kolla wrote:
the_leander wrote:
There is nothing and no one here changing words except you, who seems to insist on being able to inform people what their nationality is based on continental plates.
I never mentioned nationality, but obviously you are confusing nationality and geography.
Geographically, the UK is an Island (Channel Tunnel not withstanding).
kolla wrote:
We are not European because it is simply not part of our identity, our culture has very little in common with any other country in Europe, or indeed with America.
Ah yes, the British - so unique, so special - unlike the homogenous group of Europeans that live around them.
I look to the continent and see a great many unique cultures, some sharing within that at the borders within any set of nations, but still unique. Britain, whilst the rest of Europe was busy burning witches and heretics for instance, was building on the very latest scientific advances that would put it in good stead for the next 500 years.
See, being an islander you have something of a unique perspective on the world, moreover, being on this particular piece of land, we were able to watch Europe close enough to see what was going on, but far enough away to be fairly impartial about it.
It allowed us to develop in ways that simply wouldn't have worked anywhere else - because of that seperation by water.
kolla wrote:
Oh and the whole all or nothing thing, knock it off, it makes you look an even bigger prat then you do for thinking yourself capable of telling other people what their nationality is based on either geo political ties or tectonic plates.
Again, this is not about nationality, dumbass. And it's not about your precious feelings. It's all about your location and tectonic plates - yes. And whether you like it or not, the British share history, language, culture and just about anything with most European countries.
Yes, they do. We are what happens when you throw all of the cultures of Europe at their heights (Romans, Normans, Vikings etc) into a melting pot and allow to simmer for a few centuries, we are what is left when all the chaff is removed.
We have such a strong sense of independance because scumbags from all over Europe have, time and again tried to take that away from us. The reason we, for the most part do not like being refered to as "Europeans", is because we have faught so bitterly hard to stop Europe from dominating us.
I am British. Not European.
kolla wrote:
You can be as non-european as you like, the rest of the world will still consider the british isles as part Europe.
And yet, interestingly, many large trading blocks, such as the US for the most part still go on about "Britain and Europe". Part of Europe, but not Europe.
kolla wrote:
It's just not cricket old bean :-D
No, it's also about driving on the left side of the road, clinging to the emperial system and walking around in tweeds. And sticking the nose in the sky, thumping your chest and claiming "I'm British - not European!" :lol:
[/quote]
Hey, just because you folk decided to follow the road laws set down by a Portuguese dwarf is not our problem :lol:
A Portuguese dwarf that happened to be beaten by the British, btw :-D
