English Conservatism

The British are a conservative society steeped in tradition. Pubs are an interesting component of common British tradition. These old traditional pubs cater to a class of customers who frequent them for a drink and the company they get there. The gossip in such places is as enjoyable as their drink.

The architecture of English homes with gabled roofs and its variants seem to be the model to be preserved. Gabled roofs may be having a purpose in draining rain water and also snow during winter. I believe if a new house is to be constructed in a locality it will be allowed only if its architecture complies with the existing houses. Many of the houses are of semi-detached type followed by detached and terraced apartments. The exceptions are only the multi-storeyed modern structures built in market places . Though the roads inside some parts of central London are narrow by modern standards, they are not widened in order to preserve their heritage value intact. To make up for the difficulty in handling the traffic, vehicles are discouraged to enter the central London by charging special entry charges during peak hours.

The English are generally tidy and take care of their personal hygiene, attire and habits. By being so, I feel, they respect the society they move around in. In their speech also they keep up traditional courtesies by thanking and apologising for what we would consider as trivialities. They greet their acquaintances profusely and take time to exchange pleasantries for a while. They do not misbehave and are soft in their speech with others. They seem to be proud of their nationality. While utilising public transport they allow insiders to get down first and then board the bus or train. Even inside the carriage, they conduct themselves well by engaging themselves with a book. If they have to talk, then it is mostly in hushed tones.

Good food is something that is valued a lot here. They maintain and expect etiquettes from others. They normally have a three course lunch consisting of starter, main course and dessert. Main course consists of roast meat with vegetables or a sandwich, a packet of crisps and a piece of fruit.

Social security takes care of all the citizens. Unemployed and destitute people are provided with accommodation and allowance for sustenance. But still some seek alms in public places in an unobtrusive manner- they may pass by your side by saying ‘do you have any change’. Some play music, and not without the routine paraphernalia of instruments, speakers and amplifiers. We get to see quite a bit of these in landing spaces, in stair-ways of tube rail stations. Some may opt to sell some news papers or printed material offered by social- service organisations.

Toilets at public places are neatly maintained and mostly available freely.
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