American Reacts to Al Murray: Name a country...we have defeated them.

[@SoGal_YT]

Quick announcement! Now you can follow me behind-the-scenes and direct message me if you want: Instagram: instagram.com/sogal.yt/ Twitter: twitter.com/SoGal_YT Hope to see you there!

[@jamesbarker3917]

The outfit he is wearing is a British pub landlord outfit, he’s called the pub landlord comedian, he also has a PhD in history

[@flownit]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn_Upmuenciigq8

[@MrChris1533]

@SoGal Al Murray plays the character of a pub landlord. A pub landlord in the traditional sense runs and owns a pub and the pub in the village or town would be the center of the community where people meet and discus everything bond with pub sport like snooker domino's Darts, Bingo and even pub quizzes. Pub quizzes were held at least once per week and it would be up to the land lord or his/her delegated person to come up with the questions for these competitions some times it would be just the people in the pub at the time who would play these games but every pub had a dedicated team which would be a part of a league of pubs first in the local area but going national the Land lord would be the center of the entertainment in a pub he/she was judge jury and executioner a captain of his own ship if you like. So the traditional pub Land lord would be able to react in the same way Al is doing to any question even if the land lords did not know the right answer he would make something up and that was the answer even if it was wrong, when found out they were wrong he would give the right answer but it was your fault for not knowing the right answer :) its all in fun. Americans would call it "fake news." but still believe it anyway. And this was all before social media so. May be this is why we can smell bull crap in the UK when its spouted. I don't know hope this helped you out. The shirt with the crest on it would be the logo or crest of the pub the land lord owned or ran its a uniform. We brits like to wear uniforms for work at one point now everything has gone to shit with privatization. Today however most pubs are owned by chains and the pub landlord is all but extinct in the UK

[@nathanlynch5002]

He has a Degree in British History I believe 🙂

[@Rikky999]

We did a poll regarding feelings towards our imperial legacy not so long ago and it came out as positive towards it in the main. Something like 60% proud, 19% ashamed.

[@zakparsons9109]

'Is he drinking while doing this?' Lady, we drink when we do everything

[@AndrewLakeUK]

True, cheers! (clink)

[@thecarward]

I am at work right now, with an open bottle of Peroni next to me! Cheers!

[@Lack2330]

The shirt badge is part of his pub landlord persona

[@BrettsClips]

F*ck it I’ll drink to that 😂

[@WASPS1867]

True

[@steevenfrost]

Al Murray is playing a character called the "Pub Landlord". He is very educated and knows his stuff.

[@davidrossiter7334]

Its not a character he actually is a pub landlord

[@garethbrearley6484]

@@davidrossiter7334 No he isn't.

[@davidrossiter7334]

@@garethbrearley6484 He owns a pub in Sussex, its well known in the area and have been there myself in fact one of his daughters works there.

[@jonb4155]

@@davidrossiter7334 He is a pub landlord, but The Pub Landlord is a character.

[@davidrossiter7334]

@@jonb4155 yes its a character but he also owns a pub. I have literally been there and spoken to his daughter and there pictures of him up all over the pub.

[@Beatdownkioskman]

Seeing yanks watch react to our humour is always painful as fuck lmao

[@bottledclowngaming2004]

I like you alot

[@timwilliamson6704]

Then watch Eclectic beard channel..he gets it, guy's a legend.

[@mmartinez6342]

🤣😅🇬🇧👍

[@shanefoy9627]

It really is like pulling teeth out watching the yanks understand our humour lol

[@shanefoy9627]

I'm very proud of it as we are a small country that kicked the worlds arse over and over again 🤣🤣🤣

[@ggbop010101]

You do realise that he is a historian, and the audience is NOT in on the act

[@rosskilly8991]

Of course he's drinking........ He's english.... Lol.

[@DavidSmith-ul4ns]

🤣🤣 us english love a drink but the Scottish are the worst for booze lol

[@uEquusVideo]

We have to drink... it makes us forget about Donald and how he might evisorate the World!

[@TheYeetusLord]

@@uEquusVideo Well he'd better do it before Jan 20 XD

[@ianwarner8989]

I would complain about that, but I do have a can in my hand as I type, so it's probably fair

[@susandeans7214]

@@DavidSmith-ul4ns Are we the worst though, or are we really the best? lol

[@holldolldee7582]

The “Americans working for the British ever since” is basically that we let our child do the work for us now. Like father like son🇬🇧🦁🇺🇸

[@Revolución_Socialista]

"Americans" are all people who live in the American continent, not just in the United States

[@davelister2961]

@@Revolución_Socialista Technically, yes. But "Yanks" were technically (some of) the northern States of the USA, but British people use "Yank" to mean any American (from the north or south of the Union) and "American" to specifically refer to anyone from the USA. Other continental Americans are referred to as: Central Americans or South Americans, as well as their specific countries like Canadians or Peruvians, etc.

