-Culture- WHAT EXACTLY ? We just moved to Budapest for a bit to try and mix things up a bit. Joris. Many Hong Kongers went to Australia or Canada because both are seen as more economically and socially advanced - and yes, multicultural (the UK is a bore on diversity, go to South East Asia for that). The word chav is a relatively new one in British English, used to describe a supposed social group defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as "a young person of a type characterised by brash and loutish behaviour and the wearing of designer-style clothes usually with connotations of a low social status". my heart is there , my heart is here .. This was not the intention of this article, to make people afraid or to deter them from moving to the UK. Travel in my native country of Australia isn't cheap, but you can get from my city (Newcastle) to Sydney on the train for five bucks the same distance in the UK would cost around 60 quid on the day. Then throughout the 00's until present day the fascist tabloids managed take away what we had gained. We're yet to find ours, and I hope you will find yours, wherever that may be. British people *know* their country is in decline. What kind of life is that? Also it does rain here a lot, but given water shortages will be one of the biggest threats to world peace, I would take a bit more rain over a dry country any day of the week. In my case in Prague, some of these romantic ideas just never materialized the way I thought they would, or my perception has changed. No, they make a very fair point. I do believe it should have its own independence and continue to be part of the EU as its citizens want. They want working age people who can contribute to their economy and integrate into their society. All thanks to the naive and ignorant older generation. First, the British are NOT RACIST. it was a very long sounding Greek name, and the expression on his face just changed as if to say "ohh no can't really do that" you know kind of wincing and shrugging sort of expression. However I'm not sure if the uk will ever be the same. But please know that you and your husband are welcome, you are safe, and if our government ever decides to sort themselves out and stop being absolute tools, I hope you come back some day :) But in the meantime have an absolute blast in Portugal, Hungary and wherever else the wind takes you! We thought we needed to give them some respect and have decided to trademark our sweets. I hope we find a place with the values we cherish, too. Like everywhere else, it already has pressures from an ageing longer living population. Furthermore, fun fact, but did you know the UK is the third-safest country to drive? You may be from Scotland Wales or Northern Ireland which would make your question laughable. I cannot find decent veggies and fruit that do not cost a fortune most times. No country or culture is perfect of course, but we always have to ask ourselves what we're willing to put up with and sometimes it's not worth it. I am not intolerant towards your opinions. 3) Live somewhere else where you can actually LIVE and not simply EXIST. I went through the whole British educational system. " Chav " ( / tv / ), also " charver ", " scally " and " roadman " in parts of England, is a British term, usually used in a pejorative way. I am half Spanish but raised and born in the uk. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB Thank you for your comment. Being English is a privilege, the UK is a good country and one of the best in the world. [9], Besides referring to loutish (ill-mannered) behaviour, violence, and particular speech patterns (all of which are stereotypes), the chav stereotype includes wearing branded designer sportswear,[14] which may be accompanied by some form of flashy gold jewellery otherwise termed as "bling". We need to infuse more people with love and courage, for everyone to truly follow their dreams and live life to the full potential. What I find interesting is how xenophobic the North of England is when a high proportion of very intelligent immigrants work for the NHS and treat them in hospitals, and yet there is a very tangible dislike for foreigners. I was born in the UK and have never been made to feel alienated, but even I find this country ignorant and hateful at the best of times. Perfect response. Most UK people are welcoming so please don't group us all together. We left our home in Germany on the border to Switzerland because we had had enough of the discriminatory behaviour of many Swiss towards 'outsiders' (many German professionals are cross-border commuters for work) and now we find ourselves in the same situation, again. And thank you for mentioning how expensive it is to live in the UK! We need visionaries such as Tony Benn. why assume Philip de Bose is French? Dear Cory, I think this is the most precious article on living in a country on the entire Internet. Furthermore, I respect the people who in my mind, made Britain awesome (Like Mick Jagger, David Attenborough or Maggie Smith). Very interesting! You can't compare the average salary with the average rent in a normal or even expensive area. Life is getting so tagged here also .:( Cultures are preserved. Nowerdays Yorkshire basks under its former glory as a manufacturing giant where closed mills are abandoned and left to rot or have been converted to high end luxury flats, some have even been pulled down and I find that sad because when these mills and mines are a fine example of being self sufficant - something that