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12019-05-05T10:43:42-07:00Leigh Bondsb75626e911266b30471ef50dd89645dd2330f9f367302plain2019-05-22T10:47:38-07:00Abigail Timpe5729d1f66ef77ae66950c342ee48e40b045f3df3Before visiting England, my perceptions about the country and culture were heavily affected by a range of British media I have consumed throughout my life. When I was in middle school (and still am now), I was obsessed with the British boy-band One Direction. Through following the five members on social media and even seeing them in concert multiple times, I gained the understanding of aspects of British culture such as the importance of family and friends and the pride the British have in their country (as well as that they loved Nando’s, whatever that is). Around the same time, I also began watching some popular British TV shows and movies such as Skins and Love, Actually. I also listened to many British musicians/musical groups such as Ed Sheeran, the 1975, the Arctic Monkeys, Queen, and many more. Between history classes in school and my mother specializing in the Romantic period, I have learned a lot about the history of England and how it all ties into the history of the rest of the world. From watching movies to reading history books, I formed quite a bit of perceptions of the country and culture as a whole—some more stereotypical and some more niche. The Brits have a very strong sense of pride in their country and nationality no matter what. They value working together and supporting their people at all costs. They also value hard work and honesty. In regard to the social aspects of British culture, going to pubs and football matches is their favorite way to socialize and is crucial in their culture. They also value relaxation and leisure such as enjoying tea and snacks later in the afternoon after a day of work. Most importantly, they value family and friends which can be seen through the importance of getting together on Sunday’s for a Sunday roast with all of your family or even just friends. One vastly different aspect of England is the fact they have a democratic monarchy meaning they have a Royal family. They also appear to be a bit more religious than people are in America. On top of their core values and the apparent facts about the country, some other parts of my perspective include more niche aspects such as they are one of the only countries that drive on the left instead of right side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right instead of the left. Other common aspects of their culture include food such as beans on toast, black pudding, and Yorkshire pudding. While I feel as if I have culminated a pretty accurate perception of what it means to be British through consuming vast amounts of British media for the past 20 years, I still have a lot to learn! I cannot wait to experience this country for the next month and get an even better understanding and perception of what it truly means to be a Brit.