What is this "British" culture of which you speak?

[GrandhighBOOba]

Have been lurking on another thread in which the failure or otherwise of multiculturalism has been discussed, and it has got me thinking; what is this "British" culture that is being discussed, which some posters want immigrants to comply with?

I don't see that there is one culture in Britain - the differences in lifestyle, language, beliefs and attitudes from one area to the next are so large. For example, the difference between living in the south of England as compared to central Scotland, or the Scottish Isles, or the Welsh valleys. Or the difference between being working class or middle class, the difference between being urban or rural. Is this not multiculturalism?

What makes one culture more important than another?

Our cutlure is multicultured and also historically so because of the empire.

Society changes.

For me British is Boots the chemist, great music, mad humour, moaning, looking awkward on beaches inspite it being an island and outward looking. Oh and drinking too much in public places.

I wouldn't say we are tolerant purely as I don't like that word as it tell me have something to tolerate. I'd rather say embracing.

I've lived abroad and what I missed most was the multiculturalism and what it affords in terms of food, culture etc. I'm not a great fan of the monoculture. But I also like it that when I'm in france or italy or spain I do feel that I'm in that country. I guess you don't get that so much here in London but by the same token that's why I enjoy and take advantages of other places and am also happy to be back home where british culture is a whole heap of often contradictory things.

Tea with milk.

(Tea obviously imported from a continent far, far away).

The Empire (or we) conquered other countries, they did'nt come here. Not multicultural as only 5% come from ethnic minorties. 95% are white British. This country has only known 'mass' immigration in the last 20 years mostly in the last 13 thanks to the Labour party.. Before that the country in the 50s 60s was predominently white/British. Look at old photos!

didn't.

"This country has only known 'mass' immigration in the last 20 years"

On the other hand, post ice-age, in previous centuries, you could only get to Britain if you could row here. It's not surprising really that it is was more your Roman, Viking or Norman than your African or your Indian sub-continental who visited.

Weather would have been a bit unattractive too before central heating.

Oh dear, complimentary, you really didn't understand the question, did you? I was questioning whether there actually is a monolithic "British" culture, or whether we are, by definition, multicultural.

I am well aware of my culture, and its origins. I just don't think it is the same thing as English culture, or Welsh. There was no need to get snotty half way through an interesting discussion.

Grandhighbooba, sorry if you took offence. It was not meant. I certainly know about the English culture, I'm not Scot or Welsh, so have not had a lot of dealing with them. I think I could only really appeciate the different culture of Scotland and Wales if I had lived there. I have however lived in Italy and Spain and feel they definately have a sense of their own culture, which is sadly lacking here, I feel that the lack of appreciation of our culture and history and English peoples sense of 'belonging' has fueled resentment towards immigrants and immigration. Something I think was not fueled by the immigrants themselves, but by the last labour administration and its policies, in particular local councils. I don't and have never thought this country was multicultural, and I don't now.

Merrymouse. I agree the British weather is off putting for any attempt at migration across the English channel!

I appreciate the apology, complimentary, twas the "adult" comment that did it.
Interestingly, living outside English culture, it appears obvious that it exists,if a bit difficult to define. Maybe it needs celebrating a bit more, and then people would feel more comfortable with other cultures being celebrated too.

It's British to like to be by the seaside.