we say we re loosing our britishness but what do you see as our britishness?

Answer 1

I'm American but I found your question and all of the answers very thoughtful and insightful. I would like to add it seems to me I feel the same way as an American, like my country is losing me, not me losing my country or my roots. I truly feel we are all losing our sovereignty, you folks turning into a European Union and me and my country turning into a North American Union. Our governments, I believe have an agreement with big worldwide business to eliminate any border crossing problems in the name of free trade and profit while we all seem to be losing our countries and our feeling of worth in general. Good luck to you and yours on your side of the pond. Keep your chin up, that's what I think of when I think British.

Answer 2

Hi,

I don't particularly believe we (as British) are losing our 'Britishness', however, there is a lot of worry about the possible loss of sovereignty which may be brought about by the adoption of the Euro and the handing over of government to a European Parliament.

France has long held a mutual dislike of the English and Germany has tried twice last century to take over Britain. The European parliament seems to be an easy way for either/both of these countries to do what they could not do with military might.

In the 1970's we were given a (VERY late) vote on whether we wanted to stay in the 'Common Market' (Very difficult nowadays to find someone who will admit they voted for it!) In those days the EEC, which eventually became the EU was merely an agreement between countries to allow free trading across borders. No one could seriously doubt that was a good idea.

However we now have more than 600 dedicated Euro MP's whose sole intention is to keep their well paid jobs. And to be in a European Government (Also why there is a 19,000 page 'ruling' on the size, shape and quality of duck eggs. The sheer cost of typing that up and distributing a copy -yes - they ALL get one!- to each Euro MP must have cleared out several endangered rain forests)

People are worried that the loss of the English pound as our currency will lead to a loss of British identity. What I can guarantee it would DEFINITELY lead to is more expensive goods. I now live in Spain and have been here since before the introduction of the Euro on Jan 1st. 2002. NONE of the Spanish people wanted the change, none of them are happy with the adoption of the Euro. (They still price houses and cars for sale in Pesetas!) The only people who like it are the Spanish Euro MP's...a similar grouping, I think you'll find to the (very small) number of people who support the adoption of the Euro in Britain.

Our 'Britishness'? who knows...we, traditionally, have been a very stubborn race who are prepared to fight for what we believe to be right. Unfortunately nowadays the rightness and wrongness of things is less clear.

Personally I will be delighted to reject the adoption of the Euro, as did Norway, but suspect that we'll never get a real chance to vote.

Asking 'Do you wish to adopt or reject the Euro' would, I feel, get a very different result than asking, after adopting it 'Do you wish to continue with the Euro, or risk losing all' which is likely to be the type of wording we'll get.
(Remember the 1974 'vote?)

We'll always be British, as the Spanish are still Spanish, and the French, etc. etc. But there will be traditions lost and some of our habits and customs will be changed. Better or worse?...that's up to the individual (Or your Euro MP)

Cheers,

BobSpain

Answer 3

We are loosing our Britishness because I cannot say what I would like to say on here, our freedom of speech has been eroded and most people know why.

Answer 4

Britishness is a load of things.

strength in adversity, being inventive, being ethical, sticking up for what is right, trying to avoid conflict, but being great warriors if pushed, having a great sense of humour, intelligence etc.

Answer 5

The dictatorial policy of Westminster government, nothing has really changed since the barbarian William the conqueror set foot on these shores 940 years ago.
The power of the Executive rules and we are just pawns on their chess board.

Answer 6

I don't know what that means. I have always liked the Brits, no matter how "british" they are. I enjoyed my times in England.

Answer 7

Tolerance, Good Manners, good spelling and punctuation, standing fast in the face of adversity, suffering in silence, rationing, respect of self others and Queen,Inventiveness, charm, subtlety,tea at 3, ballet and boarding school.

Answer 8

Britishness meant the white indigenous population and it's character, we can't say that any more because we have been diluted.

Answer 9

Politeness and manners!

Answer 10

tolerance, democarcy, good and fair police, sense of humour and sh1t weather