[@white-dragon4424]

@@Revolución_Socialista Are you really suggesting that we call you "United States Citizens"? Even "US Citizens" doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. Instead, we either say "Mexican", "Canadian", or "American" when we talk about people from North America. Technically that might be incorrect, but people from the USA are unofficially called "Americans" even by your own government, as in "My fellow Americans".

[@garycheetham531]

He's a fountain of knowledge masquerading as a drunk English lad. He brilliant. He knows his stuff.

[@howardstephens5003]

He's masquerading as a Pub landlord, that's the character. As an overbearing, know-it-all, which is a typical characture of a type of British pub landlord.

[@rolybling]

He's not drunk this is an act he's not like that in real life, it's a performance, he's playing a character here, he's a writer, comedian and actor.

[@diogenesagogo]

I wouldn't take him too seriously. It's all a bit tongue in cheek.

[@garethroberts9729]

But what he speaks is true, Just said in a fun way.

[@paul-antonywhatshisface3954]

He's also a play on the English stereotype of a pub landlord (hence the shirt) who are generally seen as knowledgeable braggarts

[@nicholascaceres82]

"Something about the Vikings and the British not quite getting along", Nah we just had wars and battles with them for over 300 years for a laugh.

[@graemeferry9794]

😂👍🏼

[@melkor3496]

Lmao

[@Eadwulf_Skald]

Isn't that kind of a british tradition by now?

[@johnnewton2949]

Bit of pedantry here, Vikings and Saxons both originated from Germanic tribes. Troubles started between them when the Irish finally converted the Saxons to Christianity. The Church in Rome had vetoed all trade with the Vikings because they refused to convert to Christianity - they tried to starve them into submission. The vikings hit back at Christian outposts starting with the Monastery at Lindisfarne and the rest was history - ending in 1066 when the Saxon army under Harold Godwinson finally destroyed the Viking army under Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge. Yeah I know it's a comedy vlog but Al is an historian too and Sogal doesn't seem to know much history.

[@christophcooneyoff]

​@@johnnewton2949 It's an interesting debate. The Normans were the descendants of Rollo, a Viking. Right before Harold Godwinson was, of course, King Cnut, an actual Scandinavian who ruled over England. Harold Godwinson was a noble in Cnut's court. Not to mention the fact that Northumbria were Anglo-Danish after the establishment of the Danelaw by Alfred. If you go by who won the last battle, you could argue that yes, the Saxons finally defeated the Vikings. If you go by how the demographic changed, it's a little more grey. I was not aware of the Roman church's veto of trade with the Vikingers! That would explain the need to go raiding as a source of income (going a-viking, as they called it!). What a brilliant fact, thank you :)

[@martinfrancis3285]

Al Murray is an Oxford history graduate, he is in his personna as the pub landlord, often seen as loud boorish men.

[@Warlock_UK]

I've seen him live, and he has a very, very good memory - he'll ask what loads of people do and what their names are, and have something to joke about with each person - then return to them later and cross reference people at different points. His character is basically a mocking of the typical English "England is Top Nation" Island Mentality.

[@harrietelizabeth9195]

He also has a degree in history from Oxford.

[@PalleRasmussen]

"Beautiful Bristish name". US could use some of the irony and satire the Brits have about themselves, for themselves.

[@Beefybaby]

He didn't prep he's educated. 😂

[@The.Conqueeftador]

Al does have a degree from Oxford in history. Plus he is a massive war buff, he's done loads of different shows about war and British history

[@anthonymatthews7193]

BA in Modern History from St.Edmunds to be exact.

[@tonyyoung6951]

I am British but born and lived in 3, now ex colonies, Malawi, Serria Leone and Hong Kong from 1960 to 1985, I basically witnessed the fall of the empire, while growing up. Some countries have not done well from it, but some have. I guess I could write a book about it, so much learnt.

[@neko_3851]

Al Murray Graduated Oxford with a Degree in History, but he has an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Social Science

[@SoGal_YT]

Ah...this video makes more sense now. Thanks!

