Anti-Scottish sentiment

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Anti-Scottish sentiment is disdain, envy, fear or hatred for Scotland, the Scots or Scottish culture. It is sometimes referred to as Scotophobia[1][2] (which also means fear of the dark).

Edward I of England was styled the "Hammer of the Scots". His tombstone reads Edwardus Primus Scotorum Malleus hic est, 1308. Pactum Serva which is Latin for "Here is Edward I, Hammer of the Scots". He is depicted as an opponent of Scottish nationalism in games and movies such as Braveheart.

The diet of the Scots is often derided by the English. An early example appears in the first dictionary of Samuel Johnson in which he defined oats as "a grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people". The haggis, whose contents are offal, is often the butt of jokes. The modern diet of the Scots is thought to be especially unhealthy and a common example is the Deep-fried Mars Bar.

In popular culture, a stereotypical Scotsman is often depicted as being fiery-tempered or miserly. Examples include: Groundskeeper Willy, Private Frazer, Mr Mackay and Scotty. When such a character wears a kilt there is often ribald speculation or innuendo about what is underneath. The accompanying sporran is often thought to be amusing too.

The term Scottish mafia is a pejorative term used by English nationalists for a group of Scottish Labour Party politicians and broadcasters who have been seen as having undue influence over the government of the United Kingdom and in particular of England. The term is widely used in the UK press[3][4] and in parliamentary debates.[5][6] Members of this group include: Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Alistair Darling, Charles Falconer, Derry Irvine, Michael Martin and John Reid.

[edit] Quotations

  • "There are few more impressive sights in the world than a Scotsman on the make" - J.M.Barrie[7]
  • "The noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees, is the high road that leads to England." - Samuel Johnson[7]

[edit] References

  1. ^ (2008) Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. “Scotophobia, a morbid dread or dislike of the Scots or things Scottish” 
  2. ^ Neal Ascherson (28 June 2006). Scotophobia. OpenDemocracy.
  3. ^ Jack, Ian. "Border disputes", The Guardian, Guardian Newspapers Limited, 15 July 2006. Retrieved on 2006-10-02. 
  4. ^ Johnson, Boris. "There's nothing national about the National Health", The Daily Telegraph, Telegraph Group Limted, 31 August 2006. Retrieved on 2006-10-02. 
  5. ^ Parliamentary Debates, House of Lords, 12 February 2004, column GC571
  6. ^ Parliamentary Debates, House of Lords, 7 July 1997, column 523
  7. ^ a b T. Christopher Smout (2005). Anglo-Scottish Relations, from 1603 to 1900. Oxford University Press, 25. ISBN 0197263305. 

[edit] See also

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