The Cross of St George, the Union Jack and Cultural Diversity

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LESSON 1

(A) When we celebrate cultural diversity and multiculturalism, it is essential that we celebrate mainstream English/British culture too. We have so much to be proud of. This section of work will show you that.

It is upsetting when we see our flags and national symbols degraded by racists and xenophobic football fans. Let us hope that the appeals of David Beckham and Michael Owen will work.

QUESTIONS: What were the appeals of Beckham and Owen? What does xenophobic mean? Why is whistling down an opposing team’s national anthem an example of that?

It is vitally important that we should know about the origins of our national flags and symbols. It is also important that we should realise that these flags may have different meanings to different English and British people. People can love England and Britain but feel uncomfortable with too much flag-waving, as we shall see. We do not want to feel ashamed by the sight of drunken football fans waving the Cross of St. George or the Union Flag. These flags and symbols belong to us – but they now have a variety of meanings. People interpret them in different ways.

This section of work will analyse and celebrate our English/British heritage.

QUESTION: What does “heritage” mean?

Discuss the different meanings of the word “culture” – literary, aesthetic, musical, sociological etc.

(B) Groups discuss the meanings of and differences between “England”, “Great Britain”, “The United Kingdom”, “The British Isles”.

Some students might then draw upon KS3 historical knowledge and draw, colour, label the Union Flag; some might also answer the question “When does the Union Flag become the Union Jack?”

There could also be some research upon St. George, St. David, St. Andrew and St. Patrick. Students might discuss why they think St. George became our Patron Saint.

Students might also discuss why St. George’s Day is so much more low key than the Patron Saint Days in Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Discussion might turn as to whether and how there could or should be more of a celebration of the day.

• To follow here is some background and questions on St George and his place in contemporary culture.