[@namor357]

@@SoGal_YT the Social Sciences are a waste of life

[@wyterabitt2149]

@@namor357 Oh dear, maybe you should have at least had some education. Then maybe you wouldn't look this silly. Social sciences examples; psychology, sociology, geography, economics, law, anthropology, and all business qualifications. So, all those are a waste of life are they?

[@wyterabitt2149]

@@SirRicheybee For a certain type of person, I probably am. But for that type of person . . . . well it is safe to say no normal, intelligent person has to care too much about what they think.

[@danieldunlavey6901]

he's done a few documentaries too, he plays the fool (obviously, he's a comedian) but is scary smart

[@SoGal_YT]

Interesting. I'm definitely watching more of his stuff.

[@danieldunlavey6901]

@@SoGal_YT If you haven't watched 'The Fallen of World War 2 by Neil Halloran' its well worth the watch

[@SoGal_YT]

@@danieldunlavey6901 I have seen it before, but a lot of people are asking for it. I don't know if I should do it anyway just to have a discussion about it. That might not be as entertaining though.

[@eamonnclabby7067]

Maybe for a change look up Dave Allen very laconic Irishman sadly no longer with us.....E

[@samuel10125]

No it's literally just that a joke the special relationship of Britain and the US is mutually beneficial in intelligence, trade and military cooperation and probably the most important relationship in the modern day. Honestly we respect our history we don't run from it we recognise both the good and the bad of our Empire but we also celebrate our heritage to a point we are patriotic but not to the extent of the US it spells more appropriate patriotism so certain holidays and days we remember that sacrifices of WW1, WW2 and modern conflicts.

[@liamreidy1175]

I respect punctuation........

[@samuel10125]

@@liamreidy1175 Well seen you don't have a learning moderate difficulties?

[@davexvs]

in most cases military wise america has the muscle but britain has the brains and tactics for them to carry it out sucesfully to prove a point america went it alone without any involvement from us in vietnam look how that turned out

[@danep8553]

@@davexvs There were British personnel in Vietnam, just so you know.

[@jimappleby3545]

@@danep8553 There were troops from part of the British Commonwealth - Australia - but the UK Government refused to play any military part in America's futile adventure. Have you ever heard the name Daniel Ellsberg? He had worked in the Pentagon and leaked documents that revealed the USA had known, from its own analysts as early as 1962, that the war was unwinnable. The reason it dragged on for another dozen years was simple: each US President was afraid to admit defeat on his watch. It was only when public protests grew too big to ignore that Nixon, mired in the Watergate Scandal, decided to throw in the towel.

[@Jobladesuck]

He is well known here in uk for being very knowledgeable about history. He has a podcast called “we have ways of making you talk”. It is fantastically packed with WW2 in-depth knowledge. His character here is of a pub landlord. The basic premise is he is meant to be bigoted, but the guy himself is anything but and is incredibly worldly and intelligent

[@jamescleary5198]

The pub landlord- his best character (not school uniform) He has a history degree 📜 also Great vid keep them up 👍🏼

[@SoGal_YT]

Thanks! Planning to do more Al Murray.

[@Yama_Apri_521]

I’ve found your US take on the British really interesting and very refreshing. I look forward to seeing some more of this content and thank you for the effort you’re putting into this. As for some of your questions: Al Murray is an Oxford educated history buff. He’s nothing like his persona of ‘Pub Landlord’ in real life and his serious historical programmes are very interesting to watch. The British view on Empire is a little awkward. There’s a huge drive to highlight the bad, with little attempt to consider it within the context of its time, or to consider other Empires that came before, or ran parallel to it. There’s a standing joke in Britain that is sometimes used to highlight the advantage of immigration here: “what did the Romans ever do for us”. It implies, correctly, that without them we wouldn’t have had sanitation, infrastructure etc etc. Clearly, whilst this was a good thing in many ways, it came with a fair amount of pain. The Viking raids, Norman conquest, the Barbary Slavers, to name but a few, also had impacts on the UK that - with the exception of the Barbary Slave Trade, which isn’t mentioned in British schools - are highlighted as positives for the United Kingdom as we now stand. Even though the barbarity and impacts of those invasions/occupations was severe. I’ll caveat this following comment, by saying I’m not making any assertion as to whether the British Empire was good or bad, or any shade in between. But as a comparison to other Empires, the industrial revolution, the rise of a British Empire, the export/import of technology, medicine, infrastructure to various parts of the globe is largely seen within British education (and the majority of the world) as a huge negative for all involved and something the British should be ashamed of. Whether that’s strictly fair, in context, is a matter of very lengthy debate I guess.

[@23879988]

You really should not take him seriously, he is joking and his persona is a pub landlord.

