Returning from the Far-East, from the Land of the Rising Sun, it's caused me to look at myself more. I've always considered myself a 'man of the World' or a 'European' over being 'English' or 'British'. I'd never really felt much cause to be patriotic about this island rock as most of the reasons my fellow countrymen and women feel cause to celebrate their Britishness didn't really suit my own. Things like football, the Royal Family or moaning, and It's hard to get behind a country that celebrates its shortcomings so prolifically. Granted, our ability to make fun of ourselves does give us a great sense of humour, but as shows like Little Britain illustrate, sometimes the truth behind characters like Vicky Pollard are all too true.
In some cases it does give me mixed views, like with the NHS. A healthcare system that is free to all (For the mean time at least) is something I should be proud of, something that sets this land apart from the others. However, my pride falls short with the standard of healthcare we sometimes receive, especially having experienced Japans healthcare! This kind of conflicting emotions leaves my pride slightly tainted.
I feel the more I travel, the more I want to take all the best bits of the countries I have visited and lived and mix them all together in a wonderful Johnland, to make my own super country. A place with the cleanness, efficiency and food of Japan, the relaxed attitude and social life of Italy, the snowy winters and reindeer steaks of Finland and the humour and friendliness of Britain, are all blended, seamlessly into one.
However, coming back to London has made me realise that I am actually quite 'British'. Whether it's the milk tea I crave, the sarcastic wit, the feeling of a sunny London day (Rare as they may be) or the strange sense of 'home'; I feel more normal here. I feel I can fit in and I've realised that while I may not agree with everything my homeland has to offer (Hooligans, crime, poor health, etc), it doesn't mean I'm not or should not be proud to be British. I should be proud of all the great things Britain has to offer and all the wonderful things Britain has achieved. There is no perfect country, but I can at least start to be proud of my Grande Britannia.
Check out this joyful little Chap-hop ditty about being British:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkF_XpA5P48
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