Standing Room

21 March 2009

Last Saturday I was sent a stiff, glossy brochure informing me of imminent changes in my local podiatry services.

Nearly 20 years ago I moved to America with my husband and children. During the seven years we lived there we applied for, and were graciously granted green cards. Our legal status became that of ‘permanent resident aliens’. Not surprising perhaps, I never felt like a resident alien. In these circumstances I felt like an Englishwoman abroad — despite the fact that my children used to (understandably, as they were being educated in an American school) start each morning pledging their allegiance to the Star Spangled Banner before singing ‘My Country ’Tis of Thee’ to the tune of ‘God Save the Queen’.

I am deeply patriotic; I am proud to hold a British passport and totally embrace and accept the fact I live in a multi, multicultural society. The fact that the last box I was made to tick asked if the survey had been completed by a parent/guardian, a carer, a support worker, a healthcare professional or an interpreter left me in no doubt it must have been written by a foreigner. Best foot forward.

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Ken Bishop

March 19th, 2009 7:38pm Report this comment

"I am a woman that was born and bred in England, as were my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents ". Really? Were no men involved in the process at all?