Is it Posh To Be Welsh?

Probably not, but being called Welsh can still feel like an insult. Coming from a background that is very much of the ’valleys’, I know what it’s like to be the butt of jokes and feel embarrassed about who I am.

I remember standing in assembly, my heart in my mouth as the headmistress congratulated a group of pupils who’d sung beautifully at a school event. Her words were kind, but her accent was very posh. As I listened to her speaking, I felt a hot shame burn across my cheeks because my accent was so different. I didn't understand why, but it felt like my valleys accent was seen as uneducated and inferior.

At that time, I didn’t consciously think of myself as Welsh. I just thought my family was different, and somehow not as good. There were words that other kids didn’t understand and ways of saying things that were just ours. We didn’t go to London for day trips or go sailing at the weekend. We saved up for Butlin’s holidays and made annual trips to Barry Island.

It took a long time for me to realise that who my family was and where I came from was not a bad thing. I know that it sounds ridiculous now, but it took me a long time to feel truly Welsh. I've met so many people who feel the same as me. The only image of Welshness we'd seen was Gareth Edwards, Max Boyce and Shirley Bassey. They all had theatrical accents, as well as being very theatrical people.

But I never saw people from my background on television or in newspapers or magazines. The people who did represent us seemed from another planet. I never thought someone who looked or sounded like me could be successful or clever, until I went to university. I met working class Welsh people who defied the stereotypes, who were cool and funky. They were people I wanted to hang out with. Suddenly, I was proud to be Welsh.

After that, I became much more interested in Welshness. I read Welsh Literature, I went to the Eisteddfod, and I learned the Welsh language. I’ve discovered that Wales is a country with a vibrant, rich culture and a bloody brilliant sense of humor. We’re warm, friendly and compassionate, and we’re fiercely loyal. We love singing and sports, and we’re always up for a laugh. At last, I am proud to call myself Welsh. Can I get a 'hiraeth'?