What do you think of England?

Question

What image do you have of England, whether of its culture, its history, politics, its great thinkers, its landscapes, etc. I will give my personal opinion a little later, maybe on a mytake

ChrisMaster69 · Accepted Answer

As someone that was born and lives here, I am likely to have an influenced view.

I have however travelled and worked abroad a lot, with Air Force and with current job.

this gives you a non vacation view of different countries.

We have our faults, however there are very few countries I would swap for.

The other bit that is often missed is the sheer diversity within the UK.

The accent is reckoned to change every 25 miles, what others think of the English accent, is likely the ‘BBC Accent’.

The countryside changes as you move throughout the country, from flat and almost featureless East Anglia, to those counties straddling the Pennines.

Each regional area is very proud of who they are and what their region means.

Each area is also different on how they interact with others, people visit London and assume the entire UK is like that. It’s not, there is a huge amount of friendly welcoming in most corners of England (and the UK).

I can say a lot of these things with confidence, as I come from pretty much the best place in England, the North East (yeah okay I’m including Sunderland 🤦‍♂️), specifically Northumberland and Newcastle.

I would pretty much challenge anyone not to visit Northumberland and Newcastle and not love it.

Granted we are likely hard to understand, as even the English struggle but we are exceptionally friendly, pretty much follow an ethic of work hard play hard and live life.

Some of the best beaches in the UK, one of the best party cities in Europe, forests, hills, lakes, shopping, confident girls, Stottie cakes with ham and Pease Pudding, the list goes on.

Not going to cover History as such, as it speaks for itself both positive and negative.

I would say that England (Great Britain eventually), France, Spain, Italy and Germany (Pre and post unification) shaped the modern world, without certain key victories, the world would be a completely different world.

TheFlak38 · Accepted Answer

I love the language, the countryside, food is too plain but some dishes are delicious, most of the museums have a free entrance and I visited many of them more than once. Years ago I was fetishising English women and had a couple girlfriends from there. Many historical periods of the British isles are interesting such as the roman invasion, speaking of which, if you visit York you can walk through the city among roman ruins. One of my favourite cities. The colonial achievements of England are also impressive. Im also interested in the Viking invasions of Britain. Among the many great writers of this country is Tolkien, the author of Lord of the rings. A man who was inventing his own languages. Imagine how smart he was. And Game of thrones has been a parallel to British history. England is also home to the SAS. One of the best special forces world-wide. I have many friends there and they are amazed that I have seen more places in England than they have. I have also been in Wales twice. Like many other european countries today England has sadly fallen into decadence

electromagnetic · Accepted Answer

I moved from Canada to the UK with my company just before covid and I was super excited about the transition. Truthfully I love everything UK. Considering I’ve lived in many mega cities before I wasn’t exactly hoping for much to spark my interest. But living in London during covid, you find ways to adapt and adjust, especially when you can’t leave the country. There’s so much things to do and see in England that wasn’t even on my list to begin with. When I moved here, I had hopes on touring Europe mostly but the UK has been wonderful.
The folks are nice (especially if you have an ‘accent’)
There’s literally a bus or train that will take you ANYWHERE in the UK. Especially for those who are afraid to drive on the right such as myself coming from left driving countries.
Very multicultural depending on the areas you visit.
WALES is gorgeous.
The UK government is trashhh but so are many others.

annyasansiri · Accepted Answer

apologies in advance if it makes anyone angry, but i dont hate england, i actually wanna visit one day.

Here's what i know... I only know the stereotypical parts of england... that it's

1) it's rainy and the weather is chilly
2) that's why y'all drink tea
3) y'all have a nice accent
4) some parts in england have an accent that's unique but difficult to understand
5) y'all are doing great in terms of economy
6) but in my opinion it's because y'all went and colonized others who were living peacefully, it wasn't your right but you too it by force anyways
7) your queen is immortal

Bluemax · Answer

I like England, as I like the UK.

Be advised: my father's side is English, so I certainly have biases!

I do think the food often leaves something to be desired compared to the continent... except Yorkshire pudding. I do like it's culture, which to me seems to put dignity and manners in high priority. I like it's pomp. I like their modern music (their classical music leaves much room for improvement).

I love its history, which is rich. They have spread much of their common law to the world, though their law was handed down to them from the Danes. Their geography has set them apart from the continent, both literally and figuratively. And I believe the 1st half of the twentieth century demonstrated that the Brits are at their best when things are at their worst. The UK has much diversity. During WW II, my father described London as a veritable menagerie of humanity. Aside from the English, the streets teemed with free French, free Poles, free Scandinavians, free Dutch, Yanks, Canucks, South African, Indian, and Anzacs.

