EDITORIAL NOTE
International Relations
What is it about the British on holiday? Why do we head for the first bar that
shows the EastEnders omnibus and Manchester Utd vs Arsenal? Now, I know most of
us would be appalled to find ourselves on Costa del Blackpool but how relieved
are you when you find a barman that speaks English?
Our arrogance is unbelievable. We'd rather search out 'The British Bulldog' pub
than attempt even a few words of the local lingo in the bar next door. Okay we're
different - we're worldly and open-minded - we go to quaint naturist beaches and
do our best not to offend the locals. However, even the most culturally liberal
of us can turn into jingos at the mere whiff of paella.
This attitude of `them' and `us' is part of our nation's identity. We like to
keep ourselves to ourselves and certainly don't want Europe interfering. But being
dictated to by Brussels over the size of our sprouts is one thing and making snide
remarks about the `lazy spics' over a glass of sangria is another. Moreover these
conservative attitudes will do us no favours. The Europeans are famed for their
more liberal attitudes towards the naked body - if we want Britain to relax don't
we need a little European influence?
Helen Ludbrook
