For a Scot, being called "English" is the greatest insult.
The United Kingdom is a unique country composed of four "nations" according to its constitution. Its full name is the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland," consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
As political entities with their own flags, anthems, parliaments, and constitutions, they can be considered countries within the context of the Western world.
For a long time, when people thought of the UK, they typically associated it with cultural symbols like London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Shakespeare, Cambridge, Oxford, and the Queen, which are primarily cultural symbols of England.
This is because England comprises approximately 62% of the total area of the UK, 82% of its population, and contributes about 90% of its economy, making it the core part of the UK.
Legally, the UK is a "composite monarchy," meaning that nominally, the four parts are territories of the British monarchy, and the British monarch holds the titles of King or Queen of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Internationally, the UK is also often regarded as synonymous with England.
In the Western world, it's commonly believed that not England belongs to the UK, but rather England created the UK.
This is one of the reasons why Scots and Northern Irish people don't want to be called "English" because it touches on the cultural roots of their independence movements, and they don't want to be seen as English.
Interestingly, one of the countries in the world that despises England the most is its neighbor, Scotland.
In a 2015 survey, the University of Edinburgh found that nearly 80% of respondents listed England as their most disliked country, and a small percentage even wrote down "Britain," despite Scotland itself being part of Britain.
Scotland held two nationwide referendums, in 2014 and 2018, respectively.
The 2014 referendum was about independence, but it failed with 54% of votes against it.
The 2018 referendum was about staying in the EU and passed with 62% support, but it was subsequently vetoed by the London government, deepening Scots' dissatisfaction with the UK government.
Despite the two unsuccessful referendums, Scots have not given up their efforts for independence.
The conflicts between Scots and English people can be traced back deep into British history, from past wars to today's referendums, this contradiction has always existed.
Scotland is located in the northern part of the British Isles, with a mountainous terrain and cold climate. Historically, Scots resisted English invasion to maintain their independence and dignity.
Although 90% of Scotland's land is mountainous, most of its population is concentrated in lowland areas, with Edinburgh as the capital.
Among the four major ethnic groups in Europe, the Celts are the indigenous people of the British Isles.
However, when the Roman Empire rose, in 55 BC, the Romans invaded the British Isles, occupying the southern English regions. However, they encountered fierce resistance when attacking Scotland.
Despite sharing an island, the conflicts between Scotland and England have deep historical roots, and this contradiction has persisted to this day.
Scottish streets are filled with calls for "independence," challenging the London government.
Although Scotland has been unified with England for 300 years, it has not truly integrated with England, as the UK is more like a community of interests. Once Scots believe that the cost of staying in the UK outweighs the benefits, they will seek independence.
And if Scotland were to gain independence, Northern Ireland and the entire British Commonwealth might also face dissolution.
Whether Scots can shout "freedom" like their ancestors is their own historical choice.
Comments