such is the way of the world

            Sometimes, the very things which strengthen us can kill us; those things which give us help can hurt. A patient who survives cancer with the help of radiation can sometimes be fatally harmed because of their “cure”. A bodybuilder using steroids to increase their muscle mass may find their body shutting down because of drug abuse. A small sapling, thirsty for rain, can be flooded and then killed by the very thing it needed most. The same concept is true for national identity; what originally helped to grow and build it can be the same thing which eventually brings it to ruin.

            In class for the past 2 months, we have focused on what creates a fixed identity for a nation. Things like religion, politics, language and ethnicity can all factor in to the creation of an identity; in Britain, I believe its freedoms and position as a world superpower factored heavily in the formation.

Britain was, for many years, a very powerful and expansive force; it had colonies dotting the world, and its influence was vast. At its largest, the British Empire holds the record for the biggest empire ever; at one point, it held almost 24% of the land area in the whole world. It was an area of pride for the leaders, citizens, and lovers of the nation. Britain’s role in imperialism led it to mass colonization and activity in wars throughout the years.

            Britain’s identity was also built on its freedom; at a time when so many other nations were in turmoil, individuals could come to Britain and find new life. The UK is one of the most diverse nations, and this factored in to the growth of their national identity. The blend of cultures, ethnicities and languages made Britain rich and vibrant.

            It seemed like Britain’s national identity was strong and set- freedom and power led the nation to new heights and prosperity and happiness. Yet those characteristics which were so vital to identity’s formation eventually led to its downfall; now, Britain is sinking in an identity crisis, and it won’t be the first (or last) nation to whom this happens. It is the nature of life to have ups and downs and irony; here, then, is where we realize that what made Britain stronger are the same things that led to a figurative death of identity.

           

            After so many years as a superpower and military big boy, Britain’s fall from the limelight cast shadow and doubt into so much of the pride it held dear. After the close of WWII, citizens and leaders like Winston Churchill recognized the end of Britain’s time as a world superpower. They were so used to being a superpower and formidable force that the loss of this military might affected Brits and their identity very seriously. Such a vital part of their identity had just been yanked away from them- and anybody who’s ever played Jenga knows that it doesn’t take too many missing bricks for a structure to topple down. 

            Additionally, in focusing so much of its resources and energy and even people on expansion, some of the most “British” things were passed on to the colonies. These characteristics, which at one time were so unique and important to England, were then made ubiquitous and blasé. The English language, British ethnicity, and practices like sports, customs, and institutions were spread to colonies and locations all over the world. These things have become so ingrained and rooted into these other cultures that they no longer seem unique to Britain itself. Their imperialism, which used to be such a source of pride, ended up taking away so much of what made them British.

Britain and its freedoms, which originally led to expansion and population diversification, have- instead of strengthening the nation- watered down its identity. People from all over the world have come to England seeking refuge, returning from the colonies, or many other similar reasons. In my time here, I have been astounded by the amount of different languages I’ve heard, skin colors I’ve seen, and foods that I’ve encountered.  Many of these people still cling strongly to their ethnic heritage, like my church Bishop from Ghana or a French man to whom I spoke on a bus. They are living here in London, yet they reject actually being British. So how, then, can a place without loyal inhabitants even have a true identity?

It does seem ironic that those factors which originally helped to create and strengthen Britain’s national identity went on to be the things which helped to topple it. The identity which seemed so formed and set became changed and morphed and attacked because of loss of pride, because of confusion, because of dilution. Britain used to be a superpower, used to be unique, used to be strong- yet inevitably the things which help us will hurt us.

Military prowess, freedom- Britain’s identity would not have existed the same way without these formative characteristics. Similarly, other nations have their own vital growth and necessary features. They and their identity are formed and crafted over the years to reflect important and significant aspects. Unfortunately, things cannot last forever; such is the way of the world. Eventually, those same characteristics which helped to establish a national identity will eventually be what leads to its downfall. Just as there is light, there is also always darkness; just as there is happiness, so does sadness also follow.

Winston Churchill, on the far right, seems to understand that Britain has lost its position as a superpower.
The expression on his face no doubt is mirrored on the countenances of citizens all over Britain.

Jenga- perfect for game nights, family bonding, and the toppling characteris-bricks of national identity. What could be more fun?

now... who's next?