Wednesday, September 12, 2007

James McFadden for Scotland (v France), 12 September 2007

I wonder why it is that I am really chuffed for the Scots for turning over one of the world's best international sides and am smiling broadly when I see them atop a group containing the world champions, runners up and quarter finalists, when the reverse wouldn't happen in a million years.

What makes the English generally pleased for success for the other home nations (and Ireland) whereas the rest of Great Britain (on the whole) wants nothing more to see England suffer and struggle?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think as a nation we always favour the underdog, which is not meant in a derogatory manner to the other home nations. We also like to see top-dogs slip up too, so in fact I don't think we're that much different.

Also, could we link this into The Empire? No, not that Empire, but The British Empire, which was ruled from England. I'm getting a little too intellectual here so will leave it!

swisslet said...

simplistically? because for centuries England has been top dog in the British Isles and has sometimes brutally repressed the other countries. Our delight in their successes in sport is seen as patronising. Their delight in our defeats is simply some small payback for our imperialistic and superior attitudes over the centuries.

Having said that, I'd like to say "jolly well done" to all those charming Scots people.

ST

Keving said...

I sometimes struggle to celebrate us scots successes due to the small minded nature of the Tartan Army.

I'm actually embarressed by the tartan army, peeing in fountians and showing their arses.

Think the bottomline is the media. Listen to talksport and five live we get bombarded wie english based sport and spin.

Pundits think England are world cup winners in waiting when they are really just a decent international side.

It's great to see pundits like Ian Wright spew...