Commonwealth Quote by Irvine Welsh
“It's the UK: We have to get beyond that imperialist state. I think that kind of imperialist, hierarchical, elitist state has made it easier to basically shaft everybody in the country, which it's been doing for the last thirty years. It has also sort of made it more difficult for England to fulfill its destiny, which in my mind is creating a multi-ethnic, multicultural society that is truly at the head of that post-imperial commonwealth ideal. I think that that's what England should be and that that's the kind of nation we should be.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 2005, UK political commentary
The speaker criticizes the UK's imperialist, hierarchical, and elitist state, arguing it harms citizens and hinders England's potential as a multicultural, post‑imperial commonwealth nation.
In simple terms: UK politics is seen as oppressive and limiting multicultural progress.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for inclusive, egalitarian governance.
Themes
politics
national identity
multiculturalism
imperialism
social justice
Mood
critical
hopeful
Type
political
social commentary
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- community building
- education on diversity
- media representation
Key Concepts
post‑imperialism
elitism
hierarchy
national destiny
Questions to Reflect On
- How can England balance heritage with multicultural aspirations?
- What reforms could reduce elitist structures?
A Different Perspective
The critique may overlook economic constraints and differing public opinions.
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
![“Brian Mulroney, myself, [and] Rajiv Gandhi; I think that was the real core [of the Commonwealth ]. That was the engine room, I reckon.” quote by Bob Hawke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/96c/bob-hawke-7891_brian_brian-mulroney-myself-and-rajiv-gandhi-i_19423.jpg)