As for geography, it's as diverse as the people. From the moors along the Thames estuary, to the farms of the Midlands, to the rugged mountains of Wales (oh! beautiful beautiful Wales!), to the Highlands of Scotland, to the quaint villages and the bustling cities.

Philosophers and scientists? Where to begin? Locke, Hobbes, Hume, Smith, More, Becket, and others are philosophers who shaped the world. Roger Bacon was a renaissance man who lived before the Renaissance! Francis Bacon, William Harvey, Isaac Newton, James Watt, Newcomen, Faraday, Maxwell, Darwin *and* Wallace, Hooke, Appleton, Edington, Cavendish, Penrose, Turing, Hawking, and on and on and on made contributions that shaped the world we live in today.

And the English contributed to our understanding of the world. Much of the New World and the Pacific was charted by Englishmen. Captain James Cook's maps were so precise that many would not be replaced until radio cartography was invented. The Greenwich Observatory made some of the most precise lunar tables in the world, which along with John Harris's marine chronometer made the calculation of longitude at sea accurate to within a few nautical miles.

And at about 1.3 billion speakers, the English language is the most spoken language on Earth. It has come to the point where it is a required language in many countries where it isn't widely spoken. And so many writers for such a small island! Behn, More, Wells, Austen, and others are but the tip of the iceberg. Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas for us English speakers without Dickens. And invariably when people talk about the Fall of Man from Eden and Satan's defiance of God, they inevitably wind up referring not to the Bible, but John Milton's Christian fan fiction Paradise Lost. Virtually all educated English speakers can't go a week without quoting Shakespeare, often unknowingly!

As with any great power (amongst which your France is numbered, Julie), the world would be unrecognizable without England.

And yes, I am guilty as charged for being an Anglophile. 😉

Kaneki05 · Answer

I live here, Well it's a bit of a weird one. Cause were one of the top countries in the world. But if that's what a top country looks like. It shows there will never be a great country.
But that been said i am happy that it's up there and basically been born in any country but the other than a couple ones that score higher would of been a awful experience including USA.

Politically it's a mess but sorta works i suppose? With the leader kinda always been more central even if right or left. I feel like were more open to ideas that actually help people just for the sake of doing so.
We are less capitalistic when it comes to Medicare, living cost, mental health, and basically anything that is needed for life. I would say this was influenced a lot by marx tbh. And just are Victorina Era been one of the worst times to live in. So now it seems were trying to make sure we make up for all that with a much much better society today with a lot more fair work and fair living, fair healthcare.

My overall impression is i would never really want to live anywhere else than england. We are in a good spot relative to other countries, and we shall only get better over time i think. But that's not saying our country isn't full of bad stuff cause it is. Just the best of the worse situation really.

One thing i will never understand is why people like London, or just find our country a good tourist spot... It's not pretty here, there is nothing really that great to see or good weather, go to Greece or something. Living here is pretty good, a holiday trip over here not so much.

pjf1958 · Answer

In 1977, I was in the U. S. Navy. My ship was the U. S. S.. Francis Marion. LPA 249. Stationed in Norfolk Virginia. The task force that my ship was apart of, was chosen to represent the U. S. in honor of the Queens Silver Jubilee. I was 19 at the time. Which means that I was more interested in drinking than I was in soaking up history. It's true what they say, "that youth is wasted on the young".

BCA6010 · Answer

I generally like the majority of English people I've met, but didn't care for England as a country. Or more accurately, it was bland compared to mainland Europe, not particularly picturesque, the food is mediocre, and London as a big city is basically just another big Euro city but with Big Ben. Heathrow is also probably the worst airport I've ever been to. I've really only been around London and the surrounding area though, so admittedly my opinion isn't fair to the rest of the nation. Grading a country solely by its capitol or biggest city tends to score much lower than it would otherwise.

Aquariusmystery · Answer

Ok so I was born in England and I’ve lived here my whole life.

We have an amazing rich history but that’s about the end of the positives. As a tourist, we’re probably wonderful but this country is a mess and there’s no way of escaping that. Our government haven’t got a clue. Most people in England are horrible and rude. So many racists. A huge class divide. Nothing is looked after. People lack manners. Kids behaviour is getting worse because parents have kids to claim benefits. England is a shithole.

