Yeah right ...

[struth]

Those values did exist. Certainly in England post WW2, when for instance, a burglary made front page in the local papers and murder front page in national papers. Things have changed.

pre ww2 there was more of a case for it, although much of that may have been misinterpreted. Brits were seen as fair play but also empire builders ; admired by many, despised by more. germans were seen as arrogant, militarism types who murdered for the sake of it. americans as cocky rich show offs etc.
the french, well, as the french..lol. but again these were views mostly from our viewpoint. everything changed after ww2. brits had been all over world, and seen many nasties. their cities lay in partial ruin, and attitudes definitely changed; and not always for the better. neighbours were less of part of the extended family and more....them next door.

But got to Germany etc and ask the same question and you will get a different response

[Joe]

When I was at primary school, there were stereotypical jokes about many nationalities/religious groups; thus Scots and Jews were mean, Irish were thick, Germans were cruel, Americans were boastful, Italians were cowardly, etc etc. The only ones not slagged off in such jokes were the English.

But once you narrow your focus, the stereotypes fracture. When I was doing my MA, a fellow-student mentioned a German Christmas tradition. Another student, who was from eastern Germany, said, in a contemptuous tone 'That is only in Bavaria. They are all mad there'. Similarly, a friend of my daughter's from Northern Italy speaks in tones of disgust about Southern Italians, whom he describes as 'animals'.

[walpurgis]

Most stereotypes (and I don't mean audiophiles ) are pretty old in origin. You have to ask yourself how they arose though. Is there a glimmer of truth behind them?

[Joe]

Most stereotypes (and I don't mean audiophiles ) are pretty old in origin. You have to ask yourself how they arose though. Is there a glimmer of truth behind them?

Tell me what a stereotypical Englishman is like and I'll let you know. Generally speaking it seems to be a case of demonising 'the other' so you* can feel better about yourself.

* Not you personally, of course.

[walpurgis]

Tell me what a stereotypical Englishman is like and I'll let you know

Judging from how the English and England are portrayed in American TV dramas and movies, I'd say that at least in the US there is a perceived English stereotype there.

[struth]

stereotypes and actual characteristics are likely on only cross occasionally. every country has them and of others...and as said even within a country

[walpurgis]

Generally speaking it seems to be a case of demonising 'the other' so you* can feel better about yourself

That may be true. But stereotyping tends to be targeted at groups of people, each group being characterised by different 'attributes'. How were said attributes identified as pertaining to these particular people?

[Marco]

Anyway, I've been pondering. Is there such a thing as a 'national character' and, if so, what constitutes it? Is there such a thing as a typical Englishman, or Scotsman, or Welshman (leaving aside cross-breeds such as myself)?

I think much depends on your own (often biased) preconceptions and how well-travelled (or not) you are, certainly in terms of whether your views on the matter will have much basis in reality.

I do believe that there are (inherent) traits often displayed by people of certain nationalities, but they are mostly always (and often grossly) exaggerated. Quite simply, it comes down to your available point of reference - and your most recent experiences in that area will heavily influence your current thinking.

Therefore if, say, you've just returned from holiday on a Spanish beach resort, and the Germans there were all rowdy, arrogant buffoons, and someone soon afterwards asks what you think of the Germans - what's your answer likely to be?

You views on the matter will almost certainly be tainted by that experience. But of course that doesn't mean that the other (how many million) Germans, living in Germany, are the same! And the same could equally apply to the English, who are also often accused of being arrogant...

Much depends, therefore, on how able you are to view the bigger picture/wider world [and that's where education, experience and greater knowledge comes in], rather than, in that respect, simply relying on the contents of your most recent point of reference, or worse, just ignorantly reinforcing common stereotypes.

Marco.

[struth]

very much so, as well as that of your peers and parents. these things are obviously passed down; don't marry him/her they are ...such n such.

[Marco]

Yup, and I hate that kind of ignorant, narrow-minded pish.

Marco.