National identity as an identity in its self

Billy Bragg has probably taught me more about patriotism than anyone else. Between 'England, half English' and 'Take down the Union Jack' lie my thoughts on understanding national identity. Identity matters a lot to my research not only those whose stories I am writing but my own understanding of the identities I present at different times. National identity matters. Millions have died and continue to do so due to their desire to express their nationhood: Palestine, Israel, Ukraine, Russia, the list is endless. So is the patron saint's day of the country of my birth something to feel ashamed of or celebrate?

Whilst I do not like the style of patriotism expressed by those of the far right, does that mean that St. George becomes a figure to deride? Whilst it amuses me that those of the far right may not fully appreciate the irony of waving a flag associated with a Palestinian Roman soldier, a man who was martyred for standing up for his beliefs despite intense oppression has more in common with modern day heroes than we remember.  My initial response has been to say that such right wing beliefs are wrong without trying to understand where they have grown from and why a nationalistic identity is so violently important to some in this land. 

Our identity, both our own understanding of it and the way it is perceived by others, matters. We make judgements about people based on what we see or perceive we see; who we feel we are affects what we do. What research has taught me to do is to put those judgements to one side (as much as possible, I am human after all) and try and understand who people are and why they act how they do. By understanding their identity/ identities I can attempt to unravel the threads that have led to creating them as a person. We are complicated beings driven by many differing influences and needs and to understand someone as fully as possible we need to be open to all of their manifestations, even the ones we do not like. 

This clash of St. George and identity met today in my first conversation with a pupil: "Miss, it's England day today and my house is covered with flags." If I try and put aside my personal bias I can use this simple conversation to try and understand him better, to get into his world and see that his self presentation is based on more than an isolated human being but is from family, socially and culturally generated ideals too. I still believe those who present such right wing beliefs are wrong but at least I have made some steps towards understanding why that identity matters so much to some. Maybe St. George wasn't such a bad guy after all.