What is "Britishness"?

Question

Gordon Brown has initiated another debate about what is "Britishness" and proposed a Britishness Day equivalent to the US's 4th July. What IS Britishness, exactly?

Why do we not hear about "American-ness" or "French-ness"?

Answer 1

It sounds like a classic identity crisis, which usually goes hand in hand with middle age.  I suspect that M. Brown will be "getting in touch with his feminine side" pretty soon too.

Answer 2

I suppose it's loving the empire and taking over other countries and wiping out their indigenous population. Or not allowing them to speak their native language - robbing them of their rights and customs and trying to make them the same as everyone else.

I wonder why they don't celebrate it??? Hmmm perhaps the word shame may explain a lot here!

Answer 3

I suppose Britishness is all things Britain.  You know, the Queen, football, British humour etc.

American-ness is Americania, apple pie, house with a white picket fence.

There is typical French, wine, bakery, etc.