Anon621 · Answer

England is blimey innit. Lol but if I'm being serious I don't know I can't say too much about England from an outside perspective. All I know is there is a lot of taxes and the cost of living is very high. For me personally everyone I think of England I think of football (soccer) since I am a football fan and I am a Manchester United supporter and yes I will happily admit I am a plastic fan lol. Even though I'm a plastic fan, I want my first proper game of football to be special which is why I want to go and see the FA Trophy final one day. I want to see a trophy where you don't have to pay 80 pounds for a ticket or you have a massive stadium I want to be in a smaller stadium with other fans that are still very passionate to have the experience of being close to the action and to see what it is like to be in a packed stadium with 5000 or less people

Levin · Answer

I think this country has died in the last 10 years, and particularly 1.5 years.

There's worse places to be. But it's a cesspit.

Art is dead. There's no freedom of speech. People are too afraid to offend. PC horseshit abounds. We're heading towards totalitarianism.

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

I like UK cause I like my ancestors from Scotland, My great grandparents were born in Scotland the whole family was full blooded Scottish, I do believe I have relatives in Scotland and some may have gone to England to live permanently, I love English accents as well as Scottish peoples accents

wankiam · Answer

this sums it up for me and its the reason im moving and no the muslim mother and child aren't the reason, just unfortunately the shot they used on the title snapshot

MarkRet · Answer

I like their accents. I’ve seen a lot of episodes of the Great British Baking Show, and they seem like nice people. I don’t like some of the things England had done in the past, like conquering Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, and trying to wipe out their language and culture.

Puppystarfish23 · Answer

I'm from the UK and I can tell you it's goodish because we have it a lot easier then a lot of other countries but at the same time you can't polish a turd. I think we all know in the UK life is a little shit and full of disappointment and we just own it.

If you want to go somewhere nice go to the country side not the city's it's full of smack heads and people who wouldn't care if you died right next in front of them.

LisaLisa89 · Answer

Lots of people will look at the picture and think stereotypical thoughts about red phoneboxes, red double-decker buses, etc.
I'm afraid I look at it and see a 38 bus in slow-moving traffic, as per bloody usual.
I also wonder what type of organisation finds it necessary to stick a flag outside.

drummerdude25 · Answer

I’ll put it this way… I don’t think you’d ever see a Drum & Bass bike cruise take place here in America lol. I’ve never been but it’s just a different vibe over there and I think it’s so dope!

Citizenkirk · Answer

The same as I do of Michigan growing up. Cold, raining, snowing, cloudy, drizzling, and people grumpy and snippy, six months out of the year. 🤧
Plus, the undecided victor of spuds deep fried delights and hot meat encased breads:
Thick cut Michigan fries, or thin cut English chips?
Shepherd's meat pies, or Machinaw meat pasties?
The spuds🥔for🍟studs, and pies 🥩for🥟 guys, commenstibles war, continues🍟😋🥟🤔?

_Troian_ · Answer

A country which colonized empty lands and poor Africans then gave theirselves a credit over it by calling theirselves "Empire sun never goes down" lmao.

Nowadays their country is getting filled with lots of immigrants and blacks, their men already getting cuckolded often and I believe 50 years later their national identity will be gone forever 😂

karaspara · Answer

The History is a mixed bag and I say that as a Irish person. However I have lived here most of my life and the people are good it's a great place to live for the most part.

Dream_vacation · Answer

I think it's overrated. I think the people are arrogant and weather, architecture, food, accents are all bad. The only thing I like is the rock and roll.

I think north of England is ok because it is different from London. If we only consider north of England then I think it is ok.

loveslongnails · Answer

The countryside is really pretty in a lot of places. Don't think much of their food. Historically, they're assholes who once ruled the world, and some of them still believe they should! But I do have British friends who are wonderful people, and they did give us a lot of great groups in the 60's ! LOL

Andres77 · Answer

Chestnuts roasted over coals in December in Picadilly Circus.
Being invited inside the cathedral in Hereford to participate in the singing that was to be aired on BBC on Christmas.
Walking in to a pub in Hereford at 9:45 and walking out drunk on cider after only having paid for the first.
That's what I think of England.

Anonymous · Answer

I see a lot of dipshit Americans. Hmm.. I say dipshit as without the British America would be a poor nobody cares about country where everyone speaks Spanish or Portuguese (comical when you consider how many Americans hate hispanics, etc.) similar to Brazil or Argentina.

But then almost everyone in Europe thinks Americans are a bit more than dumb.

007kingifrit · Answer

historically a great place a reliable ally and mostly good values with not enough freedom and individualism.

but lately its concerning. too many muslims in the country. and people are not free to speak up. there is too much surveillance and censorship

Year3000 · Answer

Only been to London, pretty conservative for a western nation can be snobby but not as snobby as NYC. Drugs and sex are hidden in London seems to fight the war on drugs unlike a lot Europe. Very safe though not a lot of homeless people, London does a better job at institutionalizing mentally Ill homeless people and has less gang violence than NYC.

