Strong Message Here I Want My Country Back (with Phil Wang)
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May 8, 2025 Phil Wang, a charismatic comedian and presenter known for his work on Radio 4’s Unspeakable, joins for a lively discussion on national identities. They delve into the quirks of Britishness versus Welshness and Scottishness, all while navigating the often-bizarre landscape of political language. With a humorous twist, they dissect absurd political proposals, like tariffs on non-Hollywood films. Personal anecdotes add depth, prompting reflections on belonging and the ever-evolving discourse surrounding race and identity in the UK.
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Phil Wang's Cultural Journey
- Phil Wang spent his early years in Malaysia and returned to the UK only in his teens, experiencing layered cultural identities.
- He describes feeling Asian in Britain and British in Asia, capturing a complex outsider perspective.
Englishness vs Britishness
- Englishness is often equated with whiteness, unlike Britishness which encompasses multiple ethnicities.
- Phil Wang highlights that English identity can be ethnically diverse due to Britain's colonial history.
Nostalgia and Identity Politics
- The phrase 'I want my country back' often reflects nostalgia and discomfort with rapid societal change.
- Helen Lewis links this to unease about feeling left out of decisions in a changing country.