[@topcat1358]

John - You're right. He's best known as a comedian - and a very good one... but I remember he did an excellent documentary series (bout 6 or 8 episodes) bout WW2 from the Allied landings at Normandy, France to Berlin and the defeat of Germany - about June, 1944 to May, 1945. There were no jokes - it was a serious documentary and he travelled the route and did the commentary! I'd recommend that.

[@23879988]

@@topcat1358 Thank you I will have a look.

[@mortisrat]

The wars with the French were always more important to the British than keeping America. The French supported the US during the war of independence and then the US refused to pay their war debts, bankrupting France which led to civil unrest and the eventual end of all hostilities. I guess in that way the US was working for us after leaving.

[@TominatorGaming]

It's funny cause the war started because the Americans refused to pay the taxes Britain had spent to defend them from the French and Spanish...then did the exact same to then after getting tons of help and arms from them to fight the British XD

[@sumgam3rz755]

He is extremely intelligent, he usually tells a fact, then ends it with a joke each time to make you laugh. Its a way to remember because you can remember the joke and it helps you learn fast.

[@danielpurdy9328]

His character is the pub landlord so drinking is a character trait. Al also has an Oxford degree in Modern History

[@shanenolan8252]

He was a history teacher before comedy I believe

[@timbanks260]

On a more serious level, Al Murray co-presents a podcast on all things WWII - called "We have ways" derived from a stereo-typical view of a Gestapo agent interrogating a prisoner "We haf vays of making you tok" really great podcast

[@richardhathaway2901]

What a lot of people don't realise is that Al Murray is playing a role on stage. He is portraying a typical "Pub Landlord". This is a guy who reigns over his pub, sipping on a never emptying glass of beer and holding court over his patrons. They always have very strong opinions about everything and have no hesitation in telling their audience the "truth" as they see it. It's a very clever and accurate portrayal of a dying species. He is a very intelligent man who knows his facts. I doubt that he has rehearsed the act as you suggested. Part of the fun is that the audience tries to catch him out by shouting out some obscure country.

[@Chris_GY1]

Al Murray did a documentary series on WW2 minus the alcohol, he visited various places and talked to British veterans at some of those places. He supports British troops and has presented some awards to British military personnel which are know as Millie Awards backed by The Sun newspaper, lots of celebrities present the awards actors, actresses, comedians and tv personalities.

[@pipercharms7374]

"They've been working for us ever since". His joking there, no historic reference XD.

[@jazzmorg9503]

And the fact your speaking English 🇬🇧 not American 🇺🇸 cause there’s no such language unless your American Indian so...

[@Wolfways]

@@jazzmorg9503 And the US Bill of Rights is based on the English Bill of Rights, and the US anthem is ripped off from an old English song kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6PRc5aolNKchK8

[@jazzmorg9503]

Oh and the fact your speaking ENGLISH you muppet you speak the language of England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 dumb fuck

[@Wolfways]

@@jazzmorg9503 Well they're trying anyway ;)

[@tomlamb7542]

@@jazzmorg9503 Don't call them dumb fucks, that's not nice.

[@atomiswave1971]

He's a British patriot that has learnt everything he wants to know.

[@holdtightadele8017]

You know it’s a persona right, he’s an extremely well spoken, well educated historian taking the piss out of “patriots” that pretend to be patriotic but are just nationalists.

[@atomiswave1971]

@@holdtightadele8017 I don't doubt. He is very educated and as a comedian seems to hit the right balance of sarcasm and comedy.

[@IRISHATLANTIC]

He is mocking the type of Brit that is proud of the Empire. He is actually very anti-Brexit and that whole British nationalism. The character is satirical. Al Murray opposes everything that the The Pub Landlord represents. Murray is very sympathetic to the likes of the Irish and French, who his character mocks. He is similar to Warren Mitchell who played the character of Alf Garnett in the 1960's and 1970's. Alf Garnett was a racist, West Ham fan, misogynistic, right wing, British Empire loving, Conservative Party supporter. Warren Mitchell was also parodying this type of individual.

[@paulamcmahon9082]

His character for the purpose of this sketch is a pub landlord. A landlord can own or rent a pub and he's treating the audience as his customers.

[@nicholasrussell713]

Our beloved "Pub Landlord" comedian. Often accompanied by a bar on stage. Love your videos! 👍

[@SoGal_YT]

Let me know what other videos I should watch! Also, like and subscribe if you enjoyed this video 👍🏻

[@toiletsauce_]

Please react to History of Russia by Epic History TV. There are 5 parts, and it unfortunately contains some myths and jumps over some important things, but it is a very good overview for people who are not at all familiar with Russian History.

