

68. The British Empire
20 snips Jul 1, 2021
Sathnam Sanghera, a journalist and author of "Empireland," joins the conversation to unpack the multifaceted legacy of the British Empire. He navigates the complexities of its formation and the varied historical perspectives that shape today's understanding. The episode dives into the identities of Sikhs within the Empire, addressing themes of race and moral dilemmas faced by colonizers. Sanghera also discusses the challenges of teaching imperial history, advocating for nuanced dialogue over polarized debates to foster a more inclusive narrative.
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Our Island Story and Empire
- Sathnam Sanghera connects Flashman, David Cameron, and Our Island Story.
- He highlights the book's selective focus on negative portrayals of Indians during the mutiny.
Polarized Reactions to Empireland
- Sathnam Sanghera discusses the polarized reactions to Empireland.
- He receives praise and racist abuse, highlighting the racial dynamics of discussing empire.
Jacobean Attitudes to Empire
- A teacher asks about Jacobean attitudes to empire, referencing The Tempest.
- Sathnam Sanghera notes the ambivalence in British attitudes, citing historical figures who critiqued empire.