We're approaching a period which I loathe with a passion. It comes around every 4 years and every time I hate it more and more. It's the World Cup.
Now, I can't stand football, but that in itself doesn't bother me - it can exist in a world parallel to mine and never really bother me (apart from on those occasions when I go to Manchester on a Saturday and find the city a mass of drunken loutishness - but we'll let that pass). However, when the World Cup comes around, we're treated to the tried and tested spectacle of whether England will win. St George's Crosses fly from buildings and cars, and drunken revelry abounds. Worst of all, those who enjoy football are given dispensation to go and watch matches in the working day - when am I given similar time off to see a film or whatever?
I'm not unpatriotic, I am proud of culture of my country. But I don't see why 'Englishness' should be defined by the fact that once, 44 years ago, we won a football match and therefore as of right we deserve to win it again.
I regard myself not as English, but as British, an inclusive term rather than the more exclusive English. So I wish I could just hybernate until England's inevitable relegation, or at least go for a sabbatical in Wales or Scotland!
Now, I can't stand football, but that in itself doesn't bother me - it can exist in a world parallel to mine and never really bother me (apart from on those occasions when I go to Manchester on a Saturday and find the city a mass of drunken loutishness - but we'll let that pass). However, when the World Cup comes around, we're treated to the tried and tested spectacle of whether England will win. St George's Crosses fly from buildings and cars, and drunken revelry abounds. Worst of all, those who enjoy football are given dispensation to go and watch matches in the working day - when am I given similar time off to see a film or whatever?
I'm not unpatriotic, I am proud of culture of my country. But I don't see why 'Englishness' should be defined by the fact that once, 44 years ago, we won a football match and therefore as of right we deserve to win it again.
I regard myself not as English, but as British, an inclusive term rather than the more exclusive English. So I wish I could just hybernate until England's inevitable relegation, or at least go for a sabbatical in Wales or Scotland!
Up until a couple of years ago I went to Wembley on a regular basis to support England and was always one of those people who avidly watched and booked my work schedule around games etc. etc. I was also a smoker who went on too many fag breaks at work.
I am not that person anymore you'll be pleased to know
I hope we both manage to get through it as easily and quickly as possible!! xx