[@SoGal_YT]

@@toiletsauce_ You're the second person to suggest that, and it's on my list. Thanks!

[@geoffwheadon2897]

Pet , there's millions of us in Danelaw, Viking/Norse blood runs through us, hail from The Land of the Prince Bishops, the County of Durham

[@andymcghee1656]

SoGal. Love your channel. Yet I must point out the 'Pub Landlord' is a CHARACTER that Cambridge-educated, Left-Leaning comedian Al has long played - when SPOOFING your typical bombastic, right-wing know it all British publican. The vews the 'Pub Landlord espouses are actually the opposite of Al's own. Al is saterizing such views with the use of a character he created - not to be taken literally. Keep up the good work.

[@johnmckee7640]

History but true.. This man is not an idiot...

[@rsmithuk]

He is dressed as a pub landlord. Al Murray is quite the history buff as well as being a comedian

[@SpartanMikey]

He's playing the part of an old school 80-90's pub landlord, displaying the arrogance of the time that the Brits are the greatest. It's all pretend, right down to his "drunkedness" on stage. He is, in fact an expert in history, particularly military history and very well read in real life. Also, famously created a political party under his landlord persona in an attempt to show just how ridiculous the personalities in that years running were. Ironically, he actually gained support in the constituency he applied for and he ended up on the ballot in the local election.

[@pw3019]

Al Murray read Modern History at St. Edmunds College Oxford and was awarded an honorary degree (Hon MA) by the University of Bedford in 2014 and an Honorary Dr of Social Science (PhD) by the University of Wolverhampton in 2017 - so yes, a very educated, knowledgeable man.

[@stevegray1308]

Remember in England so you can drink at 18. We used to go to the pub at lunchtime in my last year at school, complete with uniforms.

[@robsol123]

Same! 😎👍🍻🇬🇧

[@DS9TREK]

Wow, you wore school uniforms at 18? We stopped wearing them when you started sixth form

[@stevegray1308]

@@DS9TREK aye. At my school it was uniforms until you left.

[@persuadedterror925]

Al murray is an Oxford University Graduate and is a very intelligent and well read man. His pub landlord persona is a stage act.

[@Nik2555]

Presuming loads of comments telling you this but he’s an Oxford history graduate and known for how intelligent he is. He’s done a few history documents where he doesn’t play ‘the pub landlord’. The pub landlord is pretending to be a stereotypical southern pub landlord. The outfit is what your old fashioned ‘tough’ pub landlords used to wear.

[@billtomlin9954]

The pub landlord is his character. He’s acting. Hence the drinking.

[@Rathardican]

He isn’t drinking beer. He does have a Masters degree in History and talks German fluently. It’s an act ..

[@stevehughes6627]

He's brilliant as a stand-up comic too! As for the Empire; we're more concerned and embarrassed about the numpties in charge...

[@mikecockerill3952]

Out of the Empire came the British Commonwealth that 53 countries have now CHOSEN to join. The British Commonwealth countries now account for 1/3rd of the earth's landmass. We are very proud of how the Empire has worked out and how it continues to evolve to the benefit of many.

[@jimbo6059]

We now have 56 countries, one from the Portuguese empire, Mozambique, and two others Rwanda and Togo. None were British.

[@charlestaylor3027]

The Empire is a thing of the past, we managed it with very few massacres and with not that many people. We also managed the first ever wartime quip. No doubt you've heard of Bradley saying "NUTS" to the Germans at the battle of Bastogne. A British General made a posher response Charles Napier captured the Indian region of Sindh and sent a cable back to his superiors in London that read "Peccavi" - latin for "I have sinned".

[@distantplaces6560]

Al Murray has a degree in history from Oxford Uni. Re: The British Empire…like all empires, there were winners and losers and there were also some very dark times. However, on balance, I’m incredibly proud of what the empire managed to achieve. Given that we are a tiny island on the extreme western edge of Europe, I think we’ve had a dramatic and positive effect on the world stage. One of the things that I’m most proud of is how the empire has evolved into the commonwealth. Now we are free of the EU, I sincerely hope that we in the UK can enjoy free trade and movement between commonwealth countries. God save the Queen.

[@stillbaddad]

Love watching your reactions.. If possible when you finish with the GB stuff if you delve into what makes England, for instance, the different counties within and the history behind each one, you will find the reason why we are who we are.. Thats and actual fact. County by County offered different skills in their unique ways.. i would just Love to see a reaction about Newcastle Upon Tyne and compare it with say, an american state, and see which has more to offer through out history.

