Stereotypes

The British, like the people of every country, tend to have certain characteristics, which are supposedly typical. However, many things that are often regarded as typically British derive from books, songs or plays which were written a long time ago, and which are no longer representative of modern life.

One example of this is the popular belief that Britain is a “land of tradition”. This is what any tourist book claims. The claim is based on what can be seen in public life. But a reputation for tradition can lead to its artificial preservation – or even re-introduction. A notable example is the taxi. This was introduced into the streets in 1994. It is an exact replica of London taxis of the 1930s (except that it has modern facilities) It is deliberately designed this way to appeal to tourists. The same can be said of London famous red buses (when in 1990s they were sold to different private companies, the government insisted that the buses should stay red)

However, in their private life, the British as individuals are less inclined to follow tradition. There are very few ancient customs that are followed by the majority of families on special occasions. The English language has fewer sayings and proverbs that are in everyday use than many other languages do. (The British are too individualistic for these things) In addition, it should be noted that the British are the most enthusiastic video-watching people in the world – the very opposite of a traditional pastime!

There’re many examples of supposedly typical British habits, which are simply not typical any more. E.g. what a vast majority of people has in the morning is continental breakfast. The image of the British as a nation of tea-drinkers is another stereotype, which is somewhat out-of-date. It is true that it is still prepared in certain way (strong and with milk), but more coffee than tea is now bought.

Conservatism

The British have few living folk traditions, but it doesn’t mean that they like change. They may not behave in traditional ways, but they like symbols of tradition and stability.

They don’t think it is especially smart to live in a new house; in fact, it is prestigious to live in an obviously old one. They have a general sentimental attachment to older, supposedly safer times.

They’re stubbornly conservative about anything which can show Britishness: e.g. driving on the left-hand-side of the road. In fact they are proud of being different. Developments at European Union level, which might cause a change in some everyday aspect of British life, are usually greeted with suspicion and hostility. (E.g. they don’t agree to change their double-decker buses to recommended European standard).

Another example is the system of measurement. The British government has been trying for years to promote the metric system and to get the British people use it. But it’s had a limited success. British manufacturers are obliged to give the weight of their products in kilos and grams. But everybody in Britain still shops in pounds and ounces. They continue to measure distances, amounts of liquid and themselves using scales of measurement that aren’t used anywhere else in Europe.