But
what exactly does the term 'British Values' mean? The world of social media didn't take this
entirely seriously and various things were suggested - my favourites being
'still buying your undies in Marks & Spencer' and 'apologizing when
somebody else stands on your foot'.
There
were also the inevitable comments about the weather, queuing, tea drinking,
general British awkwardness about paying, tipping etc.
I
asked my Facebook friends for their suggestions. Fortunately, I got some sensible responses
(thanks everyone). Here's an abridged
version of what they think:
Manners;
consideration; taking responsibility for your actions; supporting yourself and
your family; having a picture of the Queen in the school hall; knowing the
words to the National Anthem and singing it; celebrating St George's Day; respecting
our way of life; having fish and chips on a Friday and roast beef on a Sunday;
self-reliance; tolerance; compassion; accepting that we're all different, don't
assume that we're right and others are wrong; keep trying; learn English if you
live here.
Nobody
offered 'Keep Calm and Carry On' which has unfortunately become overused, but
used to be one of my favourite expressions.
I
would also like to add: doing voluntary work, giving to charity, helping those
less fortunate than ourselves, having a sense of humour, keeping a sense of
perspective, protecting the NHS, being honest and hard-working.
'British
Values' means different things to different people, but the strong overall
message I got was that people are fed up with 'political correctness' and the
feeling that if we're patriotic we're somehow right-wing, which isn't the case
at all.
Why
should we be made to feel embarrassed to fly a Union Flag or the St George's
Cross unless there's a major sporting event taking place?
Perhaps
that's the message we need to be teaching our children - let's be proud to be
British again. So, Mr Gove et al, how
about we start by making St George's Day a Bank Holiday?
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