The Identity Paradox

I was reading Bethan Jenkins' post on the Our Kingdom blog and though I would express my thoughts on my Welsh identity.

As many of you know, I currently reside (although not in total exile) in the South-West of England. I go about my day-to-day life as a student in what is a multicultural community that draws people together from all over the British Isles and the entire World, complimented by the infamously intoxicating west country accent.

Reading Bethan's article did stir hiraeth. Being born and bought-up Welsh seems to give me an over-riding feeling of pride in my home nation. This kind of reaction is indeed quite admirable, to be unashamedly proud of your background. I certainly admire the strength of national pride displayed in others.

But, when reading her adamant statement that she has no British identity at all just made me feel sorry for her. At this point I thought more about how people identify me. When I meet people for the first time, most can immediately recognise me as being Welsh, thanks to my (perhaps unfortunate) strong Llanelli accent. On the other hand, when I return home I get teased for sounding English as my accent seems to be adapting to my surroundings.

My point is that identity can be a strange thing. It is perhaps something I believe in but at the same time I can be quite apathetic about it. At the end of the day, I can identify myself as so many different thing, based on nationality, race, religion, politics, my favourite type of biscuit. I insist on identifying myself as British because I want to be part of more than just my little corner of the World. The same goes for my identity within Europe, the World or my membership to the Institute of Physics.

Nobody should exclude their selves or others but invite everybody and listen to everything. To exclude yourself is an ignorant act of which inevitably leads to inflamed tensions among different communities. You should allow your identity to develop as you live your life, meet new friends, find new interests and learn more about your religious beliefs.

...on the other hand, exclusive identity can be ever so sweet when we beat England at rugby.