To those from countries once colonized by the United Kingdom (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, etc.), are you low-key “proud” of the fact that your countries were once ruled by it? I had a South African friend who once lived in Seoul as an English teacher. One day, we talked about how South African TV often airs British TV shows. Then, at one point, she told me something like, South Africans are “proud” of the British influence on their accent and culture. (She said the exact word, “proud.”) Hmm...🤔 On top of that, my ex-girlfriend from Malaysia used to praise anything British and brought up the fact that Malaysia used to be a British colony many times in our conversation. In addition, I often stumble upon Singaporeans and Hong Kong people trying to “show off” the British influence on their countries. (This is a bit of a different story, but I even remember when some Hong Kong people claimed that they were British and asked for help from the U.K. when China started tightening their grip on them.) To be clear, I’m not trying to discount the U.K. or anything, I love the country 🇬🇧. (“The Inbetweeners” gave me so many life lessons that I will live by.) I’m not criticizing the concept of colonization either. To me, it’s just part of history, and bygone is bygone. But as someone from a "weak" country that was colonized by Japan for 35 years and invaded countless times by various Chinese empires in history, I can’t wrap my head around when someone says they are “proud” that their countries were colonized. I don't mind that South Korea was colonized by Japan. I have nothing against the country. But I'd never say I'm proud.