I never felt totally, 100%, patriotically English… I’d seen a lot of the world by an early age – sort of spent a lot of time traveling around Lebanon and I’d seen Babylon, and Damascus, and all sorts of places in the Middle East by the time I was ten. Then we’d return to Ruslip in West London… Done a fair bit of traveling really.

Gloria Swanson

 

The Quote in Other Words

I have never felt completely and entirely English in a patriotic sense. I had the opportunity to travel extensively at a young age, visiting places such as Lebanon, Babylon, and Damascus in the Middle East before I turned ten. After these travels, we would return to Ruslip in West London. I have had the chance to travel quite a bit.

 

Explanation of the Quote

This quote speaks to the idea of identity and how it can be shaped by one’s experiences and surroundings. The speaker expresses a sense of detachment from their English identity, despite being born and raised in England. This is because they have had the opportunity to see and experience different cultures and places from a young age, which has broadened their perspective and understanding of the world.

The speaker’s travels have exposed them to the richness and diversity of other cultures, which has made them question their own identity and sense of belonging. This highlights the importance of exposure to different cultures and experiences in shaping one’s identity and worldview.

Overall, this quote emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and curious about the world around us, as it can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. It also highlights the limitations of national identity and the need to embrace a more global perspective.