An interesting article about the way the our European partners view the decline in Britain from the perspective of a Frenchman abroad.
It's not a "let's knock Britain" thread, more an analysis of how others see us.
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Britain - the French perspective
Sex God
Well if you ask me, and this does hurt to say it, "The Frog, sorry, our continental cousin is right."
Quote by travlinmanukok
An interesting article here about the way the our European partners view the decline in Britain from the perspective of a Frenchman abroad.
It's not a "let's knock Britain" thread, more an analysis of how others see us.
As far as I can tell about the F word ????? French
They are still pissed of about AGINCOURT....
steve ....Travlin
We've been here before.. I think it's actually Azincourt :giggle:
I don't do politics as I haven't yet found anyone that thinks like me within the political circle. I agree with that article and about time others see it too. Until we change our attitudes from "what are we going to gain from any given opportunity" to how would this affect others sadly nothing is ever going to change.
Self centeredness is rife amongst Britain it is about self gain and sod everyone else, just walk over them on the way up too.
You can see now why I don’t post in political threads, my bad side comes out.
Self centeredness is rife amongst Britain it is about self gain and sod everyone else, just walk over them on the way up too.
You can see now why I don’t post in political threads, my bad side comes out.
Quote by Theladyisaminx
I don't do politics as I haven't yet found anyone that thinks like me within the political circle. I agree with that article and about time others see it too. Until we change our attitudes from "what are we going to gain from any given opportunity" to how would this affect others sadly nothing is ever going to change.
Self centeredness is rife amongst Britain it is about self gain and sod everyone else, just walk over them on the way up too.
You can see now why I don’t post in political threads, my bad side comes out.
Actually, that rather seems like your good side :lol2:
"The current crisis, it seems to me, is more than economic. Britain is in a crisis of morality, and of identity. It is unsure, in the wake of 7/7, of its multicultural model; immigration is now a source of concern. Whole groups of young people are losing their bearings, becoming cut off from society, joining gangs, turning to knives. You have a growing obesity problem. Alcoholism is gaining a grip on the middle classes. In France, by contrast, young people generally feel stronger family ties, there is a greater respect for gastronomic traditions and while drinking levels may have increased, a bingeing culture has not yet taken hold. Britain faces big questions. Who are you in a globalised world, in a country with a population so diverse it is no longer sure of its roots? How do your traditions accommodate modernity, monarchy, a republic, discipline, eccentricity, tolerance, violence, extreme wealth, great poverty? What is man's place in a world where money and the media show are all that matter? What, in short, are your values now "?
A very good artical and sad to say, most of what was written sums up Britain to a tee.
I read something similar from a journalist from South Africa. His damning of Britain was a lot worse. His attitude was that the world now viewed Britain as a global joke......sad.
Well I cannot see much wrong with that artical and as a British person born and bred, it is a sad indictment of us now.
I am still not a lover of the whinging French though.
A very good artical and sad to say, most of what was written sums up Britain to a tee.
I read something similar from a journalist from South Africa. His damning of Britain was a lot worse. His attitude was that the world now viewed Britain as a global joke......sad.
Well I cannot see much wrong with that artical and as a British person born and bred, it is a sad indictment of us now.
I am still not a lover of the whinging French though.
yea..and France is not the same ??
This is not Britain he is talking about..its the human race !! Like it or not people generally look out for themselves and family first.
France had terrible racist problems, its industry is almost non exsistant, we complain about 10% unemployment as it is now; but france runs at 20% on average normally... yea..I'm British..I love Britain...and I wouldn't live in France if you paid me.
This is not Britain he is talking about..its the human race !! Like it or not people generally look out for themselves and family first.
France had terrible racist problems, its industry is almost non exsistant, we complain about 10% unemployment as it is now; but france runs at 20% on average normally... yea..I'm British..I love Britain...and I wouldn't live in France if you paid me.
Quote by GnV
snip...
I am still not a lover of the whinging French though.
I thought you wanted to come here :shock:
No GNV I would not want to live in France. Spain yes.....Australia yes, but not France. You see it is too close to the UK.