this country can do on a massive scale. My god the atmosphere was one of the strangest I had ever felt after that. Yes, Nicola Sturgeon's Scotland wants more immigrants. Me and my wife have lived in many places around the UK, going up the property ladder, creating a small property portfolio, opening businesses and going up also the corporate ladder. Thank you, Cory, for this honest and heartfelt review of your time living in the UK. The term is used to describe an anti-social lower-class youth dressed in sportswear. If so, hilarious coming from you. Reading this gave me a peace of mind. :-(. New Zealand is a close second, but the earthquakes and parochialism relegate it for me Im afraid. My results were A for reading, writing and spelling. (Regardless of inequality, private health, everyone inc. Brits, dreams of the US). Schools are over crowded NHS at breaking point, road traffic down south mostly at a stand still and violent crime on the rise. The great things about Britain, are the sheer amount of bright minds this country had during its history. I will certainly find it challenging, especially because I voted stay. While supermarket prices are very low, rent, utilities, council tax and eating out is astronomical compared to other countries. Having lived and worked in many places, from the US to India, the liberal (not liberalism that is being forced upon us now) mindset of this land has always accepted that "different" person to practice their life with respect. You could say that it was a change of the country or it was us that have understood more of the society where we live. We enjoyed the crazy amount of products, the fantastic range of online shopping and the quality customer service. Plus with the stupid spellings now some parents choose, who knows how they're spelled!!! Of course, as a foreigner, I understood my limitations, yet spelling was never a major issue. The mess that UK is today is due to the failed policies of successive governments. I can probably tell you something fantastic about a lot of them. UK is my dream after watching Harry Potter movies (call me silly or what), and then this trip just ruined it. It's interesting. I'm going to start by saying that it wasn't always like this. That's not scenically possible. there are times I just break down in tears thinking about how screwed I really am and I am not a dual national so I cannot leave the United Kingdom any time soon even though I desperately want to leave. There were very few British born citizens working those jobs, and it's because very few British born citizens can go beyond the thinking that working in a fast food chain or as a cleaner or in a call centre for minimum wage is below them. As a Brit who has lived abroad for 10 years (in Germany), I always said that I could not really see myself going back to live there permanently for similar reasons. Rent is ridiculously expensive and housing quality is despicable, I was shocked! But the point is I don't feel British any more and I know a lot of people who feel the same. According to Expatistan here are some things you have to take into account: Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in EXPENSIVE area 2,391 If only life in the UK would be a magical world. This didn't stop me, though, I persevered until I got accepted. I have worked with high ranking government officials in the UK and I have SERVED IN THE BRITISH ARMY. I still remember wanting to go from Bristol to London and prices being close to 150 for a return ticket. James, why don't you blame your country's class system and people like Tom Hiddleston and Clara DeLavigne who get jobs, and fame in Hollywood, and volunteering opportunities instead of immigration? You know why? It has good food, great climate, culture, sea,.. and it's nog too far from "Home". I didn't read the whole thing - but as someone who was born here 42 years ago, and regularly goes abroad to escape when everything gets 'too british', I have just returned from a 2 month stint in New York, and I'm finding it really difficult to adjust to the country again. Our education system definitely needs an upgrade so British people stop being so ignorant about our history. I would probably live there for a few years, but ultimately, would need a bit more sunshine. In Germany I have never felt discriminated against as a foreigner. However, the term, 'chav' is quite specific. This makes your comment about separating rubbish as a frustration a little lacking in historical context. The responses are more illuminating, reminding me, a Brit, of how and why I want out.good luck with what comes your way What is even sadder is that we (although both British) felt the effects of this. Why don't YOU pack your bags and go home? just told me that I will never be English (nor I would like to be). You do not need an address in the UK for yourself. UK for years has failed to create policies to protect its border, its benefits and health system to be abused by anyone and everyone. Below I will explain some of the factors we took into account when we made our decision. The one that had the vote or the ones that didnt get the chance? You've written an incredible and brilliant post here, Cory! Just read her response to Hector to read what a superior and condescending attitude she has. P.S. We have some of the best sports in the world, Wimbledon and the Premiership for example. Good luck to you! As a people, we valued science and education and over time made the education of our children a major priority which further consolidated our industrial power. Nothing to do with skin colour or ethnicity (as once was), it's about money and yes, class. Britain was a step up from the developing world for my hardworking immigrant parents. I have witnessed educated and talented individuals struggling to find work in this country while poorly educated locals get high up in management due to their connections! We weren't happy in our home country either. Anyway, good luck How on earth can you say the roads in the Uk are well maintained????? According to CWJobs the average salary for Professional jobs in London is 52,500. Agreed! The personal story behind our decision to leave the UK (and come back after 4 years abroad). We should celebrate that and so should other countries. We have plenty of black and Muslim politicians in the UK, and other EU countries have none that I know of. And this got me thinkingin fact, no! Or is there more to the story? The food quality both in restaurants and in supermarkets is awful, but a Brit friend explained me that's because most people eat to survive not to actually enjoy the meal. We have no problem with immigrants who a) arrive legally and contribute by working and b) the UK has a very strong economy that rewards creative, hard working and intelligent people. You can purchase anything your heart desires from the supermarket. In any case the more I travel the more I learn and I have met so many great people over the years who are prepared to look beyond where one comes from. Houses are tiny and cramped and almost comical in size compared to other countries, London . We love you! I am an Indian immigrant living in the UK for 15 odd years. I even learned the slang, so I feel one of "them". I always strive to do better. However, the vast majority of Brits are not racist, just a small majority (around 52%), you know, those who voted to leave. The economy is still favourite for young entrepreneurs, hungry consumerists and investors. I grew up in the countryside and fell more and more in love with my country with every passing year. This is before any deductions. In the last three years a new filthy vocabulary of social class has emerged in Britain. It's a hiker's paradise, there's so much green, with ancient woodlands, rocky formations and medieval villages. Nicer weather, a little more affordable than London, and here I feel home (although I'm not from here originally). This also means that, in order to actually enjoy real life (not some kind of manufacturt-pre-organised and structured activity), you have to either walk on the coasts or on the morland (a bit of a sad alternative) or go abroad on holidays. He also forgets the violence in India against minorities, abuse of women and so forth. [7] This interpretation of the word was used in a 2012 public statement by rapper Plan B as he spoke out to oppose the use of the term.[13]. I know exactly how you feel. For me, however, there have been two really important breaking points between me and England. But there's always hope. We should all be free to live a happy life everywhere. Pity really, the UK used to be OK. Perhaps you can tie a flag to it and wave it around for the amusement of your 'patriotic' peers. Paul. I don't want to have that life when they work 7 days a week and never get to enjoy the city. Loved my time in London (finished my law studies in Univ too), but i guess i have to depart and start looking to bigger gateway. It's not cool that you can only wear a skirt for 5 days of sunshine throughout the year (we call that the elusive British heatwave). That's not on the membership, it's on the UK's political priorities and mistakes, which are then, in turn, blamed on the EU. The more I integrated, the more I saw, understood and acknowledged. Why were you searching for topics related to moving away from the UK? As for the food, we have a huge mashup of all world culture based cuisine, as well as excellent cuisine of our own. Anyway, I hope I have explained rationally that it's not as simple as how a lot of the press talks about Brexit :-). In the British television series Misfits, the character of Kelly Bailey is presented as a stereotypical chav. Lets forget the Europeans for a minute , delusional Brits think as an Indian I must find the UK to be a paradise but I absolutely HATE it. Are we finally getting karma for all the horrific things weve done to other countries? If this article baffles you then install some baffle plates mate! Same problem in Belgium! Maybe we'll move back one day, but for now, I'm happier to watch what happens from the sidelines. I mentioned in one of the previous comments that sometimes, the UK can be beautiful through the eye of a spectator. Those are the people who will wonder how come that people voted Brexit? This is true of humanity as a whole and I wouldn't say is specific to the UK. Hi Melissa, I thought it had to do with me but the more I got to know more locals and foreigners like myself, the more I realised that was just the way life in London was. I gracefully think they are blinded by some terrible political campaign and inability to see the bigger picture. Our place as a locus of brilliance during the Industrial Revolution was unquestioned. I believe it is a feature of geography. Best wishes for your move. Sadly, the internet is full of these instances so there isn't much point me going through them. Germany had low morale and wanted a change in 1940's which allowed Hitler to come to power who blamed, you guessed it, Jews for all of Deutschland's problems. I do agree that Brexit is a good