Paris13 · Answer

My Fiance Lives There and I have Never Faulted it. Right Now, They are Growing Bigger Balls than USA in Getting their Own people OUT. Will DO!!! xxoo

EmbraceThePain · Answer

For some reason, I have this thought of England as always being cloudy or gloomy. Aside from that, culturally, I feel it is very different from where I’m from (south Florida).

exitseven · Answer

England swings like a pendulum do.  I think it is a great place. I have never been but I would like to someday.

Lillie_xo · Answer

I like some of England really so different from one place to another there that I dont have an opinion on the entire country. ┐(´-｀)┌

RiverUndertheSkY · Answer

I love their music, their trains and stuff, but sometimes I do think they can be a little stuck up over there (not everyone but some... Well at least not as much as the french).

MCheetah · Answer

The people are mostly okay, but their politics is sh*t and they're pretty cowardly when it comes to standing up against them. (Though I guess the same could be said about the US.)

IAMNathanael · Answer

I'd like to thank Cyriak for this completely accurate depiction of England/London

anniisa97 · Answer

One of the best countries in the world, at least in my eyes. Proud to be British 🇬🇧

Saville_Row · Answer

I think it has a lot of style and it has been the country that defined elegance for the rest of the world. Always wanted to visit both the capital and the countryside.

EyesOfGod · Answer

There's a reason Why Evil Space Empires have British accents.

Marhaban-1 · Answer

I now live here and think it's a rainy sh4 hole full of chavs

JHNS98 · Answer

Only ever been to London, which was decent. I'm not into tourist stuff, so I skipped the sightseeing since I alredy know about the sights anyway.  I'm not being snobbish, it's just me.

rcljr · Answer

England is rich in history, history of colonization, reformation, slavery, warfare, taxation, executions, inbreeding of “ royals” , genocide, illegal prison colonies, yes, so much history.

jshm2 · Answer

The only good thing about England, is that you can drive to Scotland easily from there.

iboobs · Answer

England is where most of my ancestors are from and I only have a positive image in my mind about England

ElizaPam · Answer

Quite Bri’sh place there mate, good show. Fancy a spo’ of Earl Grey old girl?

MAAJD · Answer

entertaining accents haha, definitely a place i'd like to visit soon !!

SamE86 · Answer

I don't know very much about it. Probably anything that i think about when i think of England is probably incorrect and stereotypes

LaFerrari · Answer

Well I watched top gear growing up and Grand Tour now recently, but I don’t know much of the country it’s self besides captain slow… lol

Hispanic-Cool-Guy · Answer

Don't know much, but seem too soft and political correct obsessed fools.

Anonymous · Answer

I think that in the 21st century there is still a country ruled by a monarchy and inflated like a balloon by everyone (but Indians adore this country 😂😂). It can't even be the nail that usa cuts off. Also, their accents are gross.

Jackblue · Answer

I have been there a couple of times but only for a few days, I suppose I think of the British shows I have watched like Downton Abbey or Upstart Crow.

TallAnon · Answer

Lived there for 3 years (London). Let's see.. Expensive, bland food, not too friendly in general, covenient living standards

Likes2drive · Answer

I thought it was a nice place to visit but that was many years ago so I don’t know how much it’s changed

CringeKing8228 · Answer

I'd rather be there than the f@#&$? United States right now

Cassieee18 · Answer

English people seems polite and I like the accent. Oh and Fish & Chips 😂

Wise4myage · Answer

I love English Football and I would love to see some matches in the smaller stadiums.

Massageman · Answer

Once great in many respects- politics has been pulling it down recently.

anylolone · Answer

They ended slavery, which is nice. Brought science, economy, due process, common law, I like them.

888theGreat · Answer

Once a giant until political correctness destroyed it. England got rid of most of it's territories. Military is weak. Navy out dated. On the decline.

AkshiJanjua · Answer

English people destroyed my country so i hate England. Fucking colonists

bigslab · Answer

I would chose England over South Africa where I come from, but would choose Isle of Man over England

SenseiSeptred · Answer

A place that I hope to visit soon beyond what I have seen on Supersize vs Superskinny.

Anonymous · Answer

I respect England for what they did a day after 9/11, they paid their respects, The US and England are like siblings that fought when they were younger but then time came, and they both matured, settled most of their differences.

EnglishEuropean · Answer

A nation in decline, disappearing up its' own arse.

Asianguy123 · Answer

I love London except the housing price and cost of living.

Hotboy_booblover · Answer

White men with lot of arrogance and attitude.. and extraordinary beautiful women.

Anonymous · Answer

Down with the English crown. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Scottish and Welsh Independence!

What do you think of England?

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