Sunday 17 January 2010

Sunday Mornings: Coffee, Reflections and Music

Nation, passion, protection, belief, love, bravery. These are all random words that get lumped together whenever one attempts to explain the sentiments towards either one's country of birth or adopted land. And if at any moment self-doubt seeps in, you could follow some people's advice, reach for the bottle labelled ‘Patriotism’ and read the instructions carefully before gulping down two tablets: ‘For the relief of symptoms of rational criticism (especially against some of the government’s debatable policies), hesitation to sacrifice oneself in the pursuit of unjust and unjustified invasions and alleged feelings of ingratitude. Do not exceed the stated dose, but if you do, don’t worry, you will not die, in fact, your side effects will probably be very welcomed. Important note: Keep within reach and sight of children'.

In 2005 when I obtained my British citizenship, I had a ‘before’ and ‘after’ moment. Until then I was safe in the knowledge that I had adapted fairly well to life in the UK. This was helped mainly by a compact family unit, good command of the English language and a solid upbringing in Cuba. But what did this official document actually mean? Did it grant me permission, too, to be critical of certain policies the Tony Blair’s government had introduced and with which I disagreed strongly? The answer, as I later found out, was not simple.

Since my arrival in Britain I had woken up to the fact that I could not expect the country to get used to my ways, instead I had to get used to the country's ways. And that meant getting involved in its social, economic and political life. Little by little, I began to shake off the mantle of the ‘Johnny-come-lately’ and immersed myself more in the hustle and bustle of London’s urban chaos.

But if truth be told, the concept of patriotism confounded me from the outset. And it still does. For starters, I had just come from a nation where nationalistic euphoria is worn on one’s sleeves as a badge of pride and is used by the state as a powerful weapon against anyone who dares to challenge it. Contrast that to the more subdued role patriotism has, or had, rather, in British society. In 1997, flying the Union Jack was a no-no. By the time the Football World Cup rolled in, in 2006, British and English flags were everywhere. And people of all colours were proud to wave them. I remember thinking at the time: 'Good for them!' Still, I couldn’t bring myself to support my host country, having always sided with the Argentinians and Brazilians until then. Was I being unpatriotic?

When the British parliament, misled by Tony Blair and his crooks, decided to invade Iraq, I was torn between joining – what turned out to be – the largest demonstration ever on the British Isles and staying home. On this occasion, my concern was about the people taking part in the march and whose anger I shared. But again, more than twenty years of participating in rallies in Cuba ‘voluntarily’ (yeah, right, pull the other one) had made me apathetic to demonstrations, even if the cause was a just one. And again the question popped up: was I being disloyal?

And the more I think about this issue of patriotism, the more I realise that it affects not just us, immigrants, but also citizens born in the UK. With more British soldiers coming from Afghanistan in coffins, a new voice of dissent is being heard: that of the relatives and families of the dead. And the words coming out of their mouths have a similar undertone in most cases. Their loved ones cared for their country, but the cause for which they died was not the right one. Could anyone accuse them of treason, of being unpatriotic?

My British passport and citizenship were the confirmation that I had fully integrated myself into this country’s narrative. On that note, I would call myself a patriotic person. But by the same token, no one should take that feeling of belongingness for granted. Being critical of the government is not being disloyal. As I understand it, the notion of patriotism is very complicated and rather messy and it can be used effectively by groups that think themselves disenfranchised; I’m talking to you, BNP. On the other hand, though, when there's a sense of togetherness, less judgement and more understanding, less prejudice and more acceptance both from and for newcomers, the results are usually more love, affection and respect for one's surroundings. And that, to me, is the real definition of patriotism, even if I continue to fail (on purpose, mind) Norman Tebbit's famous cricket test. You see, I don't even like that sport.



Copyright 2010

Next Post: 'More about the song' (Review), to be published on Tuesday 19th January at 11:59pm (GMT)

19 comments:

  1. It's interesting to hear the thoughts of someone who's chosen their nationality... as someone who's never made that choice, it's hard to pick out what (if any) effect my nationality really has on my sense of identity. I take it all for granted. Likewise it's never occurred to me that anything I could say might be "disloyal" to my country. Hmm. Lots to think about, thank you.

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  2. What a great post Cuban.

    I would not say that Canada is a patriotic country. We love our country and our proud of it of course, as you would be about some kind of belonging to a group. As in it is a very good group to belong in for the simple fact that we are not over board on anything. We are a country on an even keel.

    We are a country now with a shitty leader who also has us in Afghanistan but I am glad that the people here do not believe that it is a good thing and we want our soldiers out of it. We liked our soldiers as peacekeepers not as combatants.

    xoxox

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  3. Interesting post Cuban, as a Englishwoman living in Scotland I know who I support when their respective teams meet! However, I will support Scotland at anything when they are not playing England, but very strangely it is the exact opposite for the Scots! Long memories, maybe?

    That bit of nationalism aside, I see patriotism as a high, aspirational ideal, with each of us taking individual responsibility for our fellow citizens. Not the same as nationalism at all. Therefore criticism of any current government and its policies is certainly not unpatriotic. Love, affection and respect I like, together with trying to make our place (wherever that be) a better place, by lawful means.

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  4. Patriotism is when you care enough to criticize the government of your country.

    Great post. You have me thinking the definition of patriotic and if I am or not.

