The Progressive Patriot: A Search for Belonging - Hardcover

Bragg, Billy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0593053435 ISBN 13: 9780593053430

Publisher: Bantam Press, 2006

Synopsis

What does it mean to be English? What does it mean to be British? Is the cross of St. George a proud symbol of a great tradition, or the badge of a neo-Nazi? In a world where British citizens can lay bombs to kill their countrymen, where religious fundamentalism is on the increase and where the BNP are somehow part of the democratic process, what does patriotism actually mean? Our identity can change depending on what company we are in. For example, someone could describe themselves British to one person, Scottish to another and, say, a Londoner to another, and be right every time. But problems arise when someone tries to tell you what you are, based on your skin tone, religion, accent, surname, or whatever. This book is Billy Bragg's urgent, eloquent and passionate response to the events of 7 July 2005, when four bombs tore through a busy morning in London, killing 52 innocent people and injuring many more. A firm believer in toleration and diversity, he felt himself hemmed in by fascists on one side and religious fanatics on the other. The suicide bombers were all British-born and well integrated into our multicultural society. Yet, they felt no compunction in murdering and maiming their fellow citizens. Inclusivity is important, but without a sense of belonging to accompany it, what chance social cohesion...But where does a sense of belonging come from? Can it be conferred by a legal document? Is it a matter of blood and soil? Can it be taught? Is it nature or nurture? "The Progressive Patriot" is a book we all need to read. It pulls no punches in its insights and its radical vision offers a positive hope for a country teetering on the brink of catastrophe.

About this title

About the Author

Billy Bragg was born in December 1957. When punk hit the British music scene Bragg's contribution was to form a band called Riff Raff. He then launched himself on a solo musical career, between time working in a record store and absorbing his new-found love of blues and politically-inspired folk music. During this time Bragg, and his music, became more overtly political and he became a fixture at political rallies and benefits, particularly during the 1984 Miners Strike, and he devoted much of his time to Red Wedge - an initiative to persuade young people to vote in the 1987 General Election - for which he toured with The Style Council, Madness, The Communards and The Smiths. Billy Bragg now lives in Dorset but is still writing music and challenging our elected politicians.

From the Back Cover

What does it mean to be English? What does it mean to be British? Is the cross of St George a proud symbol of a great tradition, or the badge of a neo-Nazi? In a world where British citizens can lay bombs to kill their countrymen, where religious fundamentalism is on the increase and where the BNP are somehow part of the democratic process, what does patriotism actually mean?

This book is Billy Bragg s urgent, eloquent and passionate response to these issues and the events of 7 July 2005, when four bombs tore through a busy morning in London, killing fifty-two innocent people and injuring many more. A firm believer in toleration and diversity, Billy felt himself hemmed in by fascists on one side and religious fanatics on the other. The suicide bombers were all British-born and well integrated into our multicultural society. Yet they felt no compunction in murdering and maiming their fellow citizens. Inclusivity is important, but without a sense of belonging to accompany it, what chance social cohesion?

But where does a sense of belonging come from? Can it be conferred by a legal document? Is it a matter of blood and soil? Can it be taught? Is it nature or nurture? The Progressive Patriot is a book we all need to read. It pulls no punches in delivering its insights, and its radical vision offers positive hope to a country teetering on the brink of catastrophe.

Edition details

• Publisher: Bantam Press
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0593053435
• ISBN 13: 9780593053430
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 296