just finished reading …

There is a severe divide in English Society. Some people are fearful of foreigners and say we should strictly limit the number that are allowed into the country. Others say that we have always been a nation that offers havens to those who are oppressed or come seeking to better themselves. There is massive concern about the pace of change in society with some people feeling that traditional values are being degraded by new technology that is being introduced too fast. There is concern about an erosion in the behaviour of people at all levels of society. Popular culture lacks dignity and gravity. Politicians are often out of touch but in many cases they are corrupt and exploit polarisation in society. Young people are vilified for their attitude, in particularly their unwillingness to show discipline and if necessary to be prepared to fight for their country. There is massive inequality in incomes between the richest and the poorest. Some people say this has led to us treating poor people with a lack of compassion whilst others say that welfare encourages laziness and dependency. There is great concern that violence in other part of the world would spread to England and that the future will be bleak. ---


No this is not a statement of contemporary Britain but an analysis of what it was like in the Edwardian era. Plus ca change? Alwyn Turner is a professional historian and brilliantly describes how it is human nature, warts’n’all, that is the only constant in society. Xenophobia in particular seems to be an unwavering facet of the national character. 


My day was many sided but quite pleasant. I finished this book and started another. Short stint in the local pub where a former colleague was having a leaving do. All very civilised.