How Important Are Your Roots?
Is where were born important to you? Does it really matter where you're from? Or is it enough to be simply a "citizen of the world"?
Sir Anthony Hopkins caused a storm of controversy when he became an American citizen. What do you think?
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Steve from Wales says:
"I am Welsh, but also British.
I realise this may sound strange but I believe the Welsh truly have a dual personality.
Let me explain.
During a rugby match my heart pounds to the sound of the Welsh National anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nyhadau, (Land of my fathers). This music gives me the feeling of full Welshness, as I am sure "Jerusalem" does to many an Englishman.
However, when I hear "Land of Hope and Glory" on the Last Night of the Proms, I cannot help but feel British. My heart pounds with patriotism.
So not only am I Welsh, but British!
I am sure many other Welshmen feel the same. A dual personality if you like, but also proof that English and Welsh have a common heritage, even if it did split apart so many years ago."
Dave 'Dai' Rees of Bloxwich, Walsall:
"I was born and brought up in Pontyberem just outside Llanelli and feel lucky to have been brought up in a small village. But I do not think it makes a difference where we're born it's more about the environment."
Aaron of Philadelphia is a Welsh supporter:
"I'm an American of Welsh and Irish descent, and a Welsh learner. I feel a great love for my roots and am proud of where my family comes from, and it perplexes me as to why some of the English can't see Cymru as its own nation. But we have to remember the history of the matter. The English have tried their best to erradicate any symbols of Wales being anything other than the south west corner of England. Seeing as how we human beings have no other choice than to accept the reality of the world as it's presented to us, the answer to the problem of non-recognition is to change their perceptions."The people of Cymru must go out of their way to make sure that their nation is put on the map in the minds of the English and the rest of the world. If you don't speak Welsh, you should learn. Use the language. Express your identity through it. Fly the Welsh flag with pride and as often as you can. I do. When people make the mistake of referring to you as English, politely correct them. 'No we're Welsh and have always been so'. Badger the government and the media for more Welsh content. Cymru has to be more visible. I'm not saying it's easy, far from it. "But for those who choose to complain, and not take action, to learn to use their language and celebrate their culture, the blames lies with them. If everyone chose not to act then we might as well just give up and start calling ourselves English. As for me, I'll die first."
Andrew formerly of Maenclochog is proud to be Welsh:
"Anthony Hopkins like many of us ex-pats are still very strong in our beliefs that came from Wales. I gave up my citizenship to join the US Military which I am very proud of but I think time and time again what would have happened if I stayed in Wales. Would I be in the army or working at Tescos? I love Wales and my children are Welsh Americans and I never forget to remind them of Wales and it's history. Wales I miss you very much and I miss the Preselis. PS. Wales is the greatest little nation in the world ..."
Martin in Fishguard discusses changes in todays society:
"Because nowdays people are more mobile and our world has become a much smaller place, due to advances made in technology, I don't think the idea of one's roots is as prominent as it has been. We are now living in a multi-cultural 'global village' and while not losing sight of our own identities and nationalities, we should try to see things in a wider perspective. After all, a greater understanding and tolerance of others can only be for the good of all."
John living in Switzerland agrees with the choice that Anthony Hopkins made:
"As mentioned by Sarah of Amarillo Anthony Hopkins was justified in taking out American nationality to avoid dealing with Immigration Services. A wise choice. I took out Swiss nationality for basically the same reasons. Despite having a Swiss wife and children born in Switzerland, for 30 years I had to present myself every three years to the police to obtain residency. So when the law was changed and I had the possibility of double nationality I jumped at it to avoid the bureaucracy. Friends and family in doubt about the fact that I am Welsh and I give them no opportunity to forget either. Accepting another nationality does not mean you lose your roots. Should I one day be obliged to make a choice of nationality I shall go back to being British ie. Welsh."
Russ of Port Talbot says he could never move away from his home town:
"... some may question why I am loyal to my hometown which may be slightly lacking in major attractions, plus having a steelworks one side and a former petro-chemical plant on the other, but it's my home, it's where I grew up and I have so many memories. Two years ago I left Port Talbot to take up a job in Oxford but I returned after three months feeling homesick - the whole experience reminded me how friendly people are around here and that the local community spirit in the area is a bond which could never be broken. I don't play the lottery but if I did and I won the jackpot, I would definately stay in my hometown."
Edward of Prescot has a strong sense of pride in his Welsh roots:
"My family left Wales for Liverpool in the 1900's, but there has always been a strong sense of pride in our roots. Every time I cross the border into Ceredigion I feel as if I'm coming home. Curious I should find that this is where my family originally hailed from! I am proud to be English, but my heart is always with Wales, and I would move here tomorrow if I could. I believe roots are important. Conscious or unconsciously, they shape at least a part of who we are. There is no shame in moving elsewhere in the world - my own wife is from the USA and, like most Americans, is very proud of the fact! It doesn't mean you are turning your back on who you are if you move elsewhere. If you care enough, you take your homeland with you, and there will always be a good reason if you don't!"
