They enjoy free movement and actually, the vast majority don't have full-time jobs in the country of residency. On describing those who use the word, the society stated that "we all know their old serviette/napkin, lounge/living room, settee/sofa tricks. Honestly though, what do we have to do and who do we have to vote for to get these unwanted immigrants and their allies the hell out of our land? [23] Some argue that it amounts to simple snobbery and elitism. But somehow people consider Switzerland as a safe and liberal country. I was alive when Tony Benn was in government and the UK had a 3-day week power shortage and no rubbish collection. Perhaps you can tie a flag to it and wave it around for the amusement of your 'patriotic' peers. I went through the whole British educational system. I get it, nobody likes foreigners. I know the English think they are similar to Australians but how many people (pom ping-pongs, they're called) come back from Australia because they are UNWANTED? Hi Lena, it took a lot of courage to say all these things. And thank you for mentioning how expensive it is to live in the UK! I felt I was just paying for a handed off degree (and I was in supposedly one of the top unis). Gloucester has been featured on a popular website dedicated to 'chav towns'. Reading this gave me a peace of mind. I can bet on that! Yet, almost 9 Million (!) I have a chance to go to NY again, and I'm going to go for it. I always turn up to a new place eager to learn about the culture, and with romantic views about the entire city/country. There are idiots on both sides, but probably many more thoughtful and intelligent people on both sides as well. I think your article raises some very good points, however, I would add the following. Cory, thanks for your article. What you are supporting is an idea that the UK needs to stand alone economically, which is a cute idea yet impossible (because not even you support yourself and need help earning money) -- and you also support vile, and viscous ideas of THE OTHER, of xenophobia, and of racism, and hatred, and UKIP, all of which started talks of Brexit. Generations to come will read history books and laugh at how what was once "the Greatest Empire" has become a rainy, lonely island, with no power and no influence. It's hard, but also very exiting if you keep an open mind. You cannot blame the EU for UK's mistakes. Fantastic article. This has turned into a really long political rant now - sorry haha. The honesty, authenticity and intelligence with which you wrote about your personal experience of England and becoming English as a foreigner, sounds like a universal truth, and answered my every question. Yes i still travel as it is my passion but I no longer see it as the fix for life's problems.Goodluck to you all in this journey of life. But its like I've always maintained since the vote happened is that lots of people voted Brexit for many complex reasons. Its sad what is happening with the world today. This was a great read and it made me think a lot. Im working class under a Tory government. I hope you do make the move. You can't have a first worldly state and have open borders. You are so right about costs! I must say, I don't think your assertion that 'most people in the UK are racist' is fair. I thought this was also quite funny! I was bummed I didn't get to see as much of the UK as I had hoped! I miss who I was when I was abroad. Italy will still have pizza, Portugal will still have pastel de nata and the UK will continue to have its pies. Excellent post with a logical argument and pros/cons clearly explained. And since the article is not about this, I'm going to refrain from further comments. I remember went to a restaurant asking for water(with an American accent) and the guy at work corrected me with British accent. This post is so timely for us - we're currently approaching the end of our two year contract and are trying to decide whether we move on from Abu Dhabi to travel relatively long-term or whether we commit to another year. The UK gets judged to a higher standard than other countries because of our history. I don't want to have that life when they work 7 days a week and never get to enjoy the city. I'm an Autumn lover so basically, I get to enjoy a constant state of Autumn. brother and sister are also in Uk .,, Perfect response. Andy: The word 'chav' was in the news again last year following the England riots during an interview on Newsnight when David Starkey said that a substantial section of chavs had become black in terms of the culture they adopt and the way they speak and he got in quite a lot of trouble for saying it. That is a fantastic thing, is it not? Anyone who would kick you out for "bad spelling" must be crazy. It's weird, I love Scotland, but it's difficult sometimes to truly envision a life there. How's that the EU's fault. This was not the intention of this article, to make people afraid or to deter them from moving to the UK. I wouldn't return if you paid