Originally posted by dottewellI wouldn't.
That's a good example in one way; how would you (and why would you want to) protect this when it is a matter of consumer choice that more people choose package holidays to Continental Europe?
But although I personally think it would be a shame if they did disappear forever, culture does change.
Originally posted by VargI asked the question earlier (to someone else) and I'll ask it again: what valuable aspects of British culture do you believe are under threat? What culturally valuable ways of living are British people being forced to change?
But if individuals want to continue to live their life as they have been used to, that's fair enough in my opinion.
Originally posted by VargI understand what you are saying when you say bucket and spade holidays. For me, British culture is a different thing but I do see what you mean. I'll use it as an example, as you have, but realize you are talking about more than this.
I'm not reluctant, I'm just not sure it's possible.
This goes for the culture of any country, of course, because it is based upon "the norm" or majority, and there are always plenty of exceptions.
Anyway, I could list many things which are either uniquely or not uniquely British and it would seem ridiculous to say our culture is based on any one of them. But ...[text shortened]... apparent to you, but is very different from the culture of, say, the south of France.
I would argue that IF that kind of thing is declining, it's part of the healthy evolution of a culture. Nothing stops people from taking a bucket and spade to the beach but people want to do different things nowadays. They want to lie on a sandy beach, covered in sun tan oil, wearing designer sun glasses and sipping a suggestively named cocktail. They don't want to hide behind a wind shelter with their trousers rolled up to their knees, licking a plain vanilla ice cream after a hard days cockling.
This is probably because more people have been to European beaches and decided they rather like the life. I imagine it works both ways too. I imagine there are some aspects of the old style beach holidays that are being incorporated in other cultures too.
I wonder if, perhaps, your idea of Britishness is more a feeling of nostalgia for a period of time you personally enjoyed more.
Originally posted by dottewellNone that I can think of (although there is constant change).
I asked the question earlier (to someone else) and I'll ask it again: what valuable aspects of British culture do you believe are under threat? What culturally valuable ways of living are British people being forced to change?
As for the second question I think what people object to is the fact that we are constantly being told we should celebrate other cultures - asian melas, carribean festivals, etc. The media constantly talks of vibrant, diverse, refreshing foreign influences in lifestyle, cuisine, fashion, music etc.
Yet make any mention of British culture and somehow you are labelled as a middle-Englander (at best), and asked to give examples of, or to define British culture.
Varg, I don't disagree with any of those aspects, that's not what I'm trying to undermine. I think it would be nice to keep the notions of, if you will, bucket and spades, chip shops, tea and scones, whatever. It's the nature of pride that I seek to dismiss. The idea that these things are so important that they affect how people view other cultures, how they dismiss people by culture, by race, by nationality. These things are rooted in a misplaced idea that pride in nationality is in someway important enough to cause intolerance and sometimes hostility towards others.
Originally posted by StarrmanI can see what you're getting at and I agree to an extent.
Varg, I don't disagree with any of those aspects, that's not what I'm trying to undermine. I think it would be nice to keep the notions of, if you will, bucket and spades, chip shops, tea and scones, whatever. It's the nature of pride that I seek to dismiss. The idea that these things are so important that they affect how people view other cultures, how ...[text shortened]... is in someway important enough to cause intolerance and sometimes hostility towards others.
I hate the Sun newspaper idea of patriotism.
I just tend to get annoyed when people constantly criticise and go on the defensive a bit.
Anyway, back to the topic: London is great to visit but I would hate to live there. But then, I'm not a city type.
Originally posted by VargI love London to pieces, I've lived here for 12 years now and can't imagine myself anywhere else. It has more character than anywhere else, more diversity, more hidden beauty spots and charming cafes, more culture and architecture. Standing on Embankment bridge, watching the river at night, laying in the grass in the shade of a giant face outside the British Museum, sitting on the pavement at 2 in the morning drinking coffee outside Ronnie Scotts, meeting friends in your local bar. I love the tube, despite the problems, I love the street performers in Covent Garden, Chinese New Year celebrations and so much more that I couldn't list here. London rocks.
I can see what you're getting at and I agree to an extent.
I hate the Sun newspaper idea of patriotism.
I just tend to get annoyed when people constantly criticise and go on the defensive a bit.
Anyway, back to the topic: London is great to visit but I would hate to live there. But then, I'm not a city type.
Originally posted by StarrmanIn Covent Garden last Friday:
I love London to pieces, I've lived here for 12 years now and can't imagine myself anywhere else. It has more character than anywhere else, more diversity, more hidden beauty spots and charming cafes, more culture and architecture. Standing on Embankment bridge, watching the river at night, laying in the grass in the shade of a giant face outside the Brit ...[text shortened]... den, Chinese New Year celebrations and so much more that I couldn't list here. London rocks.
Bum: "Big Issue!"
Passer-by: "It's sh-t."
Bum (turning his head in disgust): "I know it's sh-t. I certainly wouldn't waste my money on it. But if you're stupid enough to do so I would greatly appreciate it."
*Darvlay and others laugh quietly*
Bum: "Don't all jump at once."
(Thanks to Fredddie for giving me the heads up on the Big Issue)
Originally posted by StarrmanSo you have given up your plans to emigrate?
I love London to pieces, I've lived here for 12 years now and can't imagine myself anywhere else.
I have been to London twice and mostly liked it, but I wouldn't want to live there. Bodø (which has about 40,000 inhabitants) has just the right size for me. I sometimes miss the cultural life (concerts, museums etc.) of a big city, but I would miss the surroundings I have here even more.
