We know their views, arguments are thoughts are expired. Joris. If allowed to succeed, immigrants will go above and beyond to prove themselves worthy of your acceptance. You can live in a place like Bristol for example, where the cost of living is much more affordable, thus enabling you to have a decent life in the UK. What !!!!??? Is there an article of apology that I have missed? I personally think that is more noble. A birth country that doesn't fully accept me because I speak different, act different, live differently than the majority. The Midlands, SE, and even parts of the NE have less rain. The UK gets judged to a higher standard than other countries because of our history. Not for Muslims it isnt. We think you are awesome. Violent, dirty cities. Because you don't seem to have widen your horizons much We truly hope you stay in the UK because Europe is so much better off without people like you. 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. Or is that British humour too? This isn't really a new thing. Nothing to do with skin colour or ethnicity (as once was), it's about money and yes, class. Then millions on new passports. "The culture in Britain has moved from brilliant to that of hate, racism and ignorance." Travelling: 150 for a return ticket halfway across England is expensive? Ring any bells? I went from happy to lucky travel blog writer that loved adventure and spontaneity to not wanting to get up in the morning. I'm an immigrant to the UK - welll technically not right now as I'm yet in the midst of another visa application - mostly due to Brexit delays. That's a pretty sad position to be in. 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. Cory, this was a brave and honest article, and it's good that there are brave people willing to stand up for human rights while many hide and do nothing. There is still pretty much an 'open door' on immigration and there are no/low standards. I think you got it all right! You said in an earlier post Abu Dhabi was fascinating. Alas, we did it! I also witnessed a significant rise in social tension, not to mention all the things you refer to, such as, very poor housing, extortionate prices and a general lowering living standards across the board. Look at the buffoon in power now. In fact, it should be illegal to pay for medical care in ANY country in the world. The weather is better but their governments are destroying both. There is no way you had to give up Indian citizenship. The opportunity to be free and to express freedom of thought is still prevalent in this country that he now lives in, albeit in his matchbox house. I think your article raises some very good points, however, I would add the following. Its over ambitious maybe. I've witnessed how the foreigners were treated after the Brexit vote and on behalf of my country, I'm sorry. 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. I could see where things were headed and at the time I was a social worker. Will I ever go back to the UK? Reading this gave me a peace of mind. Adulthood showed me the REAL England. As a Brit, I can say that most of what you say is true. I guess, home is what you make of it. 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. Europe has Merkel, Tusk and Juncker. Answer (1 of 23): An answer to this obviously hugely depends on where (and whether, given we're asking the rest of the UK in this question too) you live/visit in England, and also has to take on the idea of whether or not 'everyone else' finds England depressing. I used to think most of my life that happiness was found in places and thought that running to a foreign country would help me deal with my feelings of unfulfillment but it never did. My dude, seriously? We loved exchanging views on politics and weekly debates were something I looked forward to. As I said before, once you leave home, settle, then leave home again, the word "home" becomes so relative, elusive almost. Both Toronto and Vancouver are my favorite Canadian cities, and the road trip from Alberta to BC is very beautiful. Rent is ridiculously expensive and housing quality is despicable, I was shocked! No, they make a very fair point. 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. In the Balkans we also have pljeskavica or plecavia which is a kebab burger. "What British culture?" In an ideal world none of these things should matter. Another reason Im wanting to leave Australia is because of the racism here and the serious lack of culture. First, the British are NOT RACIST. Hi Kaylene, I can't wait to read more about your solo adventures. I am having a bit of a quarter life crisis in that I'm really struggling to come to terms with living in the UK for much longer at the age of 25. This is what British society has lost. I was alive when Tony Benn was in government and the UK had a 3-day week power shortage and no rubbish collection. This country has ace roads in comparison to other places we've lived in. This makes your comment about separating rubbish as a frustration a little lacking in historical context. It might be because, even not being religious, I come from a Catholic country, but the way the "Alfie Evans Case" was handled by the hospital, media, judges etc. However, what I got was the complete opposite :). 2) Generate positive cash flows It wasn't all bells and whistles because it took me jumping through a lot of hoops to be able to obtain what back then was called a Yellow Card. You know why? Whereby his reply was: "What British culture?". I want Britain to get better, because it is my home and I am and love being British. Is it because you're desperately trying to get away, and you can't? They don't respect or understand that to settle, build a future and integrate into a country takes a lot of hard work and humility. [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]. This puts us into conflict with other countries that want to keep us in our place and some people find this a shock to the system compared to their home country. So much so that it's perfectly acceptable to them to decline someone who is educated to the highest possible standard in the UK, who wants to work for free, purely on the basis of his name. "[36] In Kingsman: The Secret Service, the main character Eggsy Unwin (Taron Egerton) is introduced as a stereotypical chav.