I want to go much further away. :wink:
You see when people knock me for saying negative things about the UK, I always ask them a question. The question is " name me five things you love about Britain ". They think about it for a second or two, and come up with a couple of obvious answers, then they are stuck. Gets em everytime.
People usually come up with four max. Anyone who does not believe me...do the test.Of course if people had time to think they would come up with others, but only after time. People reading this will now have time to think, and come up with a list of things. But ask anyone to name things straight away, and they can't........usually.
Quote by kentswingers777
"The current crisis, it seems to me, is more than economic. Britain is in a crisis of morality, and of identity.
This is , I believe , the main problem that affects each and every one of us..... whatever and however (if indeed we do) we identify ourselves.
Maybe the French have it figured out... but i doubt that this generalisation is correct... they still have many people with morality and personal identification problems... as do all the countries in the world...as it it a matter of personal developement.
If this world was inhabited by people who were aware of their identity and purpose, and followed a moral existance... there would be no need for such critisisms.
But how else, without understanding what is right and successful to(some)others, would we have any idea how to change.
dont shoot the messenger because you dont like the message!!
Sex God
Gnv with respect i think all you do is find things ro say against Britain to justify yourself going to France. Let me tell you that you don't have to. If your enjoying yourself in France good I'm glad for you other that. It was Britain that afforded you the chance to enjoy France the way you most obviously do.
My mother would come back to Britain at the drop of a hat given the chance and if anything happens to my dad then thats the first thing she'll do.
My Dads a little bit like you in respect that he has to point out every little thing that he (thats him not others I might add) prefers about France. Its as though its a mission to make people want to applaud him for it. Well bollox to that you two You really do remind me a little of Lord Haw Haw and the German propaganda shite. Do excuse me if I offend anyones sensitivities with that remark.
My mother would come back to Britain at the drop of a hat given the chance and if anything happens to my dad then thats the first thing she'll do.
My Dads a little bit like you in respect that he has to point out every little thing that he (thats him not others I might add) prefers about France. Its as though its a mission to make people want to applaud him for it. Well bollox to that you two You really do remind me a little of Lord Haw Haw and the German propaganda shite. Do excuse me if I offend anyones sensitivities with that remark.
This wasn’t the people of Frances opinion but of one person’s perspective but that is what happens normally in life a lot of people would generalise and categorise, then attack.
We avoid looking within ourselves as we might feel a little uncomfortable.
Just blame others instead not just in this country but many others too.
I believe what we should do is listen to others take any valid points on board, then think before we react to whom it might affect.
With every action in life, where a third party has involvement (this is in most things we do, think or say) if we just consider for a moment the implications on others we would normal find there will be something or someone that will be affected.
What I find a lot is people would not look at the bigger picture.
Take the worlds situations at present (as an example there are many) we can’t be greedy and expect no negative consequences; I am not clever but could see it happening years ago.
Like most of what we do in life there is an effect happening somewhere.
Hopefully good might come out of it, I live in hope
If only selfishness was eradicated the world could be a far better place I believe.
We avoid looking within ourselves as we might feel a little uncomfortable.
Just blame others instead not just in this country but many others too.
I believe what we should do is listen to others take any valid points on board, then think before we react to whom it might affect.
With every action in life, where a third party has involvement (this is in most things we do, think or say) if we just consider for a moment the implications on others we would normal find there will be something or someone that will be affected.
What I find a lot is people would not look at the bigger picture.
Take the worlds situations at present (as an example there are many) we can’t be greedy and expect no negative consequences; I am not clever but could see it happening years ago.
Like most of what we do in life there is an effect happening somewhere.
Hopefully good might come out of it, I live in hope
If only selfishness was eradicated the world could be a far better place I believe.
The French and the Germans and the Spanish and most of Europe, see us as a country devoid of responsiblities and morals.
They see the twat on a Spanish beach with his tats and flowery shorts, swilling beer, like he only had ten minutes to live. They see the drunken louts on their two weekly foreign holidays, getting pissed and causing all sorts of aggro.
THAT is what they see all the time abroad. We all know that is not all of us, but news sells stories.
The problems we could ALL face, is that it is a fact that we are skint as a country. We have no manufactoring to speak of. We are a country run and financed by the banks. Now they have had it, so will millions of others. God help us all if the unemployment figures reach four million plus. Don't bet against that happening either.
