AN IMAGINED COMMUNITY
In September of 2014, the people of Scotland will be asked to vote in a referendum on whether the country should remain part of the United Kingdom or be an independent country. Naturally, as is usual with political “hot potatoes” both the “For” and “Against” camps are throwing all sorts of arguments into the ring.
As I am not Scottish I cannot vote, but it is worth looking at what the United Kingdom thinks it is and what it is in reality. Is it a nation? Perhaps once but now I have my doubts, since to me “nationhood” equates with the people having a communal sense of project and purpose, maintained by the appropriate institutions. In order to succeed and flourish, a nation has to have an attractive idea of what they are; is this still “attractive” enough to keep the “United” Kingdom “united”? From what I have seen, the answer is probably no.
The UK has lived on a series of myths and legends for many centuries and these have helped to keep it together, starting in 1215 with the Magna Carta with its fine words such as “the free man”. It worked, as the myth helped to justify its colonial ambitions!
Another myth is that of “islandhood” – and this I find dubious; from the Middle Ages up to the 19th century the country shared rulers, cultural and religious aspects closely with Europe. Now, in an era of mass air travel, the concept of “islandhood” is irrelevant.
The United Kingdom is “bottom-heavy” – the vast majority of wealth, entrepreneurialism, capital and culture seems to be linked with the south of the country with the rest being (in the eyes of the majority) considered as “scenically variegated”. Full stop!
To me, what is needed is a 21st century Magna Carta but we don’t have the politicians capable of creating such a document.
What the outcome will be in September is anyone’s guess, but IF the referendum votes to break away from the rest of the UK, I for one would not be displeased – in fact, I might well pack up and go north!
Until next time (and thinking of an island),
Peripatetic Scribe
An intriguing start to the New Year, PS. As a Scot living in the "south" I welcome your comments. If the referendum says "yes" to going it alone, you will not be alone in going "north", believe me!
ReplyDeleteMac, London
Mac - thank you...I'm thinking of the north western islands as I feel they suit my "inner needs"...solitude is an excellent medicine.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting and different topic for the start of 2014, P.S. I often wonder what would happen if the South Island of NZ adopted a similar position as Scotland....but that would never happen as we ARE a "united" country...
ReplyDeleteMark NZ
Thanks, Mark. I think you are right in that your population know "what its about" and have a purpose - individually and as a group - harmony is the key, perhaps?
ReplyDeleteA very interesting start of 2014! I have to admit I was thinking also of Croatia and Yugoslavia whilst reading it and I came to a conclusions that irrespective of the fact that the issues differ considerably, they are also appallingly similar.
ReplyDeleteLucana
Lucana, thank you. You make a very good point regarding the Balkan States. You are right in that the issues differ although they are (as you say) appallingly similar. It occurs to me that such a situation can be found in a significant cross-section of countries (although perhaps they would not admit it) - Spain comes to mind, also.
ReplyDelete