LETTER : My heritage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.NEAL Ascherson's column on "heritage" (19 February) is characteristically reasoned and courteous and I hope I will have occasion to debate it. I was brought up to loathe British imperialism. One of my earliest political memories, at the age of seven or eight, was being told by my mother that in the Bengal famine of 1942 the Europeans were eating 17-course meals in the restaurants while Indians were starving in the streets.
Like Neal Ascherson I cut my teeth on opposition to the Suez war of 1956. I was bitterly opposed to the Falklands expedition. And I believe this country still has an unsettled account with those who sent thousands to their death at Passchendaele and on the Somme. So whatever else it is that fuels Theatres of Memory, I cannot believe that it is jingoism.
Raphael Samuel
London E1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments