Scottish ASMR | Soft Spoken Talk on the Monarchy and the Queen.

[@ASMRMuzz]

Thanks for all the awesome comments! All sides are welcome here! I love that we can intelligently discuss and debate on my channel! Keep em coming - Muzz

[@Mitchell4892]

Always appreciate this channel for just that. Don't see that same toxicity in your comments I see everywhere else. You've got good subscribers.

[@ASMRMuzz]

Thanks Brother!!!

[@grandegracia]

I was expecting this to come, glad you made a video. I’m not even past the ads, but I’ll fall asleep to this tonight, thank you!

[@gwtmori]

“You can just live in both worlds, you don’t always have to choose team A or team B. A bit of both is fine.” Man, I feel like every time I watch your videos I’m transformed. At the beginning when you said you supported Scottish Independence I felt like the Irish singing “Lizzie’s in a box” but by the end I asked myself what it would like to be a part of that club and how that might be nice. I love your thoughts always sir. Thanks for the wisdom.

[@alyserendipity]

You said this so perfectly.

[@ASMRMuzz]

Thanks so much, I appreciate that. The world is so polarized now. Honestly, I refuse to participate in most of it. I'd like to think that an intelligent person can appreciate both sides of an argument, most of the time :-)

[@lowe_expectations4659]

Very insightful video Muzz! I think for a lot of people in England it’s easy to ignore the troubling and oppressive history that the monarchy is so intertwined with. It’s also easy for people to view the monarchy through rose tinted glasses when the queen was careful not to abuse the large amount of influence the royals still have. Ik I’m not really qualified to say this but I think the queens death would have been a fitting end to the monarchy - I think it’s better to move forward without being caught up in the past.

[@ASMRMuzz]

Yeah I find it tricky to fine the line where colonial and imperial history and the Monarchy is, especially in democratic times where we really don't know how much influence they've had after they surrendered their power to the Parliament. In many ways I do agree that this could have been a fitting end for the Monarchy, but I'm really hoping Charlie-boy will slim things down. Dump all the extraneous Royals and keep on modernising.

[@alexanderroberts730]

Never thought as an English/Welsh Unionist I'd be agreeing with a Scottish nationalist but you have really opened my mind on how much fairer the Union could be and how unfair it's been so far in my heart of hearts I am a Unionist I love Scotland I get there's a lot of obnoxious English people who talk a lot of shit but really our union needs to be fairer I don't see it happening but I can live in hope You hit the nail straight on the head when talking about the capital cities and parliaments location I've been thinking for a few months now there should be 4 capital cities of the UK not just London

[@ASMRMuzz]

I too am still a Unionist at heart. But practically, it's all about independence for me now. Especially having lived so many years in NZ.

[@rains_on_leith]

@@ASMRMuzz practically speaking, I could do without the separate English passport of my birth, the Scots one of my father, the Irish one of my childhood and the Welsh one of my mother - nor the 4 NHS/HSE numbers - just to satisfy the whims of people who so rudely inconvenience me by being merely from one place.

[@ASMRMuzz]

So a nation should not seek its own independence for all the reasons why independent nations exist because you'll be inconvenienced haha. C'mon.

[@rains_on_leith]

@@ASMRMuzz no mate, that was obviously hyperbole, if you want the real reason - it’s not the very real administrative and financial cost you’ll cause young people like me who’ve never known one nuclear family between Uni terms or rental contracts but only going from Welsh mother to Aberdeenshire aunt to Tipperary stepmother - it’s this: it’s because every single English hedgerow and lane, is yours and sounds as much yours in your voice as it does in mine. Sir, every cotswold village and everything ever designed or built and invented with or by Scots or for Scots down here in the South - which is everything - from the street in Soho where Logie Baird invented TV and thus the means by which we communicate and learn now to the glass window in Marylebone in honour of St Andrew and the Highlanders who died so that I might not live under nazism and so my Welsh PoW grandfather might be freed. Every single London street, every honest cabbie’s glance and well wish, every Cornish storm, and Yorkshire it’s all yours. You look around and you see a Scotland forgotten by the English, I look around and see a Britain - for better or worse - disproportionally run by Scots and the Sons of Scots - for 3 of the last few male prime ministers were so, and a BBC and an army also disproportionately Scottish, as ever; these things and institutions may truly disappoint you, but they are you, you are them, and you can never wash your hands of them.

[@ASMRMuzz]

Honestly I appreciate the union romanticism, but having been a hardcore unionist for a looooong time (prior to becoming an indy supporter) everything you just wrote could have been written by myself 20 years ago. But sadly. It's nothing tangible. Scotland is an afterthought, an add-on, a satellite. It's a conclusion I did not come to easily. I'm still a unionist at heart, so all you said resonates with me. But pragmatically, I just can't go along with it anymore.

[@Crowvithian]

It was nice to hear your thoughts about this. I don't have much information myself, so it was nice to get some insights from someone more knowledgeable, and in a relaxing way to boot.

[@caitlingall8820]

Totally agree with you Muzz!! I think it’s very touching where she decided to spent her last few days

[@ASMRMuzz]

100% pal!

[@soppy2033]

I disagree with the idea that there is much value in people inheriting the right to have closed door conversations with world leaders and ministers. The harm far outweighs the good, and it simply goes beyond the most basic principles of fairness. The Queen was careful not to abuse her situation, but she certainly did so from time to time. She abused her privileges to have legislation altered to conceal her wealth. As you said, in 1975 a royal agent dismissed the Australian government (Charles was also involved in this). This was a coup. Nobody should have the power to do this based on inheritance. I agree that the monarch is a powerful and emotional symbol of continuity and tradition, but I generally think that these feelings also cause more harm than good. It does more to justify existing bad practices than it does to preserve things which are good. With regards to the pageantry of monarchy, I agree that it would not be replicated in a republic, but nonetheless it is completely unjustifiable to me to have the head of state decided by birthright, it is something that humanity must leave behind, eventually.

[@ASMRMuzz]

Realistically, there's so much unelected interference across governments, especially in the USA where lobbying is outright legal and unashamedly public, that I don't see the Queen or anyone else having closed door conversations with leaders as being much trouble at all. At the very least I would put it at the lower end of amount of potential harm it can cause. The Australian case I am not too familiar with, but it was my understanding that the interference was an attempt to preserve democracy and stability, not the other way around. The GG wanted to call an election immediately if I'm not mistaken as to get the government back up and running asap. Not sure this could be accurately described as a coup tbh.

[@NikkiHeatt]

Great video! Very interesting perspective. As someone who lives in an independent and republican country I find odd the appeal monarchy still has on people given the controversial history.

[@RealEstateASMR]

I listened to this one several times after it came out but had to come back to it today- My husband and I are on a vacation in the UK and landed in Edinburgh the day Charles and Camilla were here. The news has been flooded with several different opinions about independent Scotland and the monarchy and I knew I had to come relisten to this for your perspective

[@ASMRMuzz]

Thanks for watching! My views on the monarchy are not black and white. I definitely have a variety of views on this, ever changing

[@daretoknow1988]

Interesting and thoughtful video Muzz. I think there is often a conflation between the Queen and the Monarchy itself. Many people, particularly of my parent’s generation have a genuine affection for the queen but seem less committed to the idea of a monarchy. Polling earlier this year, before the queen died showed only 45% of people in Scotland wanted to keep the monarchy, with well over a third saying the end of the Queen's reign would be the right moment for Britain to become a republic.(British Future survey, reported in The National, 15/05/22). You are right that the SNP want to retain the monarchy as the head of state of an independent Scotland, however only 28% of SNP voters support this. More surprisingly only 70% of Scottish Conservative voters support the long term continuation of the monarchy! I think in Scotland, the influence of the Enlightenment remains strong and the idea of a ‘divine right to rule’ based on an accident of birth is instinctively troublesome. For me the monarchy are a jaded anachronism, at the apex of the class system and at best can only have a parasitic relationship with democracy.

