The Oppressed English

"The Oppressed English" by Ian Hay is a witty exploration of how the English were viewed by the world, especially during World War I. The book uses humor to question the idea that the English, often thought of as proud, were actually seen as the ones to blame within the British Empire. It carefully considers the Englishman's character through their interactions with Americans, Scots, and the Irish, pointing out that the English often received blame for the Empire's problems while others took the credit for successes. Hay brings up ideas of cultural misunderstandings, national pride, and the pressures put on the English, showing them as a group that's often misunderstood in the complex web of the British Empire.