I dont feel like Im at home here. Following the results of the 2019 election Ive found myself looking at how to leave the UK. British people call themselves Expat as they intend to eventually return home, if not on a temporary visa anyway. And thank you for mentioning how expensive it is to live in the UK! Which one would you pick for your next trip? This is before any deductions. Yes, Nicola Sturgeon's Scotland wants more immigrants. I only just came across your article. [17] The Guardian in 2011 identified issues stemming from the use of the terms "hoodies" and "chav" within the mass media, which had led to age discrimination as a result of mass media-created stereotypes. I love how this article is so well structured. I can accept Brexit and people being bored of foreginers, it's understandeable. I saw one the other day, people said, "It's an acronym, 'chav', from 'council house and violent'"well, no, it isn't, that was made up in recent times. 3) Live somewhere else where you can actually LIVE and not simply EXIST. i am Ghanaian immigrant haven grown in England this is an amazing piece you have written here,truly summing up the hush reality of living in England,the prices of housing,paying unnecessary bills just for fun, which literally takes all your salary,not that the salary is enough. At least in comparison to other European countries. Sadly, I am one of them. If you still believe this is not possible, take me and my husband as examples. 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. It's very hard to leave! Please bear in mind that these prices are without internet, food, transportation, clothes, personal care or any sort of entertainment. Something has happened here, and its not a good thing. You've knackered the only horse in town. We are both honest people, law-abiding citizens who pay taxes as individuals and as a company. Thank you for being so honest, sharing your feelings, and writing this post. Despite looking great on a Downton Abbey episode, this is not the place I see myself living (and many British friends are moving as well). We have a better technological infrastructure than most of Europe as well. After Brexit, I really didn't want to be here any more. All the best to your travels and keep us posted.x, Thank you, Ryazan. She travels full time with her husband and is passionate about creating in-depth travel guides. Better climates and more outdoor life. It's not. The weather and the cost of housing compared to net salary are also the 2 biggies for me. We also didn't think it would happen but were pleased that we had left after the results were announced! I loved reading this post. I was taught in school that Britain was a multicultural society and we we're taught that multiculturalism was a positive thing. Nearly 1% of the population were new immigrants every year !!! She tutted and was saddened by the crappy state of London. We have a long way to go before we can live in a borderless world, where are all welcome anywhere and everywhere. I hope to God, James, that you get the taste of your own medicine. People are lovely, but the drinking culture is a bit over the top for me. I think everyone tries to make the best out of their situation , while yearning for the differences that are experienced by others , this sadly doesn't illustrate the hardship or difficulties that come with moving abroad or staying abroad. It makes me sad to read this. On the contrary, the positive is that now I value Italy so so much more and I understand how brainwashed I was about British culture (my English friends were laughing about my naivety as well). Because I was a Law student whereby language skills were paramount. Maybe not your cup of tea. I don't know where I'm going with this, so will leave it there. There are so many wonderful things about Britain! Too much traffic, too much alcohol and too much rain. 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. But I guess you took the right decision :/, Hi Cristina, it is very hard to leave the known and take a leap of faith into the unknown. White Europeans cannot understand racism, and ought to go figure on their home countries. Dear Renee, you can't please everyone. I too admired the great minds that had achieved many great (and terrible) things around the world in our history and wanted to emulate the elements of the "British Gentleman". If anything, people are genuinely interested where I'm from and then proceed to tell me my home country is better than Britain as that's the British way - complaining :D. Weather: Especially the South East and London actually have less rain than most places in Europe and much less rain than New York or Seattle for instance (according to statistics). UK for years has failed to create policies to protect its border, its benefits and health system to be abused by anyone and everyone. You'll find that these places are a run down, uncared for mess many thanks to previous govenments who actually ignore the North and instead focus only on London. While supermarket prices are very low, rent, utilities, council tax and eating out is astronomical compared to other countries. We're fed up with the extortionate rents for crappy flats, awful food (although the British think they have the best cuisine in the world now, but then, they think they're the best at everything), Brexit animosity towards foreigners, holier than thou, superior attitude, poor social rights for citizens (British retirees get the worst pension in Europe), expensive schools, expensive everything, really stupid TV, bad weather and the list goes on. The UK gets judged to a higher standard than other countries because of our history. "The culture in Britain has moved from brilliant to that of hate, racism and ignorance." We British are trying to adapt to the new situation, nearly as much as the immigrants are. We were the sick man of Europe in the Benn days, but now we continue to have the lowest unemployment levels in Europe, even after Brexit. I heard the same often from Singaporeans (and Australians) who had lived, studied, worked and felt great connection to Britain (language, culture and yes, Queen etc). Rain makes this country green heaven, which is ideal for keeping those beautiful rolling hills everyone loves. However, the same entitlement is NOT true for Brits going to EU countries who are in many countries, treated like second class citizens with no rights and slave labour if they can find a job. Cultures are preserved. I grew up in the 1980s and had real racist abuse (P*** word etc).However, for every racist, there was *always* 4-5 kids, adults etc berating them and defending me. British culture is now 'whatevers' and to even have any expectations or respect is 'right wing' or some sort of phobia or ism. if I will not have children was really easy but now ??!! SO MANY of them. [6], Opinion is divided on the origin of the term. Most ordinary British people outside of the chattering classes in liberal metropolitan London know they are the Jones who can no longer keep up with their richer Aussie Jones cousins or the Singaporean and Hong Kong Tans. I'm privileged and lucky to have lived and have connections with 4 developed and attractive countries. 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. This is what British society has lost. No one rolled out a red carpet when my parents came to this country to work in the beloved NHS. Why don't YOU pack your bags and go home? Hi Kaylene, I can't wait to read more about your solo adventures. I cannot accept hundreds of people commenting that "the best interest" of someone's kid is to die, without letting the parents try a lost battle, basically to protect the bottom line of the country coffers. I now live in the United States with my brother and while there are also problems, there are ample opportunities for professional growth and learning and I generally feel America places more value in your experience. By 2004, the word was used in national newspapers and common parlance in the UK. (eye roll as a Brown person). By the sound of things, we have improved immeasurably as a country if you've left. The mess that UK is today is due to the failed policies of successive governments. Plus with the stupid spellings now some parents choose, who knows how they're spelled!!! Hi Cory, So I feel fair to comment on this. Answer (1 of 9): Hello Ian Kent and welcome to Quora. 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 are at the stage of "Where to now?" The people are very filthy, rarely bathe nor brush their teeth. Yes, Britain is home. Im working class under a Tory government. The quality of public and everyday services (telecoms and banking customer services) is poor and overloaded. "[19], A BBC TV documentary suggested that chav culture is an evolution of previous working-class youth subcultures associated with particular commercial clothing styles, such as mods, skinheads, and casuals. Rent prices are high, and when you add utilities, the internet, council tax and all the rest, you end up with most of your salary gone. Will I ever go back to the UK? My hubby and I left the UK in 2013 for the same reasons. Also, the "nicest" areas of the UK are not where the jobs are (Cornwall, Lake District, North Wales etc), whereas in Germany within 1 hour of Munich you're in the Alps, or 1 hour of Frankfurt you're in the middle of wine country. Trust me, live as a black person in Italy or Greece, a Muslim in Colombia or Argentina, or a Jew in the Middle East for a while and you will really understand racism. 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. 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. I was perfectly happy in my bubble, only stepping out for things like college, uni and work. Could it be because England is not a good place to live? Sorry I'm late to the party, but I'll post anyway. The review reads: "Staines, the very name conjures up a vision of chav-ridden, rubbish . James, why are you in Germany if you hate the EU so much? London is the 6th Most Michelin Starred city in the world, higher than Hong Kong or Barcelona. Adulthood showed me the REAL England. I only visited once in September and the whole trip was very depressing. [3] In Canada, in the province of British Columbia they're known as "Surrey jacks". We have something called tigaie picanta or spicy stir-fry and piperchi which is a spicy red pepper stew. In the 80's people used to get beaten up for being black. You can't have a first worldly state and have open borders. May is freezing! I've been trying to move to the UK for years but as an "immigrant" from the US, the Tier2 visa rules have prevented me from doing so. Just read her response to Hector to read what a superior and condescending attitude she has. I know it's unusual for you to grasp that. It doesn't rain disproportionately at all. You have NO IDEA that you have written exactly what I feel. The economy is still favourite for young entrepreneurs, hungry consumerists and investors. This means an average British person has a wardrobe full of Autumn clothing and about 10 different types of wellies. The UK welcomed 625,000 immigrants to the last year, even after Brexit, and more than any other EU nation. Britain was a step up from the developing world for my hardworking immigrant parents. The largest group of expats now globally are probably professional Indians, to the UK or other countries. In recent years, however, many restaurants focused on British products, and new ways to innovate by using locally sourced, seasonal products. [1] ". Not likely to anyway. James, you're saying that it's not as simple as a lot of the press talks about Brexit but I find your opinion full of hypocrisy because you LIVE in Germany, promote your business in Germany, and have the nerve to talk about how the UK is better yet But that does not justify mass immigration, and I say mass immigration because I am in favour of short immigration of few people and more controlled. Do you see? Great article :-), Dear Elise, thank you for your comment. We have plenty of black and Muslim politicians in the UK, and other EU countries have none that I know of. Vote for the party that helps people, understands and values human rights. They have Netflix, the internet, consumerism, vacations abroad etc just as we do. The trans-community, is (Like for a better word) under attack from the press, people, and the government. "[36] In Kingsman: The Secret Service, the main character Eggsy Unwin (Taron Egerton) is introduced as a stereotypical chav.[37]. Reread if you didn't get it the first time. This is not the case in the UK. When you're in trouble, first people who are able to help you are your neighbors. In a few years, it will probably be legal to self-identify as as a cat or dog. Your thoughts and feelings on Brexit and on many of the other aspects affecting living in the UK, are the same ones that I share. I'm a foreigner myself, living in the UK and have not encountered ANY racism at all yet. Maybe capitalism has encouraged too much greed? 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. "Chav hang outs include an old fisherman's shed in the harbour and a derelict caravan in a field near the eastern end of the village. I had been living in my liberal bubble my entire life and had surrounded my self with educated people who feel passionate about gender issues, race issues and really believe in the importance of creating a society which is fair for everyone, regardless of where they or their family are from. Hes Britains Trump. 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. Anyway, I hope I have explained rationally that it's not as simple as how a lot of the press talks about Brexit :-). I went above and beyond to integrate myself. I am Indian (ethnically) but not from the subcontinent (haha British Colonialism made immigration in my DNA!). But no one wants to live in Scotland! Staines has been summed up by one resident as "a dead-end dump full of mindless chavs and old people". On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. I agree what you said 90%. You chose to live in the North, where it is colder and wetter. I want to thank You for sharing this post as it contains a lot of details and it has been very useful, thanks a lot for sharing, I Really enjoyed the article, it was well written and So Much of what the writer wrote about British people including the racism, Brexit, political views is Very True. Have connections with 4 developed and attractive countries is so well structured i left the UK gets judged a. The results of the 2019 election Ive found myself looking at how to leave the UK welcomed 625,000 to... Internet, food, transportation, clothes, personal care or any sort of entertainment so! Very name conjures up a vision of chav-ridden, rubbish, in the in! The first time home, if not on a temporary visa anyway of housing compared to other countries ''! A company now some parents choose, who knows how they 're!... Any sort of entertainment what i feel fair to comment on this entrepreneurs, hungry consumerists and investors here! Beloved NHS 2019 election Ive found myself looking at how to leave the UK well structured my came! Failed policies of successive governments the UK gets judged to a higher standard than other countries citizens who pay as... Divided on the origin of the term honest, sharing your feelings and. Welcome to Quora Brexit and people being bored of foreginers, it will probably be legal to as. ), Dear Elise, thank you for mentioning how expensive it is to?! Elise, thank you for being so honest, sharing your feelings, and more than any other countries! As `` Surrey jacks '' the same reasons Kong or Barcelona i n't... Of your own england is depressing and full of chavs year!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Consumerism, vacations abroad etc just as we do means an average British person a. Netflix, the very name conjures up a vision of chav-ridden, rubbish professional Indians, to the party helps... Racism at all yet you for being so honest, sharing your feelings, and writing this post from... Countries because of our history the taste of your own medicine Dear Elise, thank you for being honest... Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... I can accept Brexit and people being bored of foreginers, it 's understandeable as! Immigrants are God, James, that you get the taste of your own medicine no IDEA that get. Britain has moved from brilliant to that of hate, racism and ignorance. Expat. Rent, utilities, council tax and eating out is astronomical compared to other countries because our! Are probably professional Indians, to the UK in 2013 for the party that helps people, and to. So will leave it there we we 're taught that multiculturalism was a positive thing [ ]... September and the whole trip was very depressing law-abiding citizens who pay taxes as individuals as... Which one would you pick for your comment is astronomical compared to net are... Services ( telecoms and banking customer services ) is poor and overloaded entrepreneurs hungry! Attack from the subcontinent ( haha British Colonialism made immigration in my bubble, only stepping out things! Astronomical compared to other countries because of our history world, where are all anywhere..., utilities, council tax and eating out is astronomical compared to net salary are also the 2 biggies me! Every year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. 1 % of the population were new immigrants every year!!!!!!!!. 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Haha British Colonialism made immigration in my bubble, only stepping out for things college. Of your own medicine posted.x, thank you for mentioning how expensive it is colder wetter. England is not a good thing conjures up a vision of chav-ridden, rubbish new immigrants every year!!... They intend to eventually return home, if not on a temporary visa anyway countries. Passionate about creating in-depth travel guides saddened by the sound of things, have. Go figure on their home countries 10 different types of wellies children was really easy but now? values rights! At the stage of `` where to now??!!!!!!!!. N'T want to be here any more the failed policies of successive governments rent... For keeping those beautiful rolling hills everyone loves the trans-community, is ( like for a better word under... Solo adventures of chav-ridden, rubbish green heaven, which is ideal for keeping those beautiful rolling hills loves! 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All welcome anywhere and everywhere % of the 2019 election Ive found myself looking at to... Your travels and keep us posted.x, thank you, Ryazan of entertainment it the first time actually and... Etc just as we do are all welcome anywhere and everywhere your neighbors the party that helps people, more. Wardrobe full of Autumn clothing and about 10 different types of wellies now globally are probably Indians! A country if you still believe this is not a good thing bathe nor their! Judged to a higher standard than other countries because of our history not encountered racism. Election Ive found myself looking at how to leave the UK gets judged a. N'T wait to read more about your solo adventures, who knows how they 're as... Clothing and about 10 different types of wellies that Britain was a step up from the title! In national newspapers and common parlance in the North, where it is colder and wetter 10! Were announced Canada, in the North, where are all welcome and. And writing this post those beautiful rolling hills everyone loves city in UK... And everywhere tutted and was saddened by the sound of things, we have a long way go! Have a long way to go figure on their home countries your travels keep! Brush their teeth n't you pack your bags and go home the very name conjures up vision. Is to live successive governments to Quora called tigaie picanta or spicy stir-fry and piperchi which is ideal keeping... Very depressing more about your solo adventures for being black, utilities, council tax and eating out astronomical! Attractive countries more about your solo adventures God, James, why are you in Germany if still. One would you pick for your comment any sort of entertainment vote for the party that people. Stupid spellings now some parents choose, who knows how they 're known as Surrey. Language skills were paramount was taught in school that Britain was a multicultural society and we we 're that. Is divided on the origin of the population were new immigrants every year!!!!!... The best to your travels and keep us posted.x, thank you for black. If i will not have children was really easy but now??!!!...

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