06/11/2009

Sean picked out these questions a while back and me being the brat I am haven't put them up until now.


Being an American, the whole identity thing in the UK confuses me. For me, it's simple, I identify as being an American.

How do the people from the UK identify themselves?

Do you ever differentiate from being say Scottish and British?
When, if ever, do you identify as being British, and then when would you identify as being Scottish?

Because for me I would call anyone from the UK British, unless I knew specifically which constituent country they were from. So how does the wholes nationality thing work for you guys?

-Sam
Ohio, United State


Sam,
This is something that has confused people for ever. But it's really not that complicated. The full name of the state that I live in is The United Kingdom Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland. I am from a section of it, which used to be an independent sovereign state, called Scotland. I am both Scottish and British. This is not how I CHOOSE to identify myself, it's simply the political reality.
Now, what you say about your own nationality is interesting. That simplistic way of considering oneself an 'American' is a relatively recent thing. When the USA appropriated the term America, I'm not sure. Strictly speaking, someone from Uruguay or British Columbia is every bit as American as you. Also; Ohio, like Scotland is in a Union with other places. Indeed; in the early days of the USA, most people would have considered themselves loyal to their state first and the USA second. So it's not as simple as you make out.


Sean
Scotland, The United Kingdom Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland.


Hey, I enjoy reading about the books you have enjoyed/are enjoying. What are you reading now? Have you ever read any Christopher Moore? If not, I recommend Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal. It's basically made of awesome.

Thanks!

-Nuveena, Wisconsin, USA



Nuveena,
I'm Currently bouncing between Hyperion by Dan Simmons, which is stunning, and The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle, which is, so far, slightly underwhelming. Thanks for your recommendation. I shall endeavor to check it out, although no promises as my to-read pile is currently scraping the ceiling.
Sean


I recently had the pleasure of viewing The Winter Guest, since I finally ordered it off Amazon. That whole "Fire Down Below" scene was one of the funniest things I've ever seen, which brings me to my question. Was it hard to do a scene in which you constantly voice your concern that your balls haven't yet dropped and refer to your penis as a "maggot?"

Angie
Ohio



Angie,
In short; no. It wasn't. I have always maintained that when the writing is good enough, acting is easy. When you have a sensitive director and dialogue by Sharman MacDonald, it's very easy indeed.
Sean


Do you know James McAvoy?

I just read you interview with The Scotsman, Mon 12 Feb 2007, A rising Scottish star who is definitely not the new James McAvoy.

I didnt know who James Mc Avoy was, so I looked him up on-line. Among other things it mentioned that he worked as a baker during two years in Sainsbury. Did you meet him there?

Really, is he a fellow actor acquaintance?

Jim E. - San Antoni, TX, USA



Jim,
No, I don't know Jamesand neither did I know he worked in Sainsbury's. I wonder if he's seen Cashback.
I vaguely know his Sister, Joy, who is very nice from bumping into her around Glasgow (We used to live on the same bus route), but that's hardly relevant.
Sean


Seaniquwa,

Who do I have to screw to get on your top 8?

Eileen O'C (aka Peachers)
Chicago IL, USA



Eileen,
Not sure if that's the best way to go about it but if you're determined, Tom is probably your best bet.
Sean







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