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  5. Have you read Billy Bragg's 'Progressive Patriot'? I wrote about it a while back (Feb 09 in fact).
    Feelings about one's country (native or adopted) are always complicated...even when they seem simple!
    x

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  6. I have not been granted British Citizenship, in spite of having lived here (and paid the famous taxes) for decades. I'd have to relinquish my 'own' nationality first. I agree with much of what you say, Cuban in particular that it is always difficult to come to a conclusion about one's own allegiance. I complain about much in this country (not to the little Englander type or a BNP sympathiser - I can't be bothered any longer to wade through the bog they live in) but, on the whole, I like it. In my book nationalism is always bad, patriotism is good in emergencies only. I would love to be a member of the human race first, a citizen of the world second and a subject of any nation last.

    Cricket, what's that? Give me football any day, guess which team I support?

    We should have an ex-pat blogging community, what do you say?

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  7. Hi Cuban - great post - patriotism is so complicated - I have never really felt very patriotic and take no great pride in being British particularly at all - I do however like the way that the flag is gradually being recleimed from the Fascist Right in Britain - I remember in 1983 forbidding a lodger of mine from hanging his union jack quilt out on the washing line to dry in my largely Indian/ Pakistani neighbourhood of London - would that happen today?? Greetings from my adopted land - albeit temporarily Mexico - another nationalist enclave!!

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  8. Oh you covered this so well and how nice to hear the profound thoughts of someone who chose to be British. I think we are decently allow to criticize just abot anything we choose that's the best thing about being British. We can openly disagree with our government without feeling disloyal to our country. The opposite is true in fact, we feel we must, when all is not right we must preserve what we belive is truly fair and can I say British! Difficult when it's a deep rooted feeling that comes from your heart but then dear Cuban I am a poet.

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  9. Many thanks for your kind comments. My son just turned twelve today and yesterday had three friends around. At the table and whilst eating our lunch, I asked the other three lads, one of which was half Turkish and another one half Italian, which country they would be rooting for when the Olympics came and the answer was puzzling: Turkey and Italy respectively. My son jumped in and said htat he fancied supporting Jamaica (although that was to put one over my comment about buying some Cuban flags, or not, I don't know) but it was a very interesting conversation. The other lad was equally puzzled and could not understand his friends' allegiances. Luckily, we all had a very healthy and open conversation about belongingness.

    Many thanks for your lovely feedback, now off to my son's bedroom to kiss him goodnight.

    Greetings from London.

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  10. I am rushing by - but wanted to say hello -- and I love the new header photo with the shadowed images ...lovely

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  11. Ah yes, such a very complicated topic that you managed to address with all the nuances. Americans are extremely patriotic but as an African American painfully aware of history, I have never been patriotic at all. I realize the greatness of my country but I also realize the many downfalls.

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  12. You had my mind going in all directions, Cuban. I've shared your experience, almost to the details. I'm a newly naturalized American - got my citizenship in 2007. I'm still trying to figure out all the nuances that come with being a citizen of another country. What is expected of me? What do I expect of my new country and fellow citizens? And what about my old country? How am I perceived there, with my new "identity" attached to me when I go back? And I've never liked American Football... never understood it... and I don't want to. Soccer is what I grew up watching. And my personal preferences based on my history are not what I want to unlearn. In fact, I don't want to unlearn anything. I just want to figure out an answer to the questions, first. What is expected of me and what do I expect? And then I can learn to adopt the new additions to my life. Tough living, at its best. But still, highly educational.

    Why do you always send my mind spinning with your posts, Cuban?

    Nevine

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  13. Wonderful, thought-provoking post Cuban. This comes to me at a time when my brother in law (a military member) is considering moving to New Zealand out of principle. As someone who served in Iraq, being morally opposed to the war. I know lots of people here in America and I don't know anyone person who thinks we should have been in Iraq or Afghanastan. Patriotism was was used by our government after 9-11 to rally for who we were told was to blame.

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  14. An excellent and very heartfelt, patriotic post, Mr. Cuban.

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  15. Interesting post. I am Scottish and rarely regard myself as British as such. It's just an addendum to being Scottish. But I'm aware that there are overtones if someone says that they're proud to be English that I assume there aren't if I say that I'm proud to be Scottish. Being British isn't something I think about so I am intrigued by those who chose to be so without the intervening sub-nationality.

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  16. Oh, my God, when I was only 8 years old, I was the extra for "Memorias del Subdesaroollo, movie...


    ...(novela) esa forma tan de él ...puedes visitarme...si quieres...un beso

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  17. I can totally sympathise with everything you said in this post, Cuban. I also because British citizen in 2005 (what a coincidence) which made me reconsider my patriotism (which was already confused because my Dad is German and although I've never lived in Germany for longer than three months at a time I always wondered if I should take on the Germanic identity too). Ever since 2005 I wonder if I have to take sides a be patriotic as a Pole or as a Brit or whether I can be both. Becoming a British citizen was a very conscious process and definitely added to my sense of togetherness.

    Thank you for the review of The Green Papaya, I've not seen this film and as I've just been to Vietnam I'm particulary interested in all things Vietnamese. I'm adding this film to my LoveFilm list.

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  18. Am I patriotic? interesting subject ..here nobody will admit to being patriotic but there is a pride in admitting where we come from. As much as we keep saying we are not native ....how many generations does it take to become native?..Let's call it ...a 'feeling for the land of your home'.
    BM

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  19. Thank you very much for your kind words.

    Greetings from London.

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