The Oppressed English

The Oppressed English

In the comic papers of all countries the Englishman is depictedor was in the days of peaceas stupid, purseproud, thick-skinned, arrogant, and tyrannical. In practice, what is he? The whipping-boy of the British Empire. In the War of to-day, for instance, whenever anything particularly unpleasant or unpopular has to be donesuch as holding up neutral mails, or establishing a blacklist of neutral firms trading[Pg 4] with the enemyupon whom does the odium fall? Upon "England"; never upon France, and only occasionally upon Great Britain. The people and press interested thunder against "England's Arrogance." Again, in the neutral days, when an American newspaper published a pro-British article, Potsdam complained peevishly that the entire American Press was being bribed with "English" gold. A German school teacher is greeted by her infant class with the amiable formula: "Good morning, teacher. Gott strafe England!" (Never "Britain," as a Scotsman once very rightly complained to me.) On the other hand, when there is any credit going roundsay, for the[Pg 5] capture of a hitherto impregnable ridge on the Western Frontto whom is that credit assigned? Well, it depends. If the Canadians took the ridge, Canada gets the credit; and the world's press (including the press of London and England generally) pays due tribute to the invincible valour of the men from the Dominions. Or, if a Scottish or Irish regiment took the ridge, the official report from General Headquarters makes appreciative reference to the fact. But how often do we see the phrase: "The ridge was stormed, under heavy fire, by an English regiment?" Practically never. A victory gained by English boys from Devon or Yorkshire appears as a British victory, pure and simple. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 41448
Author: Hay, Ian
Release Date: Nov 23, 2012
Format: eBook
Language: English