In the summer of 1996, I sat on the floor, eyes glued to the television screen. England was involved in a penalty shootout and Gareth Southgate was up next. His kick was saved and my heart dropped. England were out of the Euro '96. At this moment of young heartbreak, I had only been in England for a few years. Having only lived in Nigeria for a short period of time, 99% of my memories are only from this country. I had built relationships here, I had friends at school that I couldn't wait to see and felt a sense of belonging. So when England lost, it felt personal.
Fast forward a few years and I am in a History class learning about the evils of Adolf Hitler and the wonders of the Industrial Revolution. While slavery and Britain's empire were discussed during class time, the way it was taught made it seem as though it wasn't that bad. That's why I was not surprised when an article by the Guardian claimed that 43% of people thought the British empire was a good thing. I would never have said that I was proud of it, especially with the effects the British had on Nigeria and much of the world. But it never seemed so terrible, Hitler was the real evil.
However, with every new day I have had my eyes opened to the different ways that Great Britain has ruined other people's countries and lives, in order to become great. Mark Twain is quoted as saying, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness...". While I have never been a bigot, travelling extensively has helped me see a new and darker side to Britain. The extent to which this country has gone to claim the title of "Great" is both sickening and shameful.