around with you. English culture, particularly English working class/pub culture can be quite jarring if you're new to it, especially if you're expecting the sort of polite middle class English you see in movies and on TV, hell a lot of English people find it rather intimidating. People will jab at you verbally because that sort of "go on, insult me, I don't give a fuck" attitude is the norm.