[@iparz44z]

The British empire was just us going on holiday to get some sun, plus with loads of beer 🍺 being consumed and too much sun means fights breaking out, and the counties being smashed up. hence why people call it the British empire, just one big misunderstanding we just wanted some sunny weather

[@stevetaylor7403]

He’s dressed as a pub landlord. Pubs have nothing in common with American or European bars. His stage persona is the Pub Landlord. He has degree in History from Oxford University.

[@Sumphuka]

I certainly have pride in what we achieved in history, but the British Empire was summed up by a Klingon brilliantly to me. No not mad, he was at the Star Trek Experience in Vegas back when it was there. He asked us where we were from, to which we replied, British.... "Ah yes, the British. Once a mighty Empire, now a tiny island!"

[@jamescockings6852]

Watch Al Murray’s sketch called “Every Parent Must Watch This” and Al Murray On Nations

[@ianpark1805]

Al, who as others have noted is a whip smart history grad, is playing a character here, ‘The Pub Landlord’. Landlord in this case means the owner of a public house (pub). The persona is that of a jingoistic blowhard ‘Britain is Best’ type who will ‘share’ his wisdom and firmly held beliefs with you whether you want him to or not. He’s therefore portrayed as ill-educated with attitudes from around the Stone Age! But very funny, although at the heart of it the joke is on the British themselves and reflects attitudes that are still prevalent in some of us, the British, today. (See ‘Why God is British’!). This could seen as a reaction to the Empire which is not an entirely a distant memory. It’s a fact that travelling the world as a Brit you’ll find yourself embarrassed and cringing on some guided tour as they roll out a litany - ‘burnt down by the British’, ‘destroyed by the British’, ‘slaughtered by the British’, looted by the British’ - of evils committed in the name of Empire. Why do you think Brits apologise so much? 😂😂 (the only place I noted where it wasn’t the case was Vietnam where after a list of atrocities attributed to others I was even prompted to ask “Not the British?” “No, the French and the Americans”. “Really? Great, carry on...”). I have seen some pieces that argue that Brexit may well be a reaction to the end of Empire (“taking back control....”). However I like Bill Bryson’s closing comments on Britain in ‘Notes from a Small Island’ which paints us in possibly a better light than we deserve!

[@ianpark1805]

I also like the You Tube ‘Oversimplified’ videos which give a quick, easy guides to historic periods, I.e. ‘Henry VIII Oversimplified’ and so on and so forth - there seems to be quite a lot of them on varying subjects.

[@KissMyFatAxe]

You summed that up pretty well my dude👍😆

[@SoGal_YT]

Thanks for the detailed explanation!

[@SoGal_YT]

Planning to do some of those.

[@noelcook8973]

I’m very proud of the British Empire, warts and all. There are many things about it that I am proud of. Equally, there are things that I’m not proud of, but there’s nothing we can do about it. It’s happened. All we can do is acknowledge the events that have taken place and talk about them.

[@nudal9993]

Some real highlights aren't there! Like The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Second Boer War (1899-1902) concentration camps, Mau Mau Uprisings (mere 20,000 murdered)and the fantastic effort we put into between 12 and 29 million Indians who died of starvation while it was under the control of the British Empire, as millions of tons of wheat were exported to Britain as famine raged in India.

[@Wally-H]

A significant percentage of successful British comedians started out at universities like Cambridge and Oxford, which have highly regarded comedy societies (e.g. the Cambridge footlights, where the likes of Monty Python started out). If you do well in those shows and get noticed as a student, it can open doors. As others have said below, Al Murray is an Oxford graduate and will have known how to craft this part of his set simply by doing some research. There is some basis of truth in his character in that I've met some guys in the past who have this sort of attitude towards Britain, i.e. that we are superior to the rest of the world. I am pleased to say they are a tiny minority in this country but they do exist and most British people will have met one at some point, which is why we all get Al's humour in these sketches.

[@rickwalker2]

Al Murray’s a really intelligent guy. He’s playing a satirical character based on a pub landlord, who are sometimes stereotyped as being bolshy, obnoxious, drinking on the job & opinionated without really knowing their subject matter. He’s brilliant.

[@kingcurry6594]

He's got a degree in Modern History from Oxford!

[@ChristopherDowning]

Yep Al Murray is actually an Oxford University History 1st graduate....so he's asking the audience for random counties that become more and more unusual and he's just pulling semi facts from his education to make a point about the British Empire and Britain's history across the World before America became a World power and took over our role as the dominant gorilla.

