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Rank: Level 10: Literary Genius
Groups: Fans of England
Joined: 1/17/2008
Posts: 71
Points: 213
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Apparently the latest edition of the Rough Guide has described the English as "overweight, alcopop-swilling, sex- and celebrity-obsessed TV addicts". Do you think this is a fair reflection of us...? 
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Rank: Level 12: Royalty
Groups: Fans of England
Joined: 1/3/2008
Posts: 163
Points: 7
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Absolutely not a fair reflection - I prefer wine! 
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Rank: Level 10: Literary Genius
Groups: Fans of England
Joined: 1/3/2008
Posts: 87
Points: 261
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I agree this is not entirly correct. There are those in England who fit this description and I'm sure we all know people who fall into at least one of these categories but there is far more to us.
One thing I do agree with is that you could spend a lot of time in England and still not really understand it. The English are a diverse group of people with a broad set of values. Attitudes change depending upon where you are in the country, and the fact that Britain is seen as an attractive place to live overseas enhances this.
We also have split personalities. I might spend a night in front of the TV swilling beer (not alco-pops for me either) then the next day wake up at the crack of dawn, take the dog for a long walk by the river, go to Sunday Service, and enjoy an afternoon tea.
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Rank: Level 8: Debutante
Groups: Fans of England
Joined: 4/18/2008
Posts: 43
Points: -65
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It is sad that the Rough Guide is only capable of seeing the English in this way. Of what value is the book therefore? Let the readers see the country and its people, then comment. I do know people who fit this description, but even so, are these the dominant characteristics of the English? Again, let those from elsewhere decide.
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Rank: Level 8: Debutante
Groups: Fans of England
Joined: 1/7/2008
Posts: 51
Points: 153
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To be fair the rough guide did say it was saying all this in jest at england - Although it seemed the writer couldnt make his mind up! In a way its true, at times England has the best to offer in the world, and at times is let down by a tiny minority to be the worst..
Overall I'm happy I'm here... at least some English understand my humour!
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Rank: Level 3: Morris Dancer
Groups: Fans of England
Joined: 4/24/2008
Posts: 6
Points: 18
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It annoys me that if this sort of stereotypical view was directed at foreign countries it would almost certainly be seen as racism or xenophobia at the very least.I think there is often this attitude of self loathing which persists in a certain element of the middle classes especially.It appears to be the same attitude which abhors any celebration of St Georges day as jingoistic yet has no problem with celebrating any other national days or festivals.No wonder the English have an identity crisis!
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Rank: Level 3: Morris Dancer
Groups: Fans of England
Joined: 4/28/2008
Posts: 7
Points: 21
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 It does say its only a rough guide, but if the cap fits, don't forget to put it on... we are not obliged to fall in love with a reflection anyway - it was Narcissus, was it not? -who made that mistake. We may well take pride in the fact that we can take all of these things or leave them - and fortunately for our health we frequently leave them! 
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Rank: Level 10: Literary Genius
Groups: Fans of England
Joined: 1/17/2008
Posts: 71
Points: 213
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Well said Perspicador. I definately think 'rough' is the important word here. Though I have to say when you are a young 'virgin' traveller - you do have a tendancy to use the rough guide/ lonely planet as a bit of a bible. So the comments made about us are probably not overly helpful!!
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Rank: Level 8: Debutante
Groups: Fans of England
Joined: 4/18/2008
Posts: 43
Points: -65
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Perspicador is a Scot, she has a vested interest in seeing such comments kindly! What does the guide say about the Scots?
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Rank: Level 10: Literary Genius
Groups: Fans of England
Joined: 1/17/2008
Posts: 71
Points: 213
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I have just had a little look and The Rough Guide to Scotland doesn't actually say a great deal about the Scots apart from the fact that they 'like a drink..'I suppose that is preferable to being 'alcopop swilling..' 
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