...who speaks a germanic/latin/saxon language
Is the term "British" offensive?
- Thread starter Argus Skyhawk
- Start date
...who speaks a germanic/latin/saxon language
All Seeing Eye
Admiral
There's a limit to how far you go back. It is since those times that we have formed into a different society with a different culture, different values, different ways of thinking. Being located on this Island is what re-moulded those Roman and Viking ancestors, our language developed due to our location on this island away from the European mainland. Being on this island gave us a much more independent identity than what you see on the Euro mainland where there is no vast amount of water between national borders, you simply walk one step and you're in another country whereas here you do not (at least since the acts of union).
We are unique with the fact we were and are separated by water and that separation played a major role in the development of our society.
We are not European. We cannot be placed in the same group as those located on the mainland, the differences are much much greater for us. The differences are so great it would be like saying a Chinese person is European.
I don't think Russians would be too happy being called Europeans neither.
The Italians are nothing like the Norwegians, the Polish are nothing like the Spanish and the Greeks are nothing like the French, yet you'll happily classify all of them into one group and exclude yourself because you're "different"?
How odd.
Europe at least extends to Ireland, if it has to take a detour around Britain in order to satisfy your personal beliefs then so be it. I'm Irish and a European and I'm proud of both.
I don't disagree with you that we have an identity that has been formed due to being an island nation but we haven't lived in isolation from Europe for the past couple of millenia.
We have a great deal in common with other European nations. It's clear if you have spent any time travelling around the continent.
All Seeing Eye
Admiral
My stance on the matter has been made clear, agree with it, don't agree with it. It still stands.
There's no K in Tachyon.
There's no K in Tachyon.
Huh, somehow I've always thought you were American. Well, you learn something new everyday on this board, I guess.
No. That's just not true.
In fact, it's obviously not true.
And that final claim--the bit about China--is just preposterous.
Out of interested - what do you English people think of Australians calling you Poms? IS that considered an offensive term?
All Seeing Eye
Admiral
They're on the Eurasian plate. *shrug* not far fetched IMO.
Everytime I hear it it makes me think of Apples, cos it's similar to the French for apple. Just sounds daft to me.
Can we assume then using his logic that anyone living on an European island should not consider themselves Europeans.
All Seeing Eye
Admiral
They can do what they want. But you'll find the majority of Brits feel the same way I do.
The majority of Brits need a better education then.
All Seeing Eye
Admiral
Education has nothing to do with this.
That's a feeble thing to say.
The British are as European as--well, any other European. Their histories, cultures, languages, religions, and institutions are just variations on the common European theme.
The Chinese, by contrast, are a completely foreign civilization, in all respects.
Your position on this matter just doesn't deserve to be taken seriously. It's foolish. It's ridiculous.
Frankly, I'm having a hard time even believing that you're in earnest.
All Seeing Eye
Admiral
and THAT is where you're going wrong with your thinking. We are not a part of any "common European Theme". We are totally different, we're barely similar at all.
Not recognising how much we share with other European nations has everything to do with Education. Spending some time studying history would be a start.
I wonder if the people of Iceland object to being called European?
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