The Evil Empire
5Traks
03/21/2007
I'm not sure whether I should be seeing this as the brilliant satire it really is or if I should actually be quite upset but, either way I'm loving the concept behind The Evil Empire.
Steven Grasse is arguing that English people shouldn't be pointing the finger at the United States. He asks "After all, whose imperialistic shenanigans is Osama bin Laden really trying to avenge? Whose landgrabbing ways put the Palestinians and Israelis at each others throats? Who invented machine guns, wage slavery and concentration camps?"
I was sent an e-mail, as I'm sure were many other British bloggers making some pretty bold claims about the British Empire and suggesting repayments and apologies are in order for spreading "so much destruction over the past half-millennium around the globe".
It starts by talking about a New York Times article on the recent subject of British youths being the most depressed in the developed world (is that still the politically correct term).
The e-mail says "The article says that they spend all of their time drinking, drugging and doing petty crimes. May we say that we know what is illing these young adults - GUILT!"
It goes on "They feel guilty about being the wayward sons of such an evil empire that has spread so much destruction over the past half-millennium around the globe."
And suggests a solution "Only reparations will release these youngsters and allow them to live productive lives. So, Britain, we urge you, do what is right and pay the reparations bill."
Now I can personally say that I don't feel any guilt about the English, British or whatever empire - I wasn't alive when we were an empire and so don't feel any responsibility for it.
I also have a sense of humour and love the idea behind the book - I'll definetly be getting a copy to read as it seems pretty close to British humour - the guy is obviously a closet Anglophile.
