I love it! Google Image search Englishness and in comes a terrific image of icons that represent England. Following on from the previous ‘Best Symbols of England’ blog earlier in the week I can’t help but feel I missed some great things, but look a little bit closely at this image and what do you see?

All of these icons may appear particular positive at first sight, but are they really? Look closely and you can see how each image thematically relates to the superior might of our country in terms of empire and warfare. “How does tea?” you may well ask. Well the symbolic nature of tea is long associated with Englishness but if we were to trace its roots more closely we can see its origins on the foreign lands that England ruled over. The importation of tea began in 1660 when our own King Charles II received two ounces, and was essentially exported by two monopolies in China and India. The escalation in tea sales grew during the 1750’s due to the rise in cane sugar importations, because tea with sugar is after all, a lot more sensational. In reflecting back on the origins of tea in our country can we not argue that its place in our society is largely because of our colonial interests?

Now we turn to Henry VIII as I feel the other two icons are fairly self evident in their epitomizing of superior force. Now, Henry VIII, obviously a powerful British figure but what is he really remembered for?  Cutting off the heads of wives, throwing out the pope and fighting various wars with neighbouring countries, need more be said about the origins of these British icons? Is the greatest thing about Englishness our superior force in the world?

The way Japanese people learn English is really quite beautiful. As you can see they are really optimistic about the situations they may encounter in an English speaking country: “take anything you want”. Maybe it is crucial to teach them how to act in the moment of a mugging, I’m sure they would definitely take the time to really think about how to pronounce “spare me my life” properly, it’s just instinctual. I think the songs are sure fire hits; the funky looping beats behind the repetitive chants really cement the teachings in one’s head. I’m going to bed with “I was robbed by two men” echoing in my head. Thanks, YouTube.