A view from outside: When did British people stop being laid-back?

[emkana]

I am German and grew up in Germany. The impression I had of Britain and British people when I was growing up was that of the "stiff upper lip", of being very laid-back, not getting too worked up about anything etc.

But now that I live here the reality seems to be different. Note, of course, the reaction, to Princess Diana's death. Note the Independent's coverage of absolutely anything - I swear one day I'm going to top myself after reading that paper, because the end seems to be nigh.
And note, on a different level, the MN food obsession, where so many are adamant that "everything in moderation" is unacceptable...

We're bombarded with images in films & on TV of over-emotional reaction , because lets face it, watching how reserved british people would honestly react would be boring.

So some people take that on board, and you're more likely to hear their voices because they're the loudest.

I'm not sure that we've ever been truly laid back. Stiff upper lip on the outside and stressed out on the inside is a truer picture. Think you hit the nail on the head though Emkana - seems to me that we take our lead on the way we should feel/act too much from the media. An unhealthy influence is most cases.

BTW - a friend who's ds has skeletal dysplasia has just been referred to a new clinic at GOSH. I thought of you and I've asked her to pass the details on to me when she has them. I'll let you know.

Thank you very much for that, saggars!

people do seem more stressed out now and competitive

I blame the cult of celebrity. Fame has become something to aspire to, no matter how you achieve it, and it's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease, so people think it is acceptable to play out their emotions in public. I agree with Southeastastra, and I think that people seem very agressive these days too.
I'm not sure the MN food obsession is representative, though, as people may post far stronger opinions on the net than they would dare express (other than to close friends) in real life.
It's funny when national stereotypes don't fit. My in-laws are German and definitely do not fit the "organised German" stereotype, which is a shame as I love a bit of organisation and order!

They still are in some places.

But I think it comes down to being always in a rush to do too many things. My mum was at home all day and the house and our lives seemed calmer and smoother. I work and our house and our lives are frequently manic. Also the idea that there is an ideal to aspire too. Can't just have a reasonable house - has to look like all those stupid make-over programs. It's not enough to go out the door clean and presentable - have to look like you've spent 3 hours over it. Everything has to be the best not just good enough.

As the the Princess Diana thing - profoundly nauseating! Meida sanctioned emotion. My FIL had just died of cancer and my DH found it really upsetting - everyone weeping over a women that most people had never/would never meet.

Erm...that should be media-sanctioned....

I hear ya, em.

Trouble is as a child/teenager I read a lot of Miss Marple books and thought this was what England was like!

lol Emkana...oh Miss marple...loved the movies anyway, and still do (only good ole margaret rutherford, though)...
I don't think any cultures fit in any mould anymore, though...always makes me laugh when people think, that, jsut because I am german, I must be a pristine housewife....honestly that one makes me holler, as most people are better at keeping house then I am!