Videos of the protests surfaced through various news outlets, with The Chronicle displaying the North East Against Racism group in unison chanting for their hospitality for refugees, as well as the North East Frontline Patriots waving their flags of memorial. Such tension between the two groups arises debates around patriotism, calling into question its place in modern society, especially among younger generations.
From my perspective, both demonstrations were counter-productive and only further drowned the idea of patriotism in a toxic pool. It is difficult to view protesting against racism on St. George’s day, opposite those celebrating the day, as anything but a sly attack that only dilutes the real valuable message they stand for. Equally so, it is just as difficult to not view the blurred lines of patriotism with hate speech, given with the ‘Brexit Age’ we have seen a 15-25% rise in religious and race-related hate crimes. Therefore, neither group enthused any belief in their own cause and only further provoked divisive tensions. It is these tensions that display there is no argument for a debate on whether patriotism has become poisoned, but rather why.
Neither group enthused any belief in their own cause and only further provoked divisive tensions.
The Shield’s Gazette covered a story of the landlord of ‘Dougie’s Tavern’ in South Tyneside, and his annoyance at such few people knowing the date of St. George’s day. The tavern was decorated with flags, to which bypassing cars were said to be beeping, but the Gazette highlighted how “wound up” landlord Norman Scott was with the ignorance to the day. This is a reoccurring narrative of patriots finding a disrespect in the lack of celebration, summing it up to a lack of patriotism, especially in younger generations; I firmly disagree.
For myself, and many of my peers, an archaic holiday, based on some form of mythological story taught in primary school does not inspire patriotism. But where have we seen an overwhelming sense of patriotism from young people? The 2021 Euros saw all generations of a nation unite under the country’s team. The Olympics every four years inspires pride in all the talent from our country. Eurovision allows the entire country to laugh together as we once again get minimal votes. All of these relevant, 21st Century cultural events inspire patriotism, therefore, to argue there isn’t any anymore, is simply someone not looking close enough. Time has shifted, and people are moving away from tradition, for better or for worse, but not all patriotism is entangled with far-right rhetoric.
Patriotism is rife in the UK, but in mainstream media, the only form we see is the likes of St. George’s Day ‘celebrations’ where they cannot make their mind up whether they’re honouring tradition, celebrating, remembering those who have died, or are just there to make a point about the country not being patriotic enough. Acknowledging the country's faults and working to improve life for all races and religions within the country would in fact be a key segment of patriotism and is a must to help detoxify the associations of national pride.