Thinking Allowed THE ENGLISH
Jan 24, 2024
Exploring topics such as the changing notions of Englishness over the past 60 years, the representation of suburbia in England, the significance of the Country House in England, the emotional language and imagery in the Brexit campaign, and the endurance of the English temperament.
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A Scouser Remembers Regional Identity
- Laurie recalls being identified as a Scouser, showing regional identity often felt stronger than Englishness in youth.
- This personal memory introduces how local identities can outweigh national English identity.
1960s Reframed Modern English Identity
- The 1960s mark a cultural shift shaping present English identity through heritage, landscape and attitudes to the modern.
- These changes create our contemporary ways of imagining England rather than a distant past.
WWII Shapes Later English Narratives
- Memories of WWII became reference points for later heritage and resilience narratives, resurfacing during crises like COVID-19.
- The war was invoked as patriotic resilience and collectivism, shaping contemporary symbolism and public sentiment.