Define Britishness
Discussion
Tartan Pixie said:
So, how would you define Britishness?
It's a desire to define things.You can't really define a country in a few words. Cream teas? Morgan cars? Cricket on the green? It's none of them really, and nor is it the drunk chavs, inedible motorway service station food and endless rain. Like everywhere, it's a mix with massive variation.
Kermit power said:
To me "Britishness" is an artificial, meaningless concept which is merely used for bureaucratic, administrative purposes.
There's far more national identity to being English, Welsh or Scottish.
Agreed.There's far more national identity to being English, Welsh or Scottish.
"British" is a political word used to smother the aspirations of the separate nations within the UK.
It is also used for identical reasons within the EU.
With all political groups, "English" is a non-word, never to be used.
Surely a traditional view of being British is about the shared history of four quite different countries that are intertwined by population migration, conflict, trade and culture.
Of course a contemporary view might also add that this now also includes people from the former British Empire, as well as the Commonwealth and European Union. However perhaps if you ask a first generation British person why they chose Britain they might answer “Opportunity” which and if you had asked an Irish person the same question two hundred years ago they might have given the same answer. Perhaps the closest answer is that being British is the mutually shared desire to have a better lot in life be that through industry, law or government.
Of course a contemporary view might also add that this now also includes people from the former British Empire, as well as the Commonwealth and European Union. However perhaps if you ask a first generation British person why they chose Britain they might answer “Opportunity” which and if you had asked an Irish person the same question two hundred years ago they might have given the same answer. Perhaps the closest answer is that being British is the mutually shared desire to have a better lot in life be that through industry, law or government.
speedy_thrills said:
That was excellent.
Saddle bum said:
The British English have only three states of annoyance:
Peeved
Miffed
A bit cross.
The last time they were "a bit cross" was during the Blitz, when tea supplies very nearly ran out.
There is a fourth state, but it is only ever seen when someone proposes a change to the sporting code or etiquette of cricket or fly fishing.Peeved
Miffed
A bit cross.
The last time they were "a bit cross" was during the Blitz, when tea supplies very nearly ran out.
dandarez said:
Eric Mc said:
And get flattened by an illegal immigrant driving an untaxed and uninsured Ford SierraToyota Corolla.
The unfunny and tragic side to that is it 'really' could happen and worse, nobody today would bat an eyelid!
Britishness?
Virtually disappeared. It's simply nostalgia to many of us now.
Just glad I saw and was part of some of it.
speedy_thrills said:
otolith said:
Like There is a fourth state, but it is only ever seen when someone proposes a change to the sporting code or etiquette of cricket or fly fishing.
This from the nation that also brought us bodyline bowling.
Eric Mc said:
Ayahuasca said:
If this image makes your heart beat faster you have a modicum of Britishness.
I presume you spotted the Polish Air Force insignia on the nose?It wasn't like that in the war, you know!
Ohh - I think I may have come up with a definition
M
I thought being British was about :
Driving to work for an American bank , in a German car, drinking Italian coffee..., and on the way home stopping for an Indian take-away, , before spending the evening slumped on a Swedish sofa watching a Japanese TV while drinking some Belgian beer.
Driving to work for an American bank , in a German car, drinking Italian coffee..., and on the way home stopping for an Indian take-away, , before spending the evening slumped on a Swedish sofa watching a Japanese TV while drinking some Belgian beer.
As daft as it sounds it is queuing, which in itself about playing (the game/everything) by the rules (look at how we implement EU directives) (fair play) or you could call it good manners, which is where a stiff upper lip, don't make a scene, don't complain (even if you've every right).
It's roundabouts (giving way without needing traffic lights).
In truth its perhaps more of an ideal or wishful thinking, Paxman was talking about on Empire last night.
Clearly
It's roundabouts (giving way without needing traffic lights).
In truth its perhaps more of an ideal or wishful thinking, Paxman was talking about on Empire last night.
Clearly
The Crack Fox said:
For me, it's the sense of fair play and genuine courtesy, I've lived and worked in different places but blighty is best for this.
This is epitomised when someone accidentally bumps into you in the street or a public place and even if it is 100% the other person's fault, you still apologise immediately.Sorry!
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