Главная страница «Первого сентября»Главная страница журнала «Английский язык»Содержание №14/2004

YOUTH ENGLISH SECTION
 

British Stereotypes — Are They True Tuday?

Russians have a very vague idea about classical British stereotypes. We do not have a full understanding of cricket, 5 o’clock tea, rose gardens, the stiff upper lip; and we certainly don’t understand the subtle British sense of humor and irony. However, the fact that these concepts can be used so easily proves that in the beginning of the 21st century well-known stereotypes about life in Britain are still very much alive.

One famous characteristic that is attributed to the British is horribly bland food. But all nations have different tastes and this creates one of the cultural differences that we like to torment the British for.

The British are also perceived as having a docile, non-violent country. This comes from years of conditioning, of learned techniques that have developed this casual attitude. Historically, the English have in fact been a fairly violent lot. However, for at least two centuries, the ability to control aggressiveness has been a source of pride to the British.

The terms “unflappable”, “private”, “elite”, “non-intrusive”, and “indifferent” are used to describe the British, because they themselves, I believe, at one time wished to project that image to the outside world.

It is also believed that the British are wonderful at sports because they do not mind losing. I would say that while some nationalities take glory in winning and are poor losers, the English are good losers and are modest when they win.

Usually we think that there is nothing more to the United Kingdom than these cultural icons. Yet, they fail to correspond with the reality. In a clinical test on stereotypes in the “British Journal of Psychology” in 1962 it was discovered that factors of insufficient intelligence, neuroticism, and social anxiety cause stereotyping. Only people that do not know Great Britain quite well use myths and stereotypes to describe this country.

We need to deeply respect the British heritage and traditions, although I believe we should not build stereotypes, jump to conclusions, or put ideas into a box. Britain is a country of various traditions, different interests and individuals.

I believe that countries, like people, should try to understand each other better. Hopefully, someday we will be able to understand cricket – after all we do share with the British our wild passion for soccer! We might learn that tea is just as good as coffee. And the other way around!

It would also be lovely if more Russians could join those who realize that an ironic remark has been made, and enjoy the fact that there are others who have missed the joke!

By Yulia Taranova