Sitting here in the heart of the South of France, it is impossible for me to remotely comprehend the feelings of people living in the troubled areas of the UK. The news in France leads with details of the destruction, looting and violence – I scan the Internet for information and find this sadness is broadcast almost everywhere in the world.
I left the UK over 20 years ago because I was looking for a place where I could build a life and make a good home for my young family. We had very little money, I was earning my living by travelling and selling goods and services anywhere I could. My plan was to settle and teach photography through courses and workshops, this is still my aim.
Having decided to quit the UK, we had many choices, France was the most convenient, I spent a month with a rail pass often asking at a ticket office “What time is the next train?” – being asked “To where?” I would reply “Anywhere” – I got a lot a lot of funny looks, but I discovered many places – so we came, our children have grown up here.
My reason for leaving was simple. I had seen the standard of education in the UK decline and society being divided by distorted values. France is far from perfect, but, for us, in a small village near the Mediterranean I believe we have offered our three children a better grasp of family values, civic pride and a much better education than we could have done in the UK.
What can I do to help? Perhaps by us offering a miniscule oasis of calm, a small retreat in rural France, others can stay with us and gain a fresh focus to share when they return to their homes. I wish I could do more.
There is room here for you too
Tony
I agree that the whole situation is sad and shocking. So much more so because it reflects the attitudes and mindset of a fairly large number of people of all ages. They seem to be looting with impunity almost as if they had a right to break into shops and steal. The reactions of most as they left court following their arrest and charge was alarming, almost as if they knew that punishment for their crime was not going to have any effect on them at all. Is it a breakdown in values and respect for anything? I think it is.
I’ve got a year to go before retirement and have thought often about a move to a simpler life in France. I am now seriously considering it following these events.
Good to see you back in the “groove” online.
Take care
Regards
Andy
Andy,
I agree, it is both very sad and shocking – these kids (it is mostly people under 25) are a lost generation of people, these are the future of society – all that can happen is that a huge group will now be further polarized as “non-people” and this in turn will generate further violence. A spiral of violence and reactions. It clearly is not just the result of a few hundred social misfits, it does show the undercurrent of a national discontent.
I am not clever enough to know answers or reasons, but to me is is blatantly obvious that a loss of direction due to very poor education is the reason, not just academic (although this is disgraceful in the UK) but the values set by families and civic leaders.
Daft experiments made by social engineers over the last 50 years have destroyed two generations. With care and love, it will now take two generations more to recover – unless there is a catastrophic event creating a sea-change in society (which would be uncomfortable and painful).
Life in France is not simpler – the civil service here makes sure of that – but the people still have a national, civic and family pride. There is also a good structured education system which is (almost) egalitarian. The words Liberté, egalité and fraternité are engraved on nearly every public building and, although human nature often kicks this ideal into the gutter, it is something which is real – look at any football crowd sing the Marseillaise (can you imagine the equivalent in the UK?).
I came to France because I could see what could happen in the UK – sadly what I anticipated then is happening now.
Tony
I began to see the downgrading of values and education when I ran my own business in Liverpool in the late 70′s and early 80′s. I saw young people then, who were poorly educated, produce children who had little chance of a life and no chance of an education. The vicious circle went on and on. It is this I think that has mainly produced what we can now see happening with these polarized “non-people” as you describe them. I also believe that, whilst diversity enriches society and culture within the UK, surely one of the most diverse and forgiving society’s in the world, there are people in this country now who do not hold life and peace dear.
I have always thought that the French are far more nationalistic than the English. They do show a real pride in their country.
Anyway I’ll stop philosophising now.
How has the solar heating project gone on? Have you now achieved a heated swimming pool?
KR’s
Andy
Tony,
I have read your blog sporadically since my interest is moving to the Loire valley, doubt that I could afford Languedoc!
I too am a photographer/painter and would like to teach or conduct workshops when I get there, time will tell, I’m 74 and not sure what the rest of my future holds. As to the rioting in the UK and elsewhere when it happens, I’m glad to see you mention education, it’s always baffled me at how stupid these kids are to destroy what little they have in often misplaced anger. It’s their own homes, cars, stores with food and clothing they’re burning, what do they think they’re achieving? At first, in the 60s, there was sympathy from the guilty “haves”, now there is growing contempt. Please don’t look at this as bigotry, I count just about every religion and race among my close friends and colleagues, gays as well, but at some point one has to see reason and all my friends agree with this regardless of their backgrounds. I have lived and still do in the US since age 11, my best friend is an ex gang member and we discuss all this quite often in trying to find solutions. You’re right, education, GOOD education is the first step.
Regards,
Michel
BTW, I’m coming back to France as soon as I can sell my house: http://www.ditlovehouse.com – if you know anyone wanting to come here badly enough, this is not a bad place to live
Most of the people commenting here seem to have conveniently forgotten that the French riot at the drop of a hat.
The only thing that be said in their defence is that they do at least seem to combine the riot with genuine political protest, rather than just using it as a cover to nick some new trainers……………..
It’s a dog’s life
http://bit.ly/pwwYVS
The French people protest against injustice and abuse of their freedoms or threats to their livelihood – the riots, blamed on race and deprivation in 2005 were shameful, but they caused changes – people listened – protests get results – they do not riot at the drop of a hat – this is “Daily Mail” newspeak?
I like your dog
Two generations of inadequate investment in education in the UK are now bearing a bitter fruit – I do not just mean reading and maths (although this is abysmal in the UK) but in arts, culture, family values and being part of society.
We are now in the third generation of a society in the UK (and many other places) which, for a large majority, has lost direction and is ripe for exploitation by evil – it is happening and the reaction is to crush it – all this will do is to keep the lid on the boiling pot until it explodes – investment has been in ring-fencing wealth, not in repairing the damage or securing the future.
As it happens Languedoc probably offer s the best deal for property in France – it has a huge investment in infrastructure and the French government in encouraging all communes to release land to encourage new residents – this has kept prices down for several years although it is now the most rapidly expanding region for industry and people. It is still a low population area and offers so much, not only the best climate in Europe, but a quality of life which is evaporating in many countries, anchored by traditions of centuries.
I’ve never read the “Daily Tail” in my life………
Hello Tony
Hope you are OK? How’s French life? I guess you will be very busy at present, but hope you continue to post and haven’t succumbed to depression over the goings on in the UK. I’m thinking of a trip to Paris in October with Jackie. I want to make it special and stay in a quality hotel that’s central and not too extortionate! Any ideas from your experience.
I was surprised to see in Tesco last week bottles of Picpoul de Pinet. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen it outside of France and it was from the Cave at Pomerols. Made me smile and instantly transported me back to the region. Hope you are ok and the sun is shining.
KR’s
Andy