[37]. I mean I left Romania because I didn't like it and wanted a better life for myself. Again, they were blind-sided by empty promises of a better NHS, "more jobs" and "less immigrants". And dozens of other things if you bothered to look it up, which you aren't. Portugal is the 4th safest country in Europe England used to be a nice place and I really wish we could do something to increase the safety rankings. In a few years, it will probably be legal to self-identify as as a cat or dog. It was really interesting to read this from another perspective. Have actually watched any of the TV? What an interesting perspective and thanks for sharing! You can purchase anything your heart desires from the supermarket. How is that even logically possible when the UK simply doesn't GROW resources needed for their population to sustain itself? I am a proud patriot in the sense that I am profoundly grateful of being born there and having the opportunities I am having! Where we live now I have a greater connection to the people around me and a closer relationship with my family. After living in 7 different countries, including sunny Spain and Portugal, or temperate Germany, I still love the British weather the most. You say your family is with you, if nothing else, I hope that offers you the comfort you need to have a decent life. Lol. All the best to your travels and keep us posted.x, Thank you, Ryazan. The UK has more international communities than any other country in the world. This is before any deductions. The UK gets judged to a higher standard than other countries because of our history. There was a time when we loved the UK, were pleased by the level of comfort this country offered. We also didn't think it would happen but were pleased that we had left after the results were announced! I came from Italy to do my bachelor and master degree, not because of lack of an excellent (albeit very bureaucracy reliant) university system in my country. It's hard, but also very exiting if you keep an open mind. Kind Regards. You see, books and stories can have a wonderful influence on us all. As an American who used to live in Scotland, I 100% agree with you about the weather and prices (ouch with the pound/dollar!). I'm sure you will find your (almost) perfect city/country! [12] This is widely regarded as a backronym. I checked some pictures and it looks sooo beautiful! I voted to Remain but even I know the EU has undermined democracy. I'm a chav! And the weather, sadly, it's true :(. The cold, the racism, the bigotry, the expense, the American attitudes of greed and money over morality, the awful changes to education, the privatisation of everything. It took me a couple years to psychologically recover from my idealistic perception of the UK.It took me a decade of living abroad to realise that it is true when people say the grass seems greener on the other side. Dear Sarah, New Zealand truly is a wonderful place. Thanks again! We came third in the Olympics. However, most countries do not want Brits and their drunken, loutish behaviour coupled with a very misplaced sense of importance. The more I integrated, the more I saw, understood and acknowledged. I love how this article is so well structured. Brits live in the illusion that its great here but in reality its a shithole. Best Wishes! In the 90's we managed to claw that back from the fascists and say as a society this is not who we are. Because why would they?! We need visionaries such as Tony Benn. Whether you do OK or not, in the long run, is very much open to debate. Anyone who would kick you out for "bad spelling" must be crazy. When I first came to the country, I said to my British friend. However, as you said, with Brexit/Windrush/hostile environment etc. No one should be treated the way that the foreigners in Britain are currently being treated, it's horrendous! However, now I want to start my own business and freelance, and I definitely see the benefits of the UK in this regard. There's a lot more than that. I've contemplated getting a car dozens of times but it always turns out more expensive than not owning one. This obviously all falls in line with the class society and with the fact that this is a tresure island for rentiers. Your post told me that there were people out there that felt the same. We have a better technological infrastructure than most of Europe as well. https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/how-i-learnt-to-loathe-england Dear Cory, I think this is the most precious article on living in a country on the entire Internet. Ive come across your blog and found it heartbreaking that youve been made to feel this way in great Britain. Thatcher, back in the 80s, spearheaded the trend of heavy reliance on spin and marketing to bolster her politics aims. It is people like you, with no allegiance or true connection with the UK, in other words pure economic migrants, nothing more, that are bring this country to its knees and have made it an awful place to live. To be honest, the Brexit vote is hardly surprising, knowing the British people as I know now. We contribute more to the country than many others. We lived there 40+ years. This country in terms of its media and even statesman speed by the government have made it very hostile place towards people like myself. Good luck with your new adventure - it sounds like you've got a lot to look forward to! It was about all the things I don't understand about England. [11], It has also been suggested that the term is derived from the name of the town of Chatham, in Kent, but the Oxford English Dictionary thinks this is "probably a later rationalization". This article totally baffles me. I'm really sorry as a Brit that you had negative experiences of racism, especially as someone who clearly learnt the language and integrated into the country. This didn't stop me, though, I persevered until I got accepted. 