[@ASMRMuzz]

Yeah I see your point about the polling, it makes sense. I am definitely one of the SNP members in the 28%, but mostly as a realistic tactic that it will be difficult enough to gain independence, never mind independence PLUS a republic. The important part is indy first. I disagree with the 'divine right to rule' part, that's just not really relevant anymore since the Monarchy surrendered their powers to democracy long long ago. We see in republics like the USA, that there most certainly is even more of a class system (arguably), of those born into wealth and those who have huge influence over political leaders and political power. At the very least, I would still take the King or Queen as an unelected influencer (for lack of a better term) than a banker from Wall Street. At the very least, one would hope that (at least in the Queen's case) that you have an individual who has essentially been groomed for public duty and service. :-)

[@IlMerluz]

Yes omg love your opinion videos

[@tomb8443]

Really enjoyed this. I’m British and like yourself emigrated, and currently living in Vancouver BC. I very much resonate with that feeling of being the black sheep in the UK. Like you I’m a big Trekkie and sort of subscribe to a lot of those progressive ideals a bit too literally for what British culture tolerates.

[@ASMRMuzz]

Greetings from the Atlantic coast buddy! I love Vancouver!

[@paulined65]

I agree with you on 90-95 % of what you are saying... the other 5-10% I'm not sure on purely because I haven't decided on Independance yet. Was against at last referendum(but couldn't vote as was resident in London at the time) But seeing how Nicola v Boris took control of covid changed my attitude to SNP. However, I'm not convinced Scotland as a nation can afford to stand alone or could have stood alone during the likes of covid. Let me see the books/ budget plans and I'll decide. And mow being home in Aberdeenshire I will vote next time. Also glad to have been hame here when Her Majesty left Balmoral. Met, no encountered, her at Loch Muick on Balmoral estate while hiking with the school at age 13 or 14. She was lovely. I feel that she and other royals show diplomats how it should be done, beyond politics and personal gain/ pop opinion.

[@ASMRMuzz]

Thanks for your comment, definitely disagree with you on if and how Scotland would stand alone. I lived in NZ a long time and with only 5 million people in probably the most remote western nation, they manage just fine. Scotland would be more than capable of being independent as most of the trappings of an independent state are already in place. Will you even get another vote I wonder? Technically the UK can just say no. Liz Truss already said no if I'm not mistaken. I fear that 2014 was Scotland's only chance.

[@MsDebra-us8dy]

Well said! 💕

[@Key_kiwi]

I found this so interesting. I’m a Geordie and I’ve known alot of us that have moved up to Scotland, especially during these recent times. Most people I’ve spoken too support the snp to a degree, some even wish we could join you lol. But yeah the monarchy has kept us all in a class divide (in my opinion, will continue to do so) and is *very* controversial with it’s history. I share mixed feelings about it but since Charles has toke over, I’m very much inclined to not have one at all anymore tbh 🤷 Also I understand how you feel on the capital because London and the “posh” areas have always been known as important, which has internally made me & many others feel like we’re just not important enough and we’re just a far away afterthought not to be really noticed. It’s so obvious that the politics/money is so regionally unbalanced. I’m not really a big political person as a whole but I do roughly understand some of the basics & what the SNP stands for and know that I trust Nicola Sturgeon more than I ever will with any Tory. They’ve ruined my family enough. Labour does nothing to gain peoples attention or have strong leadership. Add to the fact the first time I heard about Nicola Sturgeon was about how she wanted an independent Scotland and for it to be treated fairly & that she actually wants to help strengthen the boarder between England & Scotland and to help cities in the north east/many other industrial cities in England. Yet a few people like to carry the narrative that she hates the “English” blah blah Blah …. Usual stuff. I do wish we had an option or vote to join you, it would be interesting lmao but I’ll be supporting Scotland like many others in Tyne & Wear until you get a true chance at freedom & democracy independently. I so do wish I could move somewhere different eg. Scotland/Canada/New Zealand, i’m starting to become really depressed and longing to move somewhere anywhere but England. Although I’m not really made out of money or middle class :/ Sorry this is soo long/ my thoughts and hopefully it makes sense grammatically 😆 but never the less, this was so interesting. Thank you for sharing ye thoughts though, it’s so nice to hear someone else’s opinions 🖤

[@ASMRMuzz]

Hey thanks for your comment, it's great to hear another perspective. I think I am generally in the same boa regarding the King. I feel somewhat not too fussed about it all as much as I use to. Saor Alba!

