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In Search of Englishness
“Paxman's book `The English' begins by discussing the previous generations who lived through the splendors and glories of the British Empire and the finest hours of the World War II. Jeremy Paxman, presenter of the BBC program Newsnight, is popular and well-respected for his tough interviewing skills. He brings that hard-nosed style to bear in "The English". In his book, he chronicles the English people's modern day search for a new direction and a new identity for their nation. He further explores England as an individual entity, Britain as part of the United Kingdom, and the U.K's role in the umbrella of United Europe. The author's writing style is lively and a joy to read.
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-04-01.
The author attempts to make the point that England is "walking backward into the future" by holding on to antiquated customs and ideas, instead of looking forward positively, and accepting new ideas such as multiculturalism and globalization.
The book is controversial because the author is actively pondering the same questions which he imposes on the readers regarding the future of the English people. Despite his attempts to portray two or more trains of thought on a given issue, Paxman's lack of clear conclusions raises more questions than answers.
According to the author, the words England and Britain are used interchangeably and anyone can be English, because anyone who is inspired to become English can do so. However, that raises the question of what true Englishness means. Moreover, the author posits that the English are "not an easy people to love, as they have none of the charm of the Irish; the affability of the Welsh or the directness of the Scots;" However, he leaves out the civility, sincerity, respectability and nobility of the English, which are all admirable qualities worthy of "love".
Despite the author's suppositions, I do not think that multiculturalism and globalization are the obstacles the English people face. In England's past, wherever the Empire went, the British officers learned native languages, cultures, and customs. The English tried to understand the psyche of the local people. To this day, BBC reporters travel throughout the globe to inform and educate their global citizens. England's trade and commerce created the foundation for our modern day "global village", so how can they be out of touch with it?
The British always have a soft spot for their former colonies, and they keep good relationships with them; it shows in their pride in America's success and the rise of some Asian nations. The English people have a genuine concern for peace in the Middle East and in African prosperity. However, in displaying this empathy, they have drifted away from their closest European neighbors, the neighbors whom they share the most strategic purpose with! This is the real issue faced by the English today!
The identity of the U.K. people will always remain whatever they are comfortable identifying themselves as: English, Welsh, Scots, Irish or British. The quandaries presented by these many identities do not conflict with the overall identity of the U.K. people, so as the author would posit, "Be of Good Cheer" and tackle the problem of the E.U. /U.K. relationship.
Overall, "The English" summarizes the triumphs and consequences of U.K.'s modernization, although that may not be the intention of the author. Highly recommended!”
