Peter Wells:

Wales does however have my unswerving support and did so tonight and was disapointed that 'we' could not catch the French team before the final whistle. The Shane Williams try however was 'magic.' Incidentally such is the respect I have for Wales and its people, that if they beat England I am not disapointed nor do I rejoice in the event that England beat Wales

 

Thank you Peter for your kind words, but I think that you're sadly very much in the minority, I certainly get the impression from a lot of English people that they look down on the Welsh. Many in Wales feel that they're living under the shadow of England. I must say that I personally don't have a problem with the English, I have met many "down to earth" Englishmen, mostly farmers, but sadly also a lot of snobs, you know the type, they drive past in a Jag looking down their noses at you. I feel equal to them, they obviously feel they are superior to me.

welshnwilling:

sadly also a lot of snobs, you know the type, they drive past in a Jag looking down their noses at you. I feel equal to them, they obviously feel they are superior to me.

Yes I do know the type, and most of them seem to be from the area around London. It is a shame really, but as I am reasonably well read of the classics of other cultures, the 'superior' metropolitan phenomenon is not confined to Britain and London. It is apparent in Russian, Spanish, German and even classical Greek literature. In fact, working as I have for many years around the 'Valleys,' I have heard the folks of Cardiff spoken of in terms that a Nottinghamshire man would use of London. As I think about it: During my time working in Dundee it was fairly common to hear desparaging remarks about Ediburgh people and whilst working in Edinburgh, Glaswegians were not thought of as equals.

Ah well. That's life I guess. Everybody needs somebody to look down on!

Animal behaviour if ever I saw it.

PS. I thought Ireland and Italy deserved to win today. When I saw the opening round of the six nations, I said to the wife I thought France would win as they are playing the most exciting rugby and, if they continue to play as they have they will deserve the Grand Slam.

 

welshnwilling:

I certainly get the impression from a lot of English people that they look down on the Welsh.

 

I wouldn't say that, we have a lot of family joshing as my mother is Welsh, (South, Pontypool area) but I've never noticed any bad feelings in general, nor serious antagonism back (and I've spent a lot of time down there visiting relatives). The only bad feeling I ever felt was at a YFC international selection weekend, where all the Welsh speakers would have noting to do with anyone else, much to the dismay of a lad from Pembrokeshire who was suddenly shunned by people he thought were mates just because he didn't speak Welsh!

The Scottish being so antagonistically anti-English I do have a problem with!

Queueing at immigration control at Atlanta in the mid nineties with my brand new red EU passport which had replaced the old navy blue one I was met with a scowl from the grizzled official. He asked if I was a "European" much like one would ask a creature emerging from a spaceship if he was an alien.

I replied I supposed so but until recently had always thought of myself as British or even English, we just happen to have become a very small state in Europe as I  looked at the Confederate flag on his desk.

The rubber stamp came down with a bang as a big smile crossed his face, "Welcome to America. son!" 

bovril, you have obviously not met enough English people to know how a lot of them (I cannot put a figure on it) actually hate, and I mean hate the Scots. On the other hand those of us born in Northumberland, despite my ancestry I am one, know that anyone from south of the Roman Wall is a foreigner.

So far as Essex men are concerned, a POHM (Prisoner of His Majesty) the founding members of Australian society, has now become a derogatory term in that country for precisely their own ancestors (plus a few recent immigrants of course).

old mac, i am at a loss to know why so many english hate us scots as you say. it can only be racism, as we have never done the english any real harm.

at least us scots have good reason to hate the english, even if we dont.

if there were no scots, where would the bbc cast all its nutters from?

Jealousy?

Maybe I live far enough away from them for them not to be a problem around here!! (Except maybe London, where a certain Scotsman inspires strong dislike, but I think that's just Mr Brown, not his nationality!)

Turn up at a wedding, or any other event in fact, wearing a kilt and there is just the opposite of hatred for the Scottish. Everyone loves to stroke a hairy sporran!!!

bovril, you worry me even more now. Please do not be in Perth on 3rd July when I will be in the kilt for the first time in nearly 50 years for my son's wedding. I really, really do not fancy you stroking my sporran.

Haha!! You misunderstand me Old Mac, I'm the one who wears a kilt regularly, and it's my sporran which gets stroked (hopefully by the fairer sex!). In fact I don't possess a conventional suit, I'm much happier out of trousers. I hope you'll wear your kilt in the proper manner regarding under-crackers!!

 

It's the other 13% we should be a feared of my friends!

 

NOW WE'RE FARMIN'

bovril, the kilt will be hired. I do not know who might have worn it before me. I might wear chain mail underneath - or do you suggest a chastitiy belt?

Go natural under the kilt, and keep a swift hand on your sporran! Just be a bit slower on the defence if the inquisitive hand is attached to a good looking lady!!