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Susan Calman Is Convicted

Comedy: Standup

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Glaswegian comedian Susan Calman explores issues on which she has strong opinions.

Susan Calman Is Convicted: Series 1

Susan Calman Is Convicted: Series 1: Episode 4: Nationality

Episode 4

Episode 4: Nationality

Series 1

Nationality

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Susan Calman Is Convicted, Series 1, Nationality

Susan didn't think cultural identity was important but then realised her roots defined her

Susan Calman describes why she didn't think her cultural identity was particularly important, but then realised her Scottish roots were what defined her.

What does it mean to be Scottish? In the 1960s, television's 'The White Heather Club' was the ultimate representation of Scottishness. But it wasn't how Susan thought of herself, and to be honest she wasn't that bothered about it. But then she watched Austin Powers, and realised that the character 'Fat Bastard' was what people thought the Scots were - deep fried mars bar eating, drunken, daft jocks. 

So she started to really evaluate what it has meant to be Scottish throughout history, and now believes that national identity is crucial, but that you have to take control of it to be proud of it.
But is nationalism still a dirty word, or have events like the Olympics allowed us to reclaim who we are without shame? Is national identity simply an excuse to be parochial and defensive? What's the difference between patriotism, nationalism and national identity and has the latter been tainted with the former two?

Produced by Lyndsay Fenner.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Stand-up comedy in which Glaswegian comedian Susan Calman explores issues on which she has strong opinions.

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Susan Calman Is Convicted

Series 1

Episode 4: Nationality

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