Europe will fair much better than us, as in this country we have lived on the " never never " for far too long. The parties over and now is the time to clean up the house.
For whatever reasons and whoever is to blame, we don't do any of the things this country used to do so well. Build ships, steel, cars, mines. We do not own anything now. Even our energy suppliers are owned by the frogs or the Germans. We are told what to do with our laws by Europe.
How this country that was once so great and envied throughout the world, has been reduced to a rambling mess, run by idiots, who think it is fine to bail out institutions, to the tune of billions of pounds,of OUR money, with not so much as a bye your leave. Institutions that have been hugely negligent in their lending practises, and still nobody is held to blame.
Well peeps if this bail out does not work, and negativity sets in big time, we could all be in trouble. We could see half or more of our high street shops go bust, and six million on the dole. What a scary thought. But hey ho we have Bottler Brown in charge, so we should all be ok........no?
Right had me rant of the day, feel soooooooo much better for that.
They see the twat on a Spanish beach with his tats and flowery shorts, swilling beer, like he only had ten minutes to live. They see the drunken louts on their two weekly foreign holidays, getting pissed and causing all sorts of aggro.
THAT is what they see all the time abroad. We all know that is not all of us, but news sells stories.
The problems we could ALL face, is that it is a fact that we are skint as a country. We have no manufactoring to speak of. We are a country run and financed by the banks. Now they have had it, so will millions of others. God help us all if the unemployment figures reach four million plus. Don't bet against that happening either.
Europe will fair much better than us, as in this country we have lived on the " never never " for far too long. The parties over and now is the time to clean up the house.
For whatever reasons and whoever is to blame, we don't do any of the things this country used to do so well. Build ships, steel, cars, mines. We do not own anything now. Even our energy suppliers are owned by the frogs or the Germans. We are told what to do with our laws by Europe.
How this country that was once so great and envied throughout the world, has been reduced to a rambling mess, run by idiots, who think it is fine to bail out institutions, to the tune of billions of pounds,of OUR money, with not so much as a bye your leave. Institutions that have been hugely negligent in their lending practises, and still nobody is held to blame.
Well peeps if this bail out does not work, and negativity sets in big time, we could all be in trouble. We could see half or more of our high street shops go bust, and six million on the dole. What a scary thought. But hey ho we have Bottler Brown in charge, so we should all be ok........no?
Right had me rant of the day, feel soooooooo much better for that.
Sex God
Quote by kentswingers777
Europe will fair much better than us,
Ya think! I agree with some of the stuff you say 777 but look how the pound is up against the Euro. Give it 6-9 months then look again. Methinks you will see some real big problems very very shortly and thew Euro will stagger big time. I just have this feeling but watch this space. If it aint so i'll eat me haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa....well i won't but hey metaphorically
Oh and most of traditional Europe has the lack of manufacturing problem too Quote by Lost
Gnv with respect i think all you do is find things ro say against Britain to justify yourself going to France. Let me tell you that you don't have to. If your enjoying yourself in France good I'm glad for you other that. It was Britain that afforded you the chance to enjoy France the way you most obviously do.
My mother would come back to Britain at the drop of a hat given the chance and if anything happens to my dad then thats the first thing she'll do.
My Dads a little bit like you in respect that he has to point out every little thing that he (thats him not others I might add) prefers about France. Its as though its a mission to make people want to applaud him for it. Well bollox to that you two You really do remind me a little of Lord Haw Haw and the German propaganda shite. Do excuse me if I offend anyones sensitivities with that remark.
Something about not shooting the messenger comes to mind here...
Isn't it so nice to see all the brits in here happy - British people are not happy unless they are always moaning, defending their 'Britishness' or invading (oops sorry - helping) somewhere whilst selling weapons to the 'enemy'....
We British would die of boredom if life in Britain was always rosy...
We British would die of boredom if life in Britain was always rosy...
Quote by GnV
I see the all so wonderful french..are so up in arms that there is now a general strike on January 29th !!!
So those people not just in it for themselves then!!!
Thank god I live in England !!
You're welcome to it!
