"Scouse Not English”: The Importance of Scouse Exceptionalism upon Liverpool’s Identity

To the outside eye, Liverpool’s use of common phrases like “Scouse not English” or the even more controversial concept of London being the UK’s “second city” (Liverpool being the first, of course), may seem arrogant or even insulting to some. Branding Liverpool as superior and separatist to the rest of the country despite the city’s eminent history of deprivation and stigma, may even appear delusional – but it sparks the fascinating question of where did Liverpool’s independent, separatist identity originate from?

The term “scouse exceptionalism”, although not a formal concept, can be acknowledged as the separatist identity Liverpool has habitually embraced through their history of difference and apartness from the rest of England. Often referred to as “Merseypride” or being “scouse proud”, the severance of scouse exceptionalism is evident throughout many aspects of the city’s culture. This includes, but is not exclusive to, the city’s historical events and subsequently, scouse culture and identity.

Historical events

When researching the concept of scouse exceptionalism, there is a commonality amongst all sources that the catalyst for the city’s separatist mindset derives from its industrial past and disputes with the former prime minister, Margaret Thatcher.

Although some may argue that Thatcher saved the nation's economy, throughout her 11 years in office there were numerous events that caused British people to distrust her judgement as her actions appeared to lack empathy for others; it can be argued that most of her harsh decisions directly targeted the working class, specifically within the North of England. To note, there were a few incidents in which Liverpool faced mistreatment from Thatcher’s government, including the following:

• The neglect of formerly prosperous Liverpool factories as Thatcher began trades with Europe, led to mass unemployment across the city with no contingency plan in place.

• Creating a merciless divide between the nation by favouring the south, specifically London, and abandoning the North, specifically Liverpool, in regards to budget distribution, despite the city’s evident need for support.

• Cabinet discussions of a ‘managed decline’ over Liverpool after the Toxteth riots (which came as a result of institutional racism), as opposed to the regeneration of the city.

In retrospect, it is evident that Liverpool and its people were victims of classism and subsequently place-poverty, which left a feeling of betrayal amongst the city. However, my research on the city has proven that Liverpool doesn't take betrayal lightly. Like The Sun, Thatcher and the Tory government are generally unwelcome amongst the city.

In addition to these incidents, the event which cemented this feeling of betrayal was the tragedy of the Hillsborough Disaster, where 97 football fans died as a result of incompetent policing. Yet, for 32 years The Sun newspaper (known for their right-wing Tory views) wrongfully accused Liverpool football fans for the death of their own. This not only tarnished Liverpool’s reputation but also, the city’s trust in outsider, right-wing corporations; this sparked the creation of the “us vs. them” mentality amongst the city, “us” being scousers and “them” being the Tory establishment.

In conclusion, a recent report from Centre for Cities confirms such injustice as it proved that Liverpool had received the worst treatment by the Conservative government in the country. So, as Liverpudlian journalist Michael Fagan states, ‘if we feel like we’re different therefore – it’s probably because we are’.

Scouse Culture and Identity

Although these events have caused tremendous hardship for Liverpool and its people, the solidarity created amongst the city as a result of these incidents is incomparable and unique to find. However, from an outsider's perspective, it's evident that scouse exceptionalism manifests itself in many ways further than merely politics.

In comparison to other cities, Liverpool and its people are arguably much more distinctive than someone from London, for example. Despite the most initially distinctive attribute of a scouser being the accent, scouse exceptionalism is also prevalent through one’s style, humour, mindset and general lifestyle.

When thinking of the generic “scouser” stereotype, an image of a lad, sporting a “ket-wig”, a pair of Nike 110s, a Berghaus quarter-zip jacket and a man-bag may spring to mind or the self-acclaimed “scouse prin” looking effortlessly glamorous, rollers in, on her way to the Asda. As mentioned in the previous blog, it appears scousers have a conformist shared identity that expresses itself through the city’s style and culture but is also unique to the outside eye. A sense of conforming to Liverpool standards rather than English standards, in all creative aspects; politics, style, music, mindset and lifestyle.

Despite being a signature anthem for the football team, the iconic song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is a staple across Liverpool for the symbolic meaning of what the song represents; solidarity, loyalty and perseverance. Football is a fundamental aspect of scouse culture; whether red or blue, a lot can be understood about the city simply through the football team.

In 2020, Liverpool FC celebrated their partnership with Nike by releasing a campaign that successfully embodied the true meaning of what it means to be a Scouser and more so, what “scouse exceptionalism” really is. Titled ‘If it can’t be done.. it will happen here’, the campaign emphasises the “shouldn’t-but-they-are narrative” as a representation of the way Liverpool naturally operates differently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsf4RuYoFqo

The sense of community and shared identity you’ll find in Liverpool is incomparable to any other British city. Moreover, unlike other cities which may attempt to change, adapt or completely mask their culture and heritage – Liverpool embraces and celebrates its exceptionality.

Over the forthcoming blogs, the concept of creativity within Liverpool will be explored, specifically regarding scouse style, performative identity and the need for status among women.