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Understanding Britons |
Current rating: 0 |
by Bi Yantao
(No verified email address) |
19 Jan 2003
Modified: 02:10:03 PM |
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In this short article the author deconstructs the notion that the Britons are reserved and proposes that the Britons are just living in their own ways. |
As a Chinese freelancer in England, I am making great efforts to decipher the British culture, albeit sometimes unconsciously. At the macrolevel, I am eager to figure out what is 'Englishness' or 'Britishness', what unique cultural identity distinguishes UK from other European countries. At the microlevel, I want to know more about the Britons' social customs, cultural traditions, value systems and worldviews.
One aspect that Britons impressed me strikingly is their attitudes to family, friends, and relationship.
According to a research report published in Sing Tao (European Version) on January 8 this year, stay with family and friends is the greatest pleasure for most Britons. A previous research reveals that, compared with other Europeans, Britons are less willing to work abroad because they are afraid they will miss their families and friends. These two conclusions are reciprocally justified.
This value could, in most measure, account for the prosperous postcard market in Coventry. When I first arrived here, I was surprised that some shops are particularly dealing with cards. Even in some big supermarkets, cards are a necessary item on shelves. Investigating into the card market spells out the fragmentation of the market, which gears to different needs. The flourishing market reflects the steady demand. The demand mirrors more: The Britons cherish family, love and friendship, cards are a traditional but important vehicle to convey their feelings.
A second evidence is the fact that the local people prefer to express their congratulations and memorials via mass media. Not occasionally, I am touched by the sentimental lines.
Some other traditions are also conspicuous. For example, the pub is considered a gem of British culture, so many clubs are operating in Coventry, partying is a fantastic social programme, especially for the young generation, where they feel free to express themselves, both verbally and nonverbally.
Also, a recent national research found out that for most Britons, love is the most important in their life, especially for Londoners, 27% of whom are actually living on love. The report also claims that 30% of the Britons hold the belief that relationship is among the greatest fun in life. Similarly, another poll conducted last November at Warwick University signals that relationship is highly valued by Warwick students.
Meanwhile, I have also noticed the freedom the Britons are enjoying. In my eyes, the freedom to express, to assemble, to debate, to demonstrate is a crucial index of social vibrancy, ensuring a bright future for both the people and the country.
The card market, kith and kin, pubs and parties, congratulations and memorials, debates and demonstrations, all the information I obtained so far convince me that the Britons are not reserved at all; they are just living in their own ways.
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British University Students' Attitudes To Sex |
by Bi Yantao
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0
19 Jan 2003
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93% of Warwick students are not virgin;
52% of the students have had 1-3 sexual partners, 31% have had 4-8 sexual partners, 15% have had 9-15 partners, 2% have had 16-25 partners;
60% of the students have had one-night stand;
79% are heterosexual, 8% are homosexual, 5% are bisexual, 6% don't want to classify, 2% unsure;
28% of the students have ever had a homosexual encounter, 65% have not had such an encounter, 7% are not sure;
67% agree homosexual couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples in all areas, 23% don't think so,10% are not sure.
26% would consider themselves to be homophobic, 67% would not, 7% not sure;
50% regularly masturbate, 30% occasionally masturbate, 9% masturbate only with a partner, 11% said no;
100% of the students believe in sex before marriage;
83% believe monogamy is important in a relationship;
48% have never cheated on a partner, 27% once cheated, 22% occasionally cheated, 3% frequently cheated on a partner;
91% of the students regard kissing as a cheating sexual activity,9% regard oral sex as cheating, 0% consider full sex as cheating;
38% of the students have used sex toys,17% own a vibrator, 6% have bought someone else a vibrator;
59% regularly use pornographic materials;
18% have been to a strip club;
13% have tried anal sex;
0% of the students think alcohol is always a valid excuse for infidelity, 69% believe alcohol is not a valid excuse for infidelity;
(With thanks to the publisher of Warwick Boar for permission to republish this report)
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Moved To The Elsewhere Newswire |
by ML
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0
19 Jan 2003
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This article and the other linked article by the same author have been moved to the Elsewhere Newswire. The Local Newswire is for local news or by local authors ONLY. |
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Move It To Local Again... |
by ML
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0
20 Jan 2003
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And these two stories will be hidden.
This is the second time these two non-local stories have been moved back to the Local Newswire. If you make it three times, they will go to the Hidden Files, where you won't be able to move them back. |