I thought you said it was not a " knock Britain thread? ". :giggle:
Quote by kentswingers777
I see the all so wonderful french..are so up in arms that there is now a general strike on January 29th !!!
So those people not just in it for themselves then!!!
Thank god I live in England !!
You're welcome to it!
I thought you said it was not a " knock Britain thread? ". :giggle:
Quote by GnV
I see the all so wonderful french..are so up in arms that there is now a general strike on January 29th !!!
So those people not just in it for themselves then!!!
Thank god I live in England !!
You're welcome to it!
I thought you said it was not a " knock Britain thread? ". :giggle:
:moon:
Quote by kentswingers777
I see the all so wonderful french..are so up in arms that there is now a general strike on January 29th !!!
So those people not just in it for themselves then!!!
Thank god I live in England !!
Name five things then.
Easy...
1..its where my friends and family are
2..the weather .. yes that right the weather..crisp sunny autumn mornings waliking the dog....or nice summer nights out in gardem
3..the countryside and beaches. Down in wales we have some great rolling sand dunes and some great surfing beaches in Cornwall etc etc...along with the great rolling countryside.
4.. the muti cultureism of out urban areas. We live in same land..and can now go out and eat whatever flavour of cuisine you. Basically racism is very low in England now. Thou rife stil acros europe..especially France may I add whilst I'm here.
5..the laungage. Love the differant direlcts and atitudes in differant regions.
6..love the manners of the english. Most people still open doors for others. Most still say please and thankyou. Manners of the English is what most Americans for example compliment us on.
7..our pubs and bars. I love the differant variety of pubs, bars, cafe and bars we have. Something for everyone.
8..Our sence of humour...we have without doubt the best sence of humour around. Something our european freinds sadly lack.
9..Our music. We are undoubtably at he forefront of all new music. You haven't got to like it..but fact is so much orginal stuff comes out of the UK.
10...we stand up and be counted when needed. We have never run away from tough decisions. We have stood toe to toe with our allies through thick and thin.
well..I could go on..but fact is
we don't blockade the motor way just because government not giving sheep farmers enough subsidy..we don't have a general strike every other month..
Britain is not perfect.... but I'm more than happy to stand up and say I'm proud to be British and living in Britain today.
Quote by deancannock
I see the all so wonderful french..are so up in arms that there is now a general strike on January 29th !!!
So those people not just in it for themselves then!!!
Thank god I live in England !!
Name five things then.
Easy...
1..its where my friends and family are
2..the weather .. yes that right the weather..crisp sunny autumn mornings waliking the dog....or nice summer nights out in gardem
3..the countryside and beaches. Down in wales we have some great rolling sand dunes and some great surfing beaches in Cornwall etc etc...along with the great rolling countryside.
4.. the muti cultureism of out urban areas. We live in same land..and can now go out and eat whatever flavour of cuisine you. Basically racism is very low in England now. Thou rife stil acros europe..especially France may I add whilst I'm here.
5..the laungage. Love the differant direlcts and atitudes in differant regions.
6..love the manners of the english. Most people still open doors for others. Most still say please and thankyou. Manners of the English is what most Americans for example compliment us on.
7..our pubs and bars. I love the differant variety of pubs, bars, cafe and bars we have. Something for everyone.
8..Our sence of humour...we have without doubt the best sence of humour around. Something our european freinds sadly lack.
9..Our music. We are undoubtably at he forefront of all new music. You haven't got to like it..but fact is so much orginal stuff comes out of the UK.
10...we stand up and be counted when needed. We have never run away from tough decisions. We have stood toe to toe with our allies through thick and thin.
well..I could go on..but fact is
we don't blockade the motor way just because government not giving sheep farmers enough subsidy..we don't have a general strike every other month..
Britain is not perfect.... but I'm more than happy to stand up and say I'm proud to be British and living in Britain today.
And home of the Telly Tubbies
Quote by kentswingers777
Also the Wombles.
You always get some who say they love the weather here in the UK.
Give me sunshine and warmth, anyday over the dreary grey crap we get here.
Last year we did not even have a summer.
Ah.. but the wombles don't live in Lala land do they
is the sort of sunshine you wanted?