Betws John from North America says:
"I don't think it is a constructive thing to be too nationalistic, but it is pretty hard to expunge the sunlit days, yes sunlit, spent as an adolescent in Ammanford. I have lived in Canada and the US now for going on 47 years, but I have never been completely house trained. My remaining relatives in Wales have always represented stability and human values and a place to re-charge my batteries in this mad world. My wife who is Canadian caught the same spirit. It will surely disappear. All I ask is, could we have a more winning (Americanism) rugby team? I know Wales is small, but 55 to 3 in Australia?"
Ashley from Kansas, USA has this to say:
"I certainly don't think natural origin or place of birth has anything to do with where your heart is. I was born in Kansas USA, and I currently go to university in New York, but I've travelled all over the US and I lived in Swansea for one year when I was 16. Of all the places I've lived, my heart is still in Swansea. I hope to return one day".
Elaine has contacted us from Vancouver Island Western Canada:
"I was born and raised in Pembrokeshire and have been living in British Columbia, Canada for 22 years, expect for a brief stint of 2 1/2 years when my three children and I returned to Pembs. in 1998. I have to say that we were all anxious to return to Canada. Obviously my children were all born in Canada so they are automatically Canadian citizens and my husband and I have dual citizenship, so we have a UK and Canadian passport. I am proud to have been born in Wales, my family are all living back there, and visit here often. I really enjoy living in Canada though, it is clearly a land of opportunity!"
Sara who is a huge fan of Anthony Hopkins has got in contact with us:
"Although he is originally Welsh, I think that he was right in getting his American citizenship because in an interview I saw with him last year, he said that when he was in England he spent much of his early years as a child and as a young adult apologising for his very existence. But now out in America he doesn't have to do that any more, he gets on the road and he travels, burning up the past and burning up memories. He said it is a great country to be in.
"I think America is freedom for him, I think he felt very constrained by England and he wanted to go and work in American art form...So I say good for him."
Alistair of Pontyclun says:
"I would be willing to live abroad but wholeheartedly believe that I would visit Wales and retain my citizenship. However this is out of my patriotism and I do not feel that I owe it but rather that I am helping better Wales rather than paying a debt. Also it is important to spread the word about Wales, so by travelling we are ambassadors for Wales and can promote it the world over helping to increase knowledge and understanding of our home country."
David of Pennsylvania USA has this to say:
"If I came into a ton of money, lottery or what have you, I would indeed help the land of my ancestors - Wales. I am proud to be an American, but I also have a deep love for Wales. I would donate a bit of money to Welsh orphans and to the Welsh children's hospitals. So come on and show me the money..."
Steven of Swansea says:
"Anthony Hopkins lives and works in the US and I think becoming a citizen of the United States was a logical step in his life, one which he had to take. It wasn't something to show that he is turning his back on his country. He was still born in Wales, and to an extent he is still Welsh. The Media has a very nasty habit of trying to turn the public against every celebrity on the face of the planet through malicious stories, but our opinion is just as important - if not more - than that of a reporter who does not really understand what is going on in the world today - but would rather exploit every bit of news or gossip that he or she hears."
Dai lives in Laguna Beach California and he is originally from Wales.
"Why does Anthony Hopkins taking US Citizenship mean he is turning his back on Wales? The last time I checked you couldn't be a Welsh citizen - of course as a British citizen you are a subject of Her Majesty the Queen, which is probably enough to make any thinking person consider another option. As for forgetting his roots, he certainly hadn't when he put down the largest share of the purchase price of Snowdon a few years ago.
"Being an American citizen does not mean I am no longer Welsh. My citizenship reflects what's on a document - my Welshness is in my heart".
Katie sent in this email.
"I am a big fan of Anthony Hopkins. I think it is great that he finally took the step to become an American citizen. As I understand the original newstory, he actually has dual citizenship".
Carmen lives in the USA and this is what she has to say.
"I live in the US and I am a huge fan of Tony's. If Tony is happier here than he is in the UK then I support that. If he wanted to stay in GB I would support that too, but he has never been happier than he has been in Malibu. It isn't where he lives that makes him a great actor, he is just one. I wish him the best of luck in everything he does."
Sarah is originally from Wales, but she now lives in Amarillo, Texas. She believes there are practical reasons why people opt for taking American citizenship.
"I am very aware of my Welsh roots despite living over in the USA, I married an American so one of us had to uproot. I love my life here but I miss Wales and know I always will.
"On Anthony Hopkins, I do not blame him in the least for gaining American citizenship as it is the only way to become free of dealing with the Immigration Service here and anyone who has had dealings with them would fully appreciate what that means."
Simon lives in Holland but says he's "very much aware of where he came from". He believes that many people forget their roots when they achieve success:
"I haven't got a chip on my shoulder, honest, but it might be nice if some of these big stars who are apparently so proud of their heritage started to give something back to the communities that raised them?
"It seems these celebs have forgotten about the poverty and desperation that is still a part of life for people in many parts of Wales."Join the debate - email us or have Your Say.
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