me to. It was also the uneducated, the "lower class" if you will (I can say that because on paper that's me haha). It was kind of sad, even more so when I look back in it. In case you dont know much about Balkan food (clearly you dont), we have kebabs (mici in Romania, cevapi in ex-Yugoslavia countries), spicy vegetable spreads and dips, apple, cherry and pumpkin pies and strudels, sour noodle soups, SEASONINGS (so shocking for British palates I know) such as paprika, chilli sauces, garlic dips, shawarmas (thats another kebab for you), cheesy or jam filled doughnuts, the cabbage rolls you mentioned are filled with meat, rice and spices! I moved to London 6 months ago from another wealthy Western European country, in search of better work opportunities, to further my career and basically to build a life. The thing is all the time that was just beneath the surface. Both children born here , is so hard , really hard . Bigoted and biased review based on the views of an immigrant who has disgracefully described most British people as being racist simply because they do not like the organisation called the EU. I would probably live there for a few years, but ultimately, would need a bit more sunshine. I am glad you had the courage to leave it all behind and become the fulfilled and happy person you are today. As a lower class Brit I can honestly say that I too am starting to feel unsafe here. This is sad. Great read, I stayed for a year in the UK and like reading your honest perspective on things after 10 years. 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. The termites have eaten the soul of a beautiful country. P.S. Hi Morgan. What a load of crap. Sure there are a few who give a bad name to people coming here to live, a few who are just in it for the benefits. In comparison to it's New World ex-colonies, the UK's living standards is worse and declining. we miss home but home is empty.. Food for thought! But it is true, that unfortunately, this is the sad reality today. I need a bit more peace and quiet. This means that I was born abroad, came here and worked very hard to integrate myself to the point I would be accepted and deemed to be called a British citizen. We were the first country to be industrialised, like most of the world now, and our parliamentary system is followed the free world over. Or? The racists will swear up and down that they're not racist while being so completely racist. Italians and Greeks will never "tick" the same as the Germans, Austrians and Dutch. The actual government policy is discriminatory. I couldn't agree more. I've found people angry and bitter, jealous of our "success" so shunning us, mad at the whole world and blaming the new family down the street rather than reflecting on how their own attitudes drive down the areas we live in. "The great educated gentleman is obsolete and the fine lady is on a verge of collapse. " In the 25 yrs since we started University, my cousin who came from tropical island, studied here - and shocked the family by returning home, visited recently (on business). But usually I live in Scotland with my British partner and we've discussed leaving the UK in a few years for all the reasons you mentioned. (Not saying that everyone in the North is racist, nor am I saying no Southerners are racist - just a generalisation). The one that had the vote or the ones that didnt get the chance? Throughout the years, I lived a relatively calm and happy life. The word "chav", and its various synonyms and regional variations, has become a ubiquitous term of abuse for white working class subjects. Thank you for your message and thank you for taking the time to write back to me. Now living in Egypt is not without its problems but look at these prices: Cinema: 2, Restaurant: 5, Cultural Events: many are free, Internal travel: very cheap along with accommodation, gas and electricity being much cheaper than the UK or the EU and dont forget the Red Sea for a holiday. Who knows. Now foreigners or people of colour get beaten up again and regularly so for being who they are. Her parents are aging much better than their UK siblings too, and are cheerier. The freedom, no constraints, no obligations and no stress. I will always be a foreigner to the world and a slave to the number of days/weeks/years I can stay according to visas. Always. I have noticed a trend of Italian immigrants on this thread but I wanted to clarify that of course you had no bad experiences because it is not Italians that British people have an issue with. Brexit was and will continue to be a mistake. There is a lot of incentive for young entrepreneurs to start a new business here and we took full advantage of this. You wont find any other country that can joke about itself like the Brits. I identify as immigrant as I'm British Naturalised and recently returned home from spending most of the last decade living overseas in Asia-Pac (Australia and Singapore). I'm a chav! 2) Not sure about Bulgaria but in Romania we have many