Is a Brit entitled to an opinion ...

That was to Callistemon

volver

I'm always happy to engage in discussions about Scotland. But I don't go and find 7 year old posts as part of a campaign against other GNers. ?

I think some threads and posts just stick in the mind without any searching!

Obviously you did a search to find out just how old it was

I did. I'm new, remember. It was before my time.

I don't really mind anyone saying anything, you need to discuss and accept other people's opinions as you might actually learn something, otherwise what is the point? I don't really mind admitting I am wrong though sometimes and changing my mind

I have never lived in France

?

JaneJudge

I don't really mind anyone saying anything, you need to discuss and accept other people's opinions as you might actually learn something, otherwise what is the point? I don't really mind admitting I am wrong though sometimes and changing my mind

I have never lived in France

I did for a while but I was 18 then.
Young and carefree!

I have never been carefree

I understood the OP and the hypothetical example she was using

I actually don’t see why OP shouldn’t be allowed an opinion on the UK, as many posters are allowed strong opinions on America and all things American ?

She also criticises the government NOT the country.

(I would still have liked an apology re FG ??)

However I think this thread has become something of a brawl, including a bit of a go at Volver re SNP (why?)
Somewhere the sun is over the yardarm I suggest we adjourn for a ?

what is FG, Fatty gits?

I was drawn to this thread this evening because the description in the first paragraph could easily have fitted me, or near enough. I loved everything about France as my new home and hated the UK, then I felt divided loyalties and switched to hating France and loving the UK again. I think I realised that nowhere is paradise, so I accepted a love/hate relationship with both which has served me well and I accepted the defects in both.
Yes, I could go onto a French site for grans to vociferously criticise France's education system, its employment laws, its pressures to conform to being equal and totally French, its treatment of unwanted animals etc - all from first hand experience - but what would be the point? Who would that help or impress? It would undoubtedly just stir up animosity. I think I would have the sensitivity to realise that I could be making myself very unpopular, and maybe a figure of derision.
So in answer to the question, yes I think everyone is entitled to an opinion, but maybe a sense of occasion as to how, when and where to voice these opinions should not be ignored.

Oh yes, and for the record, there is also a lot of body shaming in France, and it is difficult to be a fat woman or to wear brightly coloured clothes.

(Not that I fit either.)

I agree Josieann. Summed up as "pick your quarrel".
?

Sensitivity, Josieann. That's the key word. Well done for finding it.

Your assessment of the situation is very astute Josiann. Helped by the fact that you’ve lived for years in both countries so gives a sense of perspective. Yes, have an opinion by all means (in fact, no one can stop you!) but be aware of your audience if you feel annoyance may upset you.

Think the body shaming and bright colours might be Paris. Definitely not rural Normandy. ?

know many people who live in Spain and France and Portugal who think things should never change from when they lived in Scotland.

Indeed Urmstongran. Very annoying when people who have not lived in France insult Macron all the time. ?

JaneJudge

what is FG, Fatty gits?

Are you calling me fatty gits ?!

No Frank Gardner

Did anyone read my post ? Apart from jane

I do appreciate I am not a Macron fan Mamie and have commented on him in the past but it would not upset me if French residents disagreed with me. I would not feel bullied. Actually I’d be bolstered knowing many of the French themselves do not like him but just continue to vote for him all the same!

Mamie

Think the body shaming and bright colours might be Paris. Definitely not rural Normandy. ?

If rural Normandy is anything like rural Brittany, then all the older women wear blue tabliers! And sabots!

Aprons & clogs. I had to look those French words up! ?

Callistemon21

There is so much unintentional irony on this thread.

As a fairly recent visitor to GN, I find this thread incomprehensible. I have decided that it relates to past grievances which I know nothing about.I suspect that this is old ground being rehashed but in an indirect way. I will now shut up but carry on reading in the hope of eventually making sense of what is being said.??.

Lucca

Did anyone read my post ? Apart from jane

I did, but not sure what I'm supposed to say.

I can't be sure what countries, governments, politicians are fair game and which aren't. Are people allowed to criticise such categories if they've not lived in said country?

I'll have my wine later, starting to prepare dinner just now.

And I agree you and Callistemon were owed an apology. Criticism of a perceived misplaced frivolous post didn't need to be so rude. (I'm not saying I thought it misplaced, just that the critic obviously did)