Re: What Does It Mean To Be British?

I really don't know what "British Culture" is - for a start I don't feel British, I feel English, just as my Irish friends feel Irish, my Scots mates feel Scottish and my Welsh mates feel Welsh.

Re: What Does It Mean To Be British?

Yes, it is true they are renowned for laughing at themselves BUT only when the joker is from within, ie one of us not when the fun is poked at them from outside.

If it is criticism then unlike other nations who usually try to answer the criticism with facts (rightly or wrongly) the British bristle with indignation that anybody should dare to say such a thing about them and what's it got to do with foreigners/ex pats etc anyway? It won't matter that the criticism was probably the same as one they were expressing themselves only a moment ago that is totally forgotten they react purely against the fact that an outsider dared to say anything adverse about them.

It is just a British trait it doesn't apply to everyone but in general it tends to be so. In fact I suspect your response makes the point more eloquently than anything I could say

Re: What Does It Mean To Be British?

I suspect you believe that to be the case because you have inferred a tone I didn't use when I replied; maybe it was you that has actually bristled given your response to me.

Re: What Does It Mean To Be British?

Most of the English people I know laugh at them selves and can take a joke about them by others. Not sure who you have met to make you feel we don't bruce.

Re: What Does It Mean To Be British?

I can understand and relate to what bruce is saying - yes the english can and do laugh at each other - but if Germans, or French, or Americans or any other nation is poking fun at the British they do go cold and bristle with indignation IMO and also I suspect in Bruce's IHO!!

Re: What Does It Mean To Be British?

Surely a lot of countries take exception at times from 'outsiders....'
Never noticed to that extent - I like Jackie Mason - jewish humour - the place would be packed with Jewish mainly....

Re: What Does It Mean To Be British?

Yes that's true, making fun of yourself is different to someone making fun of you.