The wave of emotional outrage and hatred triggered by the vote to leave the EU reveals that there is an issue of identity at play. The referendum was not just a matter of economic rationalism versus nationalist myopia. It was also a matter of ‘us’ versus ‘them’.
Many of those deeply upset by the outcome, including myself, did not necessarily, or even remotely, think the EU was entirely progressive. But, nevertheless, we felt European and we wanted to work together with other Europeans to improve it. The 'EU' is not 'Europe' but on a certain level there is an important connection. This is why it hurts that we are out, and our frustration with those who voted to put us out.
On the other hand, those who voted leave did not identify with the EU. Perhaps they failed to notice the benefits it brought them, perhaps it was solely a protest about other issues, but this, ultimately, did not matter. If nothing else, the result has revealed this profound lack of identification. There is a feeling (perhaps shared across Europe) that the EU wields power in people’s everyday lives, but with no accountability.
