The myth of British identity and dwelling on white men's guilt for slavery

In response to a Guardian article, "The linking of Britishness with religious identity", by the Rev. Ian Bradley

Link to article and thread at The Guardian.

[Lachlan], The problem with using British scientists and philosophers, or generally anything from British history that goes back more than 50 years, as a basis for "British identity" is that it is all (> 95%) so "hideously white", as Greg Dyke would say, and understandably alienating (if not offensive) to most of our ethnic minorities.

I couldn't agree more, however, with what you say about Christianity: it's theology is a load of nonsense, which we need to put firmly behind us, instead of being so tactful about it for fear of offending someone. Still, at least you can be honest to Christians, and risk offending them, without the worry of getting your throat cut.

However, Christianity has played an immeasurably important role in the history and culture of European (Western) civilization, and I have to acknowledge and respect the fact that my own ancestors believed in it.

I believe we are wasting our time looking for a new sense of British identity, since it was always a MYTH (or rather, a LIE) anyway, created and forcefully maintained to legitimize and serve the power structures of this nation state and the self-interests of those who benefit most from them.

The problem is that we ALL depend on these power structures, despite them favouring some far more than others.

Even more importantly, they constitute a socio-economic order that is inherently unsustainable, on our finite and vulnerable planet, because deeply rooted in and dependent on our dumb-animal nature and behaviour.

2nd Post

[gadgie], Rather than just commemorating the end of the slave trade (and dwelling on white men's guilt), I suggest we CELEBRATE it, and all those who helped bring it about (notwithstanding their different motives, which ARE well worth dwelling on, but not when we are celebrating).

The reason some people want us all to dwell on white men's guilt, it is important to understand, is in order to exploit an advantage over him (from the "moral high ground").

I can understand and forgive black people (whose ancestors suffered slavery and live now in a society very much dominated by white men) for doing it, but I despise my fellow white men (and women) who would disown THEIR ancestors for the cheap advantage it gives them in the present political (PC) climate.

To: Comment at the Guardian Re: The myth of British identity, and dwelling on white men's guilt for slavery Date: Friday 13 January 07

In response to a Guardian article, "The linking of Britishness with religious identity", by the Rev. Ian Bradley Link to article and thread at The Guardian. [Lachlan], The problem with using British scientists and philosophers, or generally anything from British history that goes back more than 50 years, as a basis for "British identity" is that it is all (> 95%) so "hideously white", as Greg Dyke would say, and understandably alienating (if not offensive) to most of our ethnic minorities. I couldn't agree more, however, with what you say about Christianity: it's theology is a load of nonsense, which we need to put firmly behind us, instead of being so tactful about it for fear of offending someone. Still, at least you can be honest to Christians, and risk offending them, without the worry of getting your throat cut. However, Christianity has played an immeasurably important role in the history and culture of European (Western) civilization, and I have to acknowledge and respect the fact that my own ancestors believed in it. I believe we are wasting our time looking for a new sense of British identity, since it was always a MYTH (or rather, a LIE) anyway, created and forcefully maintained to legitimize and serve the power structures of this nation state and the self-interests of those who benefit most from them. The problem is that we ALL depend on these power structures, despite them favouring some far more than others. Even more importantly, they constitute a socio-economic order that is inherently unsustainable, on our finite and vulnerable planet, because deeply rooted in and dependent on our dumb-animal nature and behaviour. 2nd Post [gadgie], Rather than just commemorating the end of the slave trade (and dwelling on white men's guilt), I suggest we CELEBRATE it, and all those who helped bring it about (notwithstanding their different motives, which ARE well worth dwelling on, but not when we are celebrating). The reason some people want us all to dwell on white men's guilt, it is important to understand, is in order to exploit an advantage over him (from the "moral high ground"). I can understand and forgive black people (whose ancestors suffered slavery and live now in a society very much dominated by white men) for doing it, but I despise my fellow white men (and women) who would disown THEIR ancestors for the cheap advantage it gives them in the present political (PC) climate. My homepage: http://www.spaceship-earth.org
[gadgie's] Post: God! they're using God now to get Gordon Brown into the pm's job. Britishness is finished get it! It finished in Wales and Scotland and now it's finished in England. ps can you tell me what Scotland will be doing to commemerate the end of the slave trade or were'nt they involved in it?