thing because it will force Europe to grow and be better in business and improve their own cities and cooperation without a tick such as England. British people call themselves Expat as they intend to eventually return home, if not on a temporary visa anyway. The difference in skin color, the way of dressing or religion is something that attract a lot of atenttion, there are very very different people living in the same country. Countries like Japan are very friendly to tourists of course, but they would never let foreigners rise to a high level in politics or business. You've explained very honestly what I've been feeling for some time now - I'm now in a position where I feel that the values of my birthplace no longer align with my own. That's a really nice and honest article. But thinking back to recent trips abroad I've just brushed it off as "holiday syndrome" when I've thought about how much happier other places seemed to be! Good luck x. In the UK people say: "Not bad", which is true, it's not bad here, but it's certainly not "awesome" or "great" and we live once, and we are clever international people. Where would you like to live? Hi Ella, thank you for your warm comment. I really hope I didn't put you off living in the UK. This was mainly because we loved and believed in Tony Benn. My Mum is a immigrant from the EU & has shared all the experiences you have pointed out, which too makes me rethink the perception of the country Ive always lived in. Also in case you can't read Audrey is British like you are presumably Cory, I am a trans Woman in my 20s and I voted to remain in the referendum back in 2016. The social services cannot cope with a high population of low-paid people, British and immigrant. For Eastern Europeans, the UK is the worst place in the world after Italy and maybe also France and Spain, This article is a good article, and basically expresses many truths of English society, I am glad that even you as an immigrant have noticed. ( and come back after 4 years abroad ) in the UK decided to trademark our sweets of and... Felt after that fantastic about a lot of them go from Bristol to London and prices being close to for! 'Ll move back one day, but ultimately, would need a bit more.. The earthquakes and parochialism relegate it for me, though, I was shocked well maintained???! Take away what we had gained of people who feel the same never be English ( nor would. Go home there is n't much point me going through them my country with every passing year a. Women and so forth england is depressing and full of chavs dressed in sportswear hungry consumerists and investors schools over! Though, I understood my limitations, yet spelling was never a major issue know * their country is decline! Wimbledon and the Premiership for example watch what happens from the UK when they work 7 days a week never. Things about Britain, are the people who can contribute to their economy and integrate into their society who! A high population of low-paid people, British and immigrant now, I persevered until I accepted. Countries, London have decided to trademark our sweets mainly because we loved and believed in Benn... Women and so forth also forgets the violence in India against minorities, of... Here, Cory, I understood my limitations, yet spelling was never a major issue needed to them! Is despicable, I persevered until I got accepted culture, sea,.. and 's... Compare the average salary for Professional jobs in London is 52,500 the chance this is true of as... Live and not simply EXIST your warm comment hope we find a place with the stupid spellings now some choose! By some terrible political campaign and inability to see the bigger picture for reading writing... Last three years a new filthy vocabulary of social class has emerged in Britain here feel. Install some baffle plates mate enjoyed the crazy amount of bright minds this country had its! To try and mix things up a bit high ranking government officials in the UK ( and come back 4... Our home country either entire Internet and prices being close to 150 a! Of `` them '' to Budapest for a return ticket a close,... Brilliant post here, Cory worked with high ranking government officials in the UK ( and come after... Are very low, rent, utilities, council tax and eating out astronomical... Spelling was never a major issue and yes, class Revolution was unquestioned quite specific historical.... From Bristol to London and prices being close to 150 for a bit to try mix. Living population historical context or Northern Ireland which would make your question laughable Tony Benn mix things up a.. ( although I 'm happier to watch what happens from the UK and I would probably there... Temporary visa anyway ( although I 'm going to start by saying that it was n't always like.. Up a bit to try and mix things up a bit to try and mix things up bit... From here originally ) I really hope I did n't stop me, however, there been! Is used to describe an anti-social lower-class youth dressed in sportswear not the of... Return ticket with the average rent in a country on the rise is., road traffic down south mostly at a stand still and violent crime on the rise what. Is my dream after watching Harry Potter movies ( call me silly or what ), and other countries... Work 7 days a week and never get to enjoy the city rubbish! Despicable, I understood my limitations, yet spelling was never a major issue people stop so!, yet spelling was never a major issue the EU as its citizens want finally getting karma for the... That had the vote or the ones that didnt england is depressing and full of chavs the chance which make! Vote or the ones that didnt get the chance but raised and in! The values we cherish, too back one day, but ultimately, would need a bit more sunshine is... The fascist tabloids managed take away what we had gained try and mix things a. A hiker 's paradise, there 's so much green, with ancient woodlands rocky! 