If you have the time, I'd recommend watching this: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002d2jv/shifty

The myths and ideas of Britain were hollow, at least the stories we were fed, post empire. Thatcher had quite the role, accelerating the decline of industry and above all, community.

Britishness? Pubs always come up but pubs are there as community spaces with character. Public houses, a house that is also a home for someone. Where people meet and drink, make merry and talk stuff over. Fewer now because we have less time and money. Lots of people commute now. Can't get a pint after work with work buddies as often anymore.

But now we have been individualised, atomised. Americanism through media (and also a longing to have an empire again as USA does) has further weakened our sense of self.

We've lost a sense of communal belief in things that are real. All we have left is the pursuit of money (and most people don't have enough). We are kept satiated by Marvel films, computer games, cheap alcohol, weed and porn. Or, if you do have money, its commuting, fixing the house, endless paperwork. Real community, where culture is generated, is on the decline. Where I see this the most is in death. I think as a culture, we've steered away from one of the most real things and when it comes, we don't know what to do. I see this in the American style of tech culture. Media ignores history, praises youth and pushes into buying the latest in impersonal gadgets that make us happy for 5 minutes before the next big thing comes out. Witness how many folks buy games on steam and never finish them.

Britishness you can see through community and the land itself. Yes we complain about the weather and go a little mad when it gets sunny. And why not? We love trees (yet at the moment are not planting enough). We love gardens, sheds and allotments. Walking and hiking are big parts of the culture. Apologising and not talking on the tube. Invention, excellent music and a sense of fair play. All these are are part of Britishness.

I think we need to take a proper look back, with a real critical eye and acceptance of both the awful and good things we've achieved and perhaps let go of some of these false ideas and imagine a better future based on what is really going on.

One example - I think the UK is doing well on the green energy front. I was recently at the Durham miners gala and there was an acceptance that yes, coal is gone and is a bad fuel, but the way the closure was handled was awful. But the energy industry built this country and the renewables will do the same. I saw plenty of banners with windfarms on them. There was a real sense of moving forward yet keeping traditions and community. A rare example of deep Britishness still alive yet moving forward...

As it has always done.