[@ronanmcw]

The 'working for us ever since' refers to the fact the UK no longer goes around the world with its military making interventions because the USA has assumed that role. Essentially the USA is doing what the UK used to in terms of global enforcement, so the UKs interests are still maintained and her language is spread but they're no longer spending the money or lives to do it themselves

[@nayf7682]

Although in this particular segment he's not really using the angle of the character 'the pub landlord' much as its more a joke segment using his incredible historical knowledge, he is still in his character. And for anyone that knows anything about Al Murray they'll be aware that not only is 'the pub landlord' a character but in fact 99% of what the character 'the pub landlord' says is actually the opposite of what he actually thinks as a person. He says within minutes of starting a show he can tell by audience reactions which percentage of the crowd get it and are laughing at the jokes with the irony thats intended and what percentage are just confused BNP/UKIP types that are there because they think he actually thinks these things!

[@sr71blackbirddr]

Al Murray had his own documentary on Discovery or History Channel, he is a very well educated and this brutrish personality is just a stage persona. He is dressed as a publican or landlord, Drinking while working is the ultimate British win win 🙌

[@nickbrough8335]

As for your question on how British people feel about the Empire, I think you'd get a wide range of opinions. left wing political activity types would uniformly find it to have been very bad with no positives. The media line is very much along these lines for the last 40 years. There is very much a split between what I'll call the anglosphere point of view and the Euro centric point of view. Eurocentric is the political and media establishment position. Historically, there was obviously good and bad sides, but I would say that overall the balance was positive, but whatever achievements came out of it (or in response to it) are rarely examined in the UK.

[@shrekreviewsthings]

He isn't a dressed as a school kid. Hes dressed as UK Pub landlords used to do. He is highly informed and well up on British history. Part of his act is having a beer in his hand.

[@samkershaw8474]

War of 1812 basically, BASICALLY! While Britain was focused on fighting with the French in Europe and around the world, America wanted to expand on its territories and possessions and invaded Canada thinking Britain wouldn't put up a fight to reclaim them. Needless to say Americans had their arses kicked out of Canada and all the way down the eastern united states.

[@neoptelemus]

History of the British Empire is hardly taught in school. Most ordinary people are incredibly unaware of their incredible history. If anything, they seem to be embarrassed by the empire. That is the ironic twist in the character. He is nostalgic whereas most people have moved on.

[@phantom9138]

Al Murray has a degree in history from Oxford university as well as being a comedian 👍🏻

[@xandervampire195]

Funny thing about school uniforms in the UK or in Scotland, at least. School uniforms used to be very strict but during the 90's and 00's, they were a lot more relaxed. At my school, you could wear whatever as long as it was one of the school colours (black, white and purple) and wasn't particularly offensive. Then in the 2010's, it became really strict again with dress shirts, ties and blazers. They all look like little businessmen and businesswomen now lol.

[@jerry2357]

If you want to see a (slightly) more serious side to Al Murray’s history knowledge, watch his “Top 5 Tanks” video on the Tank Museum’s channel. Although his bit about the Tiger is satire, rather than completely serious.

[@sparkyprojects]

Al Murray made a series where he was known as 'the pub landlord' he had a pub bar on stage and could pull himself a beer (the hand operated pumps) So just about all his stand up is with a beer in hand. I couldn't work out what badge is on his shirt, but it looks like a football club badge "Murray was educated at Bedford School, and St Edmund Hall, Oxford, where he read Modern History" (from wiki)

[@hywelw]

He's not dressed in a school uniform - he's dressed as a pub landlord (someone who runs a pub in the UK) - many pubs here in the UK have a pseudo uniform like this that the staff wear as part of the pub's identity (though his is a tad exaggerated!)!. The pint of beer is part of his act and probably is coloured sparkling water so that he can keep his concentration during his incredibly demanding stand-up routine - as is his entire persona in this entire routine which goes on for at least an hour and a half - he's also a very talented actor as seen here too! Al Murray himself, on the other hand, is an incredibly intelligent man - after getting a degree from Oxford University (one of the two highest universities in the country) in Modern History - so this is him using his acquired knowledge in a stand-up comedy routine. Brilliantly!

[@BizzyKit86]

Don’t take him at face value...He’s incredibly educated and from an aristocratic background. He’s the son of a Lt Colonel and the grandson of diplomat Sir Ralph Murray. His other grandfather was killed at Dunkirk in WWII. He’s an Oxford history graduate and has two honorary PhD’s.