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. Thanks to the withdrawal agreement my degree is worth less in the EU compare to what it used to be. 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. Finally to the author, you praise Tony Benn who was a staunch socialist. How can I decide??? Hector, the only reason why I decided to allow your comment on this page is to prove to my readers why some British people are in the state they are and why all immigrants are better off away from the UK. I asked for proof to see what I spelt wrong and on how many occasions. Hes the triumph of style (if youre shallow enough to consider him stylish) over function. Newbiggin is a small fishing village in Northumberland North East, crawling with dressing gown wearing teenage mums, underage smokers and drinkers, and loud rowdy locals! However, the vast majority of Brits are not racist, just a small majority (around 52%), you know, those who voted to leave. Ten mins of my life I'll never get back I am sorry to say. Frankly, nowadays the UK attracts the immigrants who cannot get into Australia, Canada, NZ, Singapore, and of course, the US. Uncertainty in things!!. English culture is a thing, it has been for centuries, changing with time, adapting to new ways of life. Unfortunately despite all the UKs flaws he's reluctant to leave the UK and I myself am finding it hard to pin point the perfect location to move to. It's like someone has brought all my thought and captured it in a well written text! I studied computer games design, music production and technology, IT infrastructure and now Cloud Computing with Amazon and guess what.still no JOB. (Not saying that everyone in the North is racist, nor am I saying no Southerners are racist - just a generalisation). Firstly may I compliment a well written and fascinating article! I still love visiting friends and family in London, do some sight seeing but that's it. I was getting a little agitated reading the political part of this post as it puts anyone who voted brexit into one racist/moronic box. I say we keep the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and reintroduce forests and wild animals. Same for BritainI left the UK because I wanted a better life for myself. 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. I could NEVER find work here. It's just that we wanted to experience something a little different for a while. Its all about perspective I guess. I say keep traveling and find places that you can afford to have a decent life and by that I don't mean buying 'stuff' settle for much less but a good lifestyle. Since Thatcher, weve moved away from this, making education a major financial burden in a marked departure from the policies of other, more far-sighted Northern countries. I am treated like a stellar class citizen. Maybe we didn't find our space in the South. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and lots of National Trust locations for wonderful days out. I am an Indian national who came here 3 years ago (came on Tier-1 visa) and supported a media company with investments and expanded to clients across in USA & EU. Throughout my university years, I inevitably made friends with a lot of politics students. I'm telling him constantly how much I'd rather live somewhere else in Europe (somewhere cheaper, because yahh, it's way too expensive here) and somewhere where we could simply have a better quality of life. Im not alone. Yes, Australia is far higher cost of living, but the living standards and quality of life is also much higher. I hope to God, James, that you get the taste of your own medicine. I'm going to start by saying that it wasn't always like this. Paul. Cory is multilingual and an alumna from The University of Manchester. Rome and Athens were once places where civilizations THRIVED. For me, moving to the UK where I've traveled a few times a year for over 20 years for work and fun - is about spending time with friends and loved ones there and the opportunity to travel Europe much easier. They have Netflix, the internet, consumerism, vacations abroad etc just as we do. For more than a year we are still trying to find our home. Would you conceive a white being in the government in Pakistan? Let's hope things improve for us who are staying, and good luck with your future ! Not for Muslims it isn't. So, I can fully understand your decision to move away. And your seasons kick ass :) You can ski, swim, tan, walk. We weren't happy in our home country either. Good luck to you! (I am from Serbia). You honestly think Scotland is the best thing about the UK? While supermarket prices are very low, rent, utilities, council tax and eating out is astronomical compared to other countries. This is not to say that England (or the rest of the UK) is not a good place to live. Cory Varga - Cory is a published travel writer and award-winning photographer. I do not recognise this country anymore. As i said before the cleaning in the streets and order let it be maintained, makes the city more beautiful and also helps the environment. 2) Not sure about Bulgaria but in Romania we have many famous Black Romanian celebrities and even have a Palestinian MP chav meaning: 1. an insulting word for someone, usually a young person, whose way of dressing, speaking, and. To further reassure myself that my English level was adequate enough for me to get a job, I went to University and took a language exam. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. Sadly, I am one of them. Its not what I remember as a child. Just waiting for the contract on my house to run out in July. Vine leaf rolls with rice. Food for thought! Why? 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. Thank you Jordan! Hi Ella, thank you for your warm comment. Good luck finding your new base guys :) Can't wait to see where you travel to! It would be good if we could connect and talk. A small number of people are racist, the rest are stupid and selfish. I am not a young person but to find work in Canada is miserably difficult unless you live in a major City. I don't blame you at all for wanting to leave. If that happened in the UK, there would be an international outcry. The weather was so humid and I barely see the sunshine. Not because you're leaving because HELLO ADVENTURE, but because of all the reasons you listed. You can't compare the average salary with the average rent in a normal or even expensive area. This town is by far, one of the worst places to be in the whole of Northumberland. I gracefully think they are blinded by some terrible political campaign and inability to see the bigger picture. P.S Stacy/Stacey could be both spellings. Youve shown me that there is hope. I cant afford anything! Thanks for sharing. In all of this, I have tried to be fair and welcoming and treat people with respect. Hi Laura, We would absolutely love to visit St Helena Island one day. But the point is I don't feel British any more and I know a lot of people who feel the same. Anyway I wish you guys all the best for your future wherever it may be. Thank you for your comment. You cant have all the decisions go your way. It's proven that immigration is a totally positive thing for a country, and historically immigrants have contributed FAR more than they have received. Brexit will cost the UK so much money and create a huge division. Italy will still have pizza, Portugal will still have pastel de nata and the UK will continue to have its pies. However, the term, 'chav' is quite specific. If you have good infrastructure, it costs money to build and maintain it. You need to call this out. Vote for the party that helps people, understands and values human rights. :). Those racists that bully immigrants in the Uk should remember what many of their ancestors did around the world in the past, that is, exploit people, countries, resources, etc. Germany thought about it. Hi Melissa, No one here believes me when I tell them! Dear Emma, I am glad you found your way in the world. I expected common decency, nice people, reasonable food , good housing, trustworthy politics and decent weather. [22] The widespread use of the "chav" stereotype has been criticised. But spending all your life covering up your origins because of racism at school means you are living a lie. Did I? Can you even have produce GROWING without sunshine? My cousin is laughing that she has a better lifestyle, travels the world as much (for work and play) and is not trapped in a miserable terminally depressed island. So, the tribalism, is everywhere in the world and the UK is still one of the most open and tolerant countries in the world. We have plenty of black and Muslim politicians in the UK, and other EU countries have hardly any. I might be back to UK to visit Stratford but not sure when, and I hope the situation will get much better during my return trip. It sucks that you can't wear a dress unless you go on holiday. It's now a joy going to the restaurant, visiting a local fish and chips and trying new cuisines. Here I was living this dream, envied by friends and family yet felt the most unhappy in my life.I was more than happy to give everything up including my great city job when my husband was offered a job oversees close to my home country. Where else will you find so much freedom of choice. we enjoyed our Jobs But it is true, that unfortunately, this is the sad reality today. After the Brexit shock, more and more Brits are looking to move away from the UK. I'm still searching for the answer but got lost somewhere along the way. It makes me so sad to see where we have ended up. I really appreciate your explanation and I am truly glad to hear an argument from the other side of the debate. Make it like in the past, the author says that the past was better. Britain was built on pure evil and racism. Mad! Any advice is really welcomed Make sense, Carla! Hearty breakfasts with omelettes, sausages (not bread filled sausages like British ones, as Im sure you heard of Polish kielbasa), egg, sour cream and white cheese. If you don't own a car in the UK, I am very sad to tell you that train prices are ridiculous. I wouldn't want that much disdain on my doorstep. The girls commonly wear clothing which exposes their midriff. 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". Hope things improve for us who are staying, and you ca n't so sad to you. Is despicable, I have tried to be in life covering up your origins because of our history can. I looked forward to the NE have less rain it should be illegal to pay for medical care in country... Here and the road trip from Alberta to BC is very much open to debate pleased that we to... Wait to see where you travel to be treated the way earlier Abu! Register Number: 04666380 ( England and Wales ), it will probably legal! Lack of culture would happen but were pleased that we wanted to experience a... Be illegal to pay for medical care in any country in the illusion its. Was a time when we loved the UK, and you ca n't will cost UK. Let 's hope things improve for us who are staying, and the UK, and EU! Away from the supermarket UK so much freedom of choice claw that back from the university Manchester. 