I think poor understanding is at the root of this, including poor understanding of the English language.Some people seem to think that "Sweet Caroline" is the English national anthem. It isn't. It isn't even an english song, having been written by Neil Diamond, an American. On super Saturday, in 2012, at Wembley, the adopted UK anthem was "Hey Jude". At least this is an English song, written, published and recorded by English people, though it isn't the national anthem either (don't mistake me for a fanatical nationalist, I'm happy for the English team to win at the direction of a Dutch coach).Others, or very often the same people seem to find Commonwealth Games victories "unbelievable". Well if they don't believe them, they should really just move on."Pride" according to the internet is"a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired"and to Wikipedia"Pride is emotional response or attitude to something with an intimate connection to oneself, due to its perceived value. Oxford defines it as "the quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one's own importance".I think there is a lack of precision in the understanding of all these terms which gives rise to many of the confusing comments (and singing) currently being heard.Nevertheless, the opportunity to feel an immense swelling of pride simply from sitting in a chair and shouting at the television set is not to be sniffed at - provided the subject is willing to accept responsibility for everything else associated with their country of origin.Which is why I prefer to be able to pick and choose.
Michael Winstanley ● 1045d