Posted on 24/07/2009 at 10:39 by Julie Maddocks, Kent on Saturday
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The Union Jack, the sound of the national anthem, cricket on the village green, strawberries and cream, queuing. All enough to bring a tear to the eye.
However, it appears this national pride is slipping away as over 400,000 Brits emigrate each year, and according to the Office for National Statistics, that number is rising.
I recently heard a radio debate on whether the ‘great’ is now missing from Britain, and I truly believe emmigration could have a lot to do with the problem. Is it that as a nation we’re all in need of a morale boost? With the economic downturn worse than predicted and unemployment topping two and half million, it’s hardly surprising we’re in despair.
I’m convinced our attitudes have changed dramatically, with the general consensus being why should I bother if others don’t?
We’ve become far more intolerant, and moan about virtually everything. I openly admit to impatiently tutting whilst waiting to pay at the supermarket as the person in front struggles to remember their PIN number.
But why has our behaviour changed so much?
A prime example of how we’ve let standards slip is when you look at Brits abroad; it leaves you in no doubt that we seem to have lost sight of our national pride.
Why is it that when we visit another country we have the arrogance to expect the natives to adopt the English language, and become frustrated when they don’t understand what we are asking?
And don’t forget the Brits who trawl off abroad for a stag or hen weekend, with the sole intention of drinking copious amounts of alcohol and end up becoming rowdy?
Recently I was sat behind six lads in their 20s who, from listening to their conversation, were professionals in the City. Sadly though, after their week away they were so drunk they shouted abuse at anyone who so much as looked at them.
Some of my fellow countrymen’s behaviour is shameful, and I have to admit on numerous occasions I have been left embarrassed by how people conduct themselves, leaving me ashamed to be British.
While I realise this is not new behaviour, I am sure it has become increasingly worse in recent years. Gone are the days of the ‘kiss me quick’ hat, it’s been replaced by ‘Gazza’s barmy binge to Benidorm’ t-shirt.
So, before I add to the negative attitude towards our country I need your help. How do we remedy our behavioural downturn? Let’s put the ‘great’ back into Britain.
Wouldn’t it be brilliant if by 2012 we could feel the same national pride we did when we last hosted the Olympics in 1948? Please do send me your suggestions; my email is saturday@kosmedia.co.uk. Come on and join the debate. In the words of Delia – “Let’s be having you!”
Read Julie Maddocks' weekly column in Kent on Saturday each week.