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Chilean miners thread # 12: under similar circumstances, would us Britons react with the same shared patriotism and joy?
Had the TV on in the background this morning and a recurring theme across channels and shows is how universal the pride and happiness at the successful rescue of the 33 (or was it 34?) miners is throughout Chile- people with no direct realtion or relationship with the miners drove through the streets all night waving flags and blowing horns, celebrating the rescue and the Chilean authorities are apparently planning a host of celebrations.
Some of the news shows have speculated that the UK just doesn't have that collective spirit in them, that we're too focused on ourselves and our own, and that if the same situation were to occur over here, public response would be much more muted.
Do you agree? Or, if you're not from round these parts, transpose Britons and the UK for your lot and answer the same question.
I think I partly do, but it's not necessarily a bad thing- one of my favourite moments in my life ever is getting the number 30 bus from outside Euston station two days after the 7/7 bombings, and walking up to the top deck to see it full of people. I know it was partly (mostly) out of the necessity to use public transport, but I got a sense of stoic, fuck-you Britishness out of it and I swelled (watch it) with pride. A little bit.
Anyway, I've rambled ...