How patriotic should we be? Jubilee fever has hushed to less than a murmur, our beloved Olympians aren't nearly getting as much attention as they were in 2012 and the Royals are finally having some privacy. This lull has made us wander out and take up world-watching. Suddenly Obama's second term is interesting and global movements are more appealing to follow. But that's fine, it gives us a chance to ignore the 'mare that's replacing the year-long stream of good home news.
I recently got asked how patriotic we should be and where the line is drawn. The murky, overcast area, I reckon, is occupied by those who know the extra verses of God Save as far as the bits about Scotland, who have a collection of hand-held Union Flags just in case, who deny the importance of multi-culturalism but never challenge it due to a stiff upper-lip and refuse to consume anything other than cucumber sandwiches, tea and a Sunday roast. Ticking these boxes should be avoided in order to actually learn something about the world.
Shouting obscenities during a tight international game/race/match in which we genuinely have a chance is okay, as long as we're gracious with the end result: there are things to be learnt in losing as well as winning. Being British is all about positive, inclusive progress. The equal marriage bill, equal rights for all, accessible education and rich legacies are what make our island great. The Empire was all well and good until we started enforcing our culture in places that just didn't fit. If my degree taught me anything, it's that identity is incredibly important but also as flexible as Beth Tweddle.
So perhaps it's good that we're having a bit of a breather from a very introspective year. We've shown the world we can put on a good show and waves flags for hours whilst singing Hey Jude. Let's find out what's going on across the pond and next door. At least until Eurovision.
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