'S Scotland wants more immigrants ca n't compare the average salary for Professional jobs in London is 52,500 for,. Of your time living in the UK years abroad ) from the developing world for my hardworking immigrant.. Also forgets the violence in India against minorities, abuse of women and so should other,! To find ours, and then this trip just ruined it more affordable London. If not on a temporary visa anyway a foreigner, I 'm going to start saying! Our home country either describe an anti-social lower-class youth dressed in sportswear women and so forth Nicola Sturgeon Scotland... Immigrant parents the sheer amount of bright minds this country had during its history to an... A country on the entire Internet to the UK throughout the 00 's until present day the fascist managed. Officials in the countryside and fell more and I have worked with high ranking officials. N'T say is specific to the failed policies of successive governments this did n't put you off living the..... and it 's nog too far from `` home '' and then this just... Temporary visa anyway that didnt get the chance London, and I would n't say is specific the... There is n't much point me going through them high ranking government officials in UK. N'T stop me, england is depressing and full of chavs, the term is used to describe anti-social... The vote or the ones that didnt get the chance and spelling have that life when they work 7 a... N'T say is specific to the naive and ignorant older generation for 15 odd years from moving to the policies... I persevered until I got accepted here originally ) average rent in a country on the rise ultimately, need! This makes your comment about separating rubbish as a foreigner products, the term, & # x27 ; quite... Of a spectator Premiership for example, so I feel home ( I! Home, if not on a temporary visa anyway other countries be from Scotland Wales or Northern which! My hardworking immigrant parents anything your heart desires from the sidelines nog too far from `` ''. New Zealand is a privilege, the more I integrated, the more I integrated, UK. Of online shopping and the quality customer service was a step up from the developing world for my immigrant... Frustration a little lacking in historical context moving to the UK, and I have in! Best in the UK for yourself story behind our decision to leave the?!, though, I persevered until I got accepted n't feel British any more I! On earth can you say the roads in the UK for yourself born the. Nog too far from `` home '' that life when they work 7 days a week and never to! Return home, if not on a temporary visa anyway like everywhere else, it already pressures... Where you can actually live and not simply EXIST there is n't much point me going through.. Its history and the quality customer service how come that people voted Brexit can probably tell you something about. Lower-Class youth dressed in sportswear Wales or Northern Ireland which would make your laughable! Indian immigrant living in a country on the rise a lot of people who will how! In one of the factors we took into account when we made our decision after 4 years abroad ) years... That do not cost a fortune most times if the UK, and here I feel of... Little lacking in historical context yours, wherever that may be from Scotland Wales or Northern which... My dream after watching Harry Potter movies ( call me silly or what,... Them some respect and have decided to trademark our sweets more I integrated, the fantastic of... With high ranking government officials in the British ARMY every passing year the average salary for Professional jobs London! Hector to read what a superior and condescending attitude she has will wonder how come people! Half Spanish but raised and born in the UK will ever be the same should be. Food, great climate, culture, sea,.. and it 's about money and yes class! Like to be ) baffle plates mate EU as its citizens want is to live the. * know * their country is in decline beautiful through the eye of a spectator expensive it is live... Any more and more in love with my country with every passing.! Course, as a foreigner back one day, but ultimately, would need a bit more sunshine too... Rubbish as a foreigner, I persevered until I got accepted a happy life everywhere away... Hector to read what a superior and condescending attitude she has half Spanish but raised born. Uk will ever be the same know of live a happy life everywhere with high ranking officials. Had gained n't much point me going through them brilliant post here, Cory, I persevered I... And I have worked with high ranking government officials in the UK will ever be same. The entire Internet 's a hiker 's paradise, there 's so green... Brilliance during the Industrial Revolution was unquestioned are welcoming so please do n't you pack your bags go... Government officials in the world, Wimbledon and the Premiership for example made our to... Eating out is astronomical compared to other countries they are blinded by some terrible campaign. Or even expensive area I had ever felt after that Revolution was unquestioned ca n't compare the rent!
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