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The EU and European identity

dilbert2

Do you think that there is a European identity akin to that of the American identity, where there are regional differences such as the North, South, Midwest etc. but everybody considers themselves Americans, and are governed federally.

Do you think that this is possible in Europe, if not now, maybe in future? Or do you see the European Union as a trading block, and better that way – as opposed to a United States of Europe where there is a European identity and political cohesion such as what one would find in the US?

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The_Minister

I am first and foremost Irish, and I love being Irish, but I would also identify, on a secondary basis, as European.

It's like having a load of crazy, far-flung relatives - the French, Germans, Polish etc are my whacky country cousins.

donvito99

I've given up on Europe. That bull**** I was brought up to believe about in Primary school about the EU is now completely lost on me.

We can't get out of it, and its done alot for us, but its increasing powers need to be nipped in the so called bud now.

Turtyturd

College repeat tomorrow?

kincsem

The people in Europe are some of the luckiest in the world. I'm happy to be a moaning European.

Princess Peach

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_oditvlJMs

tonycascarino

I see myself as Irish and that's it.

Mickeroo

Every country is different and has there own unique culture which is great, but I think the differences are mainly bigger between countries here than between statees in the US in general (although not always of course).

I think its funny how a lot of people in Ireland and the UK seem to talk about Europe as if they don't live there sometimes

pragmatic1

Nope. More in common with the Brits and Americans than Europeans. I'd consider myself Irish and thats it.

Earthhorse

dilbert2 wrote: »

Do you think that there is a European identity akin to that of the American identity, where there are regional differences such as the North, South, Midwest etc. but everybody considers themselves Americans, and are governed federally.

Do you think that this is possible in Europe, if not now, maybe in future? Or do you see the European Union as a trading block, and better that way – as opposed to a United States of Europe where there is a European identity and political cohesion such as what one would find in the US?

I don't think it will ever be quite the same but if the EU weathers a few storms such as the banking crisis I definitely think a sense of European identity will strengthen in more of us.

Chips Ahoy

Don't think Russia would be too happy with a united Europe.

mike65

Not sure what the EU has to doing with being European. That's just a thin political construct. Answer is no unless the Ryder Cup is on.

My name is URL

The European identity is one of diversity and coexistence, not one of homogeneous interdependence like is being constructed for us, imo.

Chips Ahoy

they would have some soccer team though.

EuropeanSon

Chips Ahoy wrote: »

they would have some soccer team though.

Just Spain's first 11, with Philip Lahm and Ashley Cole thrown in.

Yugioh

I have to say I'm an extremely proud European. If people say they have nothing in common with other Europeans then I think they're blinded by either their inability of seeing past someone speaking another language or the introversion of their own day to day actions.

Of course Europe is incredibly diverse and isn't some little village like the Americans go on, but I have plenty of things in common with other Europeans despite our differences. To call myself just Irish would be a very close minded approach.

Chips Ahoy

EuropeanSon wrote: »

Just Spain's first 11, with Philip Lahm and Ashley Cole thrown in.

Haha true, ronaldo might make it as well.

EuropeanSon

Chips Ahoy wrote: »

Haha true, ronaldo might make it as well.

Ah yes. I forgot about that ****. Might unbalance the team's morale by being a dickhead, though.

Thomas828

No, I'm a Paddy Irishman first and last. I can't see myself as being a European citizen.

x_Ellie_x

I consider myself Irish and nothing else. I would never call myself European. I don't particularly like the EU. I think it has too much power and I don't want to live in the "United States of Europe".

markesmith

It definitely exists on some level. Things like the Mongols, the pagans of Lithuania, the Vikings (I know, but...), the Yellow Peril, the Red Horde, the Moors, the Ottomans...all these and many more have given the Continent a shared siege mentality on some level.

Whether that affects us Irish is another thing.

But I personally would sooner be more integrated with the Europeans than being caught between the current English-American axis. Just sayin'...

DjFlin

I've found that being Irish in a group of others is fine, but if your Irish in a group of Irish, one will go on about being from, Eg, Kildare, then Leixlip, then the Far End of Leixlip. I've had so many arguments over that kinda stuff that I've honestly given up all hope.

Unless I'm in America that is, they sure do love the paddies. :pac:

D1stant

Nah

Dont believe in classifications like European or even Irish. We are a species

Either you're tuned in and a bit of fun or fuck off. Wherever you're from

Mickeroo

D1stant wrote: »

Nah

Dont believe in classifications like European or even Irish. We are a species

Either you're tuned in and a bit of fun or fuck off. Wherever you're from

Oh right yeah :pac:

Kojak

dilbert2 wrote: »

Do you think that there is a European identity akin to that of the American identity, where there are regional differences such as the North, South, Midwest etc. but everybody considers themselves Americans, and are governed federally.

Do you think that this is possible in Europe, if not now, maybe in future? Or do you see the European Union as a trading block, and better that way – as opposed to a United States of Europe where there is a European identity and political cohesion such as what one would find in the US?

I don't see myself as European, I never have and never will. I am irish and nothing will change that. The EEC was initially set up for trading between Germany and France - it was not designed for a United States of Eurpoe.

joshrogan

EuropeanSon wrote: »

Just Spain's first 11, with Philip Lahm and Ashley Cole thrown in.

Robbie Keane is one of the world's most prolific goalscorers surely he'd be in with a shout. Also Lahm/Cole both play left back IIRC?

hatrickpatrick

I'm Irish, I'm European, I'm from Planet Earth. In that order.

Mickeroo

Kojak wrote: »

I don't see myself as European, I never have and never will. I am irish and nothing will change that. The EEC was initially set up for trading between Germany and France - it was not designed for a United States of Eurpoe.

But we're European regardless of the EEC/EU, it's like an Indian person saying they're not Asian IMO.

Lone Stone

I actually use to think of myself as a European and thought it was some thing to be kind of proud about but now i think its such a huge failure and and giant scam on some global scale. And i dont really see much merit in considering myself irish the country is a joke.

grenache

pragmatic1 wrote: »

Nope. More in common with the Brits and Americans than Europeans. I'd consider myself Irish and thats it.

I'm puzzled as to how you think Irish people could have more in common with Americans than we do with our fellow Europeans, particularly central and southern European nations. From a moral and political perspective we are very similar to the French, German, Belgian, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. Lets not forget that America has some outlandish right wing movements such as the Tea Party and other christian fundamentalist groups, something that is not commonplace in central/southern Europe. I think most Europeans are liberal thinking, obviously the further north one travels the more liberal it becomes. But in general Europe is united by it's tolerance of different creeds/belief systems/political views and its openness to change. Contrast this to America where its not currently possible to have A Socialist Party as it would be shot down by the dominant right wing element for being "communist". McCarthyism never went away, it still resides in the American psyche.

Yes, we share similar interests in music and media as well as a common language. But for me, that's where the similarities end between us and the Americans. The average American is content to bear arms, as is provided for in the US constitution. The average Irish person would never want to bear arms. Likewise the average French or German.

So in some ways we're similar to America, but from a belief system and political point of view, Ireland is as European as it gets. And long may it continue.

Stinicker

We are white Europeans of a liberal Christian heritage, we share similar beliefs and values, however whilst we share the same things we are closer to Australians, Yanks and Canuks and dare I say the Brits, because of our speaking of the English language. I may think similarly to Fritz in Munich or Carlos in Spain yet however I am much closer to Cledus in Oklahoma or Alf Stewart in Home & Away because of our language and our culture and identity is based around this due to being able to communicate with each other. France may aswell be in Antarctica due to this reason.