Oldest trick in the book.

[Ozmatt]

I know a few Polish from the old Preußen parts and czechs from the sudetenland who would never classs themselves as eastern european

[Tatt]

And you are right about the links with the slavik states they are all linked in, I hastent to add it was not I that said they were not.

I know you didn't. I was responding to Tatt & should have made that clear.

Well, I'm British so I obviously don't know any of the Eastern European cultures like the locals.

Just that in my experience - a few years working for a major corporation with businesses between Vienna and the Black Sea, the Baltics and the Aegean Sea - I find that many of the people I meet prefer to differentiate themselves as a national people first. And especially from the fake Slavic brand put on (most of) them by the Soviet Union, which some people take as down right offensive.

Obviously that doesn't apply to everyone, and it could be a minority. As always culture and history (mixed with politics) don't make easy topics for outsiders.

I just made the point as I see it...

Andreas

P.S. Maybe it's time to start a new political party; with all the knowledge and energy on VE these days we could create a New Utopia and Rule The World!

My first act as Caesar would be to scrap the €1 coin and bring in a €0.99 coin! Then I wouldn't keep getting those bloody useless 1 cent coins in my pocket.

[Parsifal]

Well, I'm British so I obviously don't know any of the Eastern European cultures like the locals.

You're British? Never would have guessed from 'Andreas'. Saying that I have a name which most Austrians think is more German-sounding than English.

Just that in my experience - a few years working for a major corporation with businesses between Vienna and the Black Sea, the Baltics and the Aegean Sea - I find that many of the people I meet prefer to differentiate themselves as a national people first.

Sure, I didn't mean to imply that the pan-Slavic tendency was the norm.

And especially from the fake Slavic brand put on (most of) them by the Soviet Union, which some people take as down right offensive.

Yes, the idea was grossly distorted by the Soviets. But all I was saying was it was there before communism, and still lingers on in certain communities & individuals, and not in a derogatory way. But it is rare.

P.S. Maybe it's time to start a new political party; with all the knowledge and energy on VE these days we could create a New Utopia and Rule The World!

I'm not sure that's such a good idea...

[Pirate_Kate]

Please do not reply to this post.

The non-relevant parts of this thread that were in violation of the rules for the site have been removed. PM's will be sent out shortly, but my toddler requires my attention at the moment.

[Alwaysenergy]

Yes someone else gettin in trouble for a change! Have to say found this thread quite interesting!

I think as more countries East of Slovensko join the E.U or become full members I think you will find a raise in in the " central euro" peeps. I mean if you look at a map France is furthest west and of course East side of Russia and Turkey are the limits there so I would say Austria, Czech, Slovakia ect... are Central Euros.

If you want an historically Accurate, and entertaining, description of the British empire in Afgahn then I would read the Flashman Series. :)

Capn I agree in regards to Stereotypes and having a link to the past I wouldn't agree that they are all come from truth ( although some see so) as many people are aware the winners write the history books.

[bpc009]

Some topical reading from the economist

normal print edition article-
http://www.economist.com/world/europe/d ... d=15213108

and one from the always fun europe.view column-
http://www.economist.com/world/europe/d ... d=15810902