Controversial Thread

[-Talbot-]

A tweet I have just read prompted this thread.

''I'm not African because I was born in Africa, I'm African because Africa was born in me''


We often here cries of (I can only assume as some sort of misguided defence)

'He was born here in Britain'

But does being born here make you British?

[mikey4444]

Yes it does.

[ummmm]

No, not in my opinion. I know many many Irish people born in England who consider themselves to be Irish.

I assume others feel the same about their heritage.

[Old_Geezer]

Yes.

[-Talbot-]

Is that it?
Is that as far as your thinking goes?

[mikey4444]

Apparently !

[Old_Geezer]

The question is a different one regarding what you mistakenly feel and believe you are.

[-Talbot-]

Anything to add, mikey, OG?

[cassa333]

If nation statehood were a state of mind then we could all say we are whatever takes our fancy at the time.

My sister was born in Malta but she isnt Maltese she is British because our parents are British and we're only in Malta on secondment.

[Old_Geezer]

It's a yes / no question. What else are you looking for ?

[gness]

I disagree, Mikey......many family members born in Britain are Irish first....x

[-Talbot-]

Mo Farah isn't British then?

[agchristie]

Yes.However, if you conducted a survey as to the question of what it means to be British there would be some very interesting answers.

[Quoi]

A young child will be influenced strongly by parents as it grows - no matter about the physical place of birth.

[pixie374]

I don't think "he was born here" is a defence against crime. I think it came up yesterday because people were blaming immigrants, so somebody pointed out he wasn't an immigrant. It makes no difference what nationality anyway. It's British law and a criminal is a criminal.

[mikey4444]

OG....its virtually impossible to give Talbot any answer, unless it concurs EXACTLY ( didn't mean to use capitals but what the heck ! ) with his own thinking....he is just trying to start an argument.

[-Talbot-]

Duke of Edinburgh not British?

[-Talbot-]

Clearly you are not equipped for this thread, mikey.

[Old_Geezer]

They claim and feel they are British or whatever. They may even officially register as such if allowed. But they are from where they were born. Nationality is not a state of mind. In some places where a union exists one can claim to be a citizen of the union yet chose to relate to the country of birth within that union. There is nothing more to be said nor anything controversial save for deniers of reality.

[agchristie]

Reminds me of the guy who was asked if he was peckish? 'No' he replied 'I'm Kurdish'.

[mikey4444]

Oh dear OG,,,,we have been told off again !