| I'll have a quick bash at this and then get out quick before it degenerates into nationalistic chest thumping from all directions (as is the way of these boards when there are any questions relating to countries!!).
England has lots of different types, however although it is a complete generalisation, the biggest groups are northerners (from the northern parts of England, e.g John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Oasis and so on) and southerners (Hugh Grant, Ricky Gervais and so on). The stereotypes are that northerners are brusque people that speak their mind and like fatty foods and southerners are pretentious sorts that bitch a lot. As we all know (I hope) stereotypes are not true (necessarily!!).
On these boards guys like DDG and myself are southerners and Crock and Madd Mick are northerners.
Yes, we are English which is part of both Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Island). These are kind of political terms to describe the countries union I guess but I have no idea of the history of them. Suffice to say though that if a Welsh footballer does something very good, I would see him as being British, but if he did something crap, he'd be Welsh (I'm kidding!!).
Some people do get offended to be described as European. We are an island away from Europe which has been conquered (and been attempted to be conquered) many times in history and pretty much always fought against it. Now however with Europe (and it's beurocrats) getting a greater and greater say in our land it seems that what couldn't be done (long term) on the battle field is actually now being just signed over anyway.
We are also culturally very very different to large parts of Europe (and likewise them to us). In terms of our media, humour, music etc we are much more culturally north american than european. You only have to read our gossip mags and watch our tv to see that. The union with Europe is a very uneasy one, but also one that many other countries in Europe are struggling with and/or opposing.
Well that's the sum of my knowledge on the subject. I'll leave it know for (a) those who know what they're talking about and (b) those who just like a good arguement!! |