[@rains_on_leith]

‘Then for over a hundred years, England and Scotland were independent of each other - in terms of govt.’ Simply, no; not quite; it was not as loose as the personal Union between Britain and Hannover, say - not least because the phrase ‘Union of Crowns’ you know pertains to ours; nor was it as loose as the personal Union we have today with Australia or Canada; it was a much, and ever closer political Union that culminated in 1707, not least because Kings had more political power back then. King James was a raging unionist and pushed for, and enjoyed, effectively a diplomatic and military Union. [i.e the Scots guards in London predating 1707] That sounds to me more like Devo max.

[@ASMRMuzz]

Fair point, the nation state and democracy as we understand didn't exist then so I guess it's not quite as simple as I stated it. Devo Max sucks though, I don't know why anyone would go for that.

[@Up_The_Bracket]

I'm late to this video. I don't think indy supporters really hate the union, they hate the ignorance of the government. None of them speak for us. I'd call myself a unionist as we are stronger together, but somehow the "unionist" politicians drive our union apart. These 5 nations should be together and treated as equals instead of drove apart by the ignorant ruling class. Peace and love to my Scottish brothers, Welsh cousins and Irish forefathers.

[@Mitchell4892]

It will come again (the vote), I hope the Scots fail the 2nd time (apologies). I'm of the mindset we stand stronger united, given how much NHS England currently support the Scottish NHS. Drone deliveries (England to Scotland) of cancer treatments etc being a recent thing. I feel Scotland needs to stand on its own two feet before fleeing the UK, there's plenty of social/economic issues that could be addressed but are being ignored in Scotland currently and the union isn't to blame, although it's an easy target. The middle class/upper class will be fine, as they always are, but I worry for the unwell and elderly in such a circumstance, the transition period would be brutal and unnecessary, especially right now. I worry sometimes that Nicola is dragging the place to its knees as an easy exercise to say "this is what they are doing to us" rather than dealing with said issues. It's not like things are going great in England after all (tories and all that). I work with plenty of Scots (hi Glasgow office) and none of them want independence, in fact it scares most of them. We're a connected landmass island, it's illogical to create divides. Not meaning any disrespect, I'm an Englishman after all but I don't think the fantasy will be what Scots think it'll be. You weren't here for Brexit or suffer the consequences of "going alone". That should be the biggest lesson to most. Probably gonna catch some hate for this comment and I could expand on my opinions but this is already dragging on, no hate from yourself I'm sure. Regardless, I found your perspective interesting and insightful and you hit a lot of nails on the head about the monarchy, it is pointless but also sort of cool lol. I do wonder how this conversation would go if we had a more left wing party in place for the last 12 years. But already typed enough speil, so I'll avoid more added speculation haha.

[@ASMRMuzz]

Thank for your comment Mitch! No hate here. Weird thing about the NHS though, not sure how that's really a thing. Both organisations have always been independent of each other anyway. Besides, cross border collaboration is very common between independent countries, it happens with USA and Canada every day. If the UK went federal, that would likely be the end of it. But they won't. Theres a 10-1 population difference between England and Scotland, so no matter how nice the elephant is, Scotland always shares the bed with the elephant and the elephant ALWAYS gets its own way. No malice, just indifference, the elephant is bigger and has more influence. Such as the old saying, "what England wants, the UK gets", Brexit being the prime example of that.

[@BongJabbar]

Wait you live in Canada!? lol

[@ASMRMuzz]

Aye.

