As a Briton, do you feel at all "European"???

Question

Whereas we may be descended from Europeans, there really is little connection between us and the European Continent.

Even Thatcher, the old cow, wanted Britain to join the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) along with Canada, the USA and Mexico in an attempt to distance ourselves from Europe.

Your thoughts?

Answer 1

Not the least bit European,I am English.End of.

Answer 2

I don't know how anyone can claim there is little connection between us and the European continent! During the migration of humans from Africa in prehistory, they took either the route through North Africa into Southern Europe or through Eurasia into Northern and Eastern Europe. At that time Britain was accessible to the continent and so settlers moved there. In more recent times (during history), the Vikings (Scandinavia and Germany), the French and the Italians have invaded us and are thoroughly mixed into the Celtic population (who were thought to be originally from mainland Europe in the first place) so we have a very strong connection to Europe. However, it could also be argued that with the modern migration patterns we will all be the descendants of people from a variety of continents in the not too distant future and therefore we will be just as connected to the rest of the world as Europe. Political alliances change, although I think Britain and the rest of Europe are in it for the long haul so I think we will be connected to Europe politically and economically for a long time. Culturally, mind you, we are probably not much more connected to Europe than any other continent. I mean the English and Italian ways are life are very different as western Europe is from most Eastern European countries who are probably more similar culturally to Russian or Central Asian cultures.

I enjoy being European though; it makes me feel a part of something more solid, although I will always describe myself as British first.

Answer 3

Mrs Thatcher was canny enough to see that the Franco-German alliance in Europe was unshakable. In every circumstance those two nations would unite to shape Europe to their design, eventually leaving Britain without influence.
Increasingly her vision appears correct.

The people of Britain are portrayed by their own media as mindless, violent and without merit, this media is then consumed on the continent and believed.
It is no wonder that interactions between the Brits and Continentals are fraught.

British culture has been so distilled into its "Disney" version that even young Britons don't know their history.
So they cling to what's left, whatever is common to the majority, terrace chanting, notoriety and weekend drunkenness.

The British are not valued at home and as a result have become insular. Lions led by arrogant Donkeys.

Answer 4

My partner is Swedish and I spend time there every year and can see the practical benefits of European integration within my own family.

Having said that, in another incarnation, I was a merchant seaman. The strange thing was the further I was away from home the more "British" I felt emotionally.

As for joining NAFTA - no. You might be surprised just how anti-English some American policy makers are when it comes to economics. In that sphere they see us as competitors not as allies.

Answer 5

Don't feel European at all. I've tried- one side of my family is European- my mum's European- but she feels the same as me- she came to uk when she was very young and feels very British. It's the sense of humour, craziness of Britains and an inexplicable something that does not make me feel at home in Germany or France, although i've tried.

However, I've not visited the whole of Europe and also I'm not suggesting the British are better than Europeans.

Answer 6

That old cow had more guts about Europe than new labour will ever have. I am British. I enjoy my holidays in Europe I do business there. However I do not wish to be told what I can or cannot do by anyone except my own government whom I elect.No I do not feel or wish to be a European.

Answer 7

No, I have nothing against the Europeans but I don't feel I belong with them, I think they feel the same towards us also. Maybe its because before the channel we were an island.

As for the EU we did better with the commonwealth at much less cost and less hassle.

The EU is a hugh controlling dictatorship, none of us signed up for in its present form. The Common Market was the original concept. We should get out now

Answer 8

We always liked being independent of other countries' control(probably an Anglo Saxon thing).

I suppose we are not too enriched by our culture to be considered Europeans. I mean other European countries are very strong and rigid on their culture.

Being on an isle miles away from the continent doesn't help.

I suppose being English means being open to other cultures, whereas Europeans have always closed themselves into their own cultures. e.g. we have been influenced by Picts, Vikings, Saxons, Romans, Normans etc. whereas, France has been mainly France, Spain mainly Spain, etc. In a way I suppose it's a good thing since we are more culturally enriched by what comes our way.

But it always left me with a question what is truly British, other than the top hat, tea, cup cakes, stiff upper lip, football, full English breakfast, the British pound, gentleman posture, Queen Vic, Queen Elizabeth, posh accent, Oasis, Coldplay, walking stick and the Beetles' 1970 haircut?

In a way, not being very European has its upsides and I suppose I am happy the way I am.

Answer 9

Despite the best efforts of the BBC (aka ministry of truth) and other media, I don't and never will feel European. I'm British. We have more incommon with countries of the old common wealth. Ozzies, Kiwis, Candians and Yanks. Why are so many Brits heading for these places? End off.
P.s Those happy Brits travelling around Europe do you know you get charged more then Eastern Europeans in Italy. A Brit rate!!

Answer 10

I feel very European. I feel much more affinity with French, Spanish, Italian people than I do with many Americans, who I find look at the world very differently.

Answer 11

Another BNP Fascist Rant.

Great Britain is historically tied to Europe, especially after 1066 when the Normans conquered and took over the island.

Great Britain was involved in trade with western Europe for hundreds of years before joining the European Union.

Whether you like it or not, you are European's so get used to it.

Nothing worse than a small island mentality.