I was born in Truro, Cornwall, twenty-four years thirty-two days and nine hours ago. Although I have lived in Plymouth all my life (apart from when I lived in Turkey aged 5-8) when people ask me where I’m from, without hesitation, I always say Cornwall. I’m proud of my Cornish roots and proud to call myself a Cornish citizen.
Surrounded by the sea and blankets of green a Cornish citizen feels in tune with the seasons and natural rhythms of life and because of this has a laid back friendly demeanour, and is a loyal, committed friend and family member. Surfing, making sand castles, eating pasties and buying bargains from car boots always reminds me of who I am and where I came from.
I can’t say the same thing about being a European citizen. What connects me to the latter is a mystery; I don’t understand how I can define any aspect of my identity under it. It doesn’t feel local or personal to me, but very distant and empty.
I feel this is partly responsible for why I have never voted in European Elections. So, if I’m to get inspired about voting in the elections in June, I need to get in touch with my European roots and find out what makes us citizens of Europe?
