British or English

[Dellspoem]

Currently having a conversation/ debate with a friend. Are you British or English? Do you consider one a nationality and one an ethnicity?

My Asian family members describe themselves as British Asian. Saying 'I'm English' is synonymous with something else, mainly because of the connotations with the English flag and nationalism.

They are both geographic locations, so technically this shouldnt be that different. And you don't get the same with Scottish or Welsh.

What are your thoughts?

British. Born and live in England. My dad was Welsh.

English. But British too.

Welsh ! I very rarely call myself British unless abroad or it's a question on a form.

British.

But if I was talking to someone from another UK country or talking to a foreign visitor about travelling round, or other similar contexts where the specific uk nationality is relevant I would say English.

English, even though I have Irish parents. Proud to be a bit of both.

It’s a really interesting question. I think that a lot of people call themselves British as a way of not calling themselves English.

Englishness is (rightly or wrongly) associated with being white and quite conservative, whereas Britishness is somehow more neutral.

Ironically, the concept of Britain is much more imperialistic than the concept of England. Basically, Britishness was invented by the English as a way of colonising the Scots, Welsh and Irish.

You’re not seeing that there is nuance in it. From my pov an Australian with English heritage is not English. Because they are clearly not culturally English. I would also say that a person born in this country to two foreign parents is not English either. But their children or grandchildren might be. Culture and heritage matter, not just what your passport says or where you live.

English. It really jacks me off when I have to put county of birth as UK as there is nothing else

Genuine question, why does it annoy you? Our country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

I would also say that a person born in this country to two foreign parents is not English either. But their children or grandchildren might be.
I find that quite offensive. Does the same apply to Scottish? So if I’m born in Scotland to a Ukranian mother and a Syrian father I’m not Scottish? What am I then? Im not Ukrainian or Syrian as I haven’t lived there and wasn’t born there. I may not even speak either language.
In my life I’ve never actually thought English was considered to mean “ white and conservative” I just saw it as a neutral fact! My mother was not born in England, I was, therefore I am English and I’m happy to be so.

British & Irish.

I was born & grew up in England to Irish born parents. I support both England and Ireland sports teams.

I'm Welsh, British and European

English

Well when I speak, I sound English so I suppose I am English more than any of the other UK nations though my surname and a large part of my heritage is Scottish and I was brought up in the Middle East so who knows?

I am Welsh

I'm English with British citizenship

I was made in England out of Cadillac muscle….

British though, realistically

British and English.

English then British.

I wish more poc would claim Englishness.

Neither 😜
I mean I am really as I am a British citizen. But I'm half Scottish/half Spanish and certainly don't feel British. Never lived in England and have no English family.

English usually as I am not Welsh, Scottish or Irish.

I have always been lazy.. you guys are all English to me, sorry:)

I was born in England but would never call myself English, always British.

My great grandparents were all Irish, my mum is Scottish and I’ve lived in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Probably because of my mum, I’ve never felt English.

My partner was born in Wales and would describe himself as Welsh. Never British.

I'm British.
Born & brought up in England
I have a lot of family in Wales & have lived in Wales. Also have more distant family in Scotland.