Post-imperial guilt syndrome. It just isn't very English to like English culture, just as it isn't very English to win international cricket matches. If somebody invaded us the general population would all be singing Punch Ladel like good'ns.

In fact this has already happens in session circles where people who play English tunes feel invaded by Irish music and get rather snooty about it. Have to say in most cases it's people who aren't good enough to play Irish tunes (for all that they're wonderful English tunes are essentially easier.)

I can also discern a little of the opposite amongst the Irish who, after Riverdance, have effectively conquered the world, and are now increasingly very open to other traditional musics, including English.

Jon