User:Starpol/Anglophobia/temp

THIS PAGE IS A TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE TO Anglophobia AND IS INTENTED TO ASSIST IN REACHING A CONSENSUS - PLEASE SEE DISCUSSION PAGE OF THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Anglophobia as a term refers to the irrational expression of hatred and animosity toward the English. It is distinct from a reasoned criticism of English culture, politics history or identity by the generality of the criticism, or its ingrained and reactionary forms of expression.

Anglophobia is a multi-layered and disparate group of beliefs that cannot be satisfied by a single definition, and as such understanding Anglophobia requires a detailed stripping back of the complex and layered history of the British Empire, which occurred in several stages over hundreds of years from piracy, trade and exploitation of foreign land resources and peoples, slavery and the actions of missionaries and NGO’s. The latter two were the principal agents of Anglicization during the 18th and 19th centuries but all dimensions plaed their part.

Anglophobia may in part implicated in the national identity of the individual or group that holds it, as part of the negative aspects of asserting national pride. One potentially destructive aspect of national identity is allowing that identity to be defined by a polarised position to an ‘other’, as evidenced by National Socialism and other totalitarian regimes.

Another level to Anglophobia is evident in the UK’s continued development of the special relationship which implicates it by extension with Anti-Americanism.

Anglophobia, in order to exist may involve a denial of the multicultural and metropolitan nature of the country which is still in the process of defining its role in an increasingly globalised world. However, one effect of the centralised governmental structure of the United Kingdom is the tendency to overlook the cultures of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As the English journalist Jeremy Paxman states:

"One of the characteristics of the English which has most enraged the other races who occupy their island is their thoughtless readiness to muddle up 'England' with 'Britain'. It is, to listen to some English people talk, as if the Scots and Welsh [did not exist]. The English would do well to mind their language."

"The English" by Jeremy Paxman, p 43

Devolution a significant constitutional change which moved towed recognising the need for regional government that recognises national identity within the 'mini-EU' of the United Kingdom.

Sport
A veiled form of Anglophobia is seen in national sports where England plays against rivals Scotland, Wales, France, Australia and Germany. For the most part Soccer and Rugby are the arena for sporting rivalries which are at least in the pitch a non violent expression of national pride and rivalry.