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Britain is obviously part of the "Anglo world" and share very much in common with the orher countries mike US, Canada, Australia znd New Zealand.
But that doesn't mean that britain does not share with Europe. I fear that, like many people of english-speaking world, seem to think that Europe = french stereotypes (bureaucracy, "solcialsm", cafe culture, long meals with red wine, romance languages, etc. Not all European continental countries share those stereotypes, usually limited to romance speaking part of Europe and not northern Europe in wich britain is part of.
For once I agree with you (in part), of course Britain also shares a lot with Europe also however as you know I certainly don't look at France the same way as you and find France and Germany as just as similar (if not moreso) than France and Spain for example.
We even support Irish reunification, the UK does not.
This is palpably false and shows the continued lack of understanding and distortion that many Americans hold on any subject involving Ireland. The terms of the Good Friday Agreement, entered into freely by the UK, allows for the reunification of Ireland as long as referendums held on both sides of the border agree to it. If a majority of people both North and South want it then the Irish and UK Governments are legally required to make it happen.
At the moment the majority in Northern Ireland don't want it and I suspect that, given the economic reality that is currently Northern Ireland, a majority in the South would be reluctant to take on the financial cost at any time in the near future.
The truth is that the relationship between the UK and the Republic is much different these days & the citizens of both countries have absolute freedom to live & work (or claim benefits & get free health care) in each others countries - far greater than the rights afforded to other EU nationals. The Republic and the Irish people are very well thought of in the UK in general (that certainly wasn't always the case in my lifetime) and I hope that the reverse is true.
I have no doubt reunification will happen one day and I'm certain that the world won't shatter and lives will be in no way different. Wish Rory was competing for Team GB in Brazil though!
I fear that, like many people of english-speaking world, seem to think that Europe = french stereotypes (bureaucracy, "solcialsm", cafe culture, long meals with red wine, romance languages, etc.
Sounds good to me, who wouldn't want some of that?
But that doesn't mean that britain does not share with Europe. I fear that, like many people of english-speaking world, seem to think that Europe = french stereotypes (bureaucracy, "solcialsm", cafe culture, long meals with red wine, romance languages, etc. Not all European continental countries share those stereotypes, usually limited to romance speaking part of Europe and not northern Europe in wich britain is part of.
Strikes, well we are right behind Italy and France. Laziness? Sure. Our protestant work ethic stops immediately when you're forced actually to work. It's enough if you appear to be working. Not well functioning economy, you bet. Our attitudes are not very messy and everything functions, but it's messy nevertheless.
So seems we have more in common with France than England.
Not well functioning economy, you bet. Our attitudes are not very messy and everything functions, but it's messy nevertheless.
So seems we have more in common with France than England.
Well, here the exaclt reverse. Everything is incredibly messy, but overall it does works not so bad... as France and Italy manage to be around 5th and 6th world most powerfull countries.
Last edited by Rozenn; 01-02-2015 at 05:39 PM..
Reason: Copyright
I read some study which showed that Finland has annually the most working hours lost after Italy and France, being the 3rd most strike-prone country in Europe. Strikes, sympathy strikes, illegal strikes. They are seldom violent, though.
Generally I think that the differences between northern and southern Europe aren't that big as people sometimes think. Of course there are differences, but life is still pretty similar.
I read some study which showed that Finland has annually the most working hours lost after Italy and France, being the 3rd most strike-prone country in Europe. Strikes, sympathy strikes, illegal strikes. They are seldom violent, though.
Generally I think that the differences between northern and southern Europe aren't that big as people sometimes think. Of course there are differences, but life is still pretty similar.
But here people don't start looting and rioting I hope the next parliament can impose some heavy punishments for illegal strikes. But I'm sure communists will not allow that once again
French User is talking about the "terrace culture", but I guess that such a culture is just for countries with temperate weather.
In places up north, like north Spain, Ireland, they have the "hall culture", or the "pub culture".
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I hope the next parliament can impose some heavy punishments for illegal strikes. But I'm sure communists will not allow that once again 