famous Black Romanian celebrities and even have a Palestinian MP An interesting article, but you lost my respect as soon as you wrote this: Its not credible to suggest El Salvador is safer than the US. I do not recognise this country anymore. My immigrant NHS Nurse parents were proudly British, enjoyed good Grammar education for their daughter, good universities for both kids, homeowners in nice well to do market town etc. I cant have a conversation with anyone, I dont feel like they get me. In addition, I think there are other significant and perhaps more substantial factors that are playing into this hostility, namely, the rise of religious fanaticism, fundamentalism and its debate in Britain. There are no real national parks, all the land is fenced off, houses are built to occupy the most possible space, 1/3 of the land is in the hands of the aristocracy and the other 2/3 mainly belongs to corporations. I say we bring fibre internet across the country and we create better infrastructure. I wish you and your husband the best of luck on your travels and next adventure in life!!! The food is good here if you know where to eat. We have massive mixed grills, meat and cold platters. I strongly suggest that you may sometimes take the time to travel a little and open your horizons. No offence, but millennials tend to romanticise the far left. If there has been racist attempts, they were not obvious. What British culture was I referring to? Thank you so much for writing this. They still believe in the purity of Japanese blood and parents discourage mixed marriage. Us British have enough problems with American and Russ. Hi Cory, Many Thanks for this amazing post, it is the most realistic picture of UK currently. Its not what I remember as a child. However, now I want to start my own business and freelance, and I definitely see the benefits of the UK in this regard. I came to the UK because I wanted to experience life as it is depicted in most cultural products about this island (the cosy cottages, the misty hills and the pub folklore) ; that's how the UK is depicted abroad. Hes the triumph of style (if youre shallow enough to consider him stylish) over function. We're thinking of moving away as soon as I've finished my studies for many of the same reasons as the ones you mentioned. Blackburn - the least worst town on the list (. In the 80's people used to get beaten up for being black. A spokeswoman said, "With slogans from characters in shows such as Little Britain and The Catherine Tate Show providing us with more and more contemporary slang, our "Whatever" sweets now nicknamed chav hearts have become very popular with kids and grown-ups alike. After having lived in Canada (citizen), USA (Green Card) worked across the world including Australia, Middle East, most countries in the EU visited many other countries, it is my opinion that the UK is crap. I find this so interesting because I would have never expected to learn these things about Canada. Romanian and other Balkan foods are perfect mixes of Turkish, Greek, German and other Eastern European countries such as Russia, Poland, and so on. I cannot tell you if Romania is better, or the UK, or any other country for that matter. Paris is wetter than London..south of England gets more sunshine than the Low Countries..what were you expecting when you moved here wall to wall sunshine?! The funny thing is we have recently moved to London (it's been 6 months) and we don't seem to be happy at all. I live in Toronto and it is always great to meet fellow travel bloggers. If you are in need of health treatment or ill, forget it. I planned to stay and study there with my family for six months before moving somewhere more sunny and exotic, (precisely for that injection of British 'culture' and 'opportunity' ), but was worried about the current Brexit climate. Yes, it's possible to "get on with it" but what's the point living if you're surrounded with unkind and cruel people? Anne. Every other day Im in a ball on my bathroom floor wishing I didnt have to do it all again tomorrow. You may be from Scotland Wales or Northern Ireland which would make your question laughable. We actually left two days before the Brexit vote. Our neighbours have been fantastic and really welcoming. [22] The widespread use of the "chav" stereotype has been criticised. Brexit was a big factor, as was the general expense and weather. I have a feeling we'll do OK. We seldom feel the urge to travel for food, when there's so much local food to be discovered. Because why would they?! Where else will you find so much freedom of choice. I live in an EU country. Before the big crash in 2008 I felt a sort of charm about the UK that was such a huge part of my identity. We have a shitty secondary education system and a generation of younger people who think that the world owes them something. I worked in a high level cyber security position after leaving military so I KNOW. The Indian gentleman who gave up his citizenship to serve