British Vs. American: NATIONALISM

Here begins a series on my observed and (sometimes) stolen ideas on the differences in the British and American nations.

Today's theme is nationalism.

For example in the U.S., the war in Afghanistan is getting almost no coverage. When you turn on the television back home, do you hear much about it? Do we get much in terms of support for the troupes, other than the odd medal winner or dead/statistic/car bombing? Or most prevalently, homelessness amongst vets. When I was younger, I thought there was a huge problem with veterinarians finding jobs, because of all the cold callers for homeless "vets". Not enough sick cats and dogs.

However, in Britain it appears to my fallible mind that the war in Afghanistan gets much more attention. There is much more publicity daily, about soldiers coming home, various brave deeds and progress being made. The number one hit this christmas is the military wives single. All the singers are wives of personnel currently serving in the middle east. The lyrics are excerpts of letters written home from their husbands. Needless to say, we're all weeping over it. It's very moving.

Perhaps wars aren't a very good example. After all, Americans are very noted for their incessant singing of the national anthem. And for those who haven't memorized the Star Spangled Banner, chanting U.S.A. is handy, and rolls off the tongue nicely. A common trait seems to be confidence that the U.S. is one of the greatest countries on earth, if not the greatest.

Britain does have their royal family, which inspired a media frenzy this spring. (My granny said in a flippant aside that it was because of Pippa Middleton's bottom). On the flip side, they are lacking a national holiday to celebrate independence from (their leaving tended to be the reason everyone celebrated).

However, returning to the war topic I will say that the support for soldiers the british press is remarkable. I'm a fairly staunch pacifist, and I also think it is important to stand by those who risk their lives serving their country. Americans, or the media, are a bit too concerned with frivolities, and could take a cue from Britain. The English are certainly being classier in this instance.