[@andyp5899]

If your doing the eastern front there is a book titled Stalingrad this was a pivotal moment in the fight along with the tank battle of Kursk

[@johncapewell9480]

It’s tongue in cheek. He’s playing a bigoted pub landlord, which based on real person .

[@garethwilkins6744]

Unlike alot of Modern American Stand-up. There is not any audience in on the act. He has a degree in history. The pub landlord is his character. He is a really educated individual.

[@Crane137]

To answer your question on are we British proud of our empire my answer is an emphatic Yes! With the benefit of hindsight, and distorted through the lens of modern thinking, we didn't always get it right and did do some reprehensible things but the benefits to our colonies included a standardised legal system, education, infrastructure, trade and disaster management, alongside a common language to run all these. That the Commonwealth still prospers, despite former colonies becoming independent, is to me an indication that lasting ties were built and continue to exist as people of whatever race appreciate stability and progress in their daily lives.

[@terrymason8628]

A MA in history from Oxford coupled with a razor sharp wit helps ,he is ,The Pub Landlord' and is in uniform and drinking manner

[@glenburnett2486]

The words does he always drink in his routines when his act is 'the pub landlord' just done me in 🤣🤣🤣

[@errolmills2192]

He is a history expert. University educated. The badge on his shirt probably means as little yours. I like your programmes. America works for UK as it is their closest ally. It is just a fun thing.

[@Lazerus2008]

Al Murray plays a character called the Pub Landlord which is who he is portraying here. It is a stereotype of a certain demographic of men in the UK . He is taking the mickey out of the British. Al Murray has a degree from Oxford in history and is from a great British military family.

[@edwardpascall5341]

SoGal. Hi, Al Murray plays the character of a pub landlord. He is a descendant of William Makepeace Thackeary and got his Masters from Oxford. He knows his stuff!

[@Lack2330]

Al Murray is a very clever man and very funny stand up comedian

[@danielbyrne5402]

The audience weren't trying to test his knowledge, they were just shouting names of countries

[@davidcooks5265]

He's very clever he knows his history,🤗

[@masgask9741]

says "beer in his hand with the school uniform" as a joke, little does she know lmaoo

[@scottnever8732]

the pub landlord is a character but al murray is very knowledgable in history , its comedy

[@felixfedre518]

The only drawback about the British Empire was that we were so kind to them that when we left they missed us so much, they all came to live with us. Now you can't move for ex colonials.

[@The_Daily_Tomato]

This is kinda unrelated but I must mention this. Saw an ad before this video. Arabia a welcome you've never seen before. *Me* I'll literally be shot if I step one foot there 🤣😅

[@glenn9683]

Another British comedy gone over the head of the American, just laugh at it ffs instead of analysing

[@brianthroup7891]

If you can find it Al Murrey did a series called Al Murrys Road to Berlin, It`s not a comedy but it really interesting

[@billwager4713]

Al Murray graduated in history at Oxford University . The way he is dressed is because he is The Landlord, a name for someone who runs a Pub ans explains why he drinks 🍺

[@chrishutton1458]

I wasn't taught most of this at school! We only got to Henry VII the Dad of Henry VIII. And then not in much detail. I read my history in comics, then checked the details of those bits that interested my in Encyclopedias.

[@scal5134]

Al does not drink real beer. It’s alcohol free! I think he had a substance issue in his early days (I’m 90%sure). I did work with his manager and he did say he didn’t drink, like it’s been said, the pub Landlord is the working class king and Al is playing a typical boisterous, real life Landlord! There’s one or two in every city and village in UK. Before, Covid, that is!

[@steviesellers]

Al Murray was a history teacher and now known as the landlord

[@zola7406]

Hes a comedian its an act he's playing a character (the pub landlord) he's nothing like this in real life

[@ringthatbell9597]

I’m a young Australian. The empire has been missed.

[@Azphreal]

He is dressed like that because his character is 'The pub landlord'. In answer to your question as Al says 'There is only one country thats called great' lol

[@langdalepaul]

“Americans have been working for us ever since”. It’s self-deprecating irony. We usually feel the opposite, which is why it’s funny. This is lesson 101 about the British. Understand the humour and you understand us.

[@joshuabotham9103]

Also coming to mop up Germany twice.

[@robertlonsdale5326]

He is really clever and does a lot of ww2 programs.

[@spankeydaone5764]

he's dressed like a landlord from a pub , he use to have a tv show where he ran a pub !

[@robertofraser101]

Just subbed seen this video few days ago of Al funny and clever look forward too more your videos thank you