To disobey were against all proportion of subjection...

[steepholm]

Am I a citizen? Of Bristol, evidently yes. But of the United Kingdom? I'm not sure. I always understood that there was a distinction between subjects (of monarchs, however politically toothless) and citizens. As the UK is not yet a republic, presumably I am, pro tem, a subject and not a citizen.

And yet, my passport refers to British citizens. People take citizenship tests and become (at least in popular usage) UK citizens. Children take lessons in citizenship at school - whatever that means. Are these loose expressions, or is it possible to be a citizen of the UK and a subject of the queen at one and the same time? Is it possible to be the former but not the latter? Is there a way I can opt out of being a subject (I sure as hell didn't opt in)?

On the other hand, isn't there something strangely appealing about the idea of seeing children take mandatory lessons in Subjection?

Comments

[kalypso-v.livejournal.com]

I think, once you've been subjected, you can't opt out without armed revolution. Objecting wouldn't be enough.

[steepholm.livejournal.com]

"Object to subjection? Try armed insurrection!" Catchy - but where does one find the time?

Subjection

[leelowe.livejournal.com]

'On the other hand, isn't there something strangely appealing about the idea of seeing children take mandatory lessons in Subjection?'

Actually, that's what I thought going to school meant...

Re: Subjection

[steepholm.livejournal.com]

:-)