NEWS: Codependence Day

CULTURE: Codependence Day

by Nicole Powers


[Above: Manko Suicide in Long Live The Queen]

Being English in America is a rather peculiar affair come July 4th. After all, you Yanks are busy inviting each other to barbecues, waving flags, enthusiastically lighting the fuses of an inordinate amout of pyrotechnics, and, rather ironically, singing “This Land Is Your Land" in celebration of the Declaration of Independence from our country. However, for us, attending an Independence Day celebration is akin to being Guy Fawkes at a Bonfire Night party, which is the anniversary we save our fireworks for.

On this apparently auspicious day, one wonders too if, given the benefit of hindsight, America’s emancipation is truly a cause for celebration or commiseration? Was freedom from the tyranny of what any reasonable (ie. non-Republican) person might consider a decidedly moderate tax worth it, given the price you’ve subsequently paid? After all, if you’d have stuck with us, you’d already have true universal healthcare, no ominous questions hanging over your right to choose, nationwide gay marriage, a more pragmatic policy towards drugs, no death penalty, far stricter campaign finance laws, and, dare I say it, a somewhat more democratic democracy. (Not to mention football that's actually played with feet, news bulletins that actually broadcast news, and cups of tea that are actually worth drinking.)

And declarations aside, a relationship that’s endured for better or worse, for richer or poorer, for 236 years after it was officially annulled hardly smacks of independence. Like a divorced couple that’s unwilling and unable to sever the emotional, financial and legal ties, the affairs of Britain and America remain inextricably entwined. (If you need further proof of this point, have a chat with Richard O'Dwyer or Julian Assange.) So, as we mark the anniversary of the day our relationship was officially redefined, we should perhaps define it again. Let’s take a moment to consider all that’s both wonderful and dysfunctional about America and Great Britain’s “special relationship” and raise a glass to Codependence Day.



It should be noted that the author of this article hails from England, but is a naturalized American, who wrote this missive in her country of choice (the United States) while enjoying guacamole, chips, salsa, and a very stiff margarita. She also acknowledges that King George III was probably a bit of a dick.

This article made me unbelievably happy.

I like British people just fine and the history of the British empire cannot be denied but I think you'd probably have a different perspective from the point of view of the rulee as opposed to the ruler. I'd say the people who were subjected to the will of a crown they didn't want to be associated with would not feel the same sentiment. The 4th of July isn't about what we could have had if we had turned ourselves over to the British rule, it's about the freedom to choose for ourselves even if it isn't good enough, as you allude to.

I think I'd sacrifice all the good things listed if it eliminates the mere possibility of black pudding on my fucking breakfast plate.

I dunno...it'd make a good Shit Food Review: Jolly Ole' England Edition.

DO IT.

I'll chip in for the required Tums/ Pepto needed afterwards.

well, you could always follow that up with the American edition with such delights as those found on the menu at McDonalds, KFC and Taco Bell....

New around here, huh?

Haha, this made me giggle, I love her point ov view.