[@schmohobzsia7216]

As a French person, I feel obligated to say eff the monarchy :P Jokes asides, I feel it's a lot of money wasted on maintaining some people's royal lifestyle... 'Same thing for politicians', true, but I'd say 1) they are not automatically born into a position of power and 2) lower their salaries too... And it enables some political structures that are plain archaic. Australian laws still have to get the approval of the British Crown to be passed. Is it now largely a symbolical formality? Yes. But how weird is it, to ask the queen or king of another faraway country for permission to enable your laws? Why keep a check on self-governing, if only a symbolical one? And the thought of old Balmoral Castle being used as a private residence by the English royal family instead of being a museum is just sad, in my opinion. I can't help it, I think it's unfair. I can't imagine Versailles castle being squatted by the Swedish royal family for over a century, for example, without any possibility for the French government to offer to buy it from them, negotiate the castle being open to visitors, or even ask the royal family to pay taxes on the castle if they intend to keep it. Maybe I'm being too passionate about this lol, but I grew up being taught about the royal family as generally harmless and benevolent, and the more I learned about the English-speaking world, the more I realised that... Not really 😅 It's a lot more complicated

[@ASMRMuzz]

Totally respect your opinion my dude. it's definitely an archaic and old instituion, however I feel that's kinda why I like it. i like strange and quirky things! Also, I do think it adds a certain amount of stability to those countries. No civil wars, no violent revolutions...yet. Also, countriesl ike Australia don't have to get permission from the monarch of a foreign country, the King or Queen at the time ARE the Australian monarch. Same here in Canada, the King is not called the King of England or the UK. He is called the King of Canada. :-)

[@schmohobzsia7216]

@@ASMRMuzz I know that they are technically, legally, the monarch of Canada and Australia buuuut only as a remnant of the British Empire's colonialistic expanse, which muddles the whole deal x)

[@ASMRMuzz]

Oh absolutely. But even if the Monarchy vanished tomorrow, I'd like to think of all those countries as a pretty close knit club. I mean 'foreign' technically... But not really

[@schmohobzsia7216]

@@ASMRMuzz I certainly doubt they'd drift completely apart without the monarchy. And perhaps it might encourage the devolution of power even more, if the symbolical head of all nations stop being the English :P

[@ASMRMuzz]

I remember a french roommate of mine in NZ being very confused during the commonwealth games one year, he didn't understand the club of nations, even though most of em had their independence from the UK. I recall reading that French colonial possessions are actually still considered a part of France itself, rather than members of a common group. If the British monarchy stopped tomorrow, you're right, they'd still be family, but in a way that's what proves there's no actual power over them, otherwise they'd have fought a war by now. Also, they are British, not English. 👍🙂

[@schwoondoggle]

English social democrat here. Honestly despite being more left wing idrc about the monarchy. My main issue with Britain is the economy, the ancienttt traditions (as a trans girl, hearing that there are TWO trans clinics in the entire UK was crazy but kind of expected to be honest), the corruption, and mostly importantly the two party system we have that destroys any political competition in the country. If we had competition in the government, most of our issues like Scottish negligence would likely be solved. This country is lovely but it is ruining itself. And on my thoughts of Scottish independence, if the people want it, give it to them. Maybe we can tag along with them back into the EU again 😅

[@ASMRMuzz]

💪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Crystaldish60]

Come on Muzz do you really expect the Royals will act in our interests when our elected representatives don’t? The bottom line is you can expect the monarchy to act in its own best interests and for them, you and I are subjects, not citizens.

[@ASMRMuzz]

Well I certainly don't really expect a whole lot from a temporary politician. So yeah, why not? The bar is pretty low. I would certainly hope that a King or Queen who takes their role seriously may be able to advance or influence causes and policies that would benefit the people. The problem is, we can't know. All we can do is measure UK and commonwealth countries against their republican counterparts and see if we are better off or worse off and maybe, the Queen or King had a hand in that... Also, we are not subjects anymore, that ended decades ago. We are citizens.

[@Crystaldish60]

History is mostly about despotic out of touch monarchs and the struggle to get rid of them. If you put your faith in royalty, you are accepting its power over you and you have already declared yourself a subject. You are better than that Muzz.

[@ASMRMuzz]

If they were an absolute monarchy, yes I'd agree with you. But they are not, they are mostly a symbolic institution. They have no power over me. If all that you said were true, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand would be unstable despotic regimes. But you and I both know that they are not. Far from it in fact. 👍