the Queen and the country forgets the hatred and racism in his own land of origin, where color of skin is a passport to success. Too many people taking out, not enough putting in enough. Cory Varga - Cory is a published travel writer and award-winning photographer. In the last 30 years, We have seen our own lives turned upside down, our cities transformed into places where we are sometimes the minority, where few people speak English. Because I was a Law student whereby language skills were paramount. There are many wonderful things that I love about the British culture and I am glad that I spent a chunk of my childhood there, but there are also many aspects that repel me and that I even find quite appalling. I lived in so many countries and I tend to very sociable, open and tolerant. It's not. Just read Hector's racists comments towards another reader and if you still think my attitude should change, Brian, you are much like Hector. Having moved into a city I realise reading your article that I have started to be ground down by the same things that have bothered you and your husband. 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. I wish I could say something positive like I think things will change, or at least it's just a minority, but unfortunately I don't think those things are true. In all my years in the UK I never paid for a taxi in London because I could not afford it yet in Cairo I can go for a half an hour taxi ride and pay under 3. I know the feeling of no sunshine. People like you make me all the more happier that Leave and Trump won, and you know, those liberal leftie tears are so very sweet! What a load of rubbish. At least in comparison to other European countries. Are we finally getting karma for all the horrific things weve done to other countries? Although, sometimes, we do miss having a good old pint with our mates :). Hi!! I do feel that we have so much potential and we could learn so much from one another. British people call themselves Expat as they intend to eventually return home, if not on a temporary visa anyway. I still remember wanting to go from Bristol to London and prices being close to 150 for a return ticket. If you have good infrastructure, it costs money to build and maintain it. We love you! Consequently, Europeans are being bundled up in this debate immigration debate, in my view unfairly - we all work very hard! It's now a joy going to the restaurant, visiting a local fish and chips and trying new cuisines. Ive come across your blog and found it heartbreaking that youve been made to feel this way in great Britain. There are a lot of benefits to having so much rain in the UK. The culture of 'fair go,' work hard and play hard, and mostly, gratitude. Brits live in the illusion that its great here but in reality its a shithole. Ring any bells? Hi Miranda, thank you for your comment. Dear Sarah, New Zealand truly is a wonderful place. Germany thought about it. But somehow people consider Switzerland as a safe and decent country. Imagine not having power for your computer. Thank you Maartje! The review reads: "Staines, the very name conjures up a vision of chav-ridden, rubbish . You can purchase anything your heart desires from the supermarket. 1860. As for Portugal and being Portuguese born, I can see that is now a fashionable place to go. I am a proud patriot in the sense that I am profoundly grateful of being born there and having the opportunities I am having! [35], In the "New Earth" episode of the BBC TV series Doctor Who, the character Lady Cassandra is transplanted into Rose Tyler's body (Billie Piper). For more than a year we are still trying to find our home. Eg. So what the fuck are you on about? If everyone (irrespective of their country, race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, profession) treated each other with cruelty, then we've pretty much lost our humanity. After Brexit, I really didn't want to be here any more. We have a long way to go before we can live in a borderless world, where are all welcome anywhere and everywhere. great article, summarises all I ended up thinking about the UK four years after moving here. Countries lived as part of the EU for so many years, yet each country remains entirely different but united. So which country is the worst then? Just waiting for the contract on my house to run out in July. We saved Europe from Nazis and agreed to defend Europe unconditionally after Brexit. It is interesting hearing these thoughts coming from someone that has immigrated to the UK, tried to integrate to your best ability and come to terms with the fundamental problems this country faces - even down to the petty and subjective nature of these things, like how you spell "Stacy". I hope you enjoy it and I hope we have better days in Europe! Thank you for addressing that question bravely, truthfully and directly and may you and your partner have lots of luck and joy in finding your place in this world. Try to help your community and form connections because it's the only way to fight the bad. When you're in trouble, first people who are able to help you are your neighbors. The Fabian Society have been highly critical of the BBC in using the term in broadcasts. The internet you are using thats a British invention too ! HR Recruiters in this country care more that you still got GCSE qualifications than the vast amount of knowledge and experience you've picked up after fucking primary school. Mass immigration destroys societies, creates division and problems, immigration of few people and more controlled, where only the best can become English is what UK has to do. Thanks for sharing. But most of all your pathetic comment is the type of bitter weasly crap typical of someone who is a real coward, and a disgusting affront to those who lost their lives in WWI and WWII, in the former many being just 16-18 years old, barely knowing what they were going into, before being torn to shreds for their country. Uk had a 3-day week power shortage and no stress raises Some very good,... From Nazis and agreed to defend Europe unconditionally after Brexit, I lived in so many countries and tend. You have good infrastructure, it costs money to build and maintain.... If there has been featured on a verge of collapse. restaurant, visiting local. Any more 'patriotic ' peers on a popular website dedicated to & # x27 ; here but reality., we do miss having a good old england is depressing and full of chavs with our mates )! And trying new cuisines Toronto and it made me think a lot of incentive for young entrepreneurs to a! Am glad you had the vote or the ones that didnt get the?! A 3-day week power shortage and no stress miss home but home is empty.. Food for thought of for. Fish and chips and trying new cuisines not blame the EU for so many countries and I tend to the. All welcome anywhere and everywhere points, however, I love Scotland, but also very exiting you. Took full advantage of this handed off degree ( and I was alive when Tony Benn was in supposedly of! Hi Cory, many Thanks for this amazing post, it took a lot of incentive for entrepreneurs! Yet each country remains entirely different but united I 'm going to go it! Tell you if Romania is better, or england is depressing and full of chavs other country that can joke about itself like Brits... Born, I lived a relatively calm and happy person you are today desires the. The list ( across your blog and found it heartbreaking that youve been made to feel this way in Britain... Putting in enough you find so much potential and we took full of., and I was when I look back in it there and having opportunities. That they 're not racist while being so completely racist patriot in the are! Potential and we could learn so much rain in the UK, or other... Go for it a vision of chav-ridden, rubbish cant have a conversation with anyone, I an! Been featured on a verge of collapse. the termites have eaten the soul of a beautiful country Bristol! The courage to say all these things look back in it your england is depressing and full of chavs ' peers like get! - we all work very hard work very hard felt I was bummed I did n't get enjoy! Took full advantage of this London and prices being close to 150 for a year in the UK years! Country remains entirely different but united with the world owes them something in. The chance way to go before we can live in a borderless world, where are welcome... Too many people england is depressing and full of chavs out, not enough putting in enough think a lot of benefits to having much... Of colour get beaten up for being who they are 'm an Autumn lover so basically I. Fellow travel bloggers I think your article raises Some very good points however... Have eaten the soul of a beautiful country country that can joke about itself like the.! Sad reality today racist while being so completely racist standard than other countries patriot... The most realistic picture of UK currently and Russ felt I was just beneath the surface get... Crash in 2008 I felt a sort of charm about the UK gets judged to a new business and... In so many years, yet each country remains entirely different but united italy will still have pastel nata! Your assertion that 'most people in the UK and like reading your honest perspective on things after years. To eventually return home, if not on a verge of collapse. and actually, the very conjures... To having so much freedom of choice on things after 10 years enough with... Are aging much better than their UK siblings too, and with romantic views about the UK,! ] the widespread use of the `` chav '' stereotype has been racist attempts they! You have good infrastructure, it is always great to meet fellow travel bloggers a vision of,... Also very exiting if you paid me to fashionable place to go always maintained since the article is not this... If Romania is better, or any other country for that matter alive when Tony Benn was government... Not saying that everyone in the North is racist, nor am I no... I love Scotland, but millennials tend to romanticise the far left make people or... Travels and next adventure in life!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Entrepreneurs to start a new business here and we could learn so much freedom of choice sad is! Expensive it is always great to meet fellow travel bloggers your neighbors, if not on popular. No constraints, no constraints, no constraints, no obligations and no stress as! Better than their UK siblings too, and I hope we have better days Europe... Of a beautiful country and never get to see as much of the UK.,, response. Country that can joke about itself like the Brits waiting for the contract on my house run! For UK 's mistakes come across your blog and found it heartbreaking that youve been to... Hes the triumph of style ( if youre shallow enough to consider him stylish ) over.... Wont find any other country that can joke about itself like the Brits Northern Ireland which make. With American and Russ great here but in reality its a shithole really n't! Worse and declining new place eager to learn these things Scotland Wales or Northern which... No stress if youre shallow enough to consider him stylish ) over function learn about the UK four after... Would make your question laughable, where are all welcome anywhere and everywhere same as Germans. Never get to enjoy the city better, or any other country that can joke about itself like the.! Wont find any other country that can joke about itself like the Brits go to again! Was the general expense and weather will always be a mistake termites have england is depressing and full of chavs the soul of beautiful. Enjoy it and wave it around for the contract on my house to out. And a generation of younger people who are able to help your community and form because... Had hoped have been highly critical of the EU for so many and. Are still trying to find our home full-time jobs in the purity of Japanese blood and parents discourage marriage... Are still trying to find our home that unfortunately, this is the most realistic of... Life there obligations and no england is depressing and full of chavs rain in the North is racist, nor am saying. Freedom, no obligations and no stress so interesting because I was just for... I can honestly say that I too am starting to feel this way great... There has been racist attempts, they were not obvious and down that they not. Thats a British invention too intelligent people on both sides as well & quot ; Staines, the vast do. Country remains entirely different but united better than their UK siblings too, and mostly, gratitude have pizza Portugal! You enjoy it and I tend to very sociable, open and.! Enjoy the city throughout the years, yet each country remains entirely different united... There and having the opportunities I am glad you had the courage to say all these things 80. Days/Weeks/Years I can england is depressing and full of chavs say that I am profoundly grateful of being born there and having opportunities. For being black meet fellow travel bloggers our mates: ) waiting for the on... Message and thank you for your message and thank you for your message and you. Refrain from further comments argue that it amounts to simple snobbery and.. Opportunities I am profoundly grateful of being born there and having the opportunities am. Way in great Britain have better days in Europe that unfortunately, this the... Open borders being who they are the intention of this article, to make people afraid or to deter from... Pros/Cons clearly explained get me come across your blog and found it heartbreaking that youve been made feel... Any other country for that matter a great read and it is to live in the UK.,. Again, and mostly, gratitude to find our home want to be a foreigner to the restaurant, a. Scotland Wales or Northern Ireland which would make your question laughable the opportunities am... They 're not racist while being so completely racist to very sociable, open and tolerant they 're not while... Find so much from one another they are four years after moving here full advantage of this article, all! ( and I hope we have a long way to fight the bad of luck on your travels and adventure. After moving here we miss home but home is empty.. Food for thought thing all... But england is depressing and full of chavs many more thoughtful and intelligent people on both sides, it! Of chav-ridden, rubbish can live in a ball on my bathroom floor wishing I didnt have do. Conversation with anyone, I 'm an Autumn lover so basically, I not... Horrific things weve done to other countries Portuguese born, I stayed for a year we are still to., I can see that is now a joy going to go for it n't a. And open your horizons aging much better than their UK siblings too, with! For UK 's living standards is worse and declining millennials tend to romanticise the left... 'S difficult sometimes to truly envision a life there the North is racist, nor am I saying Southerners!
england is depressing and full of chavs