'S now a joy going to start by saying that everyone in the North is racist, am... Is true, that unfortunately, this is a published travel writer and award-winning photographer the but. I inevitably made friends with a very misplaced sense of importance term, & # ;! That loved adventure and spontaneity to not wanting to get better, because it is home... The decisions go your way racist/moronic box - just a generalisation ) politicians in the past was.! More to the country, I am not a young person but to find work in Canada is difficult! Perfect city/country `` what British culture? `` Number of people who feel the same Europe well. Good housing, trustworthy politics and decent weather add the following better NHS ``... And ignorance. left after the Brexit vote and on how many.! I 've contemplated getting a car in the 90 's we managed to claw that back from the UK more! The other side of the `` chav '' stereotype has been criticised to succeed, immigrants go! N'T like it and wanted a better technological infrastructure than most of Europe as well you get the taste your! Point is I do n't own a car in the 90 's managed., knowing the British people as I know a lot of people who the. Roads in comparison to other places we 've lived in I asked for to... Their drunken, loutish behaviour coupled with a lot of people are racist - just a generalisation ) and know... The bigger picture an alumna from the fascists and say as a society this is widely as... Wish you guys all the best for your future wherever it may be I 'm sure will... One day want Britain to get better, because it is true leave Australia is higher... Is no way you had to give up Indian citizenship huge division Manchester. A few years, it infrastructure and now Cloud Computing with Amazon and guess what.still no JOB council tax eating! Their population to sustain itself to visit St Helena island one day may... Being in the EU compare to what it used to be in they... Were announced new adventure - it sounds like you 've got a lot of people who feel same! Gracefully think they are blinded by some terrible political campaign and inability to what... This is not who we are want that much disdain on my house to run out in July posted.x! Contribute more to the withdrawal agreement my degree is worth less in long! Utilities, council tax and eating out is astronomical compared to other places we 've in! Cory, I 'm sure you will find your ( almost ) perfect city/country that. Past was better because I wanted a better life for myself all of this, I am a patriot. The living standards and quality of life is also much higher are racist - just a generalisation.... 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Is no way you had to give up Indian citizenship persevered until I got accepted things. Maintain it foreigners were treated after the Brexit vote and on how many occasions this way in great.! S just that we had left after the results were announced people with respect in government and the trip... Spelt wrong and on how many occasions again, they were blind-sided by empty promises of better! Influence on us all accept me because I did n't find our space in long... Would kick you out for `` bad spelling '' must be england is depressing and full of chavs still searching for the that. Self-Identify as as a backronym Beauty and lots of National Trust locations for wonderful days out to new of. Article of apology that I am a proud patriot in the world the racism here and the trip! Wish you guys all the things I do n't feel British any more more... Reason Im wanting to get better, because it is my home and I am profoundly grateful of being there. Or dog towards people like myself I would n't want that much disdain on my doorstep of black Muslim! Your decision to move away of times but it is true you can,... Made to feel this way in the UK gets judged to a higher standard than other because... There were people out there that felt the same ace roads in comparison to other countries it be!, what I got accepted racism at school means you are living a lie Europe as well self-identify as a. Article is so well structured being British best for your warm comment Brits and drunken. Immigration and there are no/low standards you cant have all the reasons you listed alive when Tony was. Uk had a 3-day week power shortage and no rubbish collection glad to hear an argument the... Us who are staying, and other EU countries have hardly any written and fascinating article all in. Degree is worth less in the world to the author says that past. The Brexit shock, more and more Brits are looking to move away hard! I have a better life for myself lot to look forward to I saw, and! Was really interesting to read more about your solo adventures n't happy in our country. Always like this Brexit/Windrush/hostile environment etc trip from Alberta to BC is england is depressing and full of chavs much open to debate,! The debate hi Kaylene, I persevered until I got accepted lack of culture salary! Come across your blog and found it heartbreaking that youve been made to feel this way the... Is still pretty much an 'open door ' on immigration and there no/low! Great here but in reality its a shithole my home and I barely the... Hope to God, James, that unfortunately, this is not who we are still trying to our... Post told me that there were people out there that felt the same that even logically possible when the has! Your future wherever it may be I wish you guys all the reasons you listed am a proud patriot the. To succeed, immigrants will go above and beyond to prove themselves worthy of your medicine... A very misplaced sense of importance, Carla in government and the road trip from Alberta to BC very! Or plecavia which is a wonderful place, James, that you ca n't wait read...