Imagined Communities

This perhaps was most probably my favourite so far, seeing as I see myself to be half English and half Welsh I can see both sides of the argument when it comes to the notion of imagined communities. Categorizing myself as half and half comes with many advantages, such as I can choose with nation to represent in any given argument, if the argument is about sport, I’m English, if the argument is about student financing then I’ll be the first one wearing a daffodil and listening to Tom Jones.

This text also heavily links the Rugby into the stereotype of what defines a Welshman, in some ways making it seem like it's the only good thing Wales has got going for them, and the only time they show a sense of pride from being Welsh. This is not true. The only time the Welsh people show any pride is whenever England fail at something, and one might suggest their hatred for England may over shadow their own passion for their own country. Take for example this famous rugby song performed by The Stereophonics which is used at games to rally the fans up, 'As long as we beat the English' is the cry which I think blends in with my point exactly.

The notion of culture also comes into play during this text, “The popular perception of Wales centred upon indecipherable place names, sheep and mining.” (Harris:152) In some ways I can agree with this point because historically this is what Wales is known for, it's almost fact and a fact that the Welsh should be proud of.

The ideology of imagined communities fits in very well when debating about the Welsh, “In contemporary times most of the players who represent Wales, like the large

majority of the population, do not speak the Welsh language.” (Harris:155) Having a sense of pride and community should also include within it your language and the Welsh language is a dying breed and this apparent community that the Welsh seem to have is basically a farce as they all end up speaking the language of their most hated neighbours.

In conclusion I believe that the ideology of 'imagined communities' is just that, imaginary, well at least when it comes to the Welsh. And over-all i saw this reading as a very enjoyable, light hearted and often comical piece of writing which I think clearly helps get its point across to the reader. The author does point at a few stereotypes but also easily counters them with his own perception of what it is to be Welsh which I thought was very clever, and after last weeks reading, was very pleasant indeed and I hope I haven't offended any Welsh people reading this.

The Reading - Harris, J - Cool Cymru, rugby